USDA Invests $615,000 in four Kansas towns to Increase American Biofuel Availability

TOPEKA, Kan., Apr. 22, 2021 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Acting State Director for Kansas Dan Fischer today announced that USDA is investing $615,000 through a grant to increase American ethanol and biodiesel availability. These funds were made available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP).

Investments made through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program help both our agriculture and energy sectors,” said Fischer. “Today’s investments help to expand infrastructure that will encourage the use of biofuels – increasing the possibility of energy security for years to come. Investments in higher blends infrastructure also helps provide stability for rural feedstock producers. USDA is dedicated to the economic prosperity of rural America; because when rural America prospers, all of America prospers.”

Background:

USDA is investing $18.4 million in 20 states through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to build infrastructure to help expand the availability of higher-blend renewable fuels. The HBIIP program helps give consumers more environmentally-friendly fuel choices when they fill-up at the pump.

This specific USDA grant will be used to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels. This project will add and replace 33 dispensers and 4 storage tanks at four Triplett fueling stations located in Colby, Russell, Hays, and Goodland. This project will increase the amount of ethanol sold by over 7 million gallons per year. The purpose of this funding program is to assist owners of transportation fueling and fuel distribution facilities to expand the sales and use of ethanol and biofuel.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page. Follow us on Twitter at @RurDev_Kansas.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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Obituary of Jeanine Wyatt

Jeanine Wyatt, age 61, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born August 30, 1959, in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of Clark D. Holt and Jean Feagins Holt. She married David Joe Wyatt on June 19, 1978, at Cañon City, Colorado. Jeanine retired from Carlisle Manufacturing in Ft. Scott. She enjoyed going to garage sales, playing cards with her mother, fishing, camping and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of the Community of Christ Church

Survivors include her husband, Joe, of the home; her five children, Desa Webb (Rick), of Ft. Scott, D. J. Wyatt (Mary), of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Robert Wyatt, Shawn Wyatt (Krista) and Candice Wyatt (Andrew), all of Ft. Scott; twenty-one grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her parents, Dale and Jean Wheeler of Ft. Scott her siblings, Robert Holt (Terrie), of Cañon City, Colorado, JR Wheeler (Rocky), of Ballard, Missouri, Vickie Marsh (Terry), of Ft. Scott, Renae Russell (Rock), of Denver, Colorado and Deanna Show (Frank), Pleasanton, Kansas. She was preceded in death by a sister, Sherrie Diane and two grandchildren, Zachary Lee Loden and Kamrynn Rae Wyatt.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, April 27th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Following services, there will be cremation and a private burial will take place in the Centerville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 666701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Freedom Farm: Next Generation of Family Farms

Free-range chicken is a meat product grown by Freedom Farms. Photos submitted by Gary Palmer.
Gary and Kylene Palmer are the owners of  Freedom Farms, located at 1863 Eagle Rd, Fort Scott.
“WE LOVE FOOD!!!, Gary said.  “We eat a lot, with a family
of six. With eating being one of the things we do most, just like many of you, our minds began to wonder about the nutritional value of the
food we eat.”
So after research and thought, the  couple decided to start raising and producing some of their own food, he said
“We have been raising our own cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens for several years to provide healthy, great tasting meat for our
family,” he said.  “This way, we know exactly what is (and
what is not) in our food.”
“We take much comfort in knowing where our food comes from,” he said.  “We believe other people would too!”
They strive for a healthy option for the animal and themselves, Gary said.  “We take great pride in giving our animals the best life possible. They are treated as part of our family. Our dream is to work as a family to share this with others.”
Ground lamb is one of the meat products grown at Freedom Farm. Photo by Gary Palmer.
Currently, the Palmers offer free-range farm fresh eggs, whole, and packaged chicken, lamb, and goat meat.
“Our eggs are currently available at the Downtown Star Emporium,” he said. “We hope to offer meat there in the near future.  We are licensed with the state of Kansas and candle and inspect every egg sold in the grocery store.”
The egg label shows Grade: AA Size: Large and the Package Date. Photo by Gary Palmer.
“Since our eggs go from free-range to package quickly we can grade them AA,” Gary said. ” To my knowledge, we are the only provider of Grade: AA eggs in town. Each egg is inspected and approved by hand.”
Gary, along with his wife, Kylene, and their four daughters currently operate the farm.
Gary and Kylene Palmer and their four daughters. Submitted photo From left to right: .Lexi Marchiano, Jentry Palmer, Kylene Palmer, Gary Palmer, Riley Marchiano, Sadie Marchiano
  Gary is a Fort Scott native and second-generation farmer and entrepreneur in business.  Gary’s parents, Ron and Shirley Palmer,  have a farm and raised beef and sheep while Gary was growing up.
Kylene is from the Hume and Nevada area originally, and her parents Stephen and Jeanette Zinn had a small farm and raised pigs while she was young.
  Together Gary and Kylene purchased a farmstead adjacent to Gary’s parent’s farm shortly after they married.
 “Freedom Farms is a constant work in progress and we have been working diligently to upkeep both Palmer’s farms,” Gary said.

