Monthly Archives: September 2021

Bourbon County, Health Care

Health Survey: Info Needed To Provide Grants For Local Entities

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Jody Hoener, CEO of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.

The Healthy Bourbon Action Team has created a community health needs survey to provide future grants to entities such as local governments, businesses, and schools.

The data needed for the grants must come from the community they serve.

“We need you to inform our work,” said Jody Hoenor, CEO of the team. “Take the community health needs survey today and earn $10 to spend at Fort Scott Farmers’ Market or Uniontown’s Union Station!”

Click here to take the survey: https://redcap.kumc.edu/surveys/?s=FKEN3PP9AT

The following is from an interview with Hoener:

What is the survey intended for?

“The survey is part of a bigger community health needs assessment.  With this survey, we are getting information straight from our community member’s mouths on our health and wellness needs.  As the saying goes, ‘Straight from the horse’s mouth.’  This information tells us where we need to focus our time, efforts, and financial resources.  To put it bluntly: Where should we direct our money?”

 

How long will it take to do the survey?

“The survey can take up to 20 minutes to complete.  We realize this can be a long survey.  We are giving $10 vouchers to Farmers Market or Uniontown’s Union Station for responding to the survey because we understand there is some time spent on it.”

 

How will this survey benefit the community?

“This survey will provide the primary data for grant requests.  We help write grants for local governments, businesses, schools, — the whole community.  Because of the last community health needs assessment in 2016, we were awarded the BCBS Pathways to Healthy Kansas Grant.  Since then we have brought in close to $2 million.  This money is directed to projects throughout the entire county.”

 

The following are provided by Hoener as examples of previous grants :

“In Uniontown: Union Station Gas Station and Convenience Store was awarded grant funds around 2017 for promoting locally produced food.

Uniontown City Council drafted a plan for sidewalks and biking.

“Uniontown’s School District USD 235 was awarded funds for the flashing crosswalk, water bottle filling stations, healthy vending machine, brand new gym equipment, and money for the locker room/shower

Other examples:

“Worksites throughout the county received $12,500 for worksite wellness equipment

“16 Local grocery stores and restaurants were awarded grant dollars to encourage healthier environments and promote local food.

“Bike share was started with the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

“Fort Scott’s School District .USD 234 was awarded funds for exercise equipment, the FSHS courtyard, and water bottle filling stations.

“Financial support for events like the Maramaton Massacre (a bike race event), Farm to Table events, and others that boost community morale and encourage healthy behaviors.

“Water bottle stations (still yet to come, grant funds have been given to the City of Fort Scott to purchase) throughout the community parks in Bronson, Uniontown, and Fort Scott.

“Lights for safe walking at trails like Riverfront Park and the Fort Scott Community College walking trail.

“FSCC received grant funding for the 24-hour access employee gym.

“The Bourbon County Courthouse has an entire workout room with weights, treadmill, and more.

“Trail equipment purchased to build and maintain walking or biking trails.

“The Nazarene Church was awarded $16,000 to start a truck farm and a program to mentor and help those on the outskirts of society (led by David Goodyear).

“Funds granted to Chamber of Commerce’s LEAD program to put together a Downtown Walking Trail that will have historical markers and education along the route in Downtown Fort Scott.”

“Plus lots more.  We are constantly seeking grant funding to help our Bourbon County community members. We want to use our resources where the community tells us it is needed.”

 

What is the expected outcome?

“Many other community law enforcement agencies, governments, school districts, and non-profit organizations use these assessments and surveys to apply for outside funding.  It will help every local entity with needed financial support for operations, programs, and projects.”

 

Who is collaborating with the survey?

“We are working with the University of Kansas on the community health needs assessment.  They are paid through our Blue Cross Blue Shield KansasPathways Grant to help us with this process.   The survey responses go directly to KU and are 100% anonymous.  We are also collaborating locally with Ascension Via Christi and Community Health Centers of South East Kansas.”

 

Where can interested people get a hold of the survey?

“We are seeking 60% of all households to complete a survey.  The survey link is on our website at HBCAT.org.  Tablets and stands to fill out surveys are available at Via Christi Emergency Room and Primary Care Office (Dr. Burke), Uniontown’s Union Station, and soon to be placed at Community Health Centers of Southeast Kansas primary care in Fort Scott.  Anyone is free to reach out to me at [email protected] for a paper survey.”

