Minimum-custody Inmate Eljay Reinhardt Walked Away from Wichita Work Release Facility
TOPEKA, Kansas. – Minimum-custody inmate Eljay Reinhardt #124800 has been placed on escape status after he walked away from Wichita Work Release Facility (WWRF) at approximately 11:45 p.m. Friday.
Reinhart, a 40-year-old Male, was reported missing when the offender did not report for work. Reinhart was last seen wearing blue jeans, a red shirt and a tan cap.
Reinhart is currently serving a 28-month sentence for a 2020 Sedgwick County conviction for drug possession.
Reinhardt is 5 feet 11 inches tall, 225 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair.
Anyone with information on Reinhardt can call the Wichita Work Release Facility at (316) 265-5211, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.
The walk-away is currently being investigated. New information will be released as it becomes available.
The Wichita Work Release Facility, a satellite unit of the Winfield Correctional Facility, is an all-male, minimum-custody state facility with a population of 79.
PLEASE NOTE THE MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 5TH. MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM.
Call to Order
Flag Salute
Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
David Neville – Renodry Dehydration Systems (Foundation Dehydration)
USD 234 – Ted Hessong – Inviting Commissioners to an Event on August 16th
Lynne Oharah – KCAMP
Tiana McElroy – Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
Salary Resolutions
Deputy Jeff Keller – Exit Interview
Elected Officials Comment
County Counselor Comment
Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
Public Comment
Michael Braim – Lynn Oharah’s Outburst at Anne Dare at a Previous Meeting
Michael Braim – Cutting Funding for BEDCO
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
Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.
The Compulsive Keeper
Putting things away after the fair reminded me of how stuff just seems to multiply and collect. Statements such as, “We might need that someday,” repeatedly come to mind.
Yes, we were sorting through things from a specific event. Yet it reminded me how we tend to “over keep” things, especially in our own personal living spaces. Things accumulate with little effort. Without some self-control, our homes can be reduced to pathways or overstuffed drawers and closets. Then it becomes an overwhelming task when we really get the urge to purge.
How do we know if our ‘collections’ have gotten out-of-control? A collector is proud to show off their collections and will keep them neat and organized. However, if a large group of unrelated items is stashed away out-of-sight, we might be leaning toward the cluttered category. If it is in plain sight and in a state of disarray, we could be on the verge of hoarding.
Hoarding can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or economic status. It often starts in adolescence and gets progressively worse with age. It’s usually a personal and private behavior making it difficult for others to know the seriousness of the situation.
Individuals are more likely to hoard if they have a family member who keeps everything. Often these individuals are withdrawn from society because they are isolated or lonely. They may struggle with obsessiveness and worry about making the right decision whether to keep something or not. The process of trying to decide whether to keep or dispose creates distress, so they may avoid making any decision at all. Thus, everything is kept.
Other characteristics that can indicate a tendency to hoarding include:
–Difficulty or anxiety with letting go of possessions, regardless of their value.
–Unable to find important papers or money in the clutter.
–Buying things because they are seen as a bargain with a desire to stock up.
–Not inviting family and friends to their home due to shame or embarrassment.
–Refusing to let people into their homes to do needed repairs.
Compulsive keepers often have a poor sense of time. They may be late or absent frequently in the workplace. Missing important deadlines and a reduction of productivity are other signs that often create havoc for businesses.
How can we support a family member or friend who has stuff they can’t seem to deal with? Even though we might want to help clear out some clutter, we need to ask first and develop trust with the compulsive keeper. They need to be ready to make some lifestyle changes.
Be sympathetic, listen, and try to understand the emotion and meaning behind all of the things they have chosen to keep. If safety is an issue, work together to create ways to make doorways and hallways safe and clear. Celebrate the successful small steps.
We all have different standards as to what is clutter and what is not. If you were to step into my office right now, you would likely question my clutter status. Yes, it’s time for me to do some serious housecleaning!
More information on clutter control is available through K-State Research and Extension Southwind offices, and by contacting Barbara at 620-625-8620 or by email to [email protected].
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Gregg Motley. President of the Bourbon County Economic Development Council. Submitted photo.
Good News!
I am not on social media, but I understand the buzz is not good; not just in Bourbon County, but across the country. It is so easy to go negative. I was the banker for many newspapers in the Kansas City metro area, and it was interesting that the lowest paid reporters on staff were the critics: movies, restaurants, the arts, etc. It is just way too easy. Even I have made a few negative remarks in my columns.
Want some positive news? Bourbon County is number one in per person income in the eight counties in SEK. Here are the numbers:
2009201820092018
Allen $33,302 $40,218 Crawford $30,834 $37,921
Anderson $31,955 $38,539 Labette $32,530 $42,127
Bourbon $32,661 $42,697 Linn $29,438 $37,267
Cherokee $28,170 $39,645 Neosho $28,926 $39,485
What this means is that the total income earned by Bourbon County residents divided by every man, woman and child exceeds that of all of our neighbors. Good news!
