Monthly Archives: April 2021

Government, Kansas

Governor Vetos, Signs Bills

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Governor Laura Kelly Vetoes Divisive Voter Suppression Bills, Keeps Kansas Welcoming and Open for Business

~Governor Kelly also vetoes bills that would endanger children and deter families and businesses from moving to Kansas~

TOPEKA – Demonstrating her commitment to ensure that our state is welcoming to every Kansan and open for business, Governor Laura Kelly today vetoed the following:

House Bill 2183 and House Bill 2332

The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her vetoes of House Bill 2183 and House Bill 2332:

“Although Kansans have cast millions of ballots over the last decade, there remains no evidence of significant voter fraud in Kansas. This bill is a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. It is designed to disenfranchise Kansans, making it difficult for them to participate in the democratic process, not to stop voter fraud.

“We also know what happens when states enact restrictive voting legislation. Hundreds of major companies across the nation have made it abundantly clear that this kind of legislation is wrong. Antagonizing the very businesses Kansas is trying to recruit is not how we continue to grow our economy.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Substitute for House Bill 2183.”

House Bill 2058

The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2058:

“Throughout my time in public office, I have been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and of Kansans’ right to own firearms.

“But we can respect and defend the rights of Kansas gun owners while also taking effective steps to keep our children and families safe. Legislation that allows more guns on campus is neither safe nor effective, and it will drive prospective students away from our schools.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2058.”

House Bill 2166

The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2166:

“As long as I’m governor, I will do everything in my power to ensure that Kansas remains welcoming and inclusive. The Gadsden flag has become, over time, a symbol of racism and divisiveness. By inserting the Gadsden provision into an otherwise positive piece of legislation, the Legislature ensured a veto.

“The Legislature can easily pass and send me the original bill. If they do, I will sign it.

“Under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2166.”

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 27

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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: April 27, 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 – Road and Bridge Report
  • Lynne Oharah – Gilmore & Bell, Disclosure Compliance Services Proposal
  • Lynne Oharah – Gilmore & Bell, Notifying State Treasurer about Refinancing 2021a & 2021b bonds
  • Lynne Oharah – Mask Mandate
  • Elected Officials Comment
  • County Counselor Comment
  • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director – Gilmore & Bell Continuing Disclosure
  • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director – RFQ for Broker vs Consultant for bids on Property and Casualty, WC and Benefits
  • Public Comment

Anne Dare – Biden’s 30 x 30 Plan

  • 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.

