Monthly Archives: March 2022

Fort Scott, Youth

Joshua Kobernat: New Keyhole Ministry Director

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Joshua Kobernat. Submitted photo.
Joshua Kobernat, 19, is the new director of the Keyhole Ministry,  1002 S. Main Street, Fort Scott.
“The ministry provides the community a safe space for youth from 6th to 12th grade to hang out,” Kobertnat said. “The Keyhole has video games, TV, board games, puzzles, a basketball court, and concessions.”
They have special gatherings as well.
“Our next event will be a St. Patrick’s day party on March 17,” Kobernat said. “We’ll be giving out free food and playing games to win prizes. We also hope to start up a weekly Bible study in April.”
Kobernat graduated high school in 2020 and took a year of Bible college at Heartland Baptist Bible College, Oklahoma City, OK.
He is the oldest of ten children of  Dan and Amy Kobernat.
“They serve the community through Bethel Community Baptist Church and Christian Learning Center,” he said.
He also is a member of Bethel Community Baptist Church, whose members provide the community with the Living Nativity and other Christmas events and also offers the Reformers Unanimous ministry for those who are struggling with addictions.

He has served with assisting his church’s Vacation Bible School and taught Sunday School classes.

Kobernat started on March 2.
“The majority of my job involves overseeing the students that come in, as well as scheduling and preparing for events,” he said.
“I have always loved working with the youth,” Kobernat said. “I think that the Keyhole is a unique establishment through which these students can be themselves and I am blessed to play a small role in their lives.”
The facility is located across from Fort Scott High School at 1002 S. Main. The phone number is 620-223-4700.
The current board members of the Keyhole are Amber Goodbody,

Ryan Goodbody, Emily Diebolt, Judy Hood and Marge Madison.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Soil Testing – First Step in Garden Preparation

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

Whether you are new to gardening or have been gardening for years, all gardeners should think about their soil fertility levels. Just looking at your plants won’t provide the proper information. Soil fertility is something that cannot be seen, felt or guessed about. As we get ready for planting time, consider having a soil analysis on your garden soil.

A soil test reveals the base line nutritional values of soil. From this test, the type and amount of fertilizer to be used can be determined. In addition, a soil test will find the pH level of the soil. This kind of information is basic for developing a good plant nutrition program. For example, if your soil doesn’t need phosphorus or potassium – which may very well be the case – applying it is a waste of time and money.

Nutrient levels can change over time of course. K-State recommends testing garden soil every three to five years. But soil tests are only as good as the samples submitted. To take a soil sample, follow these steps:

 

  1. Mentally divide your garden into areas. Each area should be fairly uniform in soil color, texture and slope, as well as ability to grow plants. Avoid or sample separately any places that could give misleading results: low spots, old fence rows, etc.

 

  1. You will need a clean bucket and a soil probe or spade. Take 10 thin core or slices from different spots in the garden. Include soil down 6 to 8 inches deep. This is much easier to do if you don’t take samples when the soil is really wet.

 

  1. Put all samples into a bucket, crumble and mix them thoroughly. Remove any stones, grass, roots and thatch. Then take out a cup to a pint’s worth of soil, air dry it, and put it in a sealable container. You can spread the soil out on a newspaper to dry.

 

  1. Put soil into a lock-seal plastic bag or plastic food container. Label each container with your name, mailing address and phone number.
  1. Bring soil sample to the Southwind District Extension Office in Erie, Iola, Fort Scott or Yates Center. Chanute residents can drop soil of at Breiner’s Feed Store for pick-up. Soil sampling is $15 per sample. Sample results are usually available in 7 to 10 days.

Phosphorus and potassium levels tend to build up in the soil. Excess can harm growth, or worse yet, leach out and pollute streams and lakes. In recent years, the soil testing lab at K-State has found some Kansas garden and landscape samples contained so much phosphorus and potassium that testing couldn’t measure the amounts. The results literally were “off the charts.” By soil testing, you can determine if these nutrients need to be applied or not.

Did your garden just not perform the way you wanted it to last year? It could have been because the soil fertility level is not what it should be or the soil pH is off. Soil testing will determine that.

