Monthly Archives: March 2021

Fort Scott, Government

The FS Commission Special Meeting for Today, Updated

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Updated – The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to approve an ordinance to hire Robert L. Farmer as City Attorney. They will also hear a request for the use of Gunn Park on April 9th. Also, to be heard will be approval to apply to the Fort Scott Community Foundation Grant for roller skates.

This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.

Bourbon County, Government

Revised Agenda For Bourbon County Commission On March 23

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: March 23, 2021

 

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

    MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM.  ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING         WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK.  MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

 

Call to Order

   

    • Flag Salute
    • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
    • Eric Bailey/Will Wallis – Road and Bridge Report/Disaster 4449-KS Project Details and Total Summary
    • Lora Holdridge – 1989 Reappraisal Map
    • Resolution 15-21: Sewer District Bond Refinance
    • S & P Global Ratings Engagement Letter
    • Patrick Clift – Nelson Quarries, Base Rock for County Roads in Jayhawk Windfarm Area
    • County Counselor Comment
    • Public Comment
  • Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

          KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

          KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

          KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Government, Kansas

Beware of Utility Assistance Scams

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KCC warns consumers to beware of utility assistance scam

 

TOPEKA — The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has received reports that an individual, claiming to work for the KCC, is calling Kansans asking if they need assistance paying their natural gas bills. Not much information is currently available about these calls. However, the KCC wants to alert the public that any unsolicited call from a person claiming to be a KCC employee offering utility payment assistance is not legitimate. If you receive a call like this, please do not share any personal or financial information.

 

The KCC has a Consumer Protection Division that ratepayers can contact when they need assistance. The staff is available between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday by calling 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140 or sending an email to [email protected]. There is also a link to utility assistance programs on the KCC’s website at https://kcc.ks.gov/public-affairs-and-consumer-protection/utility-weatherization-related-assistance-programs.

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

Roll Up Sleeve Campaign For COVID-19 Eradication

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces One Million Doses Administered in Kansas; Launches “Roll Up Your Sleeve” Campaign

~ Over 23% of Kansans vaccinated with first dose of COVID-19 vaccine as the State of Kansas launches campaign to encourage additional vaccinations ~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas has administered over one million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and launched the “Roll Up Your Sleeves” campaign to share the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. This news comes on the heels of Governor Kelly’s announcement that the state will move into Phase 3 and Phase 4 today, March 22, 2021.

“We administered over one million doses and we’ll keep getting vaccines into arms so our kids can get back in the classrooms, Kansans can get back to work, and life can get back to normal” Governor Kelly said. “With the increased vaccine supply coming to Kansas, we are working to make sure every Kansan gets vaccinated. This vaccine campaign is designed to show every Kansas what the science has proven – that vaccines are safe and will protect all of us from COVID-19.”

The “Roll Up Your Sleeves” campaign will feature broadcast, cable, digital and radio ads. The ads, created by Topeka-based company MB Piland, feature local Kansans who are committed to their community. The campaign will run through the end of June. Ads will also be aired in Spanish.

Find the ads here.

Reminder: Starting today, Kansans in Phase 3 & 4 of the Vaccine Prioritization Plan are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Kansans will not be required to bring medical records or “proof” of their health condition. Instead, they will be asked to abide by the honor system and self-attest that they fall in Phase 3 & 4 based on the following:

  • Those aged 16 through 64 with serious medical conditions that increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including:
    • Cancer;
    • Down Syndrome;
    • Certain heart conditions;
    • Type 2 diabetes;
    • Other serious illnesses;
    • And pregnant women.
  • Those aged 16 through 64 with other medical conditions that increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19, such as:
    • Asthma;
    • Cystic fibrosis;
    • Liver disease;
    • Type 1 diabetes;
    • Neurologic conditions like dementia;
    • And other medical risks.
  • And other non-health care workers in critical infrastructure who cannot work remotely, including:
    • Agricultural and food workers not included in previous phases;
    • Workers performing in-person activities indoors;
    • Utility workers;
    • Social service and government workers not included in previous phases;
    • Logistics workers, such as truck transportation workers and couriers;
    • Water and wastewater workers;
    • Shelter, housing, and finance workers;
    • And information technology and communication workers.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines in Kansas and to find a local provider with vaccines available, please visit www.KansasVaccine.gov.

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Area News, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Government, Health Care

Chamber Coffee at Common Ground Coffee Hosted by NRMC

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Chamber Coffee to be hosted by Nevada Regional Medical Center

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that this week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Chamber member Nevada Regional Medical Center. The event will be held at 8am in the Loading Dock area of Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall St.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win special drawing from NRMC.

