Monthly Archives: May 2020

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Minutes of USD 234 Board of Education Meeting May 11

Leave a comment

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met virtually on Monday, May 11, for their regular monthly meeting.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – April 17, 2020 – $1,375,747.90

D.    Financial Report

E.     Bond Proceeds Reconciliation

F.     Activity Fund Accounts

 

Stephanie George, KNEA President, presented a report.  Administrators from each building shared information with board members.

Superintendent Ted Hessong expressed thanks to administrators and directors for their leadership throughout the pandemic.  He also discussed competency-based learning, CARES federal money, a return-to-work plan, and the Return-to-School Committee.

Gina Shelton, Business Manager, discussed closing down the financials, CARES federal money, a food service/food distribution update, and insurance renewal.

Board members approved the following items:

·       Roof change order

·       Roof payment

·       2020-21 Calendar

·       2020-21 Fees

·       Greenbush Energy Group Participation Agreement and Hedging Authorization for 2020-21

·       LEA Assurances

The board also reviewed summer projects.

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

The board approved the following employment matters:

A.    Transfer of Rachelle Thomas, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher, to a fifth grade position for the 2020-21 school year

B.    Transfer of Rhonda Dawson, high school secretary, to high school activities/athletic secretary for the 2020-21 school year

C.    Transfer of Pam Hutchison, high school teacher aide, to high school secretary for the 2020-21 school year

D.    Contract extension for Angella Curran, high school debate/forensics sponsor

E.     Employment of Dalaina Smith as Director of Academics for the 2020-21 school year

F.     Employment of Paulette Howard as a K-12 gifted teacher for the 2020-21 school year

G.    Employment of Courtenay Slinkard as a high school English/Language Arts teacher for the 2020-21 school year

H.    Employment of Reyna Valenzuela as a high school English/Language Arts teacher for the 2020-21 school year

I.      Employment of Larry Amer as a high school art teacher for the 2020-21 school year

J.      Employment of Abigail Helt as high school/middle school choral teacher for the 2020-21 school year

K.    Employment of Danny Larsen as Eugene Ware physical education teacher for the 2020-21 school year

L.     Resignation of Curtis Horton as a high school assistant football coach, assistant basketball coach, and freshman boys’ head basketball coach at the end of the 2019-20 school year

M.   Resignation of Erica Clark as a high school assistant cheer sponsor at the end of the 2019-20 school year

N.    Resignation of Brendon Blackburn as a middle school football coach at the end of the 2019-20 school year

O.    Resignation of Jayci Cosens as a middle school second session intramural coach, 8th grade boys’ basketball coach, and intramural track coach at the end of the 2019-20 school year

P.     Resignation of Steve Williams, middle school boys’ assistant basketball coach, at the end of the 2019-20 school year

Q.    Employment of Kaitlin Arnold as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year

The board adjourned.

 

 

Bourbon County, COVID-19

Disaster Food Distribution May 14 For Western Bourbon County

Leave a comment

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will have another food distribution in May for those affected by the COVID 19 pandemic.

“We will have Disaster Household Distribution (DHD)food for the area again on May 14th,” Becky Shinn, coordinator of the West Bourbon County distribution, said.  “Here in Uniontown, it will be May 14th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Uniontown Baptist Church.”

People are asked to stay in their cars and those distributing will come to each car to get information on how many in the family.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Special Meeting May 12

Leave a comment

There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 at the City Hall Commission Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The City Commission will meet to consider a Resolution of Support to apply for CDBG funding, approval to apply for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program, and approval for engineering services if needed.

The City Commission meeting will not be open to the public at this time due to the limited number of 10 allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting will be made available by calling 620-724-9910, enter access code 515698#, and when prompted state your full name followed by the # tag.

Government, Kansas

Flags Half-Staff May 13

Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly orders flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Office Mike Mosher and Peace Officers Memorial Day

 

In accordance with Executive Order 20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, May 13, until sunset in honor of Overland Park Police Officer Mike Mosher.

