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Monthly Archives: June 2020
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 10
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports June 9
Click below:
Pesticide Prohibited After July 31, 2020
EPA Cancellation Order for Dicamba Products Impacts Kansas Agriculture
MANHATTAN, Kansas — On Monday, June 8, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final cancellation order for three dicamba products in response to the recent court ruling that vacated registration for the products. The EPA’s cancellation order intended to clarify the limited and specific circumstances under which these dicamba products can be used for a limited period of time, including provisions for existing stocks. The Kansas Department of Agriculture has identified several unanswered questions about how this order applies to Kansas farmers and agribusinesses and is in communication with the EPA for further interpretation.
The EPA cancellation order addresses the sale, distribution, and use of existing stocks of the three affected dicamba products: Engenia, FeXapan, and Xtendimax with Vaporgrip Technology. Under this cancellation order, further distribution or sale of all existing stocks of these products is allowed only to the end user. Such distribution and sales can only be made by Kansas restricted use pesticide dealers. If growers, commercial applicators, and agribusinesses have these products in their possession, end use applications may still occur provided that all label restrictions are followed. All use is prohibited after July 31, 2020.
As further details become available from the EPA, KDA will share that information on our website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/dicamba. This site will also serve as a source for more detail on the affected dicamba products, the EPA order, and how this order applies in Kansas. If you have additional questions, please contact the KDA pesticide and fertilizer program at 785-564-6688.
Obituary of Larry Tinsley
Lawrence K. (Larry) Tinsley, 63, of Fort Scott, passed away Monday morning, June 8, 2020 at his home.
He was born on June 9, 1956 in Overland Park, KS the son of Lawrence O. and Jacqueline (Day) Tinsley. He grew up in the Overland Park and Paola, KS area and attended schools there.
He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War era from 1973 to 1975 and a member of the American Legion.
He graduated from Pittsburg State University (Welding) in 1982.
He enjoyed living life, bowling, reading, gardening, watching TV, and fishing.
Known to his family as Larry, LT, and Papa Larry/LT. Most of all he loved his family and enjoyed calling, texting, and visiting with them when well. He lived his life loving and was loved.
Larry is survived by his wife, Mary of the home, a brother: Mark and wife Cindy Tinsley of Paola, Kansas, a son, Michael and wife, Kayla Tinsley of Fort Scott and a daughter, Raechelle Tinsley of Rancho Cucamonga, California, grandchildren, Maggie, Kailen, Tesla, and Deacon, his aunt Charlotte and husband, Gary Earley, brothers/sisters In-Law: Vincent (Evelyn) Morales, Virginia (Tom) Moody, Christopher (Estella) Morales, Martha (Dennis) Miller, Abigail (Randy) Berning. As well as, several close loving relatives including: aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and large extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by, his grandparents, parents, and brother, Randall James (Randy) Tinsley.
Rev. James Collins, Chaplain of Post #25, American Legion will conduct Graveside Funeral Services for Lawrence K. Tinsley, 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 12, 2020 at the Fort Scott National Cemetery with the American Legion and the V.F.W. Post #1165 coordinating the Military Honors.
Attendance will be limited and social distancing rules still apply.
Masks are required and are not supplied by the cemetery.
The Family suggests memorials to the American Legion Post #25, donations may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Businesses Interested in Insurance: Survey Due June 11
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KS Guard Tested, Monitored and Provided Logistics at Lansing
Lansing Correctional Facility
Declared a Contained Site by
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
TOPEKA, Kansas – Today, Secretary Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), expressed his thanks for the service of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas National Guardsmen at the Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) in support of KDOC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of June 1, 2020, KDHE confirmed the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus at LCF as contained. As a result, the Guardsmen who have supported logistics, food and medical services at the facility concluded their mission on June 4.
“The Kansas National Guard is full of highly trained, professional public servants who are ready at a moment’s notice to serve their fellow Kansans,” Zmuda said. “We were extremely impressed with their willingness and ability to adapt to their new surroundings and face each task with strength and dignity. On behalf of the department, I want to sincerely thank them for their work.”
The first four Kansas National Guard members arrived at Lansing on April 15 and grew to more than 40 in support of LCF’s COVID-19 response. The Guardsmen were instrumental in monitoring residents for symptoms, carrying out mass testing for the virus and conducting twice-daily health checks. Additional members also provided support in food service, as residents who normally prepare meals were unable to do so while they were quarantined and assisted with the move to the new buildings at the reconstructed facility. Their contributions allowed Lansing employees to remain focused on safety and security tasks with confidence that these services were continuing.