This is important for economic development in that it takes cash flow to make households, businesses, and government go, and we have it. What else is required for economic development? Capital to invest. Here are dollars on deposit with county bank branches, and the per person calculation, in 2019:
Millions in Millions in
DepositsPer PersonDepositsPer Person
Allen $292 $23,600 Crawford $669 $17,200
Anderson $200 $25,500 Labette $484 $24,700
Bourbon $254 $17,500 Linn $178 $18,300
Cherokee $271 $13,600 Neosho $394 $24,600
What this means is that there is $17,500 on deposit in a county bank branch for every man, woman, and child in BB. We are closer to the bottom on the list. Either we have deposited a lot of money with local investment advisors/out of area banks, or we are bad savers. Money in savings is what people use to start new businesses.
Another statistic that plays into the future of economic activity in our county is the “pull factor” which measures the number of dollars spent in BB when compared to the earnings of its citizens; we are at 70%. Using the per person income chart above, what this means is that the average BB person spends about $30,000 in BB (It is actually lower than that, as the statistic does not measure dollars spent here by non-residents). This is a low number; for example, Allen County has pull factor of 103%, meaning more money is spent in Allen County than the total earnings of its residents. Alas, poor Cherokee County is just at 38% and declining; Joplin, Pittsburg, and Miami are just too close with better shopping options.
What can we do? Buy local. Save. Invest in BB. Deposit your money in local bank branches or with local investment advisors. Donate your money to local charities. Invest in a local business. Decide to pay as much of your sales tax as possible in BB. We have the earnings; let’s use it!
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
AUGUST 3, 2021
6:00 P.M.
I. K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)
IV. Approval of Agenda:
V. Proclamations/Recognitions:
A. Recognition of Thade Yates, Summer Intern
VI. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1293-A totaling $632,620.70
B. Request to Pay – Key Equipment & Supply Co. – Tractor Trailer – $139,754
C. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Building Inspection – $1,669.50
D. Request to Pay – Bettis Asphalt – National Ave. Mill & Overlay – $74,465.65
VII. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per
person, at Commission discretion)
VIII. City Manager Reports and Comments
IX. Engineering Firm Update
X. Public Hearing:
XI. Old Business:
A. Discussion of Downtown Parking
XII. Appearances:
A. Frank Halsey – Marmaton Massacre Event (September 18 & 19)
B. Lee Davis – Eagle Project Presentation
C. Terry Sercer – 2020 Audit
XIII. New Business:
A. Approval to go out for Request for Proposals for Kansas Moderate Income Housing Grant
B. Discussion of Code Enforcement Training and Adherence to the International Property
Maintenance Code
C. Approval of Bid for Lake Fort Scott Property Sale
D. Approval of Bid for FirstSource Property Sale
E. Approval of Super Market Developers & CHCSK Termination Agreement – CID & TIF
District
F. Approval of Contract for Audited Services 2020
G. Discussion of Potential Storwmater Projects for 2021
a. 15th & National – 17th & Eddy
b. Crawford from Wall to Elm
c. Washington & Wall
d. East National & Railroad
XIV. Reports and Comments:
B. Commissioners Report and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XV. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
XVI. Adjournment:
Kelly Administration Updates COVID-19 Guidance for School Districts
~$87 million in ELC grants available for local school districts to protect students~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced a new, updated summary document created from recommendations in KSDE’s Navigating Change: Kansas’ Guide to Learning and School Safety Operations as a reference guide and tool for schools ahead of the start of classes. The document continues the state’s practice of mirroring guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In addition to the guidance, Governor Kelly and KSDE are encouraging school districts to submit requests for ELC Grant Funds. The state of Kansas received $87 million to fund equipment, testing, and medical staff to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools.
“We know our children belong in the classroom, but it’s critical that we provide Kansas school districts with support and tools they need to keep our kids safe,” Governor Kelly said. “This guidance is in line with what we have made available over the last year, but has been modified to incorporate the best information we have to fight the Delta variant. I encourage school districts to follow the science and use the available funds to keep their kids safe.”
Many Kansas school districts have already made requests for ELC funds. Including for clinical and administrative staff as well as equipment with mobile technology to create and support the most flexible COVID-19 testing plans possible. In more rural areas requests include transportation to share staff between school buildings and to transport sick children. Others have opted to use ELC funds for vaccination events including incentives and communications in the community.
“We are thankful for the leadership provided by Governor Kelly and Secretary Norman,” Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson said. “We want every student to be in the classroom this fall. To ensure this happens, school districts should continue partnering with their local medical teams to implement safety protocols that protect all students and school personnel.”
The Kelly Administration worked to develop guidance that would ensure that districts across Kansas would be equipped with the best possible information as they prepared to bring their students back for full-time, in-person learning in August. The Kelly Administration will continue to issue new guidance as information is provided from the CDC.
“To ensure everyone remains safe as schools resume in August, it is key for schools and communities to work together,” Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) said. “We urge school districts to use the ELC resources for additional support. And, we encourage communities to continue taking precautions to mitigate the virus, including vaccination and testing. If individuals are not vaccinated, please wear a mask in public. If you’re feeling sick, get tested, practice social distancing and stay home.”