Attendees are strongly encouraged wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Council To Establish Coordination Between Education and Business Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Signs Advantage Kansas Executive Order to Improve Kansas’s Workforce

~Executive order establishes a coordinating council to establish cooperation and coordination between education and business communities~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order 21-08 to establish the Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council (AKCC) to improve Kansas’s workforce. Comprised of education and business leaders across the state, the AKCC will align education with state agencies and business needs to develop, retain, and attract talented Kansans into the workforce.

“As we recover from the pandemic, we must rebuild a stronger, healthier workforce that can meet the demands of our growing economy,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “The Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council will empower education and industry leaders to collaborate on long-term solutions, develop the most skilled workforce in the Midwestern region, and recruit new businesses to our state.”

“A well-trained workforce that meets the current and future needs of the state’s many industries is one of the top challenges the Kansas business community faces,” Alan Cobb, President and CEO of the Kansas Chamber said. “Creating “Advantage Kansas” is a significant step forward to addressing these hiring needs, but perhaps more importantly, this effort will provide more economic and professional opportunities for Kansas students graduating from Kansas high-schools, community colleges, technical colleges, four-year institutions or anyone attaining professional certifications. This public-private partnership will be key in ensuring our state’s education system is in sync with the future growth of our state’s economy, the workforce needs of employers, and our collective desire to keep Kansas students in Kansas.”

As outlined in E.O. #21.08, the AKCC will consist of members from the Governor’s office, State Board of Education, Kansas Department of Education, Kansas Board of Regents, Kansas Chamber, and others to create synergy between education, economic systems, and the Framework for Growth.

“This collaboration is strategically aimed at ensuring our state is future-focused, and future-ready,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Through efforts to align our workforce development efforts more closely with industry demand—and also our ability to support entrepreneurs and build a strong ecosystem for innovative companies to succeed in our state—we can make sure the future is built right here in Kansas.”

Goals outlined for the AKCC include:

  • Preparing workers for high-wage, high-demand, high skilled, critical need occupations;
  • Expanding public-private partnerships and strategies focused on access and equity to dual and concurrent enrollment;
  • Expanding industry driven youth and registered apprenticeship opportunities;
  • Conducting a comprehensive assessment of, and recommend targeted improvements in, the use of state and federal resources tied to workforce development, education, and training.

To read E.O. #21.08, click here.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt March 27 at 10 a.m.

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At the sound of the Fort Scott Fire Truck horn, children and parents in the pre-school division take off on the Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt in 2018.

An annual part of the ritual of spring is the Easter egg hunt.

This Saturday, March 27 at 10 a.m. that ritual in Fort Scott will be at Gunn Park, as in years past.  Ages for children who can participate are toddler through grade 5.

Parents can look for signs at the entrance of the park that will direct traffic to shelter house no. 2, which is located between the first and second lake.

The hunt is facilitated each year by the Fort Scott Kiwanis and support from the community.

“This event to me is our most fun event of the year,” Ralph Carlson, spokesman for Kiwanis, said. “To see  the excitement and joy on the faces of our children hunting Easter eggs and visiting with our Easter bunny is amazing.”

“I have been in the Kiwanis Club since 1969 and this Easter Egg Hunt was started before I became a member of the club,” Carlson said. ” Last year the hunt was at a later time of day so parents should pay attention to this earlier time of 10 a.m.”

“One might ask why we do this every year,” Carlson said.  “I am reminded of the 30 years or so the Fort Scott High School performed Handel’s Messiah at Easter time. We had a 500 voice choir, directed by Carl Clinesmith. The choir was so large that we performed from the elevated seating and the audience sat on the main floor facing the elevated seating.”

This, too, was an annual ritual for over 30 years, Carlson said.

“It’s a spring wake-up,” he said.

The Easter bunny,(aka Scott Flater) with friend Dan Meara in the 2009 egg hunt. Submitted photo.

Fort Scott Kiwanis has 27 members.

“The Kiwanis Club has help from our supporters, Big Sugar Lumber, Heidrick’s True Value, R and R equipment Inc., Don Spirits, Diehl Banwart and Bolton, Merle Humphrey, Fort Scott Cinema, Marsha’s Deli, McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, Papa Don’s, and Citizens Bank.”

Sponsors will be recognized at the egg hunt, he said.

“We could not do it without the dedicated and sustaining help from our friends,” Carlson said.

 

In 2018, the Easter bunny, portrayed by Carmen Flater, gets a little help from her husband, Scott, before appearing to the children.