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! April 23rd Weekly Newsletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
April 23rd Weekly Newsletter
Would you like to Donate for the Silent Auction?
Give us a call!
Fort Scott Chamber 620.223.3566
Great advertisement
for your business or
organization!
Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration
Thursday, April 29th
Last call for reservations!
Make yours today!
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
April until 30th ~ Poetry Contest hosted by Hedgehog.INK Bookstore. Click here to learn more about submission rules and deadlines.
4/23 – Friday Night Karaoke at The Boiler Room! 7 PM. The Boiler Room Brewhaus.2 S. National Ave.
Downtown Spring Clean Event (POSTPONED) until May 19th. Community volunteers welcome, contact Bailey Lyons, Chamber Downtown Division Chair, if interested in volunteering or you have project ideas, 620-224-7795.
4/23 -620 Baggerz Friday Night Cornhole League3-6pm until 11 pm. Anyone welcome!
River Room is not available this Friday, so this week’s league will be at the home of Kenny & Destiny Allen, 1916 Maple Rd. See the Facebook group for more details:
**** Normally Cornhole League is every Friday night at the River Room Event Center, above Luther’s BBQ at 3 W. Oak St., Cash bar available.
3 Divisions of Play: Advanced, Intermediate, and Novice
$10 per event to play, 80% payback to the 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Winners.
4/23 | 29 – Fort Scott Cinema Showtimes Now showing Godzilla VS. Kong, Firl who believes in Miracles and Voyagers. Click here to view showtimes.
4/23-24- Livestock Sale at the Fort Scott Livestock Market, both Friday & Saturday, click here for their FB page.
4/23-24 – Trolley Tours start for the season
50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott, leaving from the Chamber & Visitor Center Fridays (11 am,12pm 1pm and 2pm) & Saturdays (10am, 11 am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm) throughout the summer. $6 adults, $4 children.
4/23 – Kick-off of the Friday Night Concerts (this week @ Common Ground Coffee Co. due to weather) 7 pm, Common Ground Coffee Co. featuring “Bourbon County Revival with DJ Brown” playing a mix of Classic Rock, Country & Gospel music.
4/24 – Pickleball open play – everyone welcome, Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 8 to 10am. Click here to join the Fort Scott Pickleball FB Group for future updates.
4/24 -EKTEC Rodeo in Uniontown (Eastern Kansas Timed Event Circuit) Hosted at the Uniontown Arena by the Uniontown Saddle Club
4/24 -Trolley Tours, 50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm – $6 adults, $4 children 12 & under, leave from the Chamber/Visitor Center at 231 E. Wall St.
4/24 -EFSHS Talent Show & Miss(ter) FSHS Pageant, 7pm, click here for details.
4/27 – TheCity of Fort Scott presents Fort Scott Forward) Hosted at the River Room at 7:45 am, all are welcome for an update on happenings with the City of Fort Scott.
4/29 – Chamber Coffee hosted by Papa Don’s Pizza at 8 am.
4/29 – Aging with Attitude Virtual Expo, 9am-noon, click here for info.
5/1 – FSCC Graduation, congratulations to all of the graduates of Fort Scott Community College!
5/1 – Kansas Rocks Recreation Park Adopt-a-Trail Cleanup Day, visit www.ksrockspark.com for more info.
5/1 – Opening Day of Farmers’ Market, and this Saturday featuring the annual plant sale by the Bourbon County Garden Club, 8am to noon, Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort.
5/1 – Pickleball Spring Open Tournament, click here for all the details, hosted by Fort Scott Recreation Department.
5/1 – FREE Mommy & Me event at Laree & Co., Downtown Fort Scott, 10 am, click here for details.
5/1 – Boiler Room Brewhaus features Comedy Night, click here for all the details. Juan Some Grub food truck starts at 5pm, comedy 7:30pm.
5/1-2 – Hollister Shooting Range Open, 1st & 3rd weekends of each month.
LAST CALL TO RSVP
FOR THE ANNUAL DINNER!
THURSDAY, APRIL 29TH
CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER &
AWARDS CELEBRATION
CLICK HERE FOR INFO.!
MAY 7TH & 8TH
TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALE
IN FORT SCOTT ~ WE ARE NOW
TAKING REGISTRATIONS!
SAVE THE DATE ~ MAY 7th & 8th
SPRING TOWN-WIDE
GARAGE SALE!
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Downtown Fort Scott is booming!
Click here for Chamber member
specialty shopping & other retail in
Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN FS!
Many fitness options are available…
SPIN classesnow offered bySmallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15 pm, and Tu & Thurs at 6 pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.
Total Body Fitness ~ M & W Karen Reinbolt at BRCC@
8:15 am $20/8 week session.
Zumba~ M,W, F @ 6pm Monalynn Decker at BRCC $40 for a 12-week session.
Indoor Fitness/Gyms at
I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!
UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS!
WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
FORT SCOTT BUSINESSES!
REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS AD ON THE SPRING TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALE MAP!
WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE TROLLEY TOURS HAVE STARTED FOR THE SEASON SO OUR COMMUNITY, FAMILIES, GUESTS, AND FELLOW TRAVELERS CAN EXPERIENCE OUR SPECTACULAR HISTORIC SITES OF FORT SCOTT, KS!
…
Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott, Health Care

CHC Purchases Price Chopper Building

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The Price Chopper building.

 

It’s official.

The former Price Chopper building on south Main will be developed for a new site of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott.

CHC currently leases the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

 

“The sale has been finalized including an outparcel that was once being held for another development that didn’t materialize,” Krista Postai, CEO of CHC said. “So the entire building and parking lot is ours to develop.”

CHC paid $3,625,000 for the former grocery store that sits on the main thoroughfare of Fort Scott.

 

Krista Postai. Submitted photo.

CHC Closing On Price Chopper Building April 9

 

“The outparcel was immediately off US 69, near the sign,” Postai said.   “A very large chunk of the current parking lot.”

 

The future site is in a high-traffic area of Fort Scott, on U.S. Hwy. 69, with an address of 2322 S. Main Street.

 

The medical center will be making a large investment in the community.

 

“We estimate that when it’s all complete, we’ll have a $7 to $8 million investment including renovation and diagnostic equipment,” Postai said.

 

The project will be completed in less than two years, with the expiration of CHC’s current lease with Mercy ending in December 2022.

 

“We have less than two years to get it done so we’re jumping into the design phase,” Postai said.