There are many dreams yet to happen.

Continue reading Freedom Farm: Next Generation of Family Farms

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Special Meeting April 16

April 16, 2021                                                Friday 8:30 am (Special Meeting)

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special Commission meeting, all three of the Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk were present.

 

Also present were the following, Anne Dare and Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker.

 

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship for possible litigation, the subject to be discussed is BWERKS, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 8:44 am, Clifton seconded and all approved (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks).  At 8:44 am, Lynne made a motion to return to the Commission room and resume the normal meeting; he said the results of the session were a motion to give Counselor Meeks permission to contact Mr. Reynolds on a BWERKS issue, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Lynne made a motion to seek outside counsel to handle any actual or ongoing issues concerning BWERKS, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne said that there was a BEDCO meeting last night and BWERKS was on the agenda; he said that BEDCO has been modeled after Thrive Allen County and that the board had voted to incorporate BWERKS into their operation.  Lynne said this was proposed by him to transfer BWERKS over to BEDCO.  He said that BEDCO will run BWERKS now and after 12/31/2021 they will need to meet again to transfer the BWERKS assets over to BEDCO.

 

At 8:47, Jim made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

April 20, 2021, Approved Date

 

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 13

April 13, 2021                                                Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

 

Also present were the following, (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting); Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Susan Bancroft, Bill Martin, Ben Cole, Mark McCoy, Anne Dare, Kim Simons and Mary Pemberton.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous Commission meeting, Jim seconded and all approved and signed the minutes.

 

Lynne made a motion to approve a culvert permit for Dale Bollinger on Grand Road, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey reported they had hauled off scrap metal from the Landfill last week.  He said he is getting some interest in the telephone poles there.

 

Eric said they were doing pothole patching last week on Maple as well as in the Garland area, he said they will be doing this on Maple west of 3 Highway today.

 

Eric discussed the low water crossing at 60th & Grand; he said they replaced the metal tube, they are putting rebar in and poured the footing and slab there.

 

After repairs were made, they are crushing at the Beth Quarry again today.

 

Eric said the bridge west of the 7 & 39 junction is closing this week and KDOT has planned alternate routes; Eric said the County is surveying the roads in case there is excessive traffic on the County roads and damage occurs.

 

Windmills – Eric said the company is working on 3 & 39 Highway on the South and West side capping the roads, he said they are 20+% complete.  Eric said there was a dust issue this morning and said water was being put down on the roads and they were getting the trucks to slow down.  He said on 20th North of 39 Highway they are seeing some rutting.  The company has been cleaning dirt and mud off of the roads.

 

Eric said he has located some trucks on Purple Wave to replace the one that was wrecked; the Commissioners questioned the kind, miles, year of the trucks, Eric said he would find out the data.

 

Jim said the County did a great job working on a ditch he reported; Jim said he has been emailing or texting road issues to Eric and said Eric is doing a good job fixing the problems.

 

Eric said they have been ditching @ 105th & Quail Road.

 

 

Lynne reported water going through the road in an area of Unity ½ mile west of 105th.

 

Lynne said he would like to set up a group of individuals to work with him and others including Rene’ Ludwick to identify activities for under privileged kids; Clifton thought it was important to involve Tom Robertson from Buck Run in this and Jim suggested involving the school counselors in this.  Jim said he had his blessing to pursue this.

 

Lynne said he would be working with SEK Regional Planning Commission regarding the CDBG grant.

 

Jim Harris said the Consolidate Rural Water District #2 had contacted him requesting assistance with a grant, Jim made a motion for Lynne to contact BEDCO for help with the application process and said they were in support of the grant application for Rural Water District #2, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne discussed the approximate $90,000 bill for the repairs to the front steps of the Courthouse; Lynne asked if they wanted to pay this out of General or out of the 1 cent jail sales tax, Justin verified that they could use the jail sales tax for this expense.  Clifton suggested if they have other money in the General fund to use they should use it instead of using the jail sales tax money.  Clifton made a motion to pay the bill out of the General fund, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne said he had received phone calls regarding the SEK Multi County Health Department; he said the other 3 counties that are a part of the SEK Multi County Health Department are staying with the SEK Multi County Health Department and said if Bourbon County didn’t stay they wouldn’t be able to do this since rely on the money from Bourbon County’s participation.  Jim said he didn’t think Bourbon County wanted to abandon the Health Department, but questioned if anyone had ever done a study to do a stand-alone health department on our own?  Clifton suggested this cost would be well over $200,000.  Clifton said CHC had been working to try to provide this service to us, Jim said a lot of people use the Multi County Health Department for health services and said he didn’t want to cut any services for the residents.  Lynne recommended that Bourbon County continue with SEK Multi County Health Department as it is and said the contract with them comes up in May.  Clifton asked if the County was going to allow CHC to do a presentation, Lynne said they can, he suggested that Clifton contact CHC and to schedule them for a presentation on next week’s agenda.