Don’t put off sampling until after the garden is planted. Do it now so soil fertility corrections can be made!

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Government, Kansas

KS Program Supports Innovation Technology For Companies

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Proof of Concepts Applications Open through the End of the Month

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the Kansas Innovation & Technology Enterprises (KITE) Proof of Concept (POC) applications for the third quarter of fiscal year 2022 are being accepted through Thursday, March 31. The POC program helps cultivate and support innovation in Kansas by supporting companies with advanced, innovative technology.

The program is designed to fill a need for support where typical funding mechanisms are not available, acting as a bridge to commercialization and funding by angel or venture investors. The program aims to assist in:

  • the establishment of promising new technology-based entrepreneurial ventures within the State; and
  • the commercialization of inventions resulting from research conducted at Kansas public universities.

“Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship is one of the key initiatives in our Framework for Growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Driving innovation in our economy is a critical component to attracting businesses and people to Kansas. I’m pleased we are able to offer this funding to help Kansas entrepreneurs develop new technologies and reach their goals.”

The POC funding is designed to help develop a project/product to the point where the entity can raise significant amounts of external capital. Typically, these awards will be used for commercial assessment and/or technology validation, such as advanced testing or prototype development.

Applications for POC funding are accepted throughout the year. The POC review committee meets on a quarterly basis to review proposals and make recommendations for funding in two categories: For-profit Entity and Faculty Led. Award amounts can be between $5,000 – $25,000 per application. Award notifications for the application period ending March 31 will be made in late April.

POC applications can be found here. For additional information, please contact Wade Wiebe at [email protected].

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.

Opinion

Winds of Life by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

Wind is a natural movement of the air and it can be a powerful invisible force to be reckoned with. A few years ago on a warm sunny day, my husband and I headed east to Missouri on a bike ride. On the return trip, we encountered a strong southerly crosswind so Jimmy had to lean the Suzuki Boulevard heavily to the left just to keep it upright. He used counter pressure against the relentless high winds. A gentle breeze is always preferred, but you don’t always get what you want. We had no control over the weather, so he had to make appropriate maneuvers in order for us to make it back home in one piece. I knew I could trust my husband to get us safely home because he’d experienced rough rides before and knew how to handle them.

The apostle Paul experienced dangerous storms at sea in Acts Chapter 27. He and 275 others encountered strong headwinds that made it difficult to keep the ship on course. They had several days of rough sailing as they beat into the wind with great difficulty. They also encountered typhoon-strength winds and had to let the ship run before the gale. Even though the unstoppable storm raged several days, an angel told Paul not to be afraid and to take courage. They eventually shipwrecked on an inhabited island, but no lives were lost and the islanders treated them well.

Smooth sailing is not always on life’s appointment book. Spiritually speaking, I’ve had to batten down the hatches to do my part in keeping my ship from splintering into a million pieces. And that’s why it’s important to know and believe in the Master of the Wind. We can trust God to get us safely through the troubled waters when the breeze turns into an unexpected gale. “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord” (Psalm 112:7 AMP). I like the word “fixed“ because it means fastened securely in position; stable, rooted, or anchored. My part is to fix my heart on Jesus and believe the truth of His Word. Feelings are fickle, so I can’t be fixed on them. Believers are well prepared for a difficulty or crisis when they’re anchored in the Lord and trust confidently in His Word.

One of my favorite songs in the 1953 Lillenas hymnal is “I‘ve Anchored in Jesus,” written by L.E. Jones. The lyrics for verse one and the chorus are: “Upon life’s boundless ocean where mighty billows roll, I’ve fixed my hope in Jesus, blest Anchor of my soul. When trials fierce assail me as storms are gathering o’er, I rest upon His mercy and trust Him more. I’ve anchored in Jesus, the storms of life I’ll brave. I’ve anchored in Jesus, I fear no wind or wave. I’ve anchored in Jesus for He has power to save. I’ve anchored in the Rock of Ages.”

If Christians wait until the crisis hits to batten down the hatches, we’ve wasted valuable prep time. We have to live ready for a storm, not in fear but, anchored in trust and confidence in the Captain who’s never lost a ship. Jesus is our counter pressure against the fierce winds of life. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is for us today: “I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong” (Ephesians 3:16,17 NLT).

