Monthly Archives: July 2021
Meetings for Land Bank and Parks Advisory Board Announced
The Fort Scott Land Bank will meet today, Tuesday, July 20th, 2021, at 5:30 PM at the City Hall Commission Room, 123 S. Main St. to discuss the Eagle Block Building.
The Parks Advisory Board will meet this Thursday, July 22nd at 4:00 p.m. at the City Hall Commission Room, 123 S. Main St.
Updated FS Commission Agenda For Today
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JULY 20, 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 Lisa Walther for 25 years of service to the Fort Scott Public Library
VI. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1292-A totaling $538,748.47
B. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering Inc. – River Intake Improvement – $ 54,902.50
C. Request to Pay – Health Insurance – $1,192.61
D. Request to Pay – Agricultural Engineering Associates – Mayco Ace Project Inspection –
$4,000
E. Request to Pay #3 – Triangle Builders, LLC – Mayco Ace Project – $59,993
F. Resolution 8-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at – 14 S. Margrave St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
G. Resolution 9-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 114 S. Barbee St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
H. Resolution 10-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 323 S. Hill St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
I. Resolution 11-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 510 S. Heylman St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
J. Resolution 12-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 619 S. Ransom – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
K. Resolution 13-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 611 S. Ransom St.– Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
L. Resolution 14-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 316 S. Main St.– Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
M. Resolution 15-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1517 S. Main St. – Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
N. June financials
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:
6:15 p.m. Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Unsafe and Dangerous Structure
located at 14 N. National Avenue
XI. Old Business:
A. Discussion of Lake Fort Scott repairs/upkeep
B. Approval of Ordinance No. 3586 pertaining to operation of golf carts
XII. Appearances:
XIII. New Business:
A. Approval and adoption of USDA Loan Resolution for River Intake/Dam Repair Project
B. Approval of Eagle Block deed from the Land Bank to the City
C. Approval of Eagle Block and CDL Building Demolition
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
To view complete packet:
U234 Starts Summer Sesson Today
The pandemic and the loss of class time in 2020, spurred the decision of the USD 234 school administration to provide a summer session this year.
“Following the loss of classroom time in the Spring of 2020, USD 234 recognized the need for additional support to be given to our students as they prepare to return to school this fall,” Dalaina Smith, director of academics for the district said.
“Teachers and students worked incredibly hard to overcome the gaps that occurred when schools were shut down in March 2020, however, this push has left some students needing a bit more support to prepare for their next academic year,” she said.
“We want students to come into school in August feeling confident and ready to learn,” Smith said. ” For some students, ‘Summer Camp’ …. is just what they need to jump-start this upcoming year.”
“Summer school and ESY opportunities will allow students to work towards mastery in areas they may not have achieved during the previous school year,” she said.
“At the elementary level, this looks like additional opportunities for exploration and practice, while at the high school students have an opportunity to recover credits not earned during the school year,” Smith said.
Smith said more than 20 teachers and numerous paras and teacher’s aids are available to help the students invited to Summer Camp 2021.
The school district has a Focus on Learning theme for the 2021-22 school year.
“It made sense to provide an additional opportunity for students to do just that,” she said.
“We cannot wait to have our Tigers back in the buildings,” she said.
Students will be provided a FREE breakfast and lunch.
“This is an opportunity available to all area youth 1-18, with no registration or identification required, students will need to be present to pick up the meals,” Smith said.
Extended School Year and Summer School:
ESY and Summer School starts today, Tuesday, July 20, and runs through August 6.
Below is the schedule for these learning opportunities:
- Preschool – 8:00 – 11:00 @ Preschool
- Jumpstart at Winfield Scott – 8:00 to 11:00
- Primary (K-2) at Middle School – 8:00 – 10:00
- Intermediate (3-5) at Middle School – 10:00 – 12:00
- Middle School at Middle School – 8:00 – 12:00
- High School at Middle School – 8:00 – 12:00 (credit recovery)
- ESY K-5 at Middle School 8:00-10:00
- ESY 6-12 at Middle School 10:00-12:00
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FSCC Gets Grant To Grow Women’s Flag Football Program
Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) has received a $10,000 grant from the NJCAA Foundation, NFL FLAG, and RCX Sports to grow a women’s flag football program, starting in spring 2023.
“The NJCAA Foundation is passionate about the value women’s flag football brings to institutions’ overall growth, the student-athlete experience, and equality across playing fields,” stated Brian Luckett, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. “This is an opportunity for women of the association to compete at the highest level and we are fortunate to work hand in hand with NFL FLAG and RCX Sports during this exciting time.”
In March, the NJCAA announced the $150,000 grant, provided by the NFL, to support the initiative of expanding women’s flag football. Since then, 11 grants have been awarded to NJCAA member colleges to grow the sport and encourage other two-year colleges to consider adding the program.
“RCX is dedicated to creating opportunities for all athletes to play and so that every child can gain important life skills only learned through sports,” said RCX Sports CEO and NFL FLAG Executive Director Izell Reese. “Through NJCAA women’s flag football, young women will not only be able to compete, they’ll earn a valuable education that will set them up for success after college.”
