Click below for the USD 234 Return to School and Remote Learning plan put in place with possible changes due to the pandemic in Bourbon County.
Monthly Archives: August 2020
State Approves Coronavirus Relief and Expanding Broadband
State Finance Council Approves $60 Million Broadband Expansion, State Agency Reimbursements and Consulting Services for Accounting and Compliance
TOPEKA – Today, the State Finance Council (SFC) approved $60 million to expand broadband access, $3.9 million in reimbursements to state agencies for COVID-19 related operational expenses and up to $5 million for consulting services for meeting the accounting and compliance requirements of the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). The SPARK taskforce recommended these proposals to SFC for approval; all will be funded through the CRF.
“COVID-19 has made it clear how important access to high speed internet is for Kansans in rural and urban regions alike. Whether it’s telemedicine, teleworking, or online education capabilities, broadband is a singular tool that can change outcomes for communities. My administration will continue to support investments in our state’s infrastructure like high speed internet to put us on stronger economic footing as we continue our road to recovery,” Governor Laura Kelly said.
The connectivity proposal featured $50 million for improving broadband infrastructure and $10 million for partnerships with internet service providers to serve low-income populations.
“The SPARK taskforce identified expanding broadband access as a top priority and I appreciate the SFC’s recognition that not only was important to approve these funds today but also to consider increasing our investment in round 3,” said SPARK Executive Committee Chair Lyle Butler.
On July 29, SFC approved $254 million funding for public health, education, and economic development. That allocation combined with today’s approvals for connectivity, remaining FY 20 state agency reimbursements and the consulting contract for the Recovery Office, will complete the round 2 funding of the CRF. There will be approximately $290 million of CRF funding remaining for round 3. Previously, $400 million was allocated to Kansas counties in round 1.
“The expediated timeline we’re operating under creates an even greater need for accountability and transparency to taxpayers and I appreciate the State Finance Council for providing the Recovery Office the necessary support to ensure we’re delivering the quality investments Kansans deserve,” said Recovery Office Executive Director Julie Lorenz.
More information on today’s meeting can be found here: https://covid.ks.gov/spark-meetings/
Bourbon County COVID-19 Update
SEK Multi-County Health Departments
Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
August 10, 2020
” Bourbon County has received a number of presumptive cases lately,” Rebecca Johnson, the administrator said. “I have changed current positive cases to current active cases, so the active case count is understood.”
Allen County
| Current Active Cases | 8 |
| Positive Out of State-Staying in Allen County | 2 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 2-1 remaining in hospital |
| Current Recovered Cases | 13 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 20 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Anderson County
| Current Active Cases | 2 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 29 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 31 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Bourbon County
| Current Active Cases | 11 |
| Presumptive Cases | 13-1 listed on KDHE website, tested negative |
| Positive Out of State/County-staying in Bourbon | 11 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 8-0 remaining in hospital |
| Current Recovered Cases | 79-includes presumptive cases |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 79 |
| Deaths | 2 |
Woodson County
| Current Active Cases | 1 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 1-0 remaining in hospital |
| Current Recovered Cases | 11 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 12 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Updated FSCC Trustees Agenda
August 10, 2020. The meeting will be held in the Heritage Room at Fort Scott Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in the Heritage Room at 5:00 p.m. followed by budget hearing and regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
BUDGET HEARING, 5
A. Comments from the Chair, 5
B. Open Comments from the Board, 5
C. Review and Adoption of 2020/2021 Year Budget, 5
CONSENT AGENDA, 6
A. Approval of Agenda, 6
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on July 27, 2020, 7
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 9
D. Approval of Mercy Housing Lease
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 60
A. Consideration of Gordon Parks Museum Policies, 60
B. SPARK Applications for Review, 106
REPORTS, 116
A. Administrative Updates, 116
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 118
ADJOURNMENT, 190
Second COVID-19 Positive at Presbyterian Village
Second Fort Scott Presbyterian Village
employee tests COVID-19 positive
FORT SCOTT, Ks. – A second Fort Scott Presbyterian Village non-direct resident care employee tested positive for COVID-19 in testing conducted at the campus last week. Seven employees and two residents were tested after being identified as close contacts of an employee who tested positive August 1. The seven employees have been in quarantine at home and the two residents have been in isolation at the campus.
