Monthly Archives: April 2020

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Commission Minutes of March 31

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes are unapproved until 4/7/20

Minutes of March 31, 2020 Regular Meeting #6

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 31st, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners K. Allen, P. Allen, R. Nichols, and L. Watts were present with Mayor J. Mitchell presiding.

INVOCATION: There was no invocation given.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: There was no audience in attendance other than a very few City staff.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 10th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1259-A totaling $726,100.29.

  1. Approval of Pay Request #7 – Crossland Construction – River Intake Structure Project – $177,321.49.

  1. Request to Pay – Struckel Electric – $8,814.09 – Electric Vault Project – Airport

  1. Request to Pay #3 – Schneider Electric – $353,530.09 – Energy Audit Project

  1. Approval of 3RK – Certificate of Pay Request #3 – MIH Housing Grant – $22,599.52.

  1. Quit Claim Deed – City of Fort Scott to Margaret P. Cummings-3 ½” of alley

  1. February 2020 Financials

Commissioner Pete Allen made a motion to have the Charlesworth Associates invoice pulled out from the Consent Agenda. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye.

REMOVED CHARLESWORTH ASSOCIATES INVOICE FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA.

R. Nichols moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Lindsey Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

Discussion was then held on the Charlesworth Associates invoice.

City Manager explained to the Commission that Mr. Charlesworth is an insurance consultant and seeks the best coverage and price for the City’s automobile, and property and casualty insurance. He is paid $6,000 per year to perform this service. He said he could have Mr. Charlesworth come and appear before them at a later meeting.

K. Allen said he would like to invite all local insurance companies to a meeting with Mr. Charlesworth and the Commission at City Hall.

R. Nichols said that this gentleman found the City significant savings to the City. The local agents were involved in this a couple of years ago. We should have him come here and discuss what he does with the City Commission.

Susan Bancroft said that the City has a contract with him and we need to approve this payment. You can opt out of this contract but this invoice needs to be paid. There is a process to opt out of the contract and it would need to be followed.

Lindsey Watts moved to approve the payment to Charlesworth Associates in the amount of $500.00. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE PAYMENT TO CHARLESWORTH ASSOCIATES IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration to increase pool fees – City Manager said that he realized that this is probably not a good time to discuss increasing pool fees, but we have been planning on this for some time. City Staff is willing to hold off on this for this year. It is a tough time right now.

Mayor Mitchell said that with the COVID 19 and school being out now, weather permitting, we could open early. She thinks we should wait a year before looking at this increase. We don’t even know if we can open this year.

L. Watts said that she has heard that maybe this isn’t the best time to look at this increase.

Susan Bancroft said that there were three rates to be increased. The single pass is currently $65.00, and the recommendation was to increase to $75.00. The family pass was $150.00, and the recommendation was to increase to $175.00. The pool party rate was $100.00 per hour and the recommendation is to increase to $150.00 per hour. We are subsidizing about $80.00 for every pool party that is held currently. It is revenue and time after hours to have the pool parties. Susan said that revenues were down last year probably due to a very wet summer. She is also looking at internal controls at the pool.

Discussion was held regarding the times and hours and season of the pool.

No action was taken by the City Commission on this item.

  1. Consideration of painting/resurfacing Aquatic Center bids – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the repainting and resurfacing of the pool. There were four bids received: Fort Dem Enterprises of Wichita, Kansas in the amount of $23,041.00; Insco Industries of Shawnee, Kansas in the amount of $31,140.00; Red Leaf Corporation of Fort Scott, Kansas in the amount of $32,349.00; and H2 Painting of Fort Scott, Kansas in the amount of $69,750.00. He asked for approval for the low bid of $23,041.00 from Fort Dem Enterprises.

Discussion was held regarding if this is a necessary project.

Robert said that it has not been repainted or resurfaced for six years now.

Discussion was held regarding the bids and if the low bidder had been called and checked out.

Robert said he has not done that yet.

It was the Commission’s consensus to table this item until the April 7th, 2020 meeting so Robert can check into the low bidder.

  1. Consideration to accept engineering proposal from Zingre’ & Associates for roof replacement at Wastewater Treatment Plant – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that the roof at the Waste Water Treatment Plant is actively leaking and needs replaced. It is approximately 30 years old. He asked for approval for the architectural services in the amount of $5,950.00 from Zingre’ & Associates for him to draw up specifications for the roof replacement.