 

Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship regarding possible litigation, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:40, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks).  At 9:40, Lynne made a motion to come out of executive session and resume the normal meeting, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Lynne made a motion that they have a special meeting on Friday, April 16th at 8:30 am regarding BWERKS, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks discussed the tax sale, he said they have filed 50 petitions in the last two days.  He said they may need to have more than one tax sale this year and said once the petition is filed the owner would have to pay all of the back taxes to redeem their property.

 

Public Comment: Anne Dare said a patron had contacted her and questioned if the Commissioners had ever considered using online sources for HR issues; she said this would be an unbiased person.  Anne gave the Commissioners a report from KOAM regarding American jobs plan, she said they rated each state and Kansas received a grade of “C”.  She question who Rene’ Ludwick was; Lynne said she is from here and does social work.  Anne said she contacted the SEK Multi County Health Department and asked them for a total number of people who had been vaccinated against COVID in Bourbon County; she said they couldn’t answer this since others are also offering the vaccine in Bourbon County, she said someone should know this number.  Clifton said people giving this vaccine would report to KDHE and said KDHE is responsible for giving this number out.

 

Susan Bancroft said the appraiser had extra money left in the 2020 budget and asked that it be moved to the appraiser capital outlay fund; Jim made a motion to allow the appraiser to work with Susan to move the $20,000 from the 2020 appraiser budget to the capital outlay fund, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Susan said she is getting close to having the County ready for the 2020 audit.

 

Bill Martin requested a place be put on the agenda to allow elected officials to come before the Commission board.  Bill asked if the County could use a teleconference call instead of coming in to see the Commissioners, Lynne said they would have Shane Walker set this option up.  Bill discussed the HR position that has been discussed; he said he has heard the comment of paying 60-80,000 for an HR person; he said he would be sending some of his staff to HR training and suggested paying them additional money for the added extra HR jobs.  Bill said he has over 100 HR directors – referring to the other Sheriff’s in the State that rely on each other with HR issues.  Lynne asked that a place for elected officials to meet with the Commissioners be placed on each agenda prior to the County Counselor Comment.  Susan said that CrawKan can provide the County with an option to have conference calls for the Commission meeting and said that KCAMP offers a lot of HR resources.  She said it requires extensive training to get certified in HR.

 

Mary Pemberton said she would like the Commissioners to expand on an issue previously discussed; she said it was stated that the only way to reduce the mill levy is to increase the valuation.  She discussed the past increases in the valuation and said at times they have kept the same mill levy, meaning that peoples taxes are increasing, even though the mill levy wasn’t increased.  Mary said she would send data to the Commissioners about this.  Mary said when the PILOT money was previously discussed it was told it would reduce the mill levy, she said she has heard the Commissioners say (when discussing how to pay for something) they could use the PILOT money.  She encouraged the Commissioners to use the PILOT money to help lower taxes.

 

Bill Martin suggested asking the EMS, Sheriff and Emergency Management what equipment they needed to make their job more efficient and then use the PILOT money for this.  Bill said it would cost $50,000 to replace the aging video equipment in his department. Jim said they are getting close to starting the budgeting process and said their goal is to lower the mill levy.

 

Commissioner Comment: Jim said last week it was requested that he contact KDHE regarding the old landfill site.  He said the wells on this land must be tested until 2039.  Lynne questioned if the land could be built on, Jim thought it could and said the owner would have to do drilling, Clifton asked who was responsible for the testing, the County or the new owner, Jim said KDHE said if the County sold the land they would transfer the testing to the new owner.  Jim said he would contact KDHE for more details.

 

Jim made a motion to suspend the meeting until 10:30, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

The Commissioners attended a KOMA ZOOM video training with the Kansas Attorney General’s office.  Phillip Michael presented the following data… “Kansas Open Meetings Act

K.S.A. 75-4317 et seq.

KOMA issues/concerns

 Executive sessions

 Improper motions for executive sessions

 Calling an executive session for one reason/subject, then discussing

different subject matter in session

 Inclusion of non-Commission/Council members in executive sessions

 Extending an executive session without reconvening the open meeting,

making a motion and voting

 Failure to return to open meeting at the stated time/place after

executive session

 Revealing information discussed in executive session

 Serial communications

 Majority of membership of public body gathered together without notice

 Failure to provide notice of meetings

History of open meetings

 K.S.A. 19-218 – Every board of county commissioners “shall sit

with open doors, and all persons conducting in an orderly

manner may attend their meetings. . . .”

 First adopted in 1868; last amended in 1923

 KOMA adopted in 1972; provides rules that allow members of

the public to observe the nearly 4,000 units of government in

Kansas making decisions

Policy, construction, purpose

 K.S.A. 75-4317(a) – Meetings shall be open to the public

because “a representative government is dependent upon an

informed electorate. . . .”

 Law enacted for the “public benefit,” so construed broadly in

favor of the public to give effect to its specific purpose of

openness. State ex rel. Murray v. Palmgren, 231 Kan. 524,

Syl. ¶ 4 (1982)

 KOMA interpreted liberally and exceptions applied narrowly to

carry out purpose

Who is subject to KOMA?

