The City of Fort Scott City Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, January 18th, 2021 in observance of the Martin Luther King Day holiday. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 19th, 2021.
Monthly Archives: January 2021
USD234 Press Release of Jan. 11 BOE Meeting
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, January 11, 2021
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, January 11, 2021, 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 – December 18, 2020 – $1,425,514.45
D. Financial Report
E. Activity Fund accounts
Board members heard reports from building principals and Dalaina Smith, Director of Academics.
In addition, Superintendent Hessong gave a KSDE update, discussed vaccine distribution, negotiations update, the USD 234 COVID-19 Attendance Dashboard update, and recognized school board members for their service for January School Board Recognition Month.
Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, presented a report on CARES funds, quarantine and COVID-19 leave, payroll and finance work, and upcoming negotiations.
Board members approved the following items:
· Health insurance rates for 2021
· A resolution to establish election of school board officers
· A resolution to set board meeting dates for 2021
· Board policy updates
Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting
The board approved the following employment matters:
A. Early retirement request from Kyle Parks, high school vocational agriculture teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
B. Early retirement request from Martha Clements, middle school history/geography teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
C. Early retirement request from Patricia Giltner, middle school language arts/reading teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
D. Early retirement request from Ronda Peterson, middle school math teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
E. Early retirement request from Donna Davis, Winfield Scott special education teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
F. Early retirement request from Leslie McDonald, Winfield Scott counselor, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
G. Early retirement request from Lois Herman, Eugene Ware technology teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
H. Retirement of Sondra Ruhl, Eugene Ware special education teacher, effective August 1, 2021
I. Resignation of Mariela Rico, athletic trainer, effective January 24, 2021
J. Leave of absence for Brooklyn Newell, Winfield Scott kindergarten teacher
K. Adjustment of work schedule for Judy Warren, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, from five days per week to two days per week; employment of Laura Gulley as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional for three days per week
L. Termination of Allison Nighswonger, high school paraprofessional, effective December 15, 2020
M. Employment of Baylee Newman as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year
N. Employment of Lucretia Olsen as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year
O. Employment of Aaron Shockley as a mentor teacher for the 2020-21 school year
P. Employment of Mary Jo Harper as the high school musical music director; employment of Taylor Qualls as a high school second play assistant; removal of the high school after-school choir position; employment of Whitley Chesney for the high school vocal presentations position for the 2020-21 school year
Q. Removal of the middle school after-school choral club position for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year
R. Employment of Whitley Chesney for the middle school vocal presentations position for the 2020-21 school year
S. Extension of Superintendent Hessong’s contract through the 2022-23 school year
T. Retirement of RoAnn Blake, Eugene Ware third grade teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
The board adjourned.
Obituary of James McNeley
James R. McNeley, 89, of Fort Scott, passed away Friday evening, January 8, 2021, at the Girard Medical Center. He was born December 30, 1931, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Loren “Bud” and Alice (Cotter) McNeley.
He married Madelyn Picht on December 26, 1953, in the Presbyterian Church parlor. She preceded him in death January 24, 2011.
Jim attended Fort Scott schools and St. Andrews Episcopal Church, where he sang in the church choir. He later served four years in the US Navy. With his father, they operated McNeley Power Equipment Company for many years. Jim studied for the ministry and became a priest and later the Bishop, in the Anglican Catholic Church. He served in the church in Fort Scott and later in Kansas City. After retirement, he attended All Saints Anglican Church in Chicopee, Kansas.
Jim is survived by two daughters, Gina (Jack) Karleskint of Fort Scott, and Mary Katherine McNeley of Grant’s Pass, Oregon; six grandchildren, Matthew (Kati) Karleskint, Doug (Kyla) Karleskint, Michael Karleskint, Aaron Stetz, Leif Stetz, and Meghan Stetz, and five great-grandchildren, Alli, Lilli, Graci, Jadin, and Jackson Karleskint.
In addition to his wife Madelyn, Jim was also preceded in death by his parents.