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

FCE Starlite Minutes of March 18

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March 18, 2021 Minutes

 

The Starlite FCE held their March meeting at the Yeager Building at the Fairgrounds.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order.  The Pledge of Allegiance and Club Collect was led by Joyce Allen.  Eleven members were in attendance and reported twenty-one and half volunteer hours and that they had recycled fifty-five pounds of cardboard.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Doris Ericson presented the treasurers report.  Glenda Miller passed out membership lists and quizzed the club with a Saint Patrick’s Day green quiz.

 

Old Business consisted of the Easter Party for Tri-Valley.  Glenda Miller had prepared white bunny Easter Bags for the party.  Members provided candy, fruit snacks and snack crackers to fill their eggs and bunny bags.

 

New Business consisted of Walk Kansas.  Terri Williams announced that it will be starting March 28th with the theme of Move your Way, Make every Bite Count.  Six members signed up to precipitate in the Cross-Country challenge, which has each person exercising for four hours a week.  It was also announced that the garden club will be having a plant sale the first Saturday in May at the Farmers Market.

 

It was discussed whether to have the Spring Social within the County only since the District will not be having one.  It was decided to forgo it this year.  Deb Lust moved the Starlite donate $60 to the open class Fair premiums, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

Deb Lust announced that the Fort Leavenworth VA will be in Fort Scott Monday to give out the Johnson and Johnson Covid shot to Veterans.

Doris Ericson Moved that the meeting be adjourned, Letha Johnson seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.

 

After the meeting Glenda Miller presented the program of Decluttering: For a Better Life.  She presented many practical ways to sort through items.

 

Saint Patrick’s Day refreshments of brownie bites, sandwiches, nuts and water were provided by Joyce Allen and Glenda Miller and enjoyed by all.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for March 23

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: March 23, 2021
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2ndDistrict-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rdDistrict-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING
WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
Call to Order
Flag Salute
Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
Eric Bailey/Will Wallis – Road and Bridge Report/Disaster 4449-KS Project Details and Total
Summary
Lora Holdridge – 1989 Reappraisal Map
Resolution 15-21: Sewer District Bond Refinance
County Counselor
Public comment
Commission comment
Opinion

God’s beeline to you

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Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom – Carolyn Tucker

 

Several years ago I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I was fiddling around in the fencerow and made a bumble bee ferociously mad. He stung me; I took off running, and he came after me, stinging me again and again. I didn’t waste time zigging and zagging as I flew past my in-law’s back door and ran around to the front door. I didn’t bother to knock or ring the door bell either. I barged in and slammed the door, leaving the mad bee behind me. My nephew was standing in the kitchen grinning, because he’d witnessed my 100-yard dash. Dakota was really amused by my ability to streak fully clothed past the back window. And I was shocked at how relentless that bumble bee was in stinging me. He obviously hated my guts and didn’t even know me!

The definition of beeline is: (1) a direct route traveled quickly; (2) to go directly and quickly toward someone or something. I like to think about the fact that God is making a beeline toward me when I call on Him. “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1a NKJV). Believers have a marvelous privilege in belonging to God. Even though circumstances may sometimes be challenging, we can live with assurance and hope in His faithfulness and unfailing love. God is for us in Christ, and this is the gospel in a nutshell.

Nothing can keep those who belong to Christ from receiving the benefits of God’s love. “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38,39 NKJV). It would be to our spiritual advantage if we would meditate on these verses until we really grabbed ahold of the truth of God’s fervent love for us.

Most parents understand that it’s their responsibility and privilege to supply the needs of their children. Those needs come in the form of love, protection, spiritual training, nurturing, discipline, teaching, etc. Almighty God is above and beyond earthly parents, but He is our heavenly Father and He desires to demonstrate his love and provide for all of our needs. “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NKJV). Jesus has already gone through hell and high water for us, so we shouldn’t be shy in asking for God’s help in whatever capacity we need. Life is like a book with lots of chapters and each one is different. You may need a financial miracle today, but next year you’ll need something else. Just keep in mind that God has an unbeaten track record of doing what others say can’t be done.

When God steps in and really shows off in my life, I feel like the Israelites when they traveled in the wilderness for 40 years. They followed the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. They were never left on their own because the cloud and fire symbolized God‘s presence. God went ahead of them and made a way when there seemed to be no way. All their needs were met — He supplied their food, and their clothes and sandals didn’t even wear out.

Key: God will make a beeline to you if you‘ll ask; just make sure you’ve slammed the door on the devil.