 All legislative and administrative bodies and agencies of the

state and political and taxing subdivisions thereof, and other

subordinate groups thereof receiving or expending and

supported in whole or in part by public funds

K.S.A. 75-4318(a)

 “Subordinate groups” – not defined; if created by a covered

entity or the group has become an extension of a covered

entity, most likely covered

Who is subject to KOMA?

 State bodies

 State Legislature, its committees and subcommittees unless the rules

state otherwise

 State administrative bodies, boards and commissions

 State Board of Regents

 Supreme Court nominating commission

 Local Governments

 Cities, counties and townships

 School districts

 Fire districts

 District judicial nominating commission

Who is not subject to KOMA?

 Any administrative body when exercising a “quasi-judicial”

function – K.S.A. 75-4318(g)(1)

 Hearings conducted under the Kansas Administrative Procedures

Act (KAPA) – K.S.A. 77-523(f); K.S.A. 75-4318(g)

 Judiciary

 Private organizations

 Staff meetings of a covered entity

What is a meeting?

 Any gathering or assembly in person, through the use of a

telephone, or any other medium for interactive

communication

 By a majority of the membership of a public body or agency

subject to the act

 For the purpose of discussing the business or affairs of the

public body or agency

K.S.A. 75-4317a

Gathering or assembly

 May conduct meetings by telephone or other medium

(conference call, video, skype, go to meeting, WebEx) if comply

with all KOMA requirements

 Informal discussions before, after or during a recess of a public

meeting may be subject to the KOMA

Name of the gathering is irrelevant

Majority of the membership

 Next whole number greater than one-half the total number of

members

 Can be different than a quorum

Discussion

 Binding action or voting not necessary

 Meeting includes all gatherings at all stages of the decision

making process

 Social gatherings

 Retreats and meetings held in private

 Educational conference/seminar

Tip – when traveling to such meetings, advise members of

public body to avoid discussing business or affairs

Notice

 KOMA does not require notice of meetings to be published in a newspaper or

on a website

 Must request notice of meetings

 No formalities to requesting notice – can be verbal or written

 A request is valid for one fiscal year

 Must notify of expiration before terminating notice

 Presiding officer has duty to provide notice, but duty may be delegated

 Provide date/time/location where public body will meet to person requesting

notice a “reasonable time” before meeting

 Group request for notice – provide to designated individual

K.S.A. 75-4318(b)

Example

Six member city council plus mayor

Mayor and four council members attended a Town Hall meeting

Mayor and four council members discussed city business

including concerns over utility increases, a new parking lot and

rumors

No notice to those who requested notice of all city council

meetings

Violation?

Example

 Yes, a KOMA violation occurred

 Met the definition of a meeting

 Failed to provide notice of the date, time and place of the

meeting

 Penalty

 Obtain at least one hour of KOMA training

 Individually pay the cost of obtaining training

 Not engage in any further violations

Penalties

 Civil penalty up to $500 for each violation paid by each

individual member of the public body who knowingly violates

 Require completion of AG approved training

 Order to cease and desist from further violation

 Comply with the KOMA

 Reasonable expenses, investigative costs and attorney fees

“Serial communications”

 Interactive communications outside of a noticed meeting may be a meeting

under KOMA if:

 Collectively involve a majority of the membership of the public body or

agency

 Share a common topic of discussion

 Are intended by any or all participants to reach an agreement on a

matter that requires binding action to be taken by the public body or

agency

K.S.A. 75-4318(f)

 Emails, calling trees, use of an agent (staff member)

 Tip – DO NOT REPLY ALL, DO NOT FORWARD

Meeting conduct

 KOMA does not address meeting procedures

 Agenda

 Not required to create

 Any agenda must include topics planned for discussion (if

known) but may be amended during a meeting unless a

statute or rule prohibits an amendment

 Must make agenda available to any person requesting the

agenda

 Agenda does not have to be mailed out in advance of meeting

– may simply place the agenda in a public place

Meeting conduct

 Use of cameras, photographic lights and recording devices

 Public may record meeting as long as not disruptive

 Use subject to reasonable rules to ensure orderly conduct of

the meeting

 No public right to speak, but only to listen and observe

 Location of meeting – is it accessible to the public?

 No secret ballots

 Minutes – only required to record motion to go into executive

session, but bylaws, ordinances, policies, etc., may require

minutes to be kept

K.A.R. 16-20-1

 Compliance with the Kansas Open Meetings Act during an

emergency declaration.

 Applies to the use of electronic medium of communication to

conduct an open meeting

 When the public body is meeting electronically only

 When the public body is meeting in person, but the public is

not allowed to attend the meeting in person

 What does a public body need to do to comply with the KOMA

Executive sessions

 Permits discussion of certain enumerated matters outside of

public view

 An open meeting must be convened first and then recess into

executive session

 The KOMA does not allow an executive session to be extended

or ended early

 No binding actions may be taken in an executive session, but a

consensus is allowed

 If a consensus is achieved, an open and formal vote must be

taken in open session

Example

City Council held a special meeting. During the special meeting,

the council recessed into executive session. While in executive

session, the council reached a consensus to terminate the

employment of a City employee.