Discussion was held regarding if this roof needs an architectural drawing.

Pete Allen moved to approve the amount of $5,950.00 from Zingre’ & Associates to draw up specifications for the roof replacement at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE AMOUNT OF $5,950.00 FROM ZINGRE’ & ASSOCIATES TO DRAW UP SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ROOF REPLACEMENT AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.

  1. Consideration of bids for repairs to the Water Treatment Plant from fire – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the fire restoration at the Water Treatment Plant. This is being paid for by insurance funds. This was bid in four separate bids. The first was Contract for Cleaning Work. There were two bids received with the low bid from Home Center Construction of Pittsburg, Kansas in the amount of $28,405.00; and Insco Industries of Shawnee, Kansas in the amount of $62,850.00. The second was for Masonry Restoration and Coatings. There were two bids received with the low bid from Home Center Construction of Pittsburg, Kansas in the amount of $31,160.00 and Insco Industries of Shawnee, Kansas in the amount of $38,010.00. The third item is for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Work. There were two bids received. The low bid was from Home Center Construction of Pittsburg, Kansas in the amount of $32,315.00. The next bid was from CDL Electric of Fort Scott, Kansas in the amount of $43,310.00. The fourth item is for Window and Door Replacement. There were two bids received. The low bid is from Buildet, LLC of Nevada, Missouri in the amount of $45,000.00 and the next bid was from Home Center Construction of Pittsburg, Kansas in the amount of $51,250.00. He asked for approval of the low bid for each item as recommended by Zingre’ & Associates.

L. Watts moved to approve the low bid on all four items for the fire restoration at the Water Treatment Plant. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED LOW BIDS ON ALL FOUR ITEMS FOR THE FIRE RESTORATION AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT.

K. Allen brought up the topic of the replacement for the truck at the Water Treatment Plant from the fire and if it can be talked about.

City Manager said that it was scheduled for the next agenda. He asked if they would approve up to $15,000 to replace this truck.

K. Allen said he didn’t believe we needed to spend $15,000 and we can get a better deal than that. He said that he has a lot of sites that he looks at for vehicles and thinks he can find a good deal for the City. He asked for approval for he and Michael to work together to find a truck.

Kevin Allen moved to allocate $10,000 to replace the truck at the Water Treatment Plant. Randy Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ALLOCATE $10,000 TO REPLACE THE TRUCK AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT TO BE PAID WITH INSURANCE FUNDS.

  1. Consideration of 2020 Budget changes – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, asked the Commission to approve the recommended changes from the budget work session that she brought before them. This will decrease the budget to increase cash reserves. Departments internally will cut their budgets by 15% and utilities will cut their budget by 10%. We are unsure of what the revenues will be. Property tax could take a 15% cut and come in late. Sales tax could be cut by 25%. She asked that reductions be considered as discussed during the budget meeting.

P. Allen said that we need to work with the County and see what we can do to combine some of our services. He recommended a meeting with the County be set up.

K. Allen said that he would set up a meeting with the County. He will talk to the County Commission and determine if a meeting can be scheduled.

Lindsey Watts made a motion to approve the recommended 2020 budget changes. JoLynne Mitchell seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. P. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED THE 2020 RECOMMENDED BUDGET CHANGES.

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 9-2020 declaring a local State of Emergency and temporarily expanding the authority of the City Manager – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance asked that consideration of the resolution be heard first before the ordinance. This resolution would give authority to the City Manager to make decisions to shut down facilities due to the COVID-19. This would also allow the City to move to once a month meetings instead of twice a month. This declares a State of Emergency for the local government.

City Clerk read the resolution to the City Commission.

Discussion was held regarding this resolution.

City Manager said that a lot of cities are doing this due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Randy Nichols moved to approve this resolution. Lindsey Watts seconded.

More discussion was held regarding this resolution.

Lindsey Watts withdrew her second to the motion.

The majority of the Commissioners decided they were available to attend a meeting and there was not a need for this.

The motion died for lack of a second.

  1. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3559 – Ordinance appropriating the amounts for each fund in the budget for the remainder of 2020 – Susan Bancroft said that this item can be removed from the agenda. This ordinance would allow the City to pay our bills if the Commission isn’t able to meet. She said that this ordinance can be changed from for the remainder of 2020 to whenever the Governor rescinds her Executive Order for the COVID-19.