Services for Bishop McNeley will be held at a later date with burial at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to All Saints Anglican Church and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Star Emporium Downtown General Store to Open Next Week
The Star Emporium Downtown General Store, 17 S. Main, a new grocery store offering specialty and private label products, will open on January 18 at 7:30 a.m., according to Bill Michaud with BAJA Investments.
Michaud is the owner of the business.
“One week is left before we introduce ourselves to the public,” Michaud said. “We’re excited too, although it’s tough to tell because we’re all growing tired due to the long hours and many tasks that we see still between us and being ready to open.”
The hours of the store will be 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, on Sunday hours are from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
“We are going to try to carry as many products as feasible to give shoppers as much variety as we can,” Michaud said.
“We are going to open with about 2/3 as many items as we expect to have down the road,” he said. “We will grow our offering in the next several months to meet the needs of our regular customers.”
The store will feature a salad bar and deli that utilizes many fresh local ingredients, he said.
“The salad bar and deli will also open on the 18th,” he said. “The deli will offer build-your-own deli sandwiches with our unique selection of deli meats and cheeses and a variety of bread alternatives. The salad bar will have about 30 salad topping and ingredient options including signature house ranch and vinaigrette dressings.”
Currently, the store has 62 feet of freezer space, a basic selection of dairy and cheese items, produce, along with both fresh and frozen meats,” Michaud said.
The store general manager is Travis Patrick. He said 10 employees are needed and eight have been hired currently.
The phone number of the store is (620) 644-4414. For more information see its’ Facebook page.
BAJA Investments was granted SPARK funds in the amount of $450,000 for the project. SPARK grants were a part of the monies given Kansas from the federal government to help with the on-going effects of COVID-19.
k-State Extension Resources Available
Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District, Director & Agent
Kansas State University provides you with research-based information through many avenues. Locally, your contact is the Southwind Extension District in Erie, Ft. Scott, Yates Center and Iola. Hundreds of publications and fact sheets, written by K-State researchers and specialists, are available through the university’s Publications Library, www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/ Another alternative is to research the information provided on the Southwind website, www.southwind.k-state.edu/ In 2021, we are working toward making more information and resources available to you in a digital format – but that initiative is a work in progress!
Not all of our services can be found on the internet. One of the most utilized resources is soil testing. K-State Research & Extension can test soil for $13 per sample or $11 apiece for two or more. Soil testing is recommended for gardeners, farmers, testing for lawn & turf problems, or pasture management. Feed and forage testing is also offered. The only way to know for certain the quality of the feed is to get a lab analysis of it, to take a forage test. A forage test may run from $12-24 per sample, depending on what you want the sample tested for. Other tests that are available include Radon Test Kits ($7) and Water Quality Testing resources.
The 2021 Chemical Weed Control Guide arrived in our offices last week and provides suggestions for chemical weed control in most major row crops and pastures. It offers recommendations, and guidelines for crop specific chemicals to ensure you are using the best product for the situation.
This time of the year, we sell quite a few Farm and Family Account Books ($4.50 – $8.50). If you haven’t made the transition to computerized record keeping, this resource allows for an accurate accounting of your finances in a form that makes completing taxes easier.
Have you ever wondered what that unidentified pest or plant lurking around your home may be, or even how you can get rid of it? The Extension Office has expertise and resources available to identify pests that are common to our area and in Kansas. This includes home and crop insects, weeds, and various plants. We can also provide information on how to remove or control the pest, depending on your situation.
One of our “best kept secret” products that we offer for sale are odor neutralizers. Ecosorb ($28) is used in numerous homes, farm and industrial/commercial applications. Most of our clients seek this product to control the odor from fuel spills, mold smell, or skunk sprays. Neutroleum Alpha ($38) is a concentrated product utilized in a similar fashion to control strong odors. Because it is a concentrate, it can be used in a larger area.
Extension publications are very accessible to the public, and most are free if you pick them up in the Extension Office. The Kansas Garden Guide is a popular publication that is available for only $6. If you are looking for resources on planning a garden, seeding & planting, or details about a specific crop, this publication is a must-have. Extension offers many, many publications on home gardening so please stop by if you are looking for something specific.