 

CHC will be combining the clinic, walk-in care clinic and the pharmacy into the new development at 2322 S. Main.

 

“We did invite Via Christi Ascension to join us in this project but they indicated – very graciously – that they would need more time and were opting to remain in the existing Emergency Room in the Mercy Hospital Building (at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.) which is still owned by the Mercy Health System.:

 

“As they requested, we will be donating back the land and helipad Mercy gave us behind the hospital for new construction now that we have the Price Chopper Building finalized,” she said.

 

The former Price Chopper tenant was there for two years.

 

Barry Queen, Queen’s Price Chopper, is the former tenant of the building. The property owner was  AWG, he said.  “(The property) is 40,000 sq. feet. “We closed the store in January of 2019, we had opened in December of 2017.  However, getting all the equipment out, etc. all happened in 2020.”

Allergy Clinic Coming

Also new on the horizon is a regional allergy clinic CHC will be starting this summer, she said.

“We thought Ft. Scott would be a good location for access from throughout our north and south service area,” Postai said.

 

 

Opinion

Happiness by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap.

If you want happiness for a day, go fishing.

If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune.

If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody else.

A friend sent me that advice, and I agree. Most of my best memories involve me doing something for someone else, probably because the blessings are endless. Author/physician E. Dorinda Shelley wrote that doing for others helps us replace negative thoughts with happy feelings of gratitude and optimism. Last month, I helped make 250 sandwiches for the workers at the dump here in Mazatlán. My U.S. relatives and friends had donated hotel lotions, shampoos, etc., so I divided them up into 80 Ziploc bags and took them with me, as they are a highlight for the dump workers who spend 14 hours a day in the hot sun, scrounging for cardboard or plastic or metal. The bus was full of volunteers—ranging in age from six to…well, my age– wanting to be a part of the giving. I sat next to Lea, a petite 11-year-old who was vying for the “Snottiest Preteen in the World” contest. She gave new meaning to “making small talk” by responding to my attempt at conversation with one-word answers before turning her body to look out the bus window. Unlike me who has participated enough times that I have no need to be involved in the handouts, most people love to distribute a sandwich or an orange or a bottled water or my bags of goodies. The young gal in charge (her first time in this role) asked that everyone be given a chance to help. Greedy Greg had other plans. As soon as the bus stopped, G.G. bounded from the bus, blocking the doorway while playing hero to the workers. He and he alone would pass out the sandwiches. I was becoming more and more frustrated and finally spoke up to our guide. “Can’t some other people have a turn? I bet all these kids would love to hand out a sandwich” (meaning, of course, except for Lea who probably would hiss at or bite the workers). Our leader said nothing and let G.G. have his time to shine until, finally, a dad yelled out the bus window at G.G. to let others have a turn. By then there were about 25 sandwiches left. When the volunteers re-boarded the bus, Lea chose a different seat. Can I tell you how much fun I was NOT having? What happened to my “happy feelings of gratitude and optimism” replacing my “negative thoughts”?

They were right where they were last year when I didn’t help a young couple at the Walmart auto service department. They came in, dirty and needing to replace a shredded tire so they could continue on their trip. When they were heard the cost–$88.00—they told the lady behind the desk that they didn’t have that much money. And they left. And I watched them go. I had $88.00, but I did nothing. I just sat there, rationalizing my lack of charity, and I now can’t get that couple out of my unempathetic head.

Philippians 2:3: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves…

Jesus said that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and Paul writes in Hebrews that our sacrifices are pleasing to God. But God doesn’t stop by simply being “pleased.” He wants us to put others first, for then we end up being blessed, many times more than the recipient of our well-doing. (You know, that “happy feelings of gratitude and optimism” thing.) It’s a win-win undertaking, and one with eternal rewards.

Or so I’ve been told.

Government, Kansas

High Utility Bill Low-Cost Loans Available

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Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bill Providing Low-Cost Loans to Families, Businesses Experiencing High Utility Bills

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed Senate Bill 86, establishing the Kansas Extraordinary Utility Costs Loan Deposit Program to provide low-cost loans to Kansans experiencing increased utility bills due to the extreme cold temperatures in February 2021.

“Since extremely cold temperatures hit our state in February, my administration has worked with local and national partners to find solutions to provide relief to Kansas families and businesses experiencing surging utility costs,” Governor Kelly said. “This legislation is a critical step in our continued response – and I thank the Legislature and State Treasurer Lynn Rogers for their collaborative effort to get this bill to my desk.”

The loan program will be administered by the Kansas State Treasurer.