 

Obituary

Obituary of Barbara Driscoll

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Barbara Jean Driscoll

Barbara Jean Driscoll, age 75, a resident of Ft Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, September 18, 2021, at her home. She was born December 3, 1945, in Little Rock, Arkansas, the daughter of Richard Dallas Stone and Verlon Undine Henry Stone.
She married William R. Driscoll on July 12, 1969. They were later divorced.
Barbara lived for a time in Nevada, Wyoming and Arizona before moving to Ft. Scott. She had worked as a telephone operator, and as a CNA. Most recently, she had worked at IGA and later Woods Grocery Store.
Barbara enjoyed listening to rock and roll and dancing. She also liked to read and spend time with her family.
She attended Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Survivors include her two daughters, Shar Brumfield of Tucson, Arizona and Colleen Williams (Terry) of Olathe, Kansas; three grandchildren, Brittani Gregory, Ashlinn Nixon and Jon Stager and eight great-grandchildren, Tony, Miles, Rody Jr., Valentina “Little Beautiful”, Addy, Cooper, Trinity and Cameron. Also surviving are a brother, Gary “Buddy” Stone of Wichita, Kansas, Diana Kimmell of Ft. Scott and two nephews, Steven and Darren Belcher.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, September 24th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project 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.

 

COVID-19, Kansas

Kansas COVID 19 Booster Not Approved Yet

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Reminder: COVID-19 Booster Doses Not Yet Approved
~~Official approval happens AFTER CDC adopts recommendations from FDA and ACIP~~

“The following are the COVID-19 vaccines our health departments are able to administer at this time: Moderna for individuals 18 years and older. Now carrying Pfizer, which is FDA approved for individuals 12 years and older,” Rebecca Johnson, Southeast Kansas Multi Health Department said.  “We are also are able to give an additional dose of Moderna or Pfizer to those individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. We have a limited supply of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for those individuals 18 years and older.

“We also have flu shots available at this time for the public. Mondays are walk-in days. Call for an appointment otherwise. Allen County: (620)365-2191; Anderson County: (785)448-6559; Bourbon County: (620)223-4464; Woodson County: (620)625-2484.”

 

TOPEKA – On Friday, Sept. 17, the first step was completed in COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. However, there are three steps that still need to happen before certain Kansans can receive a booster shot.

What has been approved:

  • Friday, Sept. 17 – The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) voted 18-0 in favor of a Pfizer-BioNTech booster dose for adults aged 65 and over and individuals aged 16 and over at high risk for COVID-19.
    • They did not recommend boosters for all individuals aged 16 and over. The committee had concerns about the lack of robust data, especially safety data in younger populations. They felt that a booster dose would not significantly impact or mitigate the state of the pandemic.

What still needs to happen:

  • FDA authorization of booster dose.
    • The FDA is expected to authorize a booster vaccine for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine early this week.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Recommendation
    • The ACIP is scheduled to meet on 22 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. to consider the authorization from the FDA regarding booster doses.
    • The ACIP recommendation will likely provide more specifics as it relates to the length of time after initial series completion, eligible age groups and identified high-risk groups.
  • CDC Director Approval
    • Following the ACIP meeting, the CDC Director will make a final decision to approve, amend or reject the ACIP recommendations. Only this final decision by the CDC Director will allow for providers to begin administering booster doses.

In August 2021, an additional dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was approved for individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. These additional doses are not considered booster doses and remain available.

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Fort Scott, Government, Schools

News Release: USD 234 Board Meeting Sept. 20

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, September 20, 2021 – 12:15 p.m.

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Board of Education Central Office on Monday, September 20, 2021, for a special board meeting.

President James Wood opened the meeting.  Mr. Wood opened the Budget Hearing.  Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, presented information regarding the 2021-22 budget.  Mr. Wood closed the Budget Hearing

Board members approved the 2021-22 budget.

The board adjourned.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 News Release Sept. 20

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, September 20, 2021 – 12:00 p.m.

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Board of Education Central Office on Monday, September 20, 2021, for a special board meeting.

President James Wood opened the meeting.  Mr. Wood opened the Revenue Neutral Hearing.  Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, presented information regarding the Revenue Neutral Hearing.  Mr. Wood closed the Revenue Neutral Hearing.