This will be tabled until the April 7th, 2020 meeting when the Ordinance will be brought back before them with the changed wording.

  1. Consideration of approval of Fort Scott CDBG Small Business Relief Loan Fund Program – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission of new grant opportunities. She wanted to update them on what is going on in the Federal and State level with COVID-19. There was a new Executive Order issued today by the Governor in reference to unemployment benefits. The waiting periods have been lifted temporarily, and actively seeking work is not applicable at this time. This is from Executive Order #17. There is a website www.getkansasbenefits.gov if you are trying to apply for unemployment. She updated them on K.D.H.E. numbers for the COVID-19 virus. She recommended people work through their banks on any loans they are considering.

The City has received up to $260,709.35 for a CDBG Revolving Loan Fund directed towards small businesses with the highest risk of closing and/or laying off workers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this program is to retain existing jobs. If approved, there is a notice to publish the public notice announcing the availability of funds. Once we receive applications, she will send them to the State who will authorize them in a 48 to 72 hour timeframe. It is a short application. There is a maximum of $10,000 per business. This is defined as staff salaries and wages, purchase of inventory, utilities, rent, insurance payments, etc. Loans will be considered on a case by case basis. Loans are to stimulate job retention, not new hires. The business must have at least one full time equivalent low/moderate income employee. Owners are not counted as employees. Part-time employees can add up to this full time equivalent. A letter from the company/business must be attached attesting that the company’s cash flow is impacted due to significant changes in operation due to COVID-19. The business is either shut down or will be shut down due to COVID-19. No collateral is necessary, and no matching funds are necessary. Loan terms are forgivable if a business complies with required receipts or other proof to verify funding was used appropriately, and if the business is open for a period of twelve months. The twelve-month timeframe does not begin until at the Executive Order by the Governor has been rescinded. Proof of payment by copies of invoices, receipts, and payroll must be supplied. No outstanding debts prior to March 15th, 2020 qualify. Businesses with outstanding Ad Valorem tax obligations will not qualify.

Discussion was held regarding the amount of applications the City could receive and reducing the amount given so more could apply.

Discussion was held regarding if the City Commission should approve these applications first or not.

R. Nichols said that the State will decide who receives these loans. It would be very awkward to pick and choose who would get it as the City Commission.

Rachel said that the State has the authority to approve these applications and not the City.

R. Nichols moved to approve the Fort Scott CDBG Small Business Relief Loan Fund Program as presented. J. Mitchell seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen abstained. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-1-1.

APPROVED THE FORT SCOTT CDBG SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF LOAN FUND PROGRAM.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: None

B. City Commission:

Randy Nichols – Thanked all the individuals who are working hard with the COVID-19 pandemic. He thanked them all for working together for the betterment of the City and County.

Pete Allen – Pete asked if a decision had been made to have a meeting with the County.

City Manager said he would reach out to Lynne Oharah, Chairman, and set up a meeting.

Kevin Allen said that every quarter we need to meet with the School Board and College Board. Kevin said that he would talk to Lynne Oharah and get a meeting set up.

Randy Nichols asked that an agenda be made so we stay on topic.

Kevin Allen – He said that he thinks this Coronavirus has brought the City and County together.

He said he would like to see an Executive Development committee that is active. Steve Buerge has done a lot for this community. This committee needs to be aggressive.

The City and County need to join their efforts together.

He asked their opinion on the stop signs on National from the last meeting and if they need to be kept or removed.

Lindsey Watts said they needed to be kept. This was a huge part of the Smart Growth meetings for accessibility and walkability.

Pete Allen said that they are a nuisance and need to be removed.

Kevin asked about the school zone on Margrave and their thoughts.

Lindsey Watts said it could be shortened and the length is excessive currently.

Discussion was held regarding the expense to move the lights and signage.

Kevin said that he suggested a 20 mph sign be put up in the area that it would apply to and the hours around 10th Street.

Chief Travis Shelton said that this is a long school zone. He thinks maybe it incorporated the Middle School and Fort Scott Christian Heights when it was installed. Travis said that he could talk to the school officials and get their opinion also.