While in executive session, the council told the employee they

were terminated and to collect their belongings and leave.

Thereafter, the council resumed its public meeting, but failed to

hold a public vote to terminate the city employee’s

appointment.

Violation?

Example

 Yes, a KOMA violation occurred

 Yes, the council took binding action during its executive

session

 Penalty

 Obtain at least one hour of KOMA training

 Not engage in any further violations

Executive sessions

 Must be a formal motion seconded and carried; Complete

motion recorded in the minutes

 Each executive session requires a complete motion recorded in

the minutes

 Parts of the motion for executive session:

 Statement of the subject(s) to be discussed (without

revealing confidential information)

 Justification (from the statute)

 Time/place open meeting will resume

K.S.A. 75-4319

Who may attend?

 Only members of the public body

 Mere observers may not attend

 Staff, agents or other non-public body individuals have no right

to attend

 Public body may invite individuals who will:

 Aid the discussion

 Provide information on a permissible topic or participate in

the discussion

Executive sessions

Commonly used justifications:

 Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

 Consultation with the public body’s attorney

 Employer – Employee negotiations

 Data relating to the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations,

partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorship (economic

development)

 Matters affecting a student, patient or resident of a public institution

 Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

 Security measures

K.S.A. 75-4319

Executive sessions

Justification allowed:

Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

 To protect the privacy interests of the employee

 Does not include independent contractors, appointments to

boards or committees, or public officers

 May discuss applicants for employment

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1)

Executive sessions

Justification allowed:

Consultation with the body’s attorney

 The attorney must be present

 The communication must be privileged

 No third parties may be present (breaks privilege)

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2)

Executive sessions

Justification allowed:

Employer-Employee negotiations

 For the purpose of formal negotiations – not general

employee meetings or discussions

 School boards have special rules

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(3)

Executive sessions

Justification allowed:

Data relating to the financial affairs or trade secrets of

corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorship

 Called the economic development exception

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4)

Executive sessions

Justification allowed:

Matters affecting a student, patient or resident of a public

institution.

 With this justification, any hearing must be open if

requested by the person involved

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(5)

Executive sessions

Justification allowed:

Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real

property

 Acquisition only – not sale

 Remember – no binding action in executive sessions

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(6)

Executive sessions

Justification allowed:

Security Measures

 Open discussion would jeopardize security measures that

protect infrastructure and the public; includes intelligence

information, tactical plans, resource deployment and

vulnerability assessments

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(13)

 

 

After the training, Justin said he would collect any questions the Commissioners had and send it to the Attorney General’s office for answers.

 

At 11:24, Jim made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

April 20, 2021, Approved Date

Starlite FCE Minutes of April 15

 

 

The April meeting of Starlite FCE was held April 15th 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.  Fourteen members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for twenty-seven hours and had recycled 550 pounds of cardboard.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report and Karen Peery gave the Council report.  She reported that there were nine applicants for the FCE scholarship and that it had been awarded to Sadie Marchiano.  Upcoming events include Wallet Wisdom April 22nd and Aging with Attitude April 29-30.

 

Glenda read and presented cards form Tri-Valley thanking us for the Easter Party.

Doris Ericson read a Thank you letter form Clarice Russell and Betty Johnson thanked the club for the Easter Basket they received.  Megan Brillhart asked the club for suggestion on how to make the outside commons area at Presbyterian Village prettier.  Deb Lust suggested that the Masters Gardner’s might be able to help with the project.  Megan also announced that they were letting visitors come between 9-5 and encouraged us to come and visit.

 

Jackie Warren updated the club about the Open Class for the County Fair.

 

Glenda Miller updated the members of the benefits available with our FCE insurance, and informed us about the Fraud alerts.

 

Leanna Taylor moved that the meeting be adjourned, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried, meeting adjourned.

 

After the meeting Karen Peery presented a lesson called “Button, Button, who’s got the button.”  Karen had made several crafts using button and displayed a variety of antique buttons as well as presenting the history of buttons.  Karen had each member try to guess the number of buttons in a jar.  Believe or not someone guessed it right on the button and won a jar of lotion that Karen had made.

 

Refreshment of button sugar cookies, a variety of other cookies, mints, nuts and tea were provided by Leanna and Karen

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

Governor Signs 26 Bills

Governor Laura Kelly Signs Several Pieces of Bipartisan Legislation into Law

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed 26 pieces of bipartisan legislation into law.

“Today, I signed 26 bipartisan bills that will help everyone from Kansas veterans, to businesses, to farmers, to our infrastructure and our environment,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This is the kind of success that can be achieved when we work together – not as Republicans or Democrats – but as Kansans. I want to thank my colleagues in the legislature, on both sides of the aisle, for their efforts.”

House Bill 2021

HB 2021 authorizes the Kansas Development Finance Authority (KDFA), on and after July 1, 2021, to issue bonds, not to exceed $10.5 million, for the purpose of financing the construction of a state veterans home facility located in northeast Kansas, including, but not limited to, in Douglas, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Shawnee, and Wyandotte counties.