Board members approved the following:

 

·       Resolution 21-07 – To Adopt LOB Percentage

·       Resolution 21-08 – A Resolution expressing the Property Taxation Policy of USD 234 Fort Scott with Respect to Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for Financing the Annual Budget for 2021-22

 

The board adjourned.

 

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for FS Commission Meeting on Sept. 21

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
6:00 P.M.

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)

  2. Approval of Agenda:

  3. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  4. Consent Agenda:

    1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 7th, 2021, and special meeting of September 13th, 2021.

    2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1296-A totaling $344,867.81.

    3. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $2,895.01 – River Intake Project Engineering

    4. Request to Pay – Allgeier Martin & Associates – $2,805.46 – Clarifier Painting engineering fees

    5. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – $2,978.50 – August legal fees

    6. Parade Permit – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta – September 30th, 2021

    7. Request to Pay – SE Kansas Regional Planning Commission – $3,000 – Administrative fees for Ladder Truck Grant

    8. August financials

  1. Engineering Firm Update:

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

  1. Public Hearings: None

  1. Old Business:

    1. Consideration of allocation to Bourbon County C.A.S.A. of the 6th Judicial District

  1. Appearances:

Jody Hoener – Prairie Pathways

Kirk Sharp – Gordon Parks Celebration – October 7th to 9th, 2021

  1. Finance Director Update:

  1. Interim City Manager Update:

  1. New Business:

    1. Consideration of Change Order for Below-Grade Project – Owenby Construction and Pay Request #2 – $19,425.00

    2. Discussion of definition of Emergency Purchase in the City’s purchase policy

    3. Discussion of Codes in reference to having a bathroom and kitchen in a residence

    4. Discussion of Buck Run Community Center safety fire lane

    5. Discussion of additional mowing contractor

    6. Discussion of Employee Benefits Program

    7. Discussion of Infrastructure Program

    8. Discussion of sale of Lake properties

    9. Consideration of bid for French drain and sump pump on North National project

XIII. Reports and Comments:

a) Commissioners Reports and Comments:

b) City Attorney Reports and Comments:

XIV. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

XV. Adjournment:

Updated:  Agenda

 

Updated:  Minutes on 9/7/2021 (Changed verbiage on Kevin Allen invoice to show Discussion was held on the definition of emergency purchase) – Also on Cooper Street changed the turning lane to 23rd Street when I put 20th Street originally)

 

Removed:  Discussion of HR Agreement between City and County (The agreement is not finalized yet – Bob is out of the office this week)

 

Removed:  Tom Havron and Tom Robertson – Discussion of Ty Cullor field (The agreement is not finalized – Bob is out of the office this week)

 

Added:  August financials paperwork

 

Added:  Infrastructure Projects Funding documentation (Susan gave me her paperwork today)

 

Added:  Appearance – Kirk Sharp – Gordon Parks Celebration (Received his request today)

 

Added:  Consideration of Bid – French Drain and sump pump on North National project (City Manager asked that this be added)

Obituary

Obituary of Clara Brewer

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Clara Brewer, 97, of Fort Scott, passed away, Saturday evening, September 18, 2021 at the home of her daughter, Mildred Hall. She was born, December 18, 1923 in Yates Center, Kansas the daughter of Albertis Orville “Bert” and Moma Mary Martin Hodge.

She married Ivan E. Brewer, August 2, 1941, in Pawnee Station, Kansas, and he preceded her in death on January 27, 1997.

Clara was a member of Fort Scott High School Class of 1941, and the Hiattville United Methodist Church. She was also a 75-year member of the Ideal Chapter #369 Order of the Eastern Star, and was active for 25 years with 4H work, as well as County Extension work. Clara was also a volunteer with the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary and The Beacon, Inc. for many years.

Clara is survived by a daughter, Mildred Hall of Fort Scott; a son, Charles Brewer and Paula of Fort Scott; five grandchildren, Donald Hall and Jolene, Dana Lea Ussery and Tim, Rachel Wagner and Kevin, Paul Brewer and Laura Vogelbacher and Barry, and twelve great grandchildren, Kole Wagner, Solomon Brewer, Gabe Harris, Kayla Wagner, Chloe Harris. Abby Harris, Payton Vogelbacher, Madeline Vogelbacher, Erin Hall, Ashten Lampe and Ben, Katie Ussery, and Brooke Ussery.

In addition to her husband, Ivan, she was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Mildred Hodge and a brother, Milton Hodge.