The Key: When the breeze turns into a gale, lay hold of The Anchor and ride it out.

Government, Kansas

Avian Flu Confirmed in Kansas

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USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Backyard Flock in Kansas

For Immediate Release:
March 12, 2022

For more information:
Heather Lansdowne
785-564-6706
[email protected]

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard mixed species flock (poultry) in Franklin County, Kansas. Samples from the flock were tested at the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and confirmed at the USDA–APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is working closely with USDA–APHIS on a joint incident response. KDA officials quarantined the affected premises, and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.

Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity on the KDA Division of Animal Health webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza. More biosecurity resources as well as updates on the current HPAI status nationwide can be found on the APHIS website at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. Attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.

If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. Birds and eggs from the infected flock will not enter the food system.  As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, federal and state partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flocks. The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.

For more information about HPAI, including current status of the confirmed cases in other states as well as more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza or call KDA at 833-765-2006.

Opinion

Morale by Gregg Motley

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Gregg Motley. President of the Regional Economic Development, Inc. Submitted photo.

This intangible, invisible characteristic can mean the difference between success and failure, profit or loss, winning or losing and growth or shrinkage. Community morale is so important, and while largely unseen, someone new or visiting a small town can sense it in the air. Do you believe in Bourbon County and the communities therein, or have you been burned and disappointed so many times that you are apathetic? How a critical mass of our citizens answer that question can make or break us.

This point was hammered home to me when I read a recent article in the Wall Street Journal about the war in Ukraine. The whole world is wondering why a country five times bigger, far better equipped, and with nuclear capabilities cannot rapidly subdue this upstart country, established in 1991. I believe the answer is morale. The article contained a video in which captured Russian soldiers were interviewed, saying they did not know they were going to invade Ukraine, did not know why they were fighting, and when they asked their commanders, they were told to “Shut up and move forward!” Imagine the drop in morale when bullets started flying and their friends were dying around them.

Contrast that with the rag-tag Ukrainian military, many of which recently enlisted and have no fighting skills. They are defending their homeland, and are inspired by their political leaders who are donning helmets and heading towards the front. The morale and resolve of these men and women are making a huge difference in the outcome.

During my seven years in Bourbon County, I have been impressed with the community spirit and morale of many fellow citizens, and inspired by their resolve. In particular, the business community is active and vibrant, with a surprising large number of new businesses opening in recent years. If you doubt it, attend a chamber event, such as the Thursday morning Chamber Coffee, and you will be amongst an active, motivated group who love where they live and what they are doing; they genuinely enjoy being around each other.

I know that we have many problems, some within our control, others outside our influence. Several national megatrends are working against us; however, this is our home and this is the only life with which we are gifted. I encourage you to be part of the solution, rather than cursing the mistakes of the past and challenges of the future. Purposeless negativity does not help. Do not let others limit you and what we can be together.

I ask you to invest in the morale of Bourbon County. Put on your big boy/girl pants, get out of your safe little world, help with solutions, and be the kick in the morale someone else needs. Don your helmet, and head to the front; we are all counting on you.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Feb. 22

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February 22, 2022                                Tuesday 9:00 am

 

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

 

Ann Dare, Matt Crystal and Bill Martin were present for a part or all of the meeting.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Eric Bailey presented a permit for culvert extension that was completed for Russell Felt at 2431 Jayhawk.  All commissioners signed.

 

The bridge at 130th & Birch has the outer stringer in place and welded.  Concrete decking is put back in and now we’re working on getting guard rail back up.

Eric stated they are calling for storms again this week.  Material wise we are holding up.  We got truck 145 back last week.  We are on our way to get truck 146 so we’ll have 5 trucks to work with. Eric stated that we lost a previous employee over the weekend.  There will be several of us attending the funeral tomorrow just to let you know.  Landfill will stay open.Eric stated he met with Jeff Spangler last Tuesday after commission meeting and we went around and looked at some areas that IA is continuing to work on.  They are doing a good job and will be doing a final punch list soon.