House Bill 2074

Senate Sub. for HB 2074 enacts the Technology-enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions Act (Act), which will be part of and supplemental to Chapter 9 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated (the Kansas Banking Code). On July 1, 2022, the bill requires the State Bank Commissioner issue a charter to The Beneficient Company and establish a fidfin fiduciary institution pilot program with an economic growth zone designated in Harvey County. The bill also establishes an income and privilege tax credit beginning in tax year 2021 for trust banks in an amount equal to such fiduciary financial institution’s qualified charitable distributions during such taxable year if the trust bank maintained such fiduciary financial institution’s principal office in an economic growth zone.

House Bill 2102

Senate Sub. for HB 2102 updates the Kansas Egg Law regarding repackaged eggs.

House Bill 2114

HB 2114 creates the Kansas Senior Care Task Force, creates and amends law regarding elder and dependent adult abuse multidisciplinary teams, and amends law regarding abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of adults.

House Bill 2143

HB 2143 modifies law related to sales tax.

House Bill 2201

Senate Sub. for HB 2201 modifies certain provisions related to the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (Eisenhower Program).

House Bill 2203

HB 2203 establishes the Asbestos Remediation Fund (Fund). The bill also requires the Secretary of Health and Environment (Secretary) to remit all moneys received from the following sources to the State Treasurer, to be credited to the Fund:

  • Permit and approval fees related to the Asbestos Control Program;
  • Moneys recovered by the State under the provisions of the Asbestos Control Act (Act), including administrative expenses and moneys paid under any agreement stipulation, or settlement; and
  • Interest attributable to investment of moneys in the Fund.

The bill requires moneys in the Fund to be expended only for the purpose of administering the Act, including funding of a technical and environmental compliance assistance program.

House Bill 2243

HB 2243 makes several changes to law governing the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS or the Retirement System) pertaining to a study performed by the KPERS Board of Trustees, authorization of the allotment for the KPERS Death and Disability Program and a moratorium on payments in FY 2021 by all employers, provisions in the Kansas Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) Act relating to participating members’ election and extension of their DROP periods, and administration of certain KPERS benefits and the application of certain federal Internal Revenue Code provisions on the Retirement System (“guidepost” section).

House Bill 2244

HB 2244 amends the Commercial Industrial Hemp Act (Act) to transfer registration and regulation of industrial hemp processors from the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) to the State Fire Marshal (Fire Marshal). The bill also amends law regarding the disposal of industrial hemp; the definition of “hemp products”; marketing, selling, or distributing hemp products unlawfully without registration or licensure; and an exception for transportation of industrial hemp between producers and processors.

House Bill 2254

HB 2254 increases the monetary cap on irrevocable prearranged funeral agreements, contracts, or plans, on and after July 1, 2021, to $10,000, which will increase in an amount equal to the average percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index each year. The bill also amends the documentation a licensed crematory operator or crematory operator in charge is required to receive, prior to the cremation of any dead human body, to only a completed and executed coroner’s permit to cremate, if required under the Uniform Vital Statistics Act (Act).

House Bill 2390

HB 2390 reviews, amends, and adds exceptions to the Kansas Opens Records Act (KORA) and creates and amends law regarding the filing of fraudulent liens.

House Bill 2391

HB 2391 amends law related to the Office of the Secretary of State. The bill revises and updates certain provisions pertaining to business and other related filings and repeals obsolete laws.

House Bill 2405

HB 2405 authorizes the Kansas Development Finance Authority (KDFA) to issue bonds, in one or more series, in an amount not to exceed $500.0 million, plus all amounts required to pay the costs of issuance. Proceeds from those bonds must be applied to the unfunded actuarial pension liability (UAL) of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). The interest rate of those bonds may not exceed 4.3 percent. Bonds may not be issued without approval of the State Finance Council, which may give approval while the Legislature is in session. The bonds issued and interest owed would be an obligation of KDFA and not KPERS. The bonds issued would not be considered a debt or obligation of the State for purposes of the Kansas Constitution. The Department of Administration and the KDFA would be permitted to enter into contracts to implement the payment arrangements after the bonds are issued.

House Bill 2408

HB 2408 authorizes and directs the Executive Director of the Kansas Historical Society (KSHS), on behalf of the KSHS, to convey by quitclaim deed a 9.86 acre parcel of land in Doniphan County to the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska.

Senate Bill 26

House Sub. for SB 26 updates statutes related to the regulatory authority of the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) with regard to motor carriers.

Senate Bill 36

SB 36 amends procedures related to certain vehicle identification number (VIN) checks and transfer of ownership of certain salvage vehicles; prohibits a motor vehicle from being towed out of Kansas without the consent of the driver or owner of the vehicle; and makes technical changes, including changes to remove outdated language.

Senate Bill 38

SB 38 establishes a pesticide waste disposal program and adds and amends law regarding the roles of the Division of Conservation (Division) within the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) and the State Conservation Commission (Commission).