Rev. Carl K. Ellis will officiate funeral services for Clara Brewer, 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at the Hiattville United Methodist Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens of Bourbon County Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday evening, September 20, 2021, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hiattville United Methodist Church and may be left in the care of, the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 309, 15 W. Wall St, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Marsha Lancaster

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Marsha Louise Lancaster passed away on September 19, 2021, at the age of 54. Marsha was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, on March 1, 1967, to Cecil Otis and Vivian Louise (Towle) Lancaster.

A graduate of Fort Scott High School Class of 1985, Marsha then attended Fort Scott Community College School of Cosmetology.

Marsha worked briefly as a beautician before starting a job at Great Plains Deli, located in old Belltown. What once was Great Plains Deli in Belltown is now Marsha’s Great Plains Deli on south National, famous for generous sandwiches and a welcoming lady at the register with the gift of gab.

Marsha and her deli, over the years, have become known by people from all around the world. All of her nieces and nephews, at one time or another, worked at the deli with their beloved Aunt Marsha.

Anyone who has ever known Marsha, loved Marsha. One of the most caring, compassionate, and loving people around, Marsha will be deeply missed by our entire community. Marsha loved her community and continuously supported her local Tiger and Greyhound sports teams, whether it be by sponsoring teams financially, working late to feed them, or sitting on the sidelines, rooting them on.

She especially loved when her nieces and nephews were playing.

With Marsha’s passing, Fort Scott has lost a valuable piece of our community, but nothing compared to the piece that her family has lost. Family was everything to Marsha, and Marsha was everything to her family.

 

Marsha is preceded in death by her parents and her best friend, Mary Ann Guss.

Survivors include her two brothers, Tom and wife, Kay Lancaster, and Don and wife, Gwen Lancaster; her two sisters, Debbie Baxley and Carolyn and husband, Gary Washburn; nine nieces and nephews, Matt, Adam and wife Bridgett, Brian and wife Amanda, Keith and wife Amy, Kyle and wife Sarah, Shelly and husband Dan, Sara, Margie, and Donnie; her aunts Ruth Spencer and Eloise Towle; Jade Johnson and family and numerous other family members and friends.

 

Rhonda Dunn will conduct funeral services, Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorial are suggested to the Fort Scott High School Booster Club or Care to Share 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.

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Government

Salary Study: Bourbon County Employee’s Wages Less Than Other Counties

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The Bourbon County Courthouse.
Bourbon County wages for their employees is less than other counties, according to a study presented at a recent commission meeting.
Bourbon County employees are paid on average $15 per hour compared to other counties at $20 per hour, Sheriff Bill Martin said in an email to fortscott.biz.
Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin. Submitted photo.

On August 31, Martin went to the commission meeting to discuss salaries for county employees.

Martin,  Bourbon County Undersheriff Ben Cole and Beth Tatarko, Vice-President of the Austin Peters Group, Overland Park https://austinpeters.com ( who was present by telephone), met with the commissioners to discuss a salary study that the  Austin Peters Group had developed, according to the commission minutes.

“I wanted it done to see if our wages were competitive with other deputies’ salaries of equal or same size as us,” Martin said. “The (study) funding was split between the sheriff’s office and the county attorney’s office. Mine came out of the VIN inspection account.”

The salary study compared other counties and cities and a few private employers and reported that the average pay was $20.32 for those entities as compared to $15.56 for non-elected Bourbon County employees.

Tatarko said it would cost an estimated $322,122 to bring the hourly employee’s wages to the average, which didn’t include benefits.

Elected officials, except for the attorney, are less than average as well, according to the minutes.

She said Bourbon County doesn’t have a scale for pay wages and all employees will eventually make the same amount if they do the same job.

Tatarko said Bourbon County does have a more generous benefit package and leave time than others, according to the minutes.

All three county commissioners asked Martin what his recommendations are.

Martin answered that the commission planned to reduce the mill levy by 2.5 mills,  and he suggested leaving the mill levy the same and setting money aside for wages, according to the minutes. However, the commission decided to stay with the reduction of the mill levy.

Commissioner Lynne Oharah suggested having Bourbon County  Financial Director Susan Bancroft review the study and give the commission recommendations.

At the Sept. 2 commission meeting, Bancroft stated she did include a 10-year recap for each Bourbon County department in this year’s budget proposal.