 

Clifton stated he received a request for sidearm mower on the county road going east of Oakgrove Cemetery.  Eric stated they would take care of it.

 

Jim made a motion to sign a cereal malt beverage permit for 946 Hwy 69.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Ashley Shelton stated the Clerk’s office adds special assessments.  We have requests to remove special assessments (mowing, demo, clean up, etc.) from the city asking us to remove them.  The assessment requests are sent once a year to be added.  Once assessment removal requests are received, the chairman approves and the process is handled by the Clerk’s office, then passed on to the Treasurer’s for finalizing.

 

Justin Meeks reported work is being done to prepare for the next sales tax.  Demand letters will be going out soon for the sale in September.

 

Justin also reported that he has received revised contracts from Noble Health that he will be discussing with the Chairman.

 

Jim stated that in the past Justin mentioned about the county working with private investors at Elm Creek.  Is that still something we’re looking at?  Justin stated that five or six years ago we were approached by some people who were very interested in running an Airbnb or fixing up the cabins out there and having a private partnership.  With money as tight as it is I think it is a very good idea to have that happen.  It would be simple contracts.  Some of the cabins have repair needs.  Justin will check and see if the private investor is still interested.  Clifton stated this would have to be a bid out process to do this.

 

Ashley Shelton wanted to discuss closing due to inclement weather.  Ashley has a call-tree to all department heads and they in turn notify their employees.  The clerk’s office is the switchboard for the building.  We need to know if a department is closed so that as we receive calls that information can be passed along.  We notify the radio station and we put posting on Facebook.

 

Susan stated that we have heard back from the state and they don’t like the contract that we had with the appraiser.  We have fixed that and we’ve done a new resolution to comply with their format.  In 2025 the resolution will need to be renewed again.  We need to get this sent to the state as soon as possible.  Clifton made a motion to accept the amended resolution for the appraiser’s contract (32-21).  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Susan stated that has been working very closely with the Treasurer and Clerk’s office on various things.  One of the things we’ve identified in the treasurer’s office is that it is difficult for Patty to not have a lot of interruptions where she is currently at.  We have the control room right off of her office and we are asking that she be allowed to move into that area and that would allow her privacy and be able to concentrate a little better with less interruptions.  Commissioners approved.

 

Susan stated that when going over the financial reports over the weekend there are a few entries that need to be corrected.  I’m going to make those and we should have final reports next week.  Patty and I are working on those.

 

Public Comment: Anne Dare asked for justification for a new parking lot.  Justin stated it is the property owned by the land bank that is just west of the DMV building.  The building currently includes Driver’s License Office, Probation Office and Spyder.  The CEO of Spyder made a presentation to the city of Fort Scott and they are on rapid growth mode.  They have a lot of room to grow.  Susan stated that the property has to be advertised for 30 days.  The grant that we are applying for is due February 28th contingent on us getting the property.  Justin stated there is a dilapidated house that needs to be torn down.  We are also looking at some basketball goals to be used by neighborhood children when not being used for a parking lot.  Susan stated that only cost to us would be if there is a clearing title.  Justin stated if there is a title issue he can take care of it.  Anne followed up with asking why it is our place to provide parking for Spyder.  Justin stated that this building is our incubator.  Susan stated that the grant we are applying for we have to identify the businesses that are in there now and that grant is specific for expansion of business and that’s why they were named in our conversation.  Susan stated the project is estimated at $150,000. for the project.  That is only if the grant comes through.  Anne stated that with ESSR funds the school district will receive $6,000,000 – $7,000,000 dollars that USD is going to receive on their own.  I’m encouraging you all to be as fiscally responsible as you can with ARPA, Spark, etc. funds when these other entities come and ask the county for more funds.  Susan stated that the Spark funds were the first funds released for Covid and then later on we had all these other funds that came out.  At the time, when it happened, it was really to mitigate safe environments like the college used a lot of their funding to create dorm space to isolate.  The school districts were spent more on masks and extra janitorial services.  I think the intent of those Spark funds were used correctly at the time it happened because it was the only thing available.  We haven’t had any requests from the educational facilities today for any of the funding the county is receiving.