Area farmers and ranchers often utilize the Kansas Performance Tests for various crops to determine which varieties will grow best in this area of the state. Next month, the 2021 Hybrid Reports for Corn, Soybeans, and Grain Sorghum will become available in the Extension Office. This is in addition to the Wheat Seed Book that is always available in late summer after wheat has been harvested and data collected.
As a consumer, you have many options for finding the answers to your questions. By choosing to use the Extension Service, you can be sure you are getting research-based, unbiased information. We encourage you to use the Southwind Extension District Offices in Erie, Ft. Scott, Yates Center and Iola to help answer your questions. For the latest information, please like our Facebook page, ‘Southwind Extension District’ or you can find us on the web, www.southwind.k-state.edu/
Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Jan. 11
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Jan. 12
Senator Moran’s Newletter Jan. 11, 2021
Condemning the Violence & Destruction at the U.S. Capitol
The violence and destruction that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday was completely unacceptable and unpatriotic, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. It was a sad day for our nation, and it was an unwelcome reminder that our democracy is fragile.
I extend my sincere gratitude to all the law enforcement officers who worked to keep all congressional members and staff safe during the breach. My deepest sympathies are with the family, friends and colleagues of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick who gave his life defending our U.S. Capitol and our democracy. We must never forget his sacrifice and work to quickly bring to justice those responsible for his death and the harm caused to other law enforcement officers. My heart also goes out to the family and friends of Officer Howard Libengood who died on Saturday after serving as a Capitol Police officer for 15 years.
God Bless the U.S. Capitol Police and our law enforcement officers.
Certifying the Electoral College
On Tuesday, I released the following statement regarding the joint session of Congress to count the results of the Electoral College:
“I am a conservative Republican. Therefore, I must strictly adhere to the United States Constitution. The Constitution clearly limits the role of Congress with respect to presidential elections to the counting of electoral votes that have been certified by the states. The states, consistent with the principles of federalism and a limited national government, possess the sole authority to determine and submit their electors. To vote to reject these state-certified electoral votes would be to act outside the bounds of the Constitution, which I will not do.
President Trump had every right under the Constitution to challenge the results of the election in the courts, and I publicly supported his right to do so given the allegations and reports of irregularities and fraud. But in every instance, the judgments were clear, and no judge or Supreme Court justice – including those appointed by President Trump – determined there was evidence sufficient to change the results of the election.
Support of the institutions and legal processes established in the Constitution by those who founded this exceptional American Republic are necessary to preserve our most cherished American values. Voting to object to the electoral process without a constitutional basis to do so may be expedient and lead to short-term political benefits for some, but would risk undermining our democracy – which is built upon the rule of law and separation of powers. No victory for one’s cause today can be worth what we would lose tomorrow.
On Wednesday evening, following the events and violence that befell the U.S. Capitol during these constitutionally-mandated proceedings, my Senate colleagues and I returned to the House chamber to finish the counting of the Electoral College votes. At 3:40 a.m. EST, Vice President Pence announced the state of the vote for the 2020 Presidential election, certifying President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 Presidential Election.
Convening the 117th Congress
This past Sunday, January 3, 2021, Congress officially convened for its 117th session, an event that has taken place every two years since America’s first official Congress commenced in 1789. Newly elected members took their oaths of office to defend and uphold our Constitution, serve their fellow Americans, their states and districts.
Legislation to Improve the Lives of Veterans Signed into Law
On Tuesday, the President signed into law the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. This comprehensive legislation is the culmination of more than two years of bipartisan work, with input from our veteran service organizations, dozens of senators and members of the House and our partners at the VA. This legislation combines more than 34 separate bills to address veterans’ needs across a wide range of benefits and services.
This law invests in the GI Bill and economic opportunities for veterans so they can realize the American dream they fought to defend on our behalf. This includes preserving education benefits during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as expanding job training programs for veterans pursuing technology careers. This legislation will also give VA the tools it needs to serve veterans at risk of homelessness during the pandemic and increase legal protections for veterans receiving benefits and care from VA. It also includes provisions from the Deborah Sampson Act , a landmark bill that makes it clear that women who serve their country in the armed forces must have a VA that is as effective for them as it is for men who have served.