Kevin Allen made a motion to have Travis Shelton study this area and look at signage in this area. Randy Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO HAVE TRAVIS SHELTON STUDY THE SCHOOL ZONE AREA ON MARGRAVE STREET AND DETERMINE SIGNAGE IN A ONE BLOCK AREA.

His last item was the Fire Marshal. He was supposed to be at this meeting to talk about the code footprint. Has he been spoken to?

Kevin said he got an email saying he couldn’t attend. He wants to know if it is mandated by the State to have a code footprint.

City Manager said that he will check more on this subject.

Lindsey Watts – Nothing to report.

JoLynne Mitchell – Nothing to report.

C. City Manager: Nothing to report.

ADJOURNMENT:

Lindsay Watts moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m. Kevin Allen seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:32 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on April 7th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Commission Agenda for April 7

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AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

APRIL 7, 2020

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE:

III. INVOCATION: None

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

Fair Housing Month Proclamation – April

National Safe Digging Month Proclamation – April

National Service Recognition Day Proclamation – April 7, 2020

National Library Week Proclamation – April 19-25, 2020

National Library Workers Day Proclamation – April 21st, 2020

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 31st, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1260-A totaling $736,063.92.

  1. Quit Claim Deed – City of Fort Scott to Margaret P. Cummings-3 ½” of alley (Amended legal description)

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute limit per citizen) Comments will not be taken during this meeting. If you have a topic to discuss not listed on the agenda, please contact a City Commissioner or send a written request to [email protected].

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: None

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Donation of Lunette Blair Blockhouse to the National Parks Service

  1. Consideration of painting/resurfacing Aquatic Center bids

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 9-2020 declaring a local State of Emergency and temporarily expanding the authority of the City Manager

  1. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3559 – Ordinance appropriating the amounts for each fund in the budget until the Governor rescinds her Executive Order

  1. Consideration of Request for Qualifications for a City Engineering firm.

  1. Consideration of Charter Ordinance relating to the filling of vacancies in elected public offices

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: None
  1. Commission:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

  • Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

  • Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency

  • Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Government, Kansas

Governor signs bipartisan transportation plan into law

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Fulfilling promise to rebuild Kansas, signs two additional bills

 

Governor Laura Kelly today signed the bipartisan Senate Bill 173 creating the new 10-year Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program.

 

“This fiscally responsible program provides a visionary approach so that Kansas has the flexibility to address immediate needs and secure more opportunities for our future,” Kelly said. “Investing in Kansas’ infrastructure means putting people to work. It means fixing our roads and bridges. It means safer transportation for our most precious cargo — our children.

 

“I commend the bipartisan work of our legislators for the overwhelming support and approval of this legislation. Its swift passage is important to help the Kansas economy recover when this public health pandemic passes,” the Governor said.

 

Key elements of the program include:

 

o   Promises kept.  All remaining T-WORKS projects will be let to construction by July 1, 2023.

 

o   Highway preservation is prioritized. The legislation requires KDOT to establish metrics making sure highway preservation needs are fully funded before adding onto the highway system.

 

o   Rolling program ensures emerging needs can be met. Instead of a once-a-decade, 10-year set list of projects, new modernization and expansion projects will be selected for the development pipeline every two years.

 

o   Every region of the state will see modernization and expansion work sooner rather than later. The bill requires KDOT to develop minimum spending ranges for KDOT districts using a metric-driven process, and 40 percent of the minimum investments must occur within the first five years of the program.  T-WORKS projects must be delivered and are not included in the minimums.

 

o   Every Kansas county will receive at least $8 million in transportation improvements.

 

o   Broadband and new technology investments are included to facilitate internet expansion and prepare Kansas infrastructure for improved safety and communication.

 

“Sincere thanks to legislators and Governor Kelly for quickly approving this legislation,” KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz said. “We have a lot of work to do. Beyond identifying projects for the development pipeline to garner potential federal stimulus funds, we need to deliver projects faster and at the highest value for Kansas taxpayer dollars.”

 

Work began on this program in 2018 with the creation of the Joint Legislative Transportation Vision Task Force.

 

“Including the Task Force and KDOT’s local consult discussions, 27 meetings were held across Kansas to gather input,” Sen. Carolyn McGinn, co-chair of the Task Force, said. “I want to thank the more than 2,000 Kansans whose input shaped a program that will create jobs, improve safety and protect our investments.”