KDHE began assisting KDOC with their COVID-19 preparations in early March and when the situation at LCF escalated, they dedicated a full-time staff member to assist with ensuring the health and safety of the residents. As the agency moves into a new phase of response, the two agencies will continue to partner to determine what additional steps may need to be taken in the future.
“Secretary Lee Norman and Phil Griffin, Director of the Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention at KDHE, have been amazing partners to our agency,” Zmuda said. “They have brought the health expertise that we needed to make sure that our staff received the most up-to-date information on the virus and how to keep the men, women and youth in our care safe.”
With the virus contained, residents, staff and contractors at the facility are moving forward with the resumption of many activities. This includes residents returning to their jobs in food service, laundry and maintenance activities as well as essential private industry jobs. In addition, the contracted medical provider will continue providing all services under the terms of their contract. Activities that expose residents to the community, including visitation, volunteers, mentors, and non-essential private industry jobs will not be resumed at this time.
“While we are resuming many activities, we fully recognize that this virus will still be present for the foreseeable future, so we plan to maintain the mitigation strategies that have been implemented at each of our facilities,” Zmuda said. “This resumption of activities is a first step to normalizing operations at Lansing, but one we will do with an abundance of caution and care.”
For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, and to sign up for updates, go to the KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center at kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus. For information on the KDOC’s response to COVID-19, visit https://www.doc.ks.gov/kdoc-coronavirus-updates.
Local Museum Receives Grant
GORDON PARKS MUSEUM RECEIVES INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY WITH YOUTH ACTIVITIES GRANT BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST KANSAS
Fort Scott, KS- A grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas helped support the purchase of interactive technology for youth and young adults. This includes a tablet kiosk with a stand and software. The tablet can also be used by any visitors of any age.
“We are very thankful to be part of this grant. The interactive technology tablet helps the museum to engage visitors in different ways, especially the youth and young adults. This offers a more modern approach to learning, viewing, and appreciating the collection and works of Gordon Parks. We want to help to keep the Gordon Parks legacy alive and well for generations to come.” said Kirk Sharp, Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Museum.
The Interactive Museum Display will allow the visitors to view photos, videos, interviews, music, create a drawing/painting, interactive trivia quiz game and much more…
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas hosts individual charitable funds, created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from the funds assist people throughout Southeast Kansas and many charities beyond Kansas. Call the Foundation, 620 231 8897 with questions about the Community Foundation and its many services available for donors. www.southeastkansas.org
GORDON PARKS MUSEUM RECEIVES INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY WITH YOUTH ACTIVITES GRANT BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST KANSAS
Fort Scott, KS- A grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas helped support the purchase of interactive technology for youth and young adults. This includes a tablet kiosk with a stand and software. The tablet can also be used by any visitors of any age.
“We are very thankful to be part of this grant. The interactive technology tablet helps the museum to engage visitors in different ways, especially the youth and young adults. This offers a more modern approach to learning, viewing, and appreciating the collection and works of Gordon Parks. We want to help to keep the Gordon Parks legacy alive and well for generations to come.” said Kirk Sharp, Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Museum.
The Interactive Museum Display will allow the visitors to view photos, videos, interviews, music, create a drawing/painting, interactive trivia quiz game and much more…
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas hosts individual charitable funds, created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from the funds assist people throughout Southeast Kansas and many charities beyond Kansas. Call the Foundation, 620 231 8897 with questions about the Community Foundation and its many services available for donors. www.southeastkansas.org
SEK COVID 19 Update June 9
SEK Multi-County Health Departments
Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Allen County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 1 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 1 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Anderson County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 1 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 1 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Bourbon County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Presumptive Cases | 1-listed on KDHE website, tested negative |
| Current Recovered Cases | 7-includes presumptive case |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 7 |
| Deaths | 1 |
Woodson County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 6 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 6 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.
Bill Meyer Announces Candidacy for Kansas House District 4
On June 1, Bill Meyer, who retired after 30-year career as a healthcare executive and chose, with his wife, Liz, to relocate to Fort Scott, filed as a candidate for the Kansas House of Representatives in District 4.