Six employees and the two residents tested negative. One non-direct resident care employee tested positive. No residents or employees, including the employee who tested positive, are showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19 at this time.
The Bourbon County Health Department and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Epidemiology Hotline have been notified. At this time, the health department is not recommending any additional testing because the positive employee has been in quarantine since August 1.
“Our top priority continues to be the safety of our residents and staff members,” said Jeanne Gerstenkorn, PMMA’s infection preventionist and vice president for health and wellness.
Families were been called August 7 to alert them to the positive case, and all state and county mandatory required reporting agencies have been notified.
All employees are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and best practices as these are continually updated. The community regularly reinforces with all staff that an employee should not report to work if he or she is experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or are not feeling well.
The employee is quarantined and will not be allowed to work until they meet CDC and KDHE guidelines for when an employee may return to work. Under the current guidelines, symptomatic employees may return to work when at least 72 hours have passed since resolution of the employee’s fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and the employee’s symptoms have improved and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Asymptomatic positive employees will quarantine for 14 days. Upon the employee’s return to work, we will follow CDC recommendations related to work practices and restrictions.
For more information about Fort Scott Presbyterian Village’s response, go to PMMA’s (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s) website, Presbyterianmanors.org/Media- room.
Letter To The Editor: Let’s Work Together
Submitted By Jim Kemmerer
Since the elections last year we’ve seen much change, whether in our control or not. Let’s control our future. Let’s work together on the things we want to improve.
Many of the things we want to be better in Bourbon County are why we elect certain people to lead us.
However, we have only so much resources of full-time personnel and funds. Perhaps it’s time for the citizens to assist in order to accomplish what we want.
Street quality is an issue. If it’s possible, can volunteers help the street department when it’s time to do activities volunteers can do such as hand labor (think picking up and placing bricks)?
I don’t know how much time it takes to keep the public lands mowed. When the government mows they can’t do other things. Is there a way to have volunteers help with this task, whether operating their own equipment or the governments?
Many properties in the county have not kept up with their property tax payments. It’s currently not illegal since the collection of such taxes are behind by more than a year. Perhaps a plan should be developed to get caught up sooner than later. It’s funding that’s available without needing to raise the tax rate. What resources are needed to get caught up, and how can volunteers help accomplish this task?
The care of private properties sometimes doesn’t meet codes yet continues on a wide scale due to a lack of resources, mainly time and personnel. Is there a way to have volunteers help the Codes Department accomplish their tasks?
All are appreciative of the assistance private and public ‘help’ groups provide. When public funds are used to fund such groups perhaps the groups ensure as much as possible that the funds are used for those truly in need. And for those that are helped by the groups, perhaps they should help the groups continue their work.
In today’s world there is a large amount of information needed to be understood and followed when doing projects such as what the Water Department and Streets are involved with. Perhaps there ought to be multiple people including volunteers learn and understand the guidelines to assist when needed and keep the knowledge available when changes in personnel occurs.
Long story short, we only have a certain amount of funds, people, and time provided by the government bodies.
Instead of talk, complain, and watch our limited resources try to do what we’d like done, let’s take action ourselves under the direction of our leaders once they determine what volunteers can participate in.
COVID-19 Update for Southeast Kansas
SEK Multi-County Health Departments
Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
August 10, 2020
Allen County
| Current Positive Cases | 8 |
| Positive Out of State-Staying in Allen County | 2 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 2-1 remaining in hospital |
| Current Recovered Cases | 13 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 20 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Anderson County
| Current Positive Cases | 2 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 29 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 31 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Bourbon County
| Current Positive Cases | 11 |
| Presumptive Cases | 13-1 listed on KDHE website, tested negative |
| Positive Out of State/County-staying in Bourbon | 11 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 8-0 remaining in hospital |
| Current Recovered Cases | 79-includes presumptive cases |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 79 |
| Deaths | 2 |
Woodson County
| Current Positive Cases | 1 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 1-0 remaining in hospital |
| Current Recovered Cases | 11 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 12 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Public Servant Profile: Deputy Fire Chief Mike Miles
Mike Miles, 33, is the Fort Scott Fire Deparmtent Deputy Chief / Fire Marshal.