 

Elected Official Comment: No Comment.

 

Five minute break was requested.

 

Commission Comments: Lynne commented on closing the courthouse due to inclement weather.  Sometimes it’s justified to be closed.  When you look at the overall scope of who has to show up to work.  The biggest part of our workforce is going to be here and we’re going to pay time and a half.  I do think it is a great idea that if the department heads don’t think we can make it in that’s the way we should go.  Safety first for the families.  Jim stated each department head should be in charge of their department.  Clifton stated that weather can be different across the county.  Bill Martin stated he agreed that it should be up to the department heads for their departments to be open.  He asked if a person doesn’t come in how are they paid?  They can take vacation time.  Bill stated that it is not figured in his budget for snow days and paying time and a half.  Asked that that be looked at when planning budgets.  Jim plans to allow each department head to decide whether to be here or not.  The courthouse will be open unless Eric states that no one should be out on the roads.

 

Clifton suggested having an evening commission meeting.  It was determined the commission meeting for Tuesday, March 8, will be at the Community Building in Uniontown at 6:00pm.  The meeting will not be available via YouTube.

 

At 9:59am, Clifton made a motion to adjourn.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk

March 1, 2022, Approved Date

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Feb. 15

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February 15, 2022                                Tuesday 9:00 am

 

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

 

Susan Bancroft, Clint Walker, Matt Crystal, Bill Martin, Ben Cole, Shane Walker and Matt Quick were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Eric Bailey presented a permit for Eric Gray at 208th & Katy for an entrance tube.  Lynne made a motion to approve the permit.  Clifton seconded.  All approved.

 

Eric stated they are prepping for possible storm this week.

 

Eric stated that they had Emshaw training last Thursday at Buck Run.  We had some employees that were getting into the time frame of needing renewal so we got that done.

 

Eric started that Schaub Eaton has started the annual bridge inspections.  We have 139 bridges along with 30 low water structures to be inspected.  We will receive a report when completed.  The bridge at 180th & Birch is being worked on.  Guard rail got hit, the stringer is hanging and the bridge decking is rusting away.  We’ve got the stringer back in place and they’re working on getting the bridge decking back in place.

 

Eric will meet with Jeff Spangler this morning to drive back around looking at the roads following the road use agreement.  Making certain everything is met.

 

Jim asked Eric if he had looked at the road at 230th.  Eric said that would be this morning.

 

Jim gave Eric some information on rock crushers if Eric decides to get a larger one.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend agenda to move the County Counselor time to the bottom of the agenda.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Susan Bancroft presented resolution 07-22 (ROZ) Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program Calendar Year 2022.  It is a state program created in 2012 under the Brownback Administration to help those relocating to rural areas.  They have an opportunity, if relocating to KS and have never lived in KS, in an area where there is a ROZ county they have the opportunity to have some of their student loan debt forgiven.  They also have 100% of their state income tax that can be waived for 5 years.  The county has the opportunity to contribute toward this but in the past we’ve always done zero dollars because we haven’t budgeted for it, but we still have to approve the resolution so that we can be considered a ROZ county so that cities and employers can participate in this because we are a ROZ county.  We are not tying ourselves to any funding but have to have the resolution in place.  Jim asked if we could contribute and Susan said that is something that needs to be looked at in the future as we doing our planning.  It could definitely be an economic development incentive.  Clifton made a motion to approve resolution 07-22.  As an FYI he stated that the county is allocating zero dollars per year for the purpose of matching.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Susan mentioned that next meeting we will be bringing back the County Appraiser’s contract.  The state has a certain requirement that they want it in a resolution form.  We just found that out late last week so we will be bringing it back once Justin has a chance to go over it.

 

SEK Regional County Meeting will be March 17th in Garnett.  We need a head count for registration.  Please let me know this week if you plan to attend.