 

KDOT is analyzing the bill, working on T-WORKS projects and will announce the addition of highway projects to the development pipeline soon.

 

In addition to Senate Bill 173, Kelly also signed House Bill 2595 and House Bill 2168 on Thursday.

 

HB 2595 removes the 30-day waiting period before offering surplus property for sale to the general public. Current law allows the Secretary of Administration, through the Kansas Surplus Property Program, to sell state surplus property to the general public only after the property has been offered to qualified individuals and entities for at least 30 days.

 

HB 2168 establishes a sunset date of July 1, 2030, for the Nursing Facility Quality Care Assessment and amends law concerning the hospital provider assessment known as the Healthcare Access Improvement Program (HCAIP).

 

Under the bill, the annual hospital provider assessment rate increases from 1.83 percent to 3 percent; taxable revenue expands to include outpatient net operating revenue; the hospital provider assessment is based on the net operating revenue for the hospital’s fiscal year three fiscal years prior to the assessment year; and distributions of hospital provider assessment revenues generated from health maintenance organizations are no longer include in the assessment law.

 

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter for April 2020

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Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter
April 2020

The Library Is Closed

The library will remain closed until the government and library administration deem it safe to reopen.
This edition of our newsletter will summarize some of the options available to you while the library is closed.
If you don’t want to receive future editions of the newsletter, you can unsubscribe by emailing the library at either [email protected] or [email protected].

Information about Physical Items

Library Items That Are Already Checked Out

Everything already checked out when we closed the library on March 16th has been renewed with a new due date of April 15th. We will extend that date as necessary, so don’t worry about overdue items.

If you want to return items, feel free to use our bookdrop, located near the 2nd Street entrance.
If you want to keep items until we reopen, that is absolutely fine with us.

Library Items That Are On Hold

If you weren’t able to pick up your holds before we closed, don’t worry. We will still have them here for you to pick up when we open.

If you have placed holds on items that aren’t here yet, those holds have been temporarily suspended. When we reopen, you will still have your spot on the holds list.
If you have tried to place holds since we closed, you have probably discovered you couldn’t do it. Until the library world is back to normal, you can’t place holds using your login. If you email us at either [email protected] or [email protected], we will place a hold for you on any items. These holds will also be temporarily suspended until we reopen.

Information about Digital Resources

Digital Only Accounts/I don’t have a library card

We have created a new type of account for people who don’t already have library cards. Go to our catalog www.seknfind.org and create a new account under the “Log in to your account” prompt. Be sure to pay attention to the password you are assigned. (We encourage you to log in and change the password to something more easily remembered.)

We will adjust these accounts daily so that you will have access to digital resources. If you would like access sooner, first create the account, then send an email to either [email protected] or [email protected] with your name and email address.
When we adjust the accounts, we will send you an email with your account number and information about setting up your accounts with hoopla and Sunflower eLibrary.

I have a library card but I need help with digital resources

First look below and see if anything here helps. If you still have any problems getting set up, please email me at either [email protected] or [email protected]. Include your name and account number plus a description of the problem.
You’ll need your library card number, your pin/password, and the email address you used when you signed up for your library card.
Anytime a site asks for your card number or account number, it means the entire 14 digit number. Ignore the spaces when entering it.
When you first set up an account with hoopla, it will ask you for your email and a password. Use the email you used for your FSPL account and create your own password. The next screen will ask for your library, library card number, and pin/password; your pin/password is the last 4 digits of your card number, or if you’ve changed it, use the pin/password that you changed it to. Hoopla has a limit of 15 items checked out per month. Usually it will send you an email near the end of the month if you have checkouts remaining.
Hoopla also has a new category of items that don’t count against your 15 item limit. These can be found by searching “Bonus Borrows”.
When you first set up an account with Sunflower eLibrary, you will need to choose Fort Scott Public Library and enter your FSPL account number and your pin/password. If you have an Amazon account, you can link eligible checkouts to it and read them on an Amazon Kindle reader enabled device.
Hoopla and Sunflower eLibrary (Overdrive) both have apps that you can download to a mobile device. The websites should direct you to the apps.

What if I want a Kansas Library eCard?
Kansas Library eCards provide access to ebooks, databases, and other resources through the State Library of Kansas. If you need us to set you up, send an email with your name, including middle initial, and your birthdate to [email protected] or [email protected], and we will get your account created for you.
You will need the Kansas Library eCard to access ebooks, but many of the databases are available without logging in if you are using the Internet in Kansas. You can experiment by going to https://kslib.info/ and clicking the “Online Resources” link.