He works out of Fire Station 1, 1604 S. National .
Miles graduated from Fort Scott High School, then attended Fort Scott Community College EMT, EMT A. He has also attended the Hutchinson Fire Academy, and Kansas University for numerous fire training classes and certifications.
“I started my career as a reserve firefighter in 2006,” he said. “I have held positions as Firefighter, Senior Firefighter, Lieutenant and most recently promoted into the Deputy Chief position.”
Family: ” I have a beautiful, loving wife, Danyell, and four kids. Gavin, Benson, Luci Kate, and Emmett.”
Why did you pursue your career?
“I got into the fire service because I wanted to be there to help people. I want to be the bright light for people in their time of darkness. The fire service is a very humbling and rewarding job to have. I love being able to lend a helping hand when someone is having a bad day. It is also an amazing feeling to give back to the community I call home. ”
What are your duties as deputy fire chief and fire marshal?
“I act as second in charge behind the Fire Chief (Dave Bruner). In the event of his absence, I take on his responsibilities as well. On fire scenes, I am incident commander. I control the scene and make sure the fire crews have all the resources they need. I also get my hands dirty when they need some extra help. The fire marshal side of the job I handle a lot of the inspections for businesses being built or remodeled. Reviewing plans to make sure they follow the building codes we are currently under and following the fire and life safety code as well.”
What services does the FS Fire Department provide for the city?
“The Fort Scott Fire Department provides many services for the city and citizens. We provide a rescue truck that covers the entire county. That truck provides rescue services for entrapment, water rescue and vehicle extrication countywide. The rescue truck responds and assists Bourbon County EMS within the city limits for ambulance calls. We may also assist in the county if specifically requested by EMS for our service. We also provide fire protection for the citizens in the city limits. We do have mutual aid agreements with Scott Township we will provide water and manpower if requested. The Fire Department also runs the third out ambulance when the other two ambulances are on calls. Outside of the medical and fire services, we provide many other services as well. We provide fire prevention for all of the schools public and private for the month of October. We offer smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for citizens. We provide fire extinguisher training classes for citizens as well as CPR classes. There are many services we provide that may go unnoticed.”
Anything new on the horizon?
“The fire service is always evolving. We have been blessed this year with many new pieces of equipment. We were able to upgrade our old rescue equipment to brand new battery-powered equipment from the Mercy Foundation. We also received a grant to upgrade our 20-year-old air packs to new MSA air packs. We upgraded from our 1992 Firetruck and was able to get a new Pierce Pumper to serve the community for 20+ years with. Finally, we were able to get a grant to help cover half the cost of a major purchase in replacing our aerial ladder truck. We should receive it next year. We are upgrading from our 1993 E-One Ladder 75’ to a Pierce 100’ ascendant tower with many safety upgrades for our firefighters. All of this new equipment will help and assist our firefighters in performing their jobs to the public at the highest level.”
Tucker’s Celebrate 60th Anniversary
Don and Jean Tucker’s three sons and their families hosted a 60th wedding anniversary dinner at their parent’s home Sunday, August 10.
Their sons and daughters-in-law were also celebrating their wedding anniversaries.
Pictured are from left: Larry and Brenda Rowe, Reed Springs, MO( who will be married for 40 years on Aug. 30); Don and Jean Tucker, (Sept. 3, 60 years; Doug and Sandy Tucker, Booneville, NC, (March 23, 30 years) and Darren and Kelley Tucker, Fort Scott ( August 30, 17 years).
Also attending the celebration were their grandchildren, Kelly Rowe, Winfield, KS; Kyle Rowe and Katlin Cuesta, Chanute, KS; Dylan Spry, Booneville, NC; and Dana, Delci, Delaney and Keith Tucker, Fort Scott.
The entire family attended Sunday morning worship at the First United Methodist Church.
American Wind Week
Kansas Launches American Wind Week,
Hosts Virtual Panel with State, Business and Industry Leaders
The week’s activities will highlight Kansas’ position as a leader in wind energy development, opportunities for the state’s workforce, and the many ways wind is building the future.