The State of Kansas began a robust, statewide PSA campaign to encourage Kansans to get vaccinated ahead of the July 4th holiday that will continue throughout year.
Répondez s’il vous plait. Simplified, we use “R.S.V.P.” instead of the French words meaning “Please reply.” The courtesy extended when one sends such a response can make an event go smoothly. The discourtesy extended when one fails to respond or disregards the invitation’s intention can cause chaos.
This past weekend Jeff, our oldest son, was married on a mountain top in Colorado. Because of Covid, only 30 people were permitted at the wedding site, but 120 were allowed at the reception. Part of the invitation included other activities that week such as an Olympic-style competition and a golf tournament. R.S.V.P.’s were critical for teams to be organized ahead of time. Colored headbands and wristbands had been ordered to indicate team membership for the eight Olympic events, and foursomes were designed around fair competition for golf. Most invitees took their responses seriously. Others, not so much. “Sorry, Bro, but I can’t make it today” (sent 30 minutes before the games began). “I’ll be an hour late. Hope that’s not a problem.” (Of course it was a problem.) “I’m bringing along a buddy. Please put him in my golf foursome.” “I know I said I couldn’t come, but things changed, so I’ll be there.” These were just a few of the replies that caused inconveniences. Some failed to respond but showed up, and others responded as coming but failed to show up. One team ended up with one person instead of the eight required to compete. Jeff’s brothers had to redesign teams because of last-minute cancellations, causing the entire Olympic events to start an hour later than scheduled. Sooooo unfair to the teammates who were there on time! If you’ve ever been in charge of organizing an activity that depended on people showing up, you know how frustrating it can be when they fail to take their R.S.V.P. seriously. You spend hours and hours getting everything ready. You work hard and are excited about what you’ve got planned. But then eight arrive instead of the 25 you counted on. Jesus had plenty to say about invited guests who fail to show up. In Mt. 22, he compared Heaven to a wedding banquet a king prepared for his son. Invitations had gone out ahead of time, but when the ceremony started, there were no-shows. Twice the king sent out his servants to find the guests, reminding them that the food was ready, but they had other plans. Some “seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them.” The enraged kingdispatched his army to destroy the murderers and burn their city. Fortunately, nothing so dramatic happened at Jeff’s weekend of activities, but Jesus took this snub very seriously. Let’s pick up in verse eight where his parable points to the Jews who, denying Jesus, were replaced with the Gentiles: Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. And everyone lived happily ever after. Ummm…maybe not. Next week we will look at one man who chose to come, but on his terms. It was an R.S.V.P. with eternal consequences.
The site of the Burke Street Classic Wiffle Ball Tournament, July 30, 2021. Submitted photos.
Some area youth have organized a tournament in their neighborhood.
The Burke Street Wiffle Ball Classic 2021 starts at 2 p.m. today and is estimated to run until approximately 7:30 p.m., according to event organizer Dryden Cosens, age 17.
The event is located on Burke Street, adjacent to the Cosens’ home at 1320 Marblecrest Drive.
“It’s on a lot between Ralph Hall’s and Frank Halsey’s houses, our neighbors,” Cosens said.
A wiffle ball is a light perforated ball used in a type of baseball.
“The rules are watered down,” Cosens said. “It’s a fun thing to do in the backyard with family and friends.”
But today it is a tournament, that approximately nine teams will be competing in, with around 35-40 people.
The name of the league is Burke Street Wiffle Ball, he said.
“Anybody can come and watch,” Cosens said. “There are some shade trees, but bring your own lawn chairs.”
To aid players on this humid July day with temperatures expected to be near 100 degrees, Cosens and his brother Cal, will have popcicles and a tent set up, along with water.
Cal and Dryden Cosens. Submitted photo.
The Cosen brothers have been playing wiffle ball since Dryden was in sixth-grade, he said. He is now 17, and Cal is 15.
“In 2015, we had our first tournament,” Dryden said. “We made a Youtube channel, but kind of gave it up when we got busy with playing baseball.”
A friend, Rocco Loffredo, came to Dryden, with the idea of restarting the tournament.
“I talked to Cal, and we decided it would be a good idea,” he said.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Lynne and Jim present, Clifton was on the telephone, the County Counselor and the County Clerk were also present.
Also present were the following: Susan Bancroft and Clifton Walker.
Lynne said they were having the meeting dealing with the transfer of funds to Noble Health.
Justin said they needed a motion to make sure Lynne has the authority to sign the Noble Health agreement and a motion that the wire transfer of $800,000 be done today, he said the City approved this yesterday and their funds had already been wired. Jim made a motion that a wire transfer to Noble Health be done regarding the possibility of a future health care facility in the amount of $800,000 including the authority of Lynne Oharah to sign the document and that the transfer needs to be done today, Clifton seconded and all approved, motion carried.
At 9:05, Jim made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and all approved.