Women’s Flag Football has been a growing commodity across the nation and FSCC intends to provide an opportunity for these student-athletes to continue their passion for the sport while pursuing their education at the collegiate level.
“Fort Scott Community College strives to be a leader in the emerging sport world. Bringing women’s flag football to campus will provide a stellar opportunity for student-athletes to pursue their education. We are excited to pave the path for the future of flag football within the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference,” says Tom Havron, Vice President of Student Affairs. “Within the next five years, we hope to see numerous Jayhawk schools add this emerging sport”.
Recruiting is underway for the inaugural class lead by head coach Aprell Williams. Students who have interest in being a part of the first flag football class at FSCC are encouraged to contact Coach Williams at [email protected].
“The NJCAA expanding NFL Flag opportunities for female student athletes at member institutions demonstrates clearly that football is for all,” said Executive Vice President of NFL Football Operations Troy Vincent, Sr. “The values, fun and competitive environment of football can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone who wishes to participate. It is exciting to see junior colleges offer NFL FLAG as a varsity sport to female athletes.”
For more information regarding the FSCC Women’s Flag Football program, please contact Tom Havron at [email protected]. Stay up-to-date by following us on all social media platforms.
ABOUT NJCAA FOUNDATION
The mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives and community service.
ABOUT RCX SPORTS
RCX Sports is the premier youth-sports experiences business, running and operating leagues, camps, combines, tournaments and events.
RCX works with professional leagues, national governing bodies, sports-centric businesses and brands to reimagine youth sports experiences. RCX produces events with world-class partners including the NFL, Jr. NBA, NAIA, Rivals.com and the 2022 World Games.
RCX is committed to improving the accessibility and inclusivity of sports by enhancing the youth sports experience and creating opportunities for all athletes to play. We believe sports have the power to transform lives and that every athlete should have the opportunity to experience the value of sports. For more information, visit www.rcxsports.com.
ABOUT NFL FLAG
NFL FLAG is an NFL-licensed property of more than 1,600 locally operated leagues and over 500,000 youth athletes across all 50 states. NFL FLAG is a fun and accessible non-contact program available for girls and boys ages 5-17. Players benefit by being physically active through non-contact, continuous action while learning the fundamentals of football as well as lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. RCX Sports is the official operator of NFL FLAG.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 20
Deadline for Conservation Reserve Program July 23
Deadline Fast Approaching for
Conservation Reserve Program General Signup
Manhattan, Kansas July 19, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Kansas is reminding producers and landowners that the signup deadline for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) current general signup is fast approaching. Eligible producers must submit their offers by July 23, 2021.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) made several changes to CRP to make it more appealing to all producers, including those who are historically underserved, beginning, and veterans. FSA added incentives to encourage producers to include climate-smart agricultural practices in their operations to increase natural resource and environmental benefits.
“Agricultural producers and private landowners should take advantage of the opportunities offered by the revamped CRP,” FSA Acting State Executive Director Charles Pettijohn said. “Explore the increased payment rates and new incentives for climate-smart agricultural practices to see if elements of the revamped CRP fit your operation.”
Updates to the Conservation Reserve Program
USDA’s goal is to enroll up to 4 million new CRP acres by raising payment rates and expanding the incentives offered under the program. CRP is capped at 25 million acres for fiscal year 2021, and currently 20.7 million acres are enrolled, but the cap will gradually increase to 27 million acres by fiscal year 2023. To help increase producer interest and enrollment, FSA has:
· Adjusted soil rental rates. This enables additional flexibility for rate adjustments, including a possible increase in rates where appropriate.
· Increased payments for Practice Incentives from 20% to 50%. This incentive for continuous CRP practices is based on the cost of establishment and is in addition to cost share payments.
· Increased payments for water quality practices. Incentive increased from 10% to 20% for certain water quality practices available through the CRP continuous signup, such as grassed waterways, riparian buffers and filter strips.
Additionally, to mitigate climate change, FSA introduced a new annual Climate-Smart Practice Incentive for the general, grasslands, and continuous signups that aims to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-Smart CRP practices include establishing trees and permanent grasses, developing wildlife habitat, and restoring wetlands. The Climate-Smart Practice Incentive amount is based on the benefits of each practice type.
More About CRP
CRP is one of the world’s largest voluntary conservation programs with a long track record of preserving topsoil, improving water quality, sequestering carbon, reducing nitrogen runoff and preserving healthy wildlife habitat.
Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the United States. It was originally intended to control soil erosion and stabilize commodity prices by taking marginal lands out of production. The program has evolved over the years, providing more conservation and economic benefits. CRP marked its 35-year anniversary in December 2020.
Program successes include:
· Preventing more than 9 billion tons of soil from eroding, which is enough soil to fill 600 million dump trucks.
· Reducing nitrogen and phosphorous runoff relative to annually tilled cropland by 95% and 85% percent, respectively.