 

Susan stated that she had met with Ashley Shelton and Patty Love.  We have had some really good meetings to talk about structure and reporting.  The commissioners, county treasurer and county clerk all are required to do quarterly reporting which we have been a little lax on in the past.  We’ve put together a schedule of when this reporting is to be completed.  To save on publication costs we would like to do one report that gives cash, revenue and expenditures and that meets on the obligations we have to statutorily.  Patty and I also talked about doing monthly financial reports due on the 15th of each month.  We are very close to having end of year finished.  By next meeting we are hoping to bring all of that to you.  I’m meeting with Terri Sercer today to go over some entries that have to be made.  I feel things are going very well.  I want to give a shout out to Rhonda Dunn.  She has been a huge help with this process.

 

Susan handed out articles to the commissioners that are helpful as legislature starts to go through.  One is talk about food sales tax being zeroed out.  If the bill passes that will be just the state tax of 6 1/2%.  You will still have to pay local tax on food items.  The other article is regarding bipartisan infrastructure law.  A lot of federal funds coming to KS.  They encourage long-term capital planning which I think we have already started.  We have a work session set up.  We want to make sure we put together a really good plan.  It helps us when we are looking at some of the funding that’s coming down.

 

House Bill 2619 would require all compensation of elected officers to be posted on the county’s website.  I’ll watch this bill as it goes through legislative session and let you know when/if that passes.

 

Susan stated that there is grant opportunities.  The first is due by February 28th.  It’s called a Base Grant.  We can do three different applications for this grant.  It is driven by industrial parks, new business.  I sat down with Rob Harrington yesterday and I feel like the best project that we have that could potentially apply for this grant is the Spyder expansion and the parking lot that we want to build over there.  There is $100,000,000 dollars available.  It requires a 25% match.  You have six months to begin the project and two years to complete.  It has to be driven toward economic development and business.  The city will also be applying for this grant as well.  There will be another webinar tomorrow that I will be listening to on this subject.

 

Susan stated she met with city staff to talk about the north side parking project.  We are going to work together on that and renew some lines that we think are causing some water issues.  One of the things discussed was this could create another issue going forward because when we put the troths in for surface water it’s going to go to Judson and cause more issues because there are no storm drains to take it.  They are working on their side to see what they can do to address that.  I feel it needs to be engineered for ADA compliance and AG Engineering is about 4 to 8 weeks out before they can get to this project.  Do we wait for Ag Engineering or do we look for another firm to help with this?  Jim stated that he would like to keep it local.  Susan said she would get with Frank and see when they can work on this and then coordinate with the city as well.

 

Susan gave copies of Ashley Shelton’s training schedule just to keep them in the loop.

 

Susan met with Ashley and Patty regarding issues of grants and other funding coming into the county it sometimes isn’t identified very well.  As we develop new policies and handbook, I would like us to develop some kind of administrative policy book that talks about how we handle certain things.  When a payment comes to the county there is a form we would like the department head to complete that states we know this money is coming and this is where we want the money to go.  So there are no issues or delay in getting that information posted in the general ledger.  That is one of the things that Patty and I worked on and we’ll be talking about that in our next department head meeting.  As we develop those procedures we will bring them to you.  We’ll talk to department heads about them first.

 

Public Comment: Clint Walker stated it was nice to see Susan on the ball on the rural opportunities.

 

Elected Official Comment: No comment

 

Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property for minutes including 3 commissioners, Rob Harrington, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks returning at 9:43am.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 9:43am with no action.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property for 7 minutes including 3 commissioners, Rob Harrington, Susan Bancroft and Justin Meeks returning at 9:50am.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 9:50am with no action.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 785-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including 3 commissioners, Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft for 15 minutes returning at 10:12am.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:12am with no action.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

At 10:13am, Clifton made a motion to adjourn.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

 

Doretta Neville, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk

February 22, 2022, Approved Date

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Jan. 31

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January 31, 2022                                 Monday 8:35 am

 

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

 

Anne Dare and Jason Silvers were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Eric presented two utility construction permits from Cox Communication.  One on 240th north of Limestone for fiber optic.  The other is on Kansas west of 230th.  Lynne made a motion to approve the two permits.  Clifton seconded.  All approved.

 

Ashley Shelton presented a Real Property Relief Application for 1762 255th St, Fort Scott.  Lynne made a motion to approve the Real Property Relief Application for 1762 255th St., Fort Scott, KS.  Jim Harris seconded.  All approved.