Senate Bill 67

SB 67 creates law regarding the right-of-way for funeral processions and for certain vehicles involved in utility repairs.

Senate Bill 95

SB 95 amends a requirement regarding odometer readings upon assignment of a vehicle title and amends the definitions for “all-terrain vehicle” (ATV) and “recreational offhighway vehicle” (ROV).

Senate Bill 103

SB 103 amends the Kansas Power of Attorney Act (Act) to state a power of attorney executed on or after July 1, 2021, is deemed sufficient if in substantial compliance with the form set forth by the Judicial Council, and the bill directs the Judicial Council to develop such form. The bill states the amendments made by the bill shall apply prospectively and shall not affect the validity of a power of attorney executed prior to July 1, 2021.

Senate Bill 106

SB 106 enacts the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) and repeals the Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (ULONA), as well as other current laws regarding notaries. Throughout RULONA, some provisions from ULONA and other current law are continued, reorganized, or updated without substantive changes. The bill also updates references to ULONA in other areas of statute. This summary sets forth the RULONA structure and notes provisions containing substantive changes or additions to ULONA and other current law provisions.

Senate Bill 107

SB 107 enacts the Uniform Fiduciary Income and Principal Act [UFIPA] and repeals the Uniform Principal and Income Act (1997) [UPIA]. Throughout the UFIPA, some provisions from UPIA are continued, reorganized, or updated without substantive changes. The bill also amends one statute within the Kansas Uniform Trust Code (UTC). This brief summarizes the UFIPA structure and notes provisions containing substantive changes or additions to UPIA provisions.

Senate Bill 122

SB 122 amends various sections within the Kansas Rules of Evidence (Rules).

Senate Bill 142

SB 142 requires an operator of any watercraft vessel to require every person on such vessel age 12 or younger to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while aboard or being towed by a vessel unless the person is below decks or in an enclosed cabin. The bill requires the Secretary of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to promulgate rules and regulations regarding required personal flotation devices. Currently, regulation of personal flotation devices is set in statute.

Senate Bill 143

SB 143 updates and rearranges definitions regarding grain and grain warehouses, clarifies when applications for licenses should be made, removes a reference regarding an independent public accountant, clarifies the fee for a functional unit license, increases the caps for storage fees, and increases the allowable examination period for grain warehouses.

Senate Bill 178

SB 178 amends provisions in the Kansas Banking Code governing organization and supervision to permit a national bank, federal savings association, or federal savings bank to convert to a state trust company. The bill also permits a trust company to convert its charter to one of the above-named financial institutions.

Military Family Bill Signed by Governor

Governor Laura Kelly Signs Military Family Bill

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed a bipartisan measure to help keep veterans and their families living and working in Kansas.

House Bill 2066, the Occupational License Reciprocity bill, provides License Reciprocity – recognition of a license gained in one state by another, in this case Kansas – to military spouses and all Kansans. The bill was signed into law by Governor Kelly in a public ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.

“This bill is a win-win for our veterans and military families and our continued economic recovery following COVID-19,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By providing Occupational Licensing Reciprocity, this bipartisan legislation will benefit our state’s military community, help our employers who rely on licensing for hiring, and spur economic growth statewide.”

HB 2066 expands the existing law to make it easier for military spouses from other states to use their professional licenses in Kansas by expediting key elements of the licensing process.

Occupational Licensing has grown rapidly in the U.S., with nearly 25% of all Americans relying on a license for employment. As each state has developed its own set of guidelines for each license, transferability of licensing has become expensive and time consuming unless a reciprocity program is in place.

“Our state’s Framework for Growth is clear: Kansas is facing a significant working-age population decline,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Transferable occupational licensing and eased requirements on license reciprocity for military spouses represent a creative approach to making sure our state is able to accommodate as many professionals as possible. Kansas veterans are unmatched in their conviction and professionalism, and we should do everything we can to keep them and their families in our state. Thank you to Representative Croft, our other partners in the Legislature and Governor Kelly for making this happen.”

To read HB 2066, click here.

A Little Friday Night Concerts History and D.J. Brown/ Bourbon County Revival This Friday

Ralph Carlson, left,  introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians in May, 2019. That evening it was the St. Martin’s Academy Boys Choir.
Free Friday Night Concerts were the outgrowth of the Fort Scott community’s vision for live music outdoors, downtown.
This Friday’s concert will be at Common Ground Coffee Co. at 12 E. Wall Street.  D.J. Brown and the Bourbon County Revival will be performing in the Loading Dock Room from 7 to 8 p.m.
If weather permits, this room can be opened up to the patio area of the shop, Gage Addington, the manager of the coffee shop, said. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase for attendees, he said.
The concert attendees are asked to observe social distancing, according to the long-time event coordinator, Ralph Carlson.
D.J. Brown and Bourbon County Revival. Taken from the group’s Facebook page.
“I am really pleased to get the concerts going again,” said Carlson.
Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert at Heritage Park,  May 2019.