· Creating more than 3 million acres of restored wetlands while protecting more than 175,000 stream miles with riparian forest and grass buffers, which is enough to go around the world seven times.
· Benefiting bees and other pollinators and increasing populations of ducks, pheasants, turkey, bobwhite quail, prairie chickens, grasshopper sparrows and many other birds.
More information about the program can be obtained through this CRP fact sheet.
More Information
Interested producers should contact their local USDA Service Center. In addition to the CRP General signup, FSA is also accepting applications for the CRP Grasslands and CRP Continuous signups. Learn more at fsa.usda.gov/crp.
To find their local FSA county office, producers can visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator. Service Center staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, e-mail, and other digital tools. Because of the pandemic, some USDA Service Centers are open to limited visitors. Producers should contact their service center to set up an in-person appointment. Additionally, more information related to USDA’s response and relief for producers can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.
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 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.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is engaged in a whole-of-government effort to combat the climate crisis and conserve and protect our nation’s lands, biodiversity and natural resources including our soil, air and water. Through conservation practices and partnerships, USDA aims to enhance economic growth and create new streams of income for farmers, ranchers, producers and private foresters. Successfully meeting these challenges will require USDA and our agencies to pursue a coordinated approach alongside USDA stakeholders, including State, local and Tribal governments.
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Updated FS Commission Agenda July 20
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JULY 20, 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 Lisa Walther for 25 years of service to the Fort Scott Public Library
VI. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1292-A totaling $538,748.47
B. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering Inc. – River Intake Improvement – $ 54,902.50
C. Request to Pay – Health Insurance – $1,192.61
D. Request to Pay – Agricultural Engineering Associates – Mayco Ace Project Inspection –
$4,000
E. Request to Pay #3 – Triangle Builders, LLC – Mayco Ace Project – $59,993
F. Resolution 8-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at – 14 S. Margrave St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
G. Resolution 9-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 114 S. Barbee St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
H. Resolution 10-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 323 S. Hill St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
I. Resolution 11-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 510 S. Heylman St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
J. Resolution 12-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 619 S. Ransom – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
K. Resolution 13-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 611 S. Ransom St.– Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
L. Resolution 14-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 316 S. Main St.– Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
M. Resolution 15-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1517 S. Main St. – Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
N. June financials
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. Old Business:
A. Discussion of Lake Fort Scott repairs/upkeep
B. Approval of Ordinance No. 3586 pertaining to operation of golf carts
XI. Appearances:
XII. New Business:
A. Approval and adoption of USDA Loan Resolution for River Intake/Dam Repair Project
B. Approval of Resolution 17-2021 – Emergency Removal of Unsafe and Dangerous Structure
located at 14 S. National Ave.
XIII. Reports and Comments:
B. Commissioners Report and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XIV. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
XV. Adjournment:
Kansas Redistricting Process
Kansas Commissions Urge Transparency, Constituent Engagement in Redistricting Process
TOPEKA – The Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission, the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, and the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns today sent a joint letter to the Kansas Redistricting Committee outlining steps it should take to ensure constituent participation, transparency, and accessibility during the redistricting process.
“It is crucial that the redistricting process is as transparent as possible and that as many people have the opportunity to be involved in the decisions that will impact who their voice in the legislature is for potentially the next decade,” the letter says. “Yet, there remain several steps this committee should take to ensure constituent participation.”
Suggested steps outlined in the letter include:
- Holding hearings in an Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliant space;
- Providing both sign language and Spanish language interpreters, and notifying the public of the availability of such services;
- Ensuring several meetings be held during the evening and on the weekends to accommodate working schedules;
- And including maps and/or statements submitted by Communities of Interest.
“These steps are not egregious in their scope and should be considered to ensure Kansans have confidence in the procedures that will shape our collective future,” the letter says.
Obituary of Lois M. Williams
Lois Maxine Williams, age 90, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 24th at the First Southern Baptist Church in Ft. Scott.
Burial will be in the Clarksburg Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the First Southern Baptist Church Building Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Chamber Coffee July 22: Hound Nutrition
Chamber Coffee & Ribbon Cutting Announced for The Hound Nutrition
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to our weekly Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting of The Hound Nutrition at 116 S. Main St. The event will take place Thursday, July 22nd at 8 a.m. with remarks starting at 8:15 a.m. followed by the cutting of the ribbon. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.
Co-Owner’s, Kelly Perry and Ashtyn Dowell of The Hound Nutrition offer meal replacement shakes, protein coffee, and energizing teas with many benefits to be added to any of your drinks and assortment of flavors. serve healthy and tasty options to Fort Scott. They offer Protein donuts, waffles, and pretzel bites.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
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KDOT resurfacing K-7 section in Linn County
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has started a resurfacing project on K-7 in Linn County, from K-52 north to K-152. Project activity includes a mill and overlay. Flaggers and a pilot car will guide one-lane traffic through the work zone; expect delays of 15 minutes or less on days when the project is active. KDOT awarded the construction contract of $1.8 million to Shilling Construction, Manhattan. Weather permitting, the project should be finished by late August. Persons with questions may contact Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.