Links to Digital Resources

Download ebooks, audiobooks, comics, TV episodes, movies, music, and more. You will need your library card login and the email address associated with it.

Download ebooks and audiobooks. You will need your library card login.

 
 
 
Download ebooks and audiobooks from the State Library of Kansas. You will need a Kansas Library eCard.

State Library of Kansas Online Resources

Search databases, learn a language, repair your vehicle, and much more! Some resources available without logging in if you are located in Kansas; otherwise, you will need a Kansas Library eCard.

Story Time

 Miss Val is planning some virtual story times this month!
 See our library Facebook page for the latest on her plans. She has been busily researching and planning this, so you know it will be AWESOME!

We Miss You and Hope to See You Soon. Be Well.
Fort Scott Public Library
201 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
620-223-2882
fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org/
Entertainment

Public Library Is Going On A Bear Hunt

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“After a few weeks of adjusting to this new lifestyle and working to plan online programs, I am happy to finally announce FSPL’s first virtual storytimes,” Valetta Cannon, Fort Scott Public Library

Youth Librarian and Assistant Director, said.

The first week’s schedule will run as follows:

April 7:
10 am
Bears Storytime on Zoom (if possible, the meeting will be recorded and made available after it ends).
 11 am
Bears Storytime on Facebook Live (we may post the video on the library’s YouTube channel as well).
Join Miss Val online for the first virtual storytimes.
“Our first virtual storytime will take place through the Zoom platform, which can be fully accessed on any pc with a camera and headset, smartphone, or tablet with online access through the following link: https://kslib.zoom.us/j/725385019 ,” Cannon said.
Be sure to only click the link at the start of the meeting time. The full application will allow families to see and interact with one another, in addition to being a part of storytime. If you cannot access or do not want to use the full application, you still may listen in to the meeting by phone at either of the following numbers:

301-715-8592 or 253-215-8782.

“Thank you to Christy Peterson Graves for the suggestion of the subject: Bears. We will go on a bear hunt and share a simple craft together, after spending a few minutes socializing,” Cannon said.

“I will be filming the storytime in my house and reading ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ but will encourage participating families to put up bears for their neighbors to find as they walk and drive around town,” Cannon said.

This week’s craft:

Paper plate bear mask.
Materials required: Paper plate with the center cut out, craft stick, tape or glue, crayons, brown paper for cutting out ears (other colors welcome, too). Alternative materials: A styrofoam plate would also work, cut out circles from a paper bag can be used for the ears, any straight object that the plate can be taped or glued to, and colored pencils or markers also work for coloring.

“Thank you for your patience as we work out the kinks and launch this different version of storytime,” Cannon said.

For activity suggestions and more see the library’s Storytime Pinterest board.

Read digital books related to the theme at Sunflower eLibrary or Hoopla Digital (seknfind.org account required) or Kansas State Library Kids’ ebooks (for residents of Kansas only).
Check out the library’s Facebook page to track all upcoming events.
Government, Kansas

U.S. 69 pavement rehabilitation project to begin at Pittsburg next week

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin a concrete pavement rehabilitation project at the intersection of U.S. 69 and 20th Street in Pittsburg the week of April 6, weather permitting.

 

U.S. 69 traffic will be maintained through the work zone. 20th Street will be closed to traffic at the intersection, with a posted detour on local streets.

 

KDOT awarded the $1.3 million construction contract to Koss Construction of Topeka. The project should be completed by late summer, weather permitting.

 

Drivers are reminded to slow down and proceed with caution through the work zone. Persons with questions may contact Bob Gudgen, (620) 308-7621, or Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.

 

Business, Fort Scott, Government, Jobs

Emergency Response Loans In Fort Scott

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Rachel Pruitt

Rachel Pruitt, Fort Scott’s Economic Director, gave a press release that details loans to local businesses who are struggling financially.

The Kansas Department of Commerce CDBG Program has drastically changed the requirements of the Revolving Loan Fund program, according to information provided by Pruitt.

The City of Fort Scott is encouraging immediate use of the Revolving Loan Fund to support the working capital needs of businesses in Fort Scott, she noted.