 

“Officer Mosher tragically lost his life in the line of duty, while protecting his community,” Kelly said. “He was dedicated to service, and we owe him immeasurable gratitude for his career-long commitment to helping others.”

 

In accordance with Executive Order 20-30, the Governor also ordered all flags at public institutions throughout Kansas to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, May 15, in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day. President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation on Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week 2020 that called for the lowering of the flag.

 

“This week, as we honor the loss of one fallen officer, we also must recognize the continued sacrifices all of our law enforcement officers make as they serve and protect,” Kelly said. “We are able to live freely because of the brave women and men who suit up every day to protect our communities.”

COVID-19, Government

Grants To Support Community Responses To COVID 19 in Eco Devo and Meal Programs Offered

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Announces $9 Million in Grants to
Support Community Responses to Coronavirus

Topeka, Kan. – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that more than $9 million in federal funding will be made available to the state’s Community Development Block Grant program to support community responses to the COVID-19 crisis.

The Kansas Department of Commerce will administer the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV), which is part of the state’s allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“The Community Development Block Grant program has been a powerful tool in developing communities and expanding economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income Kansans,” Kelly said. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to expand our support to these communities in this time of crisis.”

Grants are available to communities in two categories.

Economic Development
Economic development grants provide communities with funding to help local businesses retain jobs for low-to-moderate income people. Grant funds can be used for expenses such as working capital (e.g., wages, utilities, rent) or to purchase up to 60 days of inventory needed to reopen, once allowed to reopen.

Meal Programs
Meal program grants provide communities with funds for various programs that provide access to nutritious foods during the COVID-19 crisis. Grant funds can be directed toward organizations such as Meals on Wheels, local food banks or to support organizations providing meals for children affected by the loss of school meal programs.

“It’s our intent that by infusing an additional $9 million into communities to support urgent needs, we can help alleviate some of the stress caused by the COVID-19 crisis and allow Kansas to return to business as usual as quickly as possible,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “What’s great about the CDBG-CV program is that it allows decision making to happen at the local level by the people who know their communities – and their needs – best.”

Kansas cities and counties can find further details and apply for CDBG-CV grants by visiting kansascommerce.gov/cdbg-cv.

Applications for CDBG-CV open Tuesday, May 12. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been disbursed.

For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas go to covid.ks.gov.

Government

USDA Grants For Planning Projects For Urban Agriculture

Leave a comment

USDA Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2020 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of $3 million for grants through its new Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects. USDA will accept applications on Grants.gov until midnight July 6, 2020.

“These grant opportunities underscore USDA’s commitment to all segments of agriculture, including swiftly expanding areas of urban agriculture,” Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey said. “Such projects have the potential to address important issues such as food access and education and to support innovative ways to increase local food production in urban environments.”

“We are proud to be able to offer support though this cross-agency effort,” said Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach. “In creating this grant opportunity, USDA will build upon its years of experience providing technical support, grant funding and research to help farmers and local and urban food businesses grow.”

Planning Projects

USDA is making available $1 million for Planning Projects that initiate or expand efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools and other stakeholders in urban areas and suburbs. Projects may target areas of food access, education, business and start-up costs for new farmers and development of policies related to zoning and other needs of urban production.

Implementation Projects

USDA is making available $2 million for Implementation Projects that accelerate existing and emerging models of urban, indoor and other agricultural practices that serve multiple farmers. Projects will improve local food access and collaborate with partner organizations and may support infrastructure needs, emerging technologies, educational endeavors and urban farming policy implementation.

Webinar

A webinar, which will be held on June 3, 2020, from 2 to 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, will provide an overview of the grants’ purpose, project types, eligibility and basic requirements for submitting an application. Information on how to register for and participate in the webinar, or listen to the recording, will be posted at farmers.gov/urban.

More Information

The Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production was established through the 2018 Farm Bill. It includes representatives from many USDA agencies, including Farm Service Agency and Agricultural Marketing Service, and is led by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. More information is available at farmers.gov/urban.