There were major sheriff’s office changes from the time when the jail was built, according to the Sept. 2 minutes. Commodities and contractual items both stayed about the same but there was a shift in personnel services.

The jail was completed in 2017.

Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, October 2017

“Contractual items include meals, health and records management, etc.,” Sheriff Martin said. “Commodities: fuel, office supplies jail repairs/maintenance and outside medical. ”

Bancroft said that contractual for corrections has gone up in 2020 due to the food services industry and having a lot of inmates; depending on how many inmates there are, will determine that cost.

As of last Friday’s tally, the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center jail is holding 45 inmates, with five from other counties.

 

Lynne Oharah

Following a Bourbon County Commission executive session on August 31, Commissioner Clifton Beth said the commission knows this is a problem, and yet, Commissioner Jim Harris said, they hear from business owners that Bourbon County taxes are too high, according to the minutes.

Clifton Beth from Facebook.

Harris said the county needs to grow and if that happens, maybe the commission could take some of those funds from growth to use for the employee’s wages.

Jim Harris.

 

 

Church news

Craft and Bake Sale At FS First Southern Baptist Sept. 24-25

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The First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main.

FORT SCOTT FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH, 1818 S. Main

SEPTEMBER 24TH & 25TH

HOMEMADE CRAFTS, BAKE SALE, UNIQUE ITEMS, BREAKFAST/LUNCH

7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

BREAKFAST (7a.m.-10:30) LUNCH (11a.m.-2p.m.)

$2.00 each $3.00 each

Breakfast burritos Soup – Chicken Noodle

Sausage rolls (jalapeno & cheddar) Taco

(cheddar) Sandwich – BBQ

Biscuit & Gravy Chicken Salad

Water, Orange Drink, Coffee – $.50

SAUSAGE ROLLS $2/ea or 12 for $22.00

***All proceeds to building fund.

Entertainment, Kansas

Kansas Stories: Humanities Hotline

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Head down to Flavortown on September’s Humanities Hotline

Topeka – Humanities Kansas (HK) announces four new stories now available on the Humanities Hotline.

Topics on the toll-free hotline feature unique Kansas stories about Wichita’s Keeper of the Plains sculpture,
podcasting, John Brown, and poetry. The Humanities Hotline is free and available anytime, day or night, to
anyone with a landline or smartphone at 1-888-416-2018. Hotline topics change monthly.

The Humanities Hotline offers a menu of short Kansas stories, both serious and lighthearted, that are
researched and presented by experts from across the state.

This month, the Museum Director and Curator
of the Mid-America All-Indian Museum, Erin Raux, shares the story of Blackbear Bosin, the artist behind
Wichita’s iconic Keeper of the Plains sculpture. David Tamez, Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of Lawrence
Talks shares the inspiration for his podcast series Charla de Merienda–or “snack talks.”

Natalie Vondrak
from the Watkins Museum gives us a brief history of legendary Kansan John Brown in preparation for their
new national traveling exhibit, Encountering John Brown.

Danny Caine, poet, and owner of The Raven
Bookstore in Lawrence reads his poem The American Kid West from his new book, Flavortown.

These
hotline selections are available through September 30, 2021.

The Humanities Hotline provides an accessible alternative to today’s Zoom culture and encourages the
people of Kansas to participate in lifelong engagement with the humanities. The hotline was developed as
a way to combat social isolation and bridge the technology divide with stories that could be easily
accessed without the need for internet.

The Humanities Hotline is free and available to all Kansans and can be especially helpful to those without
access to broadband.

Statewide partners include Abilene Public Library, ArtsConnect Topeka, Augusta
Public Library, Clearwater Public Library, Coffey County Library System, Dorothy Bramlage Public Library
in Junction City, Emporia Public Library, Finney County Public Library in Garden City, Garnett Public
Library, Goddard Public Library, Hays Public Library, Lawrence Public Library, Lowell Milken Center for
Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Museum of World Treasures in Wichita, Norton Public Library, Ottawa
Library, and Wamego Public Library.

Contact HK if your organization would like to be considered as a
Hotline partner.

Call the Humanities Hotline at 1-888-416-2018. For more information visit humanitieskansas.org.

About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the
people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and democracy. Since 1972, HK’s pioneering
programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and
generate insights. Together with statewide partners and supporters, HK inspires all Kansans to draw on
history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and to serve the communities and state we all
proudly call home.
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