Enacting this law is another step in the ongoing efforts to ensure that veterans receive the right benefits and the right care at the right time in order to maximize their ability to achieve success after service. I look forward to this law being faithfully implemented by the VA, and I commit to monitoring their progress in that effort.
Speaking with Department of Defense Secretary Nominee Lloyd Austin
This week, I met virtually with General (Retired) Lloyd Austin, President-Elect Biden’s nominee for Secretary of Defense. We spoke specifically about the role Kansas plays in defense manufacturing and technology research, as well as Kansas’ military bases and research facilities. I was pleased to hear that General Austin has existing relationships with some of our Kansas military leaders, including Lieutenant General James Rainey, the commander of the Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, and Brigadier General Douglas Sims, commander of the First Infantry Division and Fort Riley. He also spoke fondly of former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, a great Kansan I hold in high regard. My Senate colleagues and I will continue to learn more about General Austin during his confirmation hearings in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here . You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C. office.
Very truly yours,
Senator Jerry Moran
Wind Energy Production Recognition For Kansas
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas Receives National Recognition for Wind Energy Production, Capacity
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the state of Kansas has once again been recognized as a national leader in wind energy, with Business Facilities Magazine noting lofty rankings for Kansas when compared to all other states, and awarding an Honorable Mention to the Grain Belt Express project in the magazine’s Deal of the Year competition.
According to Business Facilities’ 2020 State Rankings, Kansas was:
1. No. 1 in percentage of energy generated by wind
2. No. 4 in Aerospace
3. No. 4 in installed wind power capacity
“I’m pleased that these national accolades have confirmed what Kansans have known to be true – our state is a driving force when it comes to wind power expansion, development, and innovation in our country,” Governor Kelly said. “I thank all the hardworking Kansans across the state who put in the work to make this possible. My administration will continue to support wind power initiatives that will not only allow us to maintain our top-tier rankings, but also create jobs and boost economic development statewide.”
In 2020, Kansas reclaimed the top spot it held in 2018 in percentage of energy generated by wind, as it was No. 2 in 2019 behind Iowa. Kansas also increased its installed wind power capacity significantly in 2020 in claiming the fourth-place spot.
Due to its significant economic impact and benefit, the Grain Belt Express was honored by Business Facilities Magazine with an Honorable Mention award in its national Deal of the Year competition. A new, 800-mile transmission line connected to the Grain Belt Express is expected to bring $8 billion in investment and thousands of jobs to Kansas.
According to Business Facilities, 2020 was one of most competitive years for the Deal of the Year competition, with economic development projects from across the nation submitted and judged by an expert panel of independent site consultants and real estate executives.
Grain Belt Express, owned and developed by Invenergy Transmission, has created a renewable energy project that promises to deliver significant advantages in access to affordable energy, and added infrastructure for broadband. According to an analysis on behalf of the company, this expansion will create up to $7 billion in electricity cost savings for Kansas and Missouri consumers by 2045.
“The Grain Belt Express project reflects our state’s commitment to smart renewable energy and aggressive economic growth, and I’m grateful to Business Facilities for including this exciting project on their list of the nation’s top successes,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “We’re on a roll in Kansas, and our team is proud to demonstrate the many ways Kansas is the nation’s best place to do business. We’ll be back competing for still more accolades that reflect Kansas’ position at the best place in the nation to do business.”
The Grain Belt Express will begin in southwest Kansas and wind through Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. Energy savings will result from the Grain Belt Express transmission line’s direct access to one of the country’s strongest and lowest-cost wind energy resources in western Kansas. This projected energy cost savings is in addition to the $8 billion in economic investment in Kansas associated with Grain Belt Express.
To see the full list of Business Facilities’ 16th Annual State Rankings Report, click here. The full list of Deal of the Year winners can be found on Business Facilities’ website here.
About Grain Belt Express
Grain Belt Express is an approximately 800-mile high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line being developed by Invenergy Transmission. It will deliver up to 4,000 megawatts (MW) of low-cost, homegrown clean energy from western Kansas to millions of Americans in the Midwest and other regions. Learn more at: www.grainbeltexpress.com
About the Kansas Department of Commerce
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, nationwide and worldwide. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.