Additional resources that may be of interest to urban agriculture entities include AMS grants to improve domestic and international opportunities for U.S. growers and producers and FSA loans.

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Lake Advisory Board Meets May 16

Leave a comment

The Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board will meet on Saturday, May 16th, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

The Lake Advisory Board meeting will not be open to the public at this time due to the limited number of 10 allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This can be viewed on the City’s YouTube Channel at City of Fort Scott.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for May 12

Leave a comment

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: May 12, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

MEETING HELD IN THE EOC WITH NO PUBLIC ATTENDANCE (PUBLIC ATTENDANCE VIA FACEBOOK LIVE)

9:00 – 9:15 Justin Meeks – Executive Session – Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

9:15 – 9:30 Jim Harris

9:45 – 10:00 Clint Anderson – Valuation of Valu Merchandisers

10:00 – 10:15 Lora Holdridge, Surveyors by appointment (access to enter building)

11:00 – 11:30 Via Christi, Randy Cason, Update on lease agreement for Hospital building

COVID-19, Fort Scott

Library Offering Curbside Pickup Starting May 12

Leave a comment

Fort Scott Public Library is offering curbside pickup of library materials. We encourage patrons to log in to their accounts and place holds. Patrons who prefer may call us at (620)223-2882 or email either [email protected] or [email protected]. We will limit holds placed by phone to 5 items. Patrons may also borrow newspapers and magazines. Email or call with the titles and dates needed.

The only items available to check out are those physically in our library. Eventually the service that moves library items from place to place will be working again, but for at least the next couple of weeks, we’re limited to what we have here. If you log in to your account at www.seknfind.org, your choices will automatically be set to items located at Fort Scott Public.

Are you unsure of what books to get for your child, or just don’t have the time to browse the catalog? Miss Val is here to help! Every week, she will compile collections of ten books on specific topics for you to check out. See the library website or Facebook page for a list of current topics available, and feel free to contact Miss Val at [email protected] to make suggestions for future topics. Collections are compiled by both topics and age ranges of birth to 6 years or 2nd to 5th grade. When calling or emailing the library to reserve a collection, just ask for the book collection listed online, or request a list of current topics. If one you want has already been taken, we will tell you what topics remain. You may even find a few goodies from Miss Val in your bag!

Emails and texts are automatically generated when we scan holds. The items won’t be available to check out until we have scheduled a time with you. We will call patrons to schedule a time to pick up their items. We encourage everyone to log in to their accounts and verify that their contact information is correct. If you need assistance logging in, please email us at either [email protected] or [email protected]. Include your account number (library card number) in your email.

You can find instructions about how to log in to your account and place holds by looking in the “how to” section on our website: fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org.

We will have a table outside the library where we will place items to be picked up. Patrons should call the library when they arrive and give us their library card number. We will put the items on the table to be picked up. We ask that people stay away from the table while library staff are outside.

We will place your items in bags before putting them on the table. If you prefer to use your own bags, let us know when we schedule your pick up time. When you arrive, call us to let us know you’re here, place your bag on the table, and move away from the table. Library employees will put your items in your bag and return to the building.

People who need us to put the items in their vehicles should let us know when we are scheduling their pick up times. Please open your trunk and remain in your vehicle when you let us know that you’re here for your holds. Library staff will place your items in your trunk.

In the event of inclement weather, items to pick up will be placed on the counter inside the Second Street entrance. Please wait until staff have re-entered the main building before entering to pick up your items.

We will have an area outside the building in which we are offering free books. Please limit browsing to one person at a time. We will refill the selection of free books as needed. Please remain an appropriate distance away from library employees refilling the free books boxes.

We are quarantining all returned items for several days.

Please maintain appropriate social distancing while library employees are outside the building.

Please stay home if you are sick.

We are not accepting donations of any materials at this time.

A note to our wi-fi users: In order for us to keep the wi-fi available while we are offering curbside circulation, we ask that you please not occupy the parking or sidewalk area on the north (Second Street) side of the library.