 

Ralph Carlson, Coordinator of the Concerts

“Ralph Carlson has been a loyal and steadfast coordinator of the concerts over the years,” Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison said.  “Ralph puts in a great amount of time scheduling the entertainment, finding alternate locations if bad weather, writing up press releases each week, overseeing equipment needs, and more.”
Lindsay Madison is the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.
 “Ralph truly deserves most all of the credit for the Friday Night Concerts over the years,” she said.  “We are so blessed to have him in the community, not only for the concerts but for his work on housing, streets, with youth, and many other projects.  Ralph was recognized with the Mayor’s Citizenship Award in 2012 at the Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration.”
History Of The Concerts

“The Friday Night Concerts in the Park began after the Heritage Park Pavilion concept came out of the Community Visioning process back in 2007,” said Madison. “That’s when multiple key projects were conceived such as Riverfront Park, the Aquatic Center, Youth Activities Team, and the Good Neighbor Action Team. A large number of community members met several times during that period for ‘Community Conversations’ through a facilitated process with Public Square Communities and one outcome was to have a gathering park in Downtown Fort Scott where live music would be played often along with other events and activities.”

“Cheryl Adamson was on the team,” Carlson said of the original committee for concerts in the park. “Darlene and Jim Shoemaker were involved and it became my job to get the talent and coordinate the show. There were others, including the Manns.”

 

“Dean and Becky Mann, formerly of Fort Scott, were instrumental in designing and raising the funds needed for the pavilion and park area which included electricity and outlets needed for music equipment, benches, flower beds maintained by the Bourbon County Garden Club, and a beautiful clock donated by Bartelsmeyer Jewelry,” Madison said. “Many community members donated to the cost of the pavilion and those donors are recognized on plaques in the park area at 1st and Main in Downtown Fort Scott.”

“I had initially helped coordinate music in various events in town for years,” Carlson said. ” Including the early years for Good Ol’ Days and Pioneer Harvest Fiesta. The team asked me to help (on the concert in the park committee).”
“It really seems like a success,” Carlson said. “Such a unique setting and so well maintained by those who tend the plantings. I have counted crowds up there, in excess of 350 people.”

 

“The Concerts have fallen under sponsorship of the Chamber since they began I believe, as the Chamber helps with organizing and promotion, and has helped with some equipment and other expenses needed in the past,” Madison said.

 

 

Info For Attendees
The concerts take place each Friday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. from mid-April through October at the Heritage Park Pavilion, at First and Main Street corner, unless an alternate location is announced due to weather.
Seating is limited at Heritage Park, so attendees are always encouraged to bring a lawn chair, and maybe a blanket.  Any entertainers interested in performing may contact Carlson or the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

Angie Kemmerer Nominated for 2021 National History Day Teacher of the Year

Angie Kemmerer. Submitted photo.

FORT SCOTT EDUCATOR NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL HISTORY DAY® TEACHER OF THE YEAR

WASHINGTON, D.C. and FORT SCOTT, KANSAS–Mrs. Angie Kemmerer, a teacher at Fort Scott Middle School and Fort Scott High School in Fort Scott, Kansas, was nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award in the senior division of the National History Day (NHD) National Contest. The award is sponsored by Patricia Behring in recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students.

Each of the 58 National History Day affiliates may nominate one high school teacher for this award, and Mrs. Kemmerer is the senior division nominee from Kansas. Every nominee for the $10,000 award is a teacher who demonstrates a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the National History Day Contest. All nominees will receive $500 as a result of their nominations.

The nominees for the Behring Award have shown a dedication to teaching that goes beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Cathy Gorn, National History Day Executive Director. “These educators are leading examples for their peers and invaluable resources for their students. I congratulate Mrs. Kemmerer on her well-deserved nomination.”

The national winner will be selected by a committee of experienced teachers and historians, and announced on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the National History Day National Contest Awards Ceremony to be held virtually due to COVID-19. Nominees’ work must clearly illustrate the development and use of creative teaching methods that engage students in history, and help them make exciting discoveries about the past.

About National History Day® (NHD):

NHD is a non-profit organization based in College Park, Maryland, that seeks to improve the teaching and learning of history. The National History Day Contest was established in 1974 and currently engages more than half a million students every year in conducting original research on historical topics of interest. Students present their research as a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website. Projects compete first at the local and affiliate levels, where the top entries are invited to the National Contest at the University of Maryland at College Park. NHD is sponsored in part by, HISTORY®, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Park Service, Southwest Airlines, the Crown Family Foundation, The Better Angels Society, the Pritzker Military Museum & Library and the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation. For more information, visit nhd.org.

About Kansas History Day

Kansas History Day Foundation’s mission is the promotion of interest among elementary and secondary school students in history and historical research by providing the students an opportunity to compete and display publicly the results of their historical research and by rewarding them for their efforts and interests. Kansas students have a long history of success in History Day at all levels, including the national level. KHDF’s aim is to make sure that all Kansas students have the opportunity to continue this successful and winning tradition. Please visit our website for more information, kansashistoryday.org.

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