Jayhawk Wind Project in Final Development Stage
Jayhawk Wind, the wind energy project in Bourbon County, is in the final stages of development, according to Apex Clean Energy Inc., the developer and owner.
“As contemplated, Apex will need to secure a project sponsor to build Jayhawk Wind, and we believe the project is very well-positioned to do so,” Apex Public Engagement Manager Patrick Chilton said ” We are currently progressing discussions with a potential project sponsor, and we know that Jayhawk Wind is a strong project with proven positive attributes for investors. Apex Clean Energy has a long track record of successfully commercializing its projects, and we look forward to adding Jayhawk Wind to that list.”
“If we are able to secure this partnership, it will allow us to begin project construction in the coming months,” Chilton said.
Jayhawk Wind is located in southwestern Bourbon County and northwestern Crawford County, he said, with about 80% of the project facilities located in Bourbon County, between the areas of Porterville and Hiattville.
To view the Jayhawk Wind project boundaries:
“Once construction begins, we will establish a construction laydown yard off the highway and begin upgrading county roads that will be used during the construction phase,” Chilton said. ” We expect that foundations will be excavated later this year, and turbines will begin arriving late summer or early fall. We hope that construction will be complete by the end of the year.”
Maps of the current draft of the project’s design are located in the Girard office at 124 E. Forest Ave.
“Final maps will also be shared with the public when they are ready,” Chilton said. “Once project construction begins, we expect it will take about nine months to reach commercial operation.”
History of the project in Bourbon County
“Apex started developing Jayhawk Wind in 2016 and have continued to develop the project since,” Chilton said. ” In March 2020, the project entered into agreements with Bourbon County, which were updated in the fall of 2020. Since then, we have been working diligently to finalize the required approvals and complete all necessary research and surveys to inform the final project.”
“Despite the challenges of the past year, we made substantial progress in 2020 at Jayhawk Wind,” said Julianna Pianelli, development manager for Jayhawk Wind. “I’m excited about what 2021 will bring, and I am looking forward to completing the final steps to bring this important economic development opportunity to Bourbon and Crawford counties.”
Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet Jan. 12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kansas DCF and KDADS Are Combined
Governor Laura Kelly Proposes Agency Reorganization to Aid Vulnerable Kansans
~Governor Kelly to Combine DCF and KDADS to Create Department of Human Services~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced her intent to once again submit an executive reorganization order (ERO) to the Kansas Legislature creating the Kansas Department of Human Services (KDHS). The new agency will include the current programs at the Department for Children and Families (DCF) and the Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS).
“Creating the Department of Human Services ensures Kansas families and individuals have easier access to critical services and improves engagement between our service centers, clients, and local stakeholders by creating a single point of entry for those accessing a variety of needs,” Governor Kelly said. “Through this ERO, my administration reaffirms our commitment to ensuring vulnerable Kansans have someone advocating for them in Topeka.”
Programs in the new agency will include:
1. Adult protective services
2. Adult behavioral health
3. Long-term services and supports
4. Economic supports
5. Employment supports
6. Children’s mental health supports
7. Child protective services
8. Foster care
9. Prevention
10. Licensing, credentialing, survey and certification
11. Larned State Hospital
12. Parsons State Hospital
13. Osawatomie State Hospital
14. Kansas Neurological Institute
Current Secretary of DCF and KDADS, Laura Howard, will lead the new KDHS.
“This is not going to be business as usual,” Secretary Howard said. “This new combined agency provides us the opportunity to modernize systems for youth, families, and the elderly. KDHS means less bureaucracy standing between clients and the services they need.
“I look forward to collaborating with communities across the state to guarantee individuals have seamless access to the supports and services they need to achieve their goals and to make sure we are walking alongside families as they address their challenges head-on.”
Governor Kelly will submit the ERO to the legislature on Jan. 21. The ERO becomes effective on July 1, following its transmittal to the legislature, unless within 60 calendar days of transmittal, either the Senate or House adopts a resolution disapproving it.