“I want to thank Governor Kelly for signing this bipartisan legislation into law today. This is critical and necessary for Kansas communities and businesses to fully recover from the extraordinary weather event in February as well as the pandemic we continue to endure,” State Treasurer Lynn Rogers said. “My staff and I are ready to move forward with rolling out the low-cost loan programs the first week of May.”

View SB 86 here.

Governor Kelly also signed the following pieces of bipartisan legislation into law:

House Bill 2208

House Bill 2208 enacts the Rural Emergency Hospital Act (Act) and creates a category of licensure to enable certain Kansas hospitals to receive federal health care reimbursement as rural emergency hospitals; establishes certification for certified community behavioral health clinics; authorizes licensed out-of-state physicians with telemedicine waivers to practice telemedicine in Kansas; and modifies licensure, temporary permit, and regulatory requirements on the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board and its licensees.

House Bill 2401

House Bill 2401 authorizes the Secretary of Corrections (Secretary) to enter into agreements for public-private partnerships for projects for new or renovated buildings at correctional institutions.

Government, Kansas

Governor Vetoes Transgender Sports Bill

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Governor Laura Kelly Vetoes Divisive Transgender Sports Bill, Keeps Kansas Welcoming and Open for Business

~Governor Kelly also vetoes bills that would wrongly take away constitutionally-endowed curriculum authority from the State Board of Education~

TOPEKA – Demonstrating her commitment to ensure that our state is welcoming to every Kansan and open for business, Governor Laura Kelly today vetoed the following:

Senate Bill 55

The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 55:

“This legislation sends a devastating message that Kansas is not welcoming to all children and their families, including those who are transgender – who are already at a higher risk of bullying, discrimination, and suicide.

“As Kansans, we should be focused on how to include all students in extracurricular activities rather than how to exclude those who may be different than us. Kansas is an inclusive state and our laws should reflect our values. This law does not do that.

“This bill would also undoubtedly harm our ability to attract and retain businesses. It would send a signal to prospective companies that Kansas is more focused on unnecessary and divisive legislation, than strategic, pro-growth lawmaking.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 55.”

House Bill 2089 and House Bill 2039

The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her vetoes of House Bill 2089 and House Bill 2039:

“The Kansas Constitution endows our state Board of Education with the authority to set the curriculum for our public schools. We should let the state Board of Education do that job, not the Legislature. This is legislative overreach. I encourage the Legislature to work with the State Board of Education to modify curriculum.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2089 and House Bill 2039.”

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

DOWNTOWN SPRING CLEAN DATE RESCHEDULED AGAIN

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The Downtown Division of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that the new date for the Downtown Spring Clean event, again due to weather, will be Wednesday, May 19th from 3 to 6 p.m, with painting of the artistic crosswalks at Wall and Main Streets taking place throughout the day.

Since Fort Scott Community College will be out for summer break, 100-plus student volunteers will not be able to participate. Because of this, the committee is asking for additional volunteers. Materials have been secured for multiple projects planned that will immediately benefit the Downtown area and this is an opportunity to complete work prior to the annual Good Ol’ Days celebration and the height of summer tourism. Businesses, churches, civic groups, and other individuals are encouraged to donate just a few hours of time and each volunteer will receive a FREE t-shirt and dinner the day of the event.

Community members interested in volunteering may signup through Bailey Lyons, Downtown Division Chair by phone 620-224-7795 or email [email protected].

***

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to add the state of Minnesota and the countries of Argentina, Aruba, Bahrain, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Sweden and Turkey.  The state of Connecticut and countries San Marino, Estonia and Jordan have been removed from the quarantine list.

A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine includes visitors and Kansans who have:

  • Traveled on or after April 22 to Minnesota or the countries of Argentina, Aruba, Bahrain, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Sweden and Turkey.
  • Traveled on or after April 8 to Pennsylvania or the countries of Andorra, Bermuda, Curacao, Poland, Serbia or Uruguay.
  • Traveled on or after March 26 to Delaware, Michigan or Rhode Island or the country of Hungary.
  • Traveled on or after March 12 to New Jersey or New York or the country of State of Palestine.
  • Traveled between April 8 – April 22 to Connecticut.
  • Traveled between March 26 – April 22 to Jordan.
  • Traveled between March 12 – April 22 to Estonia.
  • Traveled between Feb. 26 – April 22 to San Marino.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

The travel quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.

For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine)
  • Are within 6 months following receipt of the last dose in the series
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
  • Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.