Bill earned his M.H.A. degree from George Washington University in 1971 and over his career served on hospital and hospital system executive staffs in Virginia, Maryland, Kansas, Iowa, Maine, and Washington, D.C. In the mid-1980s, he served as President of Mercy Hospitals of Kansas, based in Fort Scott. He is a Life Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Upon returning to Fort Scott in 2000, Bill served as Registrar of Fort Scott Community College until retiring in 2007. During that same period, his wife, Elizabeth Meyer, served as Director of the Nursing Program at the College. Bill is a member and past-President of the Rotary Club of Fort Scott, a member of the Bourbon County Arts Council, the Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County, and a volunteer in the Kansas Guardianship Program. He served on a committee that successfully promoted voter support of the bond issue to renovate and update U-234 high, middle and elementary schools. In January of this year, Bill was chosen to serve as a Trustee on the Board of Fort Scott Community College. The position had been held by his wife who died suddenly in November 2019. Bill and Liz celebrated 50 years of marriage shortly before her death.
“I am a Kansan by choice, not birth,” said Bill Meyer. “Liz and I fell in love with Fort Scott and the surrounding community during my years with Mercy Hospitals of Kansas and, when we decided to retire, Fort Scott was where we wanted to be.” Meyer added, “Of all the places we lived, we always felt welcomed and wanted here. I am now in a position where I have an opportunity to give back to this community through service in public office.”
Bill Meyer knows and is prepared to deal with the challenges we face. He will be a strong advocate for Medicaid Expansion and protecting funding for K-12, Community, and Technical Colleges. He sees the expansion of broadband internet availability as a critical ingredient in fostering economic stability and growth in rural communities across Kansas. He recognizes that promoting economic growth is the only alternative to the heavy tax burden currently carried by homeowners, small businesses, and farmers/ranchers in District 4.
District 4 covers the eastern half of Bourbon County, to view:
Modern Woodmen Donated $1000 to the Beacon
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 2
May 26, 2020 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.
Shane Walker was also present for a portion of the meeting.
Jim Harris with Road & Bridge met with the Commissioners; he said his crew is mowing the grass near the blacktop roads, responding to calls and doing general maintenance, they are patching on 250th (south of the 4 way stop), they did ditching on Hackberry west of 215th, they put in culverts, they are crushing at the Thomas Quarry and they plan to do a blast at the Blake Quarry in approximately 2 weeks. Jim said they are dragging the roads, Jerad has been working with FEMA, the overlay equipment is ready for the season and they are wedging on the Landfill road. Jim said there is water standing on Indian Road near the Lake; they will try to open up some areas for drainage there. They are installing a crossing at the Landfill gate; Jim said they have the floor and the walls poured for the crossing, Jeff said where the wing walls were installed the transition at the ends might need a headwall.
Lynne reported that the bridge on Osage between 75th & 85th was plugged up. He also reported a request for gravel at 115th & Range Road going east for approximately ¾ mile. He also reported a drainage issue (he said culverts may need to be installed) at 167th Terrace and Prairie Road. Lynne reported patching needs done on 125th north of Tomahawk Road.
Nick reported a soft spot in the road on 240th between Poplar and Range Road.
Jeff reported that east of Birch on 145th is impassible for a passenger car due to a drainage issue there, he also reported a drainage issue on Birch going north on 145th.
Lynne made a motion that he sign a release from liability for a beaver issue at 235th & Range Road, Nick seconded and all approved, Lynne signed the document and gave it to Jim Harris for the landowner at that address.
Lynne said he had been on the radio today discussing public works, he said the priority roads right now were Indian and the Landfill Road.
The Commissioners discussed reopening the Courthouse (the Courthouse has been closed to the public since March 17th due to COVID-19; the north side of the Courthouse will be open by appointment only, there will be a buzzer installed at the front northeast door for visitors with an appointment on the north end of the building (the south side of the Courthouse will still be closed to the public, visitors for the south side will need to work with those offices to conduct business). The Treasurer’s office will be conducting business with customers in a glass office; the Clerk’s office will conduct business through a window in the Clerk’s office. There will be 6’ distance markers installed on the floor. Justin Meeks said District Court isn’t planning on doing live court for a while, he said only one person will be allowed on the elevator at a time. Lynne said the department heads will be issued non-contact thermometers (Lynne said they could be used on employees and if an employee had a temperature they should be sent home and the individual should contact the health department and follow the health department’s recommendations). Nick made a motion to re-open the Courthouse on June 1st (by appointment only), Jeff seconded and all approved.
Weather permitting the Commission meeting on June 2nd will be held on the front east steps.
At 9:23, Jeff made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner
(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
June 2, 2020, Approved Date