 

Susan presented Approval of Township & Cemetery Board Annual Report.  This is a report of all their budget numbers. We are missing about 12.  Those turned in are on budget.  These reports are sent to the state.  Lynne Oharah made a motion to approve the cemetery & township board reports that have reported for year-end budget of 2021.  Clifton seconded.  All approved.

 

Susan discussed sick leave.  We had our first department head meeting and it went well.  The resolution (06-22) being presented is how they feel the sick leave should be handled.

 

“Whereas all new hires accrue one day per month of sick leave.  One day will represent the number of hours a normal workday is for the specific position or department and whereas of February 1, 2022, new hires will be given 12 days of sick leave on the first day of hire.  If the employee leaves employment before their one-year anniversary date and sick leave used exceeds the annual accrual rate of one (1) day per month, the sick leave used must be reimbursed back to the county, Ex: Employee works sick (6) months but uses eight (8) days of sick leave and terminates employment.  Two (2) days of non-accrued sick leave will be deducted from the employee’s final paycheck, and whereas, the number of months of service divided by two (2) will be allocated on day one of the transfer for any employee who transfers from a salaried position to an hourly position.  Ex: An employee who has worked for Bourbon County in a salaried position for sixty (60) months (5 years) will be granted thirty (30) days of sick leave on the first day of the transfer to an hourly position.”

 

Basically we will frontload the sick leave for any new hire and if they terminate before first year of employment then they will have to pay days back.  And for the salaried position we basically stated that this is what they would have accrued and then divided it in half.  The department heads felt this was fair.  As a resolution it will be added to the handbook until the handbook has been updated.  Clifton made a motion to pass resolution 06-22 amending sick leave accrual.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Justin Meeks requested an executive session for attorney client privilege for 7 minutes.  Clifton made a motion for executive session 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 for 7 minutes returning at 8:53am including 3 commissioners and Justin Meeks.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.  Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 8:53am.  No action.  Clifton seconded.  All approved.

 

Justin Meeks asked a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign any and all legal documents for the possible transfer of the hospital building to Noble Health.  Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign any and all legal documents from the county to Noble Health.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Justin Meeks asked for an executive session for proprietary information for 7 minutes including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft and myself.  Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships including 3 commissioners, Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft for 7 minutes returning at 9:02am.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.  Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 9:02am.  Clifton seconded.  All approved.

 

Justin stated that he received an e-mail from a patron concerning some sales tax revenue stuff from back in the day.  Obviously, I don’t have the ability to give that legal advice.  It doesn’t deal with the county specifically so I will be forwarding that on.  If I do need to address that myself I will request permission from the commission prior to that.

 

Jim Harris announced the commission has been invited to the 76th Annual Bourbon County Conservation District Annual Meeting to be held on February 5th, 5:30pm at Rosie’s Cabin in Uniontown, KS.

 

Clifton made a motion to allow the three commissioners to attend the Noble Health function.  No business will be conducted. Lynne seconded. All approved.

 

Anne Dare asked about the Township & Cemetery Board Annual Report. She has heard from 2 different treasurers stating that the information they had received was confusing as to what they needed to report for year end. She asked if this has been taken care of. Ashley Shelton stated that the distribution came in high at the end of the year; it shows that they had more money. They need to show whatever was over that they didn’t spend as a cash balance at the beginning of 2022. They are going to receive less money in 2022 but added with that beginning cash balance for what they received over should balance out. Anyone that has reached out to me has been given this information on how to handle it. I would encourage anyone with questions to give me a call. Susan Bancroft made a suggestion that we call in all the treasurers and give them a rundown on how to do this process.

 

At 9:08am, Lynne made a motion to adjourn. Clifton seconded. All approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk

February 8, 2022, Approved Date

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for March 15

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Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: March 15, 2022
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
• Resolution for Liquor Sales in the County
• Bob Reed – Resolution regarding Housing of Parole Violators
• County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
o BB County Representative for Lake Advisory Board
• Public Comment
• Elected Officials Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session: KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures

Agenda Request – Lake Advisory Board

Agenda Request – Housing of Parole Violators

Resolution – Maintenance of Prisoners