Topeka, KS – This week marks American Wind Week, an annual celebration of wind energy’s leading role in powering our country and the many ways wind is helping build the future. This year, Boost Kansas and its supporters have plenty to celebrate as wind is now America’s number one source of renewable energy.
According to the American Wind Energy Association, wind power has created good-paying jobs for over 120,000 Americans across all 50 states, including more than 26,000 jobs at more than 530 U.S. factories that build wind turbine parts. Wind energy is a drought and flood proof “cash crop” for America’s family farmers and ranchers, paying over $1.6 billion dollars a year in lease payments and revenue for state and local governments, while avoiding carbon pollution equivalent to 42 million cars. The nation has a vast resource to harvest through both onshore and offshore wind energy development, with a power potential that is nearly double the nation’s electricity use.
Right here in Kansas, Governor Kelly issued a proclamation announcing this week as American Wind Week, along with 4 cities and counties. In Kansas, wind now supports 6,000 jobs, $36 million in annual land lease payments, and provides $29 million in revenue for state and local governments, leading to new community facilities such as schools and courthouses, improving roads and bridges, and upgrading emergency services. More than $11.4 billion in capital financing has been invested in the state, providing unparalleled opportunities for workforce expansion and economic growth as a result of wind energy.
Throughout the week, Boost Kansas will be sharing the stories of communities that are benefiting from wind energy. These stories are now available including two notable examples from Ford and Pratt Counties.
On Monday, August 10 at 10:30-11:00 AM CT, Apex Clean Energy will host a virtual tour of a wind farm and wind turbine climb to highlight the wind energy workers on the frontlines helping keep the lights on every day and ensuring that Americans have access to cheap, clean electricity. Join us at the following link to watch live!
Boost Kansas is also excited to announce that we’ll be holding a virtual event that will give Kansans an opportunity to hear more about the successes of wind energy in their own state:
WHAT
A virtual panel discussion with state, business, and industry leaders highlighting Kansas’ position as a leader in wind energy development, the economic and workforce opportunities wind brings to the state, and the many ways the energy source is building the future.
WHO
- State Senator Elaine Bowers
- Randi Tveitaraas Jack, Manager of International Development, Department of Commerce
- Joann Knight, Executive Director, Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation
- APEX Clean Energy
- Enel Group
Moderator: Riley Scott, Boost Kansas
WHEN
Thursday, August 13, 2020
3:00 PM CT
RSVP
To set up an interview with a panelist during American Wind Week, please contact Jesse Dougherty at [email protected] or (608) 807-8619.
Boost Kansas will be sharing highlights and other content onFacebook and Twitter. Follow along and join in the conversation by using #AmericanWindWeek and #WindBuildsTheFuture.
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About Boost Kansas
Boost Kansas, an initiative of the American Wind Energy Association, is a statewide coalition of civic and business leaders supporting innovative policies that expand renewable and wind energy investment in the state. With commonsense federal and state policies, Kansas can continue to be a national leader in harnessing the power of wind and renewable energy development. Learn more at BoostKansas.com.
About the American Wind Energy Association
AWEA is the national trade association for the U.S. wind industry, the largest source of renewable energy in the country. We represent 1,000 member companies, 120,000 jobs in the U.S. economy, and a nationwide workforce located across all 50 states. AWEA serves as a powerful voice for how wind works for America. Members include global leaders in wind power and energy development, turbine manufacturing, and component and service suppliers. They gather each year at the Western Hemisphere’s most efficient and targeted event for utility-scale renewable companies, the AWEA CLEANPOWER Conference & Exhibition, next in Indianapolis, June 7-10, 2021. An outgrowth of the AWEA WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition, CLEANPOWER is the first trade show focused exclusively on the utility-scale renewable power sector, bringing together all the major developers, utilities, OEMs, suppliers, and buyers under one roof. Visit AWEA’s website to learn more about the enormous economic benefits wind power brings to America and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Now is the Perfect Time to Plant Fall Vegetables
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
I realize we just turned the calendar to August, and although our summer gardens are still going strong, it is time to start thinking about getting our fall vegetables planted. Believe it or not, fall is a great gardening season!