The City’s CDBG Revolving Loan Fund has up to $260,000 directed towards small businesses with the highest risk of closing and/or laying off workers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The purpose of this program is to retain existing jobs.

There is a maximum of up to $10,000 per business to stimulate job retention.

Employers are asked on the following forms to fill out a job certification form for each employee being retained.

To view the details, click below:

Emergency Response CDBG Revolving Loan Application

Opinion

Keepers By Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

As I previously have written, since Covid-19 I am on a mission to throw away everything I do not need. At this moment, I am sitting on the floor, staring at “keepers”: my Bible; refrigerator; microwave; a spatula; laptop; cell phone; and Dave, although I may rethink this if he keeps moaning when I threaten to get rid of his guns, used puzzles and Perry Como CD’s. I tackled this project when I became concerned about what will happen when I die and my kids go through my “things,” an endeavor inspired when some of my girlfriends, quarantined with their husbands, began sharing their irritations with their hubbies’ peculiarities.

The behaviors that at one time made my friends laugh have become fodder for torture. One husband “under no condition” will part with his collection of old, worthless lottery tickets. Instead, he spends time counting and stacking them. Another husband refuses to get rid of his life-size Elvis cut-out that stands in the corner of his gun room, the same room with holsters hoarding space on glass shelves. His latest purchase hasn’t found its way to that cabinet because he sleeps with it strapped to his waist, certain that he’s on someone’s hit list for his stash of toilet paper. One friend, mid de-cluttering old clothes, is threatening to set a match to her husband’s jogging suit collection from the 1970’s. According to him, you never know when someone will have a ‘70’s party, and he will be able to clothe the entire list of invitees.

Um-hmmm.

Anyway, because of Covid-19, I am beginning to appreciate what matters most: the “keepers” I leave my family.

What could I be holding onto that will cause them all to “lose it” when divvying up my possessions and say things like, “Grandma was a lot more uncool than we thought”?

I assure you that comments will fly when they come across my red high heels with spikes that could double as an earlobe piercer. My family will not be impressed with my basket of saved letters, kept in case I ever need a little emotional pick-me-up, even I’ve never re-read them. It won’t even be my Cabbage Patch doll or cased accordion, tucked away neatly for who-knows-what-reason.

You see, right now, in light of this virus, I am realizing that there are only a few things that matter, and most of them deal with relationships, relationships that I have taken for granted. I’ve had plenty of time to think about what it is in people that I admire and how this might be a good time to work towards developing those virtues. But get this: none of the qualities dealt with anything glamorous. Not their looks or their possessions or their talent or their position.

Instead, I am thinking about their sense of humor and how they are confident enough to poke fun at themselves. Their ability to be courageous and defend someone who is being gossiped about. Their willingness to always have an open door to guests arriving unannounced (well, not now, of course). Their generosity with meeting a need of someone else, even when it greatly inconveniences them, without laying any guilt on that person. Their ability to be happy for others, even when their own lives are in the pits. Their ability to pray unceasingly.

Aren’t those the attributes for which I want to be remembered? How much better would it be for family members to tell their children about how Grandma always made them feel special or lived every day for Jesus or even shared her red, spiked high heels with them for that crazy costume party (a very real possibility, knowing my family)? And what if one chooses to take up the accordion? Priceless.

Perhaps it’s time I reconsider my “keepers,” including Dave who will be thrilled to know that I’m going to allow him to stay. His Perry Como CD’s, however? That’s an entirely different matter.

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly announces resumption of State of Kansas operations

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Governor Laura Kelly today announced that public access to state office buildings will remain closed until April 19, 2020. This restriction matches the stay-home order that Governor Kelly signed on March 28.

 

Following the two-week suspension of state government operations on March 23, state government operations and the delivery of services will resume on Monday, April 6. However, Governor Kelly made it clear that to reduce the risk of infection to state employees, all employees who are able will begin working remotely.

 

“Our public employees perform critical functions that the people of Kansas depend on,” Kelly said. “Their work must continue despite this ongoing crisis.

 

“This crisis has been unprecedented, but the state will deliver critical state services, even though the delivery of those services may look different than they have in the past.”

 

Public facing offices, such as the Division of Motor Vehicles or the Office of Vital Statistics, will remain closed to the public until April 19 to limit the number of individuals gathering in small spaces.

 

Bourbon County Local News