When you think about it, fall weather is much like spring – warm daytime temperatures and cool nights. Rainfall is typically more abundant in the fall than summer so less irrigation is needed and fall gardens often have fewer insect pest and disease problems. Combine all of these and you have the ingredients for a great garden! And of most importance is the taste of the produce grown. Flavors of fall grown vegetables are often sweeter and milder in taste than those grown during hot summer weather.
Some of the best vegetables for a fall garden are lettuce, spinach, radishes, beets, cabbage, turnips and carrots because of their frost-tolerance. These vegetables can be planted directly into your garden wherever space can be found – next to plants still growing in the garden like tomatoes, cucumbers and pumpkins. Plant mid-August until the first week of September.
Left over seed from spring planting can be used as long as it was stored in a cool, dry location. To speed up germination and seedling emergence, soak the seeds overnight before planting. If you are purchasing new seed, look for the shortest season cultivars that you can find to insure harvest before a killing frost. The average fall freeze date for our area is around October 24 according to the Weather Data Library on the K-State campus.
Sometimes establishing a fall garden can be difficult during the summer when soil temperatures are extremely high. One way to avoid this is to establish plants in containers or pots for transplanting into the garden later in the season when the weather begins to cool. Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and collards can be grown in cooler protected areas for 2-4 weeks prior to setting in the garden. Be sure to acclimatize crops for several days before transplanting directly into the garden.
Garden soil should be prepared just like for spring. An application of fertilizer will probably be necessary for optimum plant growth. Use one pound of a complete analysis fertilizer, such as 12-12-12, applied per 100 square feet of garden area. Weeds and grasses will also grow well in a fall garden so mulching may be warranted.
If you do not have a traditional garden space, think about doing a container garden. Just about anything that will hold soil and have a drain hole in the bottom can be used.
Everyone gets geared up to plant vegetables in the spring, but the fall season offers many benefits to gardening. Few take advantage of the season, but consider giving it a try this year.
The Extension office has the “Vegetable Garden Planting Guide” publication available free of charge. This guide offers information such as days to first harvest, days to germination, planting depth, frost resistance, and more.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Money Can’t Buy Everything
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Recently, I was at Sutherlands standing in the checkout line, along with other people, when the clerk got on the intercom and announced, “I’ve got a customer who wants to buy a Bad Boy.“ The lady behind me asked, “You can buy those?” Even though she was wearing a mask, I could detect a twinkle in her eyes and a big grin. Her response made us laugh; in times like these it’s good to join our hearts in laughter!
Later, I started thinking about what money could buy. No doubt about it, money buys a lot of things. We need a home, a vehicle, food, clothing, etc. But there are many crucial things we need that money absolutely cannot buy. We can’t buy love, peace of mind, health, grace, contentment, joy, fulfillment, hope, or salvation in Christ Jesus. These vital sources of life can’t be bought, but thank God they are free!
In John 10:10 NKJV, Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” An abundant life only comes through our Redeemer and Savior. You can’t buy it, but it’s free, and there’s no limit! It can be disappointing to go to a store that’s running a sale and discover they’re sold out; but that never happens with God. “Whosoever will” may come and find all of life’s resources readily available for the asking and receiving.
In John 14:6 NLT, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” Jesus is the key for what you need. His way, His truth, and the life you need to experience is found only in Him.
I have a piano sitting in my living room where I have taught students to play for over 25 years. There are 52 white keys and 36 black keys. If the pianist doesn’t play the correct keys together, the musical piece will be “out of tune” or have “sour notes.“ That’s exactly the way our lives are when we try to live it without Jesus. He is the key to abundant living. Life can be harsh in tough times, but life with Jesus is not hopeless.
In 1834, Edward Mote penned the lyrics to a hymn we still sing (because it’s still true): “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness… On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” As long as you’ve got King Jesus, you’ve got a song in the key of hope. If you don’t have Jesus, read the New Testament book of John and you’ll find Him. He is the key to unlocking the door to receiving all the vital sources of life that your heart is longing for.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul wrote: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NLT).
The Key: You can’t buy the truly vital things in life. However, they’re free to you when you receive Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior.