The Fort Scott High School Alumni Association will honor two Fort Scottians during the all-class reunion parade. Fred Campbell and Don Miller were selected to be honored.
The parade starts at 5 p.m. on June 24 from the location of 4th and Judson Street to travel the typical parade route EXCEPT in light of past memories – it will be going backwards and will finish up at the high school. Classes will be displaying their class spirit as they travel south on Main Street.
The Alumni Association encourages citizens to line the parade route to welcome the alumni home.
Craig Campbell, Class of 1977, is the Parade Chairman.
Kansas Corporation Commission schedules public hearing and
comment period on Evergy’s energy efficiency program proposal
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission invites Evergy customers to attend a virtual public hearing to learn more about the company’s proposed energy efficiency programs and share their feedback with Commissioners.
Evergy has filed an application with the KCC requesting approval of a portfolio of nine energy efficiency and demand-side management programs for residential and business customers (Docket No. 22-EKME-254-TAR). If approved, the programs would be in effect from 2023 through 2026.
The public hearing will take place online, via Zoom, on Monday, June 27, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. CT. To make a public comment at the hearing, attendees should register on the KCC website (https://kcc.ks.gov/your-opinion-matters) by noon June 27. For those who don’t plan to speak, no registration is necessary. The hearing will be broadcast live on the Commission’s YouTube channel and recorded for later viewing.
In addition to the hearing, the Commission will accept written comments about the programs through 5 p.m., July 8, 2022 on its website, by mail or by calling the KCC at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.
M’Axe Throw House doesn’t have a sign up yet, but is located at 212 E. First Street.
A year in the making, the M’Axe Throw House is open as of the first of June 2022.
Similar to darts, axe throwing is a sport in which the competitor throws an axe at a target, attempting to hit as close as possible to a bullseye, according to https://bargames101.com/axe-throwing-101.
A few of the rules are: 1) no one with sandals on may throw and 2) children can throw if under age 18, but parents must be there also.
Mac Stoughton began working on the building storefront that would house his axe throwing sport business in April 2021. It is located at 212 E. First Street, between Scott Avenue and State Streets in Fort Scott, near the downtown area.
Mac Stoughton. Submitted photo.
“It took me that long because the building was in bad shape,” Stoughton said. By day he works at Stoughton Electric and Heating and Air Conditioning.
“We opened Good Ol’Days Weekend,” Stoughton said. “We offer entertainment and participating in a league.”
For walk in customers, he provides axes to throw.
League players have their own axes, he said.
For walk-in customers, the cost if $25 for 1.5 hours and he also offers knife throwing for $35 for 1.5 hours.
There are four seasons for axe throwing leagues and the first summer league event was on June 13.
“There are eight weeks of game play, then on week eight, we hold a tournament,” he said.
He currently has one employee, Cassandra Hueston.
Stoughton began an interest in axe throwing when looking for something to do, other than baseball, he said.
He found Main Street Axe Corp, in Pittsburg and started playing there in 2019.
“It sparked an interest,” he said. “I went on to enter three national championships. I placed in the top 20, a couple of times. In Tulsa there were 350 in the tournament, from all over the nation.”
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on June 21, 2022, for a special board meeting.
President James Wood opened the meeting and budget hearing. There were no comments, and the budget hearing was closed. Board members approved republishing the budget.
The board went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting. Board members approved the following employment items:
A. Resignation of James Harrison, high school paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
B. Employment of Michael Freeze as a high school paraprofessional for the 2022-23 school year
C. Employment of Lacey Miles as a 6.5-hour Eugene Ware cook for the 2022-23 school year
D. Employment of Janet Fairbanks as a middle school teacher for the 2022-23 school year
U.S. Senate Passes Historic Toxic Exposure Legislation
On Thursday, the Senate passed the most comprehensive toxic exposure package ever considered in our nation’s history. The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 will deliver all veterans suffering from toxic exposure health care and benefits under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Since September 11, 2001, up to 3.5 million deployed servicemembers have potentially encountered toxic exposures from burn pits. During deployment to a war zone, military personnel are often exposed to toxic hazards, many of which have been associated with chronic health issues. Until almost 2010, the U.S. military kept burn pits on bases for the disposal of chemicals, plastics, medical waste and other substances that were burned with jet fuel, creating toxic smoke.
Currently, the VA can provide service-connected disability claims related to burn pit exposures. However, due to a lack of evidence, scientific data and information from the Department of Defense, at least 70% of claims are denied.
As a nation, we recognize the physical, obvious wounds of war. We are improving our ability to recognize and treat the mental wounds of war, though we still have a long ways to go. No longer can we ignore the wounds of war from toxic exposures. Veterans suffering from toxic exposures have been relying on a broken system cobbled together through decades of patchwork fixes that often leaves them without health care or benefits.
Over the past two years, nearly every veterans service organization (VSO) has testified before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and emphasized the importance of fixing the process VA uses to provide health care and benefits to toxic-exposed veterans. Sen. Jon Tester and I have worked in a bipartisan fashion with these VSOs, veterans, advocates, the VA and our Senate colleagues to craft a comprehensive bill to deliver all generations of toxic-exposed veterans long-overdue health care and benefits.
This bipartisan legislation I introduced with Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) as leaders of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee took a consequential step to honor our commitment to care for America’s veterans and their families and will provide comprehensive relief for all generations of veterans, from Agent Orange to the post-9/11 veterans exposed to burn pits during their deployments.
Once signed into law, our nation’s veterans and their families will no longer have to fear being turned away the VA for illnesses related to toxic exposures.
You can read my op-ed with Sen. Tester here in Stars & Stripes. You can also watch my full remarks on the U.S. Senate Floor before the final vote here.
In Honor of SFC Heath Robinson
This legislation is named in honor of SFC Heath Robinson, an Ohio Army National Guardsman who answered the call to serve our nation in the years following 9/11. He was a son, husband and father. After his service, he was diagnosed with a rare cancer caused by prolonged exposure to toxic substances. In 2020, the cancer cost him his life. Heath left behind an 8-year-old daughter, a wife and an extended family who are now committed to ensuring this country provides other veterans suffering from toxic exposures health care and benefits.
For far too long, our nation’s veterans have been living with chronic illnesses as a result of exposures during their time in uniform. This week, the Senate took the opportunity to right this wrong and provide veterans and their families with the health care and benefits they have earned and deserve.
What Kansas Veterans Are Saying
This bill is culmination of years of work, informed by veterans both in Kansas and across the nation. The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson PACT Act would not have been on the floor this week without the hard work of numerous Veterans Service Organizations, veteran families, survivors and advocates and veterans themselves who came to Washington to meet with Sen. Tester and I, and who testified before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Thank you for your service and thank you for your work in helping us deliver long-lasting solutions and comprehensive reforms for those who served our country.
Lee Hursey, Commander for the State of Kansas Veterans of Foreign Wars:
“On Behalf of the State of Kansas Veterans of foreign Wars, VFW and its 16,000 plus members and especially those veterans and their families that will be drastically affected by the PACT Act we thank and salute you for your efforts to get this bill to the floor of the United States Senate to be voted on. Your desire to get the best possible outcome for those veterans exposed to Toxic substances that could endanger their health has been noted and appreciated. Kansas VFW realizes the work that you do so tirelessly for veterans and all citizens of the United States and wants you to know that you are truly appreciated.”
Jeremy Ehart, Department Commander of the Department of Kansas The American Legion:
“The Kansas Department of The American Legion wholeheartedly endorses and supports the proposed legislation that Sen. Moran and Tester have worked in a bipartisan fashion with the VA, other VSOs, and advocates to craft the SFC Heath Robinson Act.”
William Turner, Director of Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office and former Deputy Commanding General of Support for Fort Riley’s First Infantry Division:
“I greatly appreciate the extensive research and work that has been done by Senators Moran and Tester to effect legislation that rightfully would guarantee veterans who have been exposed to toxic environments and are suffering respiratory conditions, cancer and other associated illnesses permanent access to VA health care. Our Veterans have served in multiple locations where they have been exposed to a number of toxins that have resulted in them developing serious illnesses and they often struggle to gain access to health care and benefits that can help alleviate some of the pain and suffering they are experiencing. It is absolutely imperative that we enact the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Pact Act of 2022, as amended, to both guarantee exposed Veterans the permanent access to VA health care and also continue to establish a list of conditions that are presumed linkages to the toxic exposures thus enabling Veterans to receive their full benefits.”
Eric Owens, Disabled American Veterans Department of Kansas Adjutant:
“On behalf of the DAV Department of Kansas and our members, we fully support the Honoring Our PACT Act. It will provide healthcare and benefits to thousands of Kansas veterans that have been exposed to Agent Orange, radiation, contaminated water, burn pits and other environmental hazards. Many of our members are suffering from illnesses caused by these exposures and in many cases, they do not have access to VA health care and benefits. We are extremely grateful for Senator Moran’s leadership, bipartisanship and commitment to the men and women who have served this nation. The Honoring Our PACT Act will have a lasting positive impact on toxic exposed veterans, their families, and survivors. Again, we thank Senator Moran for his dedication to finding a solution to the puzzle of exposure legislation.”
Lee Tafanelli, Major General (Ret.) and former Adjutant General of Kansas:
“Our veterans have fought for this country. By no means should they have to fight the bureaucracy to get the necessary medical care they deserve. This landmark legislation fulfills the basic and sacred promise that we make to our veterans when we send them off to war. The promise that we will provide them the necessary VA medical care and disability benefits when they return must be honored. The legislation that you championed will have a great impact in the lives of our veterans long after their service. The knowledge that the obstacles formerly in their way have now been streamlined will provide peace of mind as our veterans move on with their lives. Access to the necessary healthcare for illnesses that have occurred as a result of their exposure to toxins during their deployment is an absolute necessity.”
David T. Dennis, Colonel, United States Air Force (Ret.) and Sedgwick County Commissioner:
“On behalf of all my brothers and sisters who wore the uniform of the United States to support and defend our Constitution, I strongly support the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring PACT Act of 2022. As a member of the Sedgwick County Board of Health, and the Chairman of the Sedgwick County Commission, it is our job to provide health services to those in need. As a retired Air Force Colonel, it is my job to use my position to advocate for all active duty and military veterans. I sincerely appreciate your dedicated support for this legislation and for your steadfast support for our nation’s veterans.”
Dr. Arthur DeGroat, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret)., U.S. Army, Kansas Governor’s Military Council:
“As a combat veteran and military leader, I saw firsthand the effects of burn pits and its subsequent toxic exposure impacts on the lives of my soldiers. I have also witnessed many technical and manufacturing (packaging) innovations that would reduce the logistical waste that results in the primitive use of fire to burn refuse at great risk to soldiers, civilians, host nationals and the physical environment. This primitive martial practice must be stopped—and I feel your legislation will not only care for those effected—but improve the overall nature of combat deployments. Moreover, advances in military logistics will now have the impetus to innovate to reduce the waste footprint of harmful byproducts of wartime materials. I commend your expert leadership in this very important policy matter as both a veteran and citizen leader.”
General Mike Dodson (Ret.) former commander of Fort Riley First Infantry Division and Kansas State Representative:
“As a veteran myself, I have in the past given little thought to the hazards other than those presented by the enemy or those who would do us harm and what I might characterize as the standard health and safety measures we have practiced for decades. The first ‘non-standard hazard’ I encountered was ‘Agent Orange.’ The dangers were not known to us during our service in Vietnam, but certainly became an issue some years later. Likewise, in Desert Storm, while we were aware of some of the possible hazards (such as chemicals), the locations were largely unknow. The dangers presented by oil fires and burn pits were certainly suspected, but not easy to avoid. Servicemen and women have suffered various ailments and have long sought to have these hazards recognized by the VA as being causal factors. I applaud your actions and that of your Senate colleagues. This legislation will give hope to those veterans who are searching for answers to their suffering. It will also fulfill our commitment to them for the sacrifices they have made in the service of our country.”
Herbert Schwartzkopf, Kansas VFW Adjutant/Quartermaster:
“On behalf of Ransom VFW Post 7972, Ransom, Kansas, and the millions of United States Veterans out there, I wish to sincerely thank you for bringing the PACT ACT to the floor of the Senate for a vote. I know you will eventually do as you originally planned to get dates and dollars implemented into this bill so it will benefit not only the veterans and their families affected, but the entire nation. The work that you do so tirelessly for veterans and all citizens of the United States is totally appreciated and will not be forgotten.”
Pat Proctor, Colonel (Ret.) U.S. Army and Kansas State Representative:
“As a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, I know so many of my fellow veterans who are suffering from the negative effects of toxic exposure during their service in-theater. And there is no telling how many of us will be impacted as we get older. I am so incredibly grateful to Senator Moran for leading this effort, standing with those of us who served, and seeing that our nation meets its obligation to those who risked their lives in its defense.”
Paul Chapa, founder of Friends in Service of Heroes:
“Senator Moran and Senator Tester have my thanks and that of Friends In Service of Heroes for not forgetting our veterans. This is indeed a long time in the making and only pray it will save the lives of those that have suffered from the various toxic exposure. Thank you for letting them all know, that service mattered and still matters today.”
Timothy Marlar, Colonel (Ret), of Newton:
“It took too long for the VA provide relief for those exposed to Agent Orange. We cannot pass on the opportunity pass the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 and recognize the hazards of the exposure of military personnel to toxic substances. Our military personnel served overseas or stationed at home has been an ongoing issue. These exposures have resulted in conditions and illnesses among veterans which can have far reaching effects on health and quality of life of these heroes. I believe the PACT Act is move in the right direction towards honoring the service of our service members and providing medical treatment and disability compensation they have earned.”
John C. Buckley, Colonel, (Ret.) U.S. Army of Andover:
“I unequivocally support the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Pact Act of 2022. During my 33 years of military service, I sometimes had to order my troops to go into harm’s way. During training, I sometimes expected them to do very dangerous things. But before I ordered them to do those things, I assessed the risk and instituted the best mitigating actions which would ensure their safety and survival. Reinforcing my actions was my firm belief that we would take care of them, or their family, if they suffered an injury or fatality during any of these missions. ‘To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.’ Our Soldiers were put into dangerous situations in Iraq and Afghanistan. And many who suffered from their wounds or made the ultimate sacrifice have been cared for by our nation. Unfortunately, many too have been overlooked and ignored. Especially those who are suffering injuries after having recurring and prolonged exposure to toxic fumes, burn pits and other environmental hazards. Our country has turned their back on these heroes. These overlooked men and women are clearly suffering from the toll of armed conflict. I commend you for your interest in our veteran community. And I sincerely applaud the bipartisan effort and support to deliver the care to our veterans who sacrificed everything to ensure our country sustained its freedom and liberty. My Soldiers, our nation’s treasure, followed my difficult orders and directions because they trusted me, and they trusted that their nation would take care of them or their families if our mission went awry. Your Act will re-establish this trust that our service men and women, and their families have in our nation’s leaders, that they will honor the pact.”
Wounded Warrior Project CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington:
“This toxic exposure bill will literally save the lives of countless veterans. Thousands of veterans and supporters made their voices heard on Capitol Hill. We want to thank every U.S. Senator who supported the vital legislation. Sen. Moran deserves a lot of credit for working in a bipartisan way to get this bill across the finish line. Now we’re calling on the U.S. House to quickly follow suit and send this bill to President Biden for his signature.”
Recognizing Juneteenth
Nearly two months after the Civil War ended, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of the end of the war and that they were now free. Kansas is known as the state “where slavery began to die.”
Our state has an important history and role in ending slavery in the U.S., and this Juneteenth we honor freedom and continue striving to form a more perfect union.
Happy Father’s Day
Being a dad to my two girls is the greatest joy in my life, except for maybe being “Pop.”
My dad was someone I greatly admired and looked up to. I want to wish all my fellow dads a happy Father’s Day.
Kansas City Scores World Cup Bid
The FIFA World Cup is coming to Kansas City! Over the past five years, the greater Kansas City area has pulled together in remarkable ways to demonstrate to those around the globe that “We Want The World Cup.” And that hard work has paid off. I have no doubt Kansas City will be an outstanding host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and I look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to the heartland!
Oversight of the VA Budget
This week, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs FY2023 budget request. This budget request sets another record for the VA at more than $300 billion for the delivery of veterans health care, disability compensation payments, educational assistance, veterans cemeteries and other programs. When we send our nation’s men and women to war, we commit to provide them any needed support when they come home, and I believe we must not shrink from delivering that support regardless of the cost. Our duty as stewards of taxpayer dollars is to ensure VA, in its request for funding and in its expenditures, has the resources it needs for its mission and delivers the health care and benefits veterans deserve in a fiscally responsible way. I was pleased VA Secretary Denis McDonough was able to certify to me and to our committee that VA would have the resources it needs to implement the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act, which the Senate passed this week.
A major factor in VA budgeting is how and where veterans access health care. The VA MISSION Act required clear standards for when veterans could choose between care in a VA facility or non-VA facility, along with a review of those standards to ensure they were meeting the goal of timely access to care for veterans. I shared my frustration with Secretary McDonough that VA has missed its deadline to share the findings of this review. Any consideration of VA spending on medical care must incorporate how veterans will access care in the community, and VA’s delay in sharing this information hurts our ability to deliver VA the resources it needs. Veterans, caregivers, and advocates have all become very familiar with the current access standards. We cannot allow bureaucrats at VA to chip away at the veteran’s legal right to choose where and when they get the care that best meets their needs.
Supporting Emerging Aviation Sector
Earlier this week, the House passed two pieces of legislation involving my efforts to support Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). AAM is an emerging sector of the aviation industry with the potential to create new jobs, transportation options and further develop economic activity.
The first piece of legislation was a companion bill to my Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Act. This bill lays the groundwork for the emerging AAM industry by establishing a pilot planning grant program to help prepare for the infrastructure needed to support these operations. It is a complementary effort to my Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, which also passed the House this week. That legislation would instruct the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation to lead a working group comprised of members from nine government agencies to engage and work with the civil aviation industry. The working group would review policies and programs to help advance the maturation of AAM aircraft operations and create recommendations regarding safety, security and federal investments necessary for the development of AAM.
Wichita leads the world in aviation, and both of the AAM bills will make certain Kansas aviation leaders have a role in developing policies designed to shape a new chapter in aviation.
Discussing College Athlete Compensation with NCAA President
This week, I met with the President of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Mark Emmert to continue our conversations related to the modernization of rules related to a student athlete’s name, image and likeness (NIL) rights. Since our last discussion, the NCAA adopted a temporary policy to suspend its rules related to student athlete compensation for the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL).
This decision by the NCAA to adopt interim rules to allow college athletes to profit from the use of their (NIL) was a step in the right direction as states continued to enact their own student athlete compensation laws. However, since the temporary rule took effect, many shortcomings have surfaced and further demonstrated that Congress must act to establish a consistent, federal standard on NIL. Creating a level playing field regarding student athlete protection and compensation through federal legislation will empower amateur athletes while maintaining the integrity of college sports that we all know and love.
This is why I introduced the Amateur Athlete Protection and Compensation Act last year ahead of the July 1 rule change. My legislation would create a national standard of guidelines to make certain student athletes can benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness without hurting their eligibility to compete as a student athlete. While at the same time protecting the existing model of college athletics that has afforded so many young athletes an opportunity to pursue an education. Athletics teach young men and women many valuable skills that serve them throughout their life, and Kansas has an unparalleled history of college athletics that includes several premier programs attracting student athletes from all over the nation and the world. I will continue to work to ensure NIL legislation strikes the appropriate balance of empowering amateur athletes while maintaining the integrity of college sports that we all know and love.
Meeting with Kansans in Washington, D.C.
Kansas FFA Students
This week, I enjoyed speaking with Kansas FFA members participating in the Washington Leadership Conference. FFA is a great opportunity for young Kansans to develop their leadership skills and participate in hands-on agricultural education opportunities. Developing aspiring young leaders in agriculture is vital to our future as a nation. I look forward to seeing what these inspiring individuals accomplish in the future.
Kansas Livestock Association
On Wednesday, I was pleased to meet with members of the Kansas Livestock Association. We discussed the detrimental effects high input costs, inflation, and energy prices have on our farmers, ranchers and communities across Kansas. Although there are no simple solutions, I urge the Biden Administration to reverse its anti-energy policies to provide much-needed relief to American families. KLA members also mentioned the extreme heat western Kansas has been experiencing throughout the pass week and the resulting cattle loss. My heart goes out to the cattle producers who have experienced this devastating loss, and I urge everyone to stay safe and take care of themselves amidst these sweltering conditions.
Homebuilders Association of Greater Kansas City and Wichita
I also met with both the Wichita Area Builders Association and the Homebuilders Association of Greater Kansas City on Wednesday. We discussed how trade barriers and excess regulations drive up the cost of housing, pushing more Kansans out of the housing market. At a time when all Americans are dealing with high inflation, lowering the cost of affordable home building is essential for economic prosperity. In order to sustain the generational wealth that can come with owning a home, we need to pursue policies that bring down the price of housing and expand access for Kansans of all income levels. I will continue using my position on the Senate Banking Committee to find solutions for affordable housing.
Citizenship Washington Focus 4-H Group
I also enjoyed meeting with students from the Citizenship Washington Focus 4-H Group from Franklin & Osage Counties. My office was able to give them a tour of the United States Capitol, and I was pleased they were excited to discuss the history of our nation and learn more about how to participate in the democratic process.
Capitol Tours
It was great to visit with the Davis family from Wichita while they were in the office for their tour of the U.S. Capitol. Welcoming Kansans to the Capitol is one of the highlights of the week.
Wheat Harvest in Kansas
Wheat harvest is underway in Kansas. We are one step closer to feeding a hungry world.
On Saturday, KSU President Richard Linton and I joined Justin Knopf, President of Kansas Wheat, and his family to take part in the wheat harvest at their family farm near Gypsum. While there, Justin shared with President Linton and me how he works to preserve soil health on his farm so that the next generation of the Knopf family will have the means to grow plentiful crops that feed and fuel the world for many years to come. The importance of Kansas farmers and the crops they grow is more vital than ever due to the current food crisis created by Russia’s war in Ukraine. I will continue to do everything within my power to make sure that Kansas families like the Knopfs are able to pass along their operations to the next generation and are able to thrive in rural America. Thank you the Knopf family for letting me join them during harvest, and thank you to Justin’s son Andrew for letting me ride in the grain cart with him.
Groundbreaking of SEK Soybean Crushing Facility
It was great to be in Cherryvale for the Bartlett Soybean Crushing Facility groundbreaking on Friday. This $375 million investment in Montgomery County will bring 50 new jobs to the area and provide a new market opportunity for soybean farmers throughout southeast Kansas. Once operational in 2024, it will process 38.5 million bushels of soybeans annually.
Bartlett has operated in Kansas for more than 100 years, and I’m pleased to see them once again expanding their footprint. It’s investments like this one that keep rural communities like Cherryvale thriving and offer opportunities for generations to come.
I’d like to thank President Bob Knief and Vice President Bill Webster for the invitation to join this celebration. The groundwork to make this facility possible was a major group and state effort, and I appreciate the work of local officials, including the Montgomery County Action Council and Montgomery County Commission.
Following the groundbreaking, I joined Bartlett employees and community leaders for a celebratory luncheon at the Cherryvale Community Center. During the luncheon, Bartlett leaders were able to give the local leaders more insight into this significant project and its progress thus far. When I was invited to address the group, I emphasized how important of a moment this is for Cherryvale and the surrounding area. The event Friday marked an important beginning to an investment that will continue to pay dividends to future generations of Kansans.
Thank you to the Thompson Brothers for a great BBQ lunch.
Progress on Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant Cleanup
On Monday before heading to Washington, D.C., I visited the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant to review the progress of cleaning up the hazardous materials that were left on the site during decades of use by the military. From its activation during World War II to it being declared excess by the U.S. Army in 1998, the Sunflower Plant produced hundreds of millions of pounds of propellants used by the military in munitions deployed during the conflicts of the 20th Century. The manufacturing process created numerous locations within the plant site that require remediation due to the presence of hazardous chemicals. I have previously conducted oversight of the cleanup process, including when I held a Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee hearing about the site in 2017. I will continue to work with local and federal leaders to make certain this site is cleaned up in an efficient and transparent manner and will be ready for public usability.
Thank you to DeSoto Mayor Rick Walker, DeSoto City Administrator Mike Brungardt, Army Corps KC District Commander Col. Travis Rayfield, and Jill Fraley and Kathy Baker, both with the Army Corps, for joining me during my visit.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C. office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
The City of Fort Scott Administration Offices will close at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 24th, 2022 due to the Fort Scott High School All School Reunion parade which begins at 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 22, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to open the new U.S. 54 railroad overpass to traffic at Moran. The bridge is expected to open before 5 p.m. Wednesday, weather permitting.
Drivers are reminded to use extra caution since the project area remains a work zone. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details.
Attend 1 of 3 informational sessions tomorrow on the Chamber Health Insurance to be offered to members through BCBS of KS…
June 22nd (Wednesday)
8:30am, 12pm, or 3pm
Sleep Inn Conference Room
302 E. Wall St.
Your business/organization only needs
to have two W-2 employees to qualify
and no maximum number!
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce announces
Chamber Blue
Health Insurance Offering
We are excited to announce we are
joining forces with CCEKS (Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas),
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, and
37 other Chambers across the state to offer
an association health plan to our members for your business or organization.
Join us for an informational session about
the plan on Wednesday, June 22nd at the
Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Room:
3 time options of 8:30am, 12pm, 3pm
Click here to register to attend one of the sessions so we will know how many to expect.
See brochure below or click here to view more info. on Chamber Blue on our website.
*Businesses or organizations do not have to be a
Chamber member to attend the informational sessions to learn more and get rate quotes, but will need to become a member to enroll in the insurance when the time comes.
Click here for a printable copy of the brochure shown above.
Cristy Mitchell of BCBS of KS and Chamber member
Don Doherty of Northwestern Mutual Life,
RPS Benefits, Inc. will be in attendance at the informational sessions to provide all the details and answer questions.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below!
June 7, 2022Tuesday 9:00 am The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present. Robert Harrington, Matt Crystal, Emily Diebolt, Kevin Davidson, Bill Martin, Jason Silvers, Bob Reed, and Susan Bancroft were present for most or all of the meeting. Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meeting minutes. Lynne seconded. All approved. Dustin Hall stated there were no permits.Trucks are out fixing washouts from all the rain.Staging asphalt equipment in Hiattville to get started there as soon as possible. Jim asked if we did any work on a culvert south of Hubert’s around the curve going east.There is a washout down there.Dustin said he would check on it and let Jim know.Lynne asked for an update on the new crusher.Dustin said that it is fast.It’s hard to keep up with it.
Lynne had a report for Hackberry Road off of Hwy 3.Dustin said that they put gravel on it this week.Jim asked if they were considering a second belly dump to move gravel while asphalting. Dustin said they have discussed it but there is no need for one at the moment as the rock isn’t there.We are going to try to keep the belly dump we have moving all summer if possible. Jim said that if you guys decide to buy a second one I would be in agreement with that.
Jim asked how many bush hogs they have.Dustin said they have four, but one has a hole in the fuel tank and have been waiting for parts.The other three are mowing now.
Bill Martin regarding K9 Retirement Contract.Bill asked for chairman’s signature to release all liabilities along withthe BB County Sheriff’s Department and for Kevin Davidson, who is the current K9 handler, to take possession of his dog, Jeno.Lynne asked how old the dog is.Bill stated nine years old.He was two when he started with the county.Jim stated that we appreciate Kevin for taking him and giving him a good home.Jim made a motion to approve the contract presented by Sheriff Martin allowing Mr. Davidson to take Jeno and give him a good home.Clifton seconded.All approved.Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the contract allowing Kevin Davidson to keep Jeno.Kevin thanked the commission for allowing him to keep Jeno.
Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft and Shane Walker for seven minutes returning at 9:17am.Lynne seconded.All approved.Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:17am with no action.Lynne seconded.All approved.
Jim made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Rhonda Dunn, Shane Walker and Rob Harrington for 10 minutes returning at 9:30am.Lynne seconded.All approved.Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:30am with action. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Susan Bancroft to work with the city on a shared service to deal with the land bank.Lynne seconded.All approved.
Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to move the executive session & Justin Meeks time to the end of the meeting.Clifton seconded.All approved. Susan Bancroft presented an EMS contract moving Dave Bruner from EMS Manager and putting Teri Hulsey in that position.Lynne made a motion to approve the EMS contract moving Dave Bruner from EMS Manager to Teri Hulsey and allow the chairman to sign.Clifton seconded.All approved.
Susan discussed correcting some employee contracts at the last meeting clarifying the language in the sick and vacation leave for the Public Works Director and Chief Information Officer.Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the amended employment contracts.Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan discussed employee insurance and the possibility of getting a broker to help consolidate ancillary benefits to provide the best benefits for our employees.She discussed creating a committee to select a broker that would best fitour needs.Jim asked how the broker will be paid.Susan stated that they are paid by commission through the insurance company.Lynne made a motion to allow the creation of a committee to look into a broker for benefits.Clifton seconded.All approved.Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to do away with the executive session that Susan Bancroft had requested.It is no longer needed. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Shane Walker–CIO: We are moving forward with the antennas up north.We had an engineer study done and know where we need to put them now.The towers will take 90 days or more.There will be two for now. We will probably add another one down south where there is a dead spot.Jim asked if this would allow more people to get internet service.Shane said yes.
Public Comment: Rob Harrington introduced the newest members to the REDI organization. Emily Diebolt is our new grants manager.She will be here to help with grant writing.Also, Taten Majors, an intern for the next 8 weeks.He is a graduate from Wichita State.Clint Walker said it is about time someone help the county get grants.
The commission took a 10 minute break. Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to move his executive session to next week.Clifton seconded.All approved. Commission Comment: Lynne stated that he and Susan Bancroft have been talking about the budget process.Lynne made a motion that budgets will need to be turned in to Susan by end of day this Friday, June 10th.Clifton seconded.All approved.
Jim asked about getting a packet ready for the 17 county meeting in September. Susan stated that we are hoping to send out a flyer by July 1. At 10:09am 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 June 14, 2021, Approved Date
June 14, 2022Tuesday 9:00 am The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present. Clinton Walker, Rachel Walker, Anne Dare, Matt Crystal, Jacob Bielenberg, Bill Martin, Bob Reed, Ben Cole, Emily Diebolt, Tayton Majors, Rob Harrington, Susan Bancroft, Shane Walker and Matt Quick were present for some or all of the meeting. Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Lynne seconded. All approved. Eric Bailey presented a culvert permit for Patrick Wood at 1004 S 230th. The commission is going to check on whether they have to approve each culvert permit. If not, it will be discontinued. Eric gave an update on the composting permit for soybeans. The permit is still on hold. Eric said that the holdup is on their side. We’ve done everything on our side. Eric stated there has been training on the rock crusher. It puts out a lot of rock. We are cleaning up the overburden at Blake’s. We will start asphalting next week in Hiattville. The culvert crew has been working on 215thcleaning out the ditches and getting the tubes in.
We had some trees down over the weekend from the storm and are working on cleaning that up. Eric received a call from Iola Post Office. Unity and 62ndTerrace where there is a water plant and a house. There is a lane that goes down there. We’ve checked with Lora and we’ve looked on the GPS maps and that road does not show as a platted road on either map and hasn’t been bladed and they’re unable to get down to the mailboxes. Does anyone know of any agreement in this case? Jim said he didn’t think they ever bladed it
Eric stated he received a call from a councilman from Uniontown from our meeting we had out there, it was their understanding that we were going to lay asphalt for them. I need some guidance. Jim stated that was not his understanding. He said that we would review and see if we could help them or not. Justin said we can’t do that without an interlocal agreement. We can’t compete with private business.
Justin stated that there are two more trestlebridges in the county that are becoming a problem. We’ll have to make some big decisions on probably three of them. Eric stated working on the area Lynne mentioned is go on each side of the bridge and put barricades up stating “bridge out” and put a dead end sign. We will be working on correcting this in the very near future.
Lynne mentioned that on Unity between 95thand 105ththere is an area that washes a trench out every time we get a few inches of rain. I think it might be a ditch problem. Jim asked what Eric needs to be really aggressive with ditching? Jim asked Eric to bring a plan. Jim said it was no reflection on Eric’s operation because we had the same issues when he was in the position.
Ashley Shelton presented fireworks permits that need signed. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris and Ashley to sign the fireworks permits. Lynne seconded. All approved. Ashley stated there would be one more next week.
Ashley spoke on Preservation of Ballots and Election Records per KSA 25-2708 states the records shall be destroyed after 22 months from election. When the ballots are destroyed, I have to have two witnesses, one from each party. I have reached out to Carol MacArthur, chairperson for Democratic party and also reached out to Mark McCoy who is the chairperson of the Republican party who recommended Anne Dare. Those two people have to be appointed by the Board of Commissioners. Clifton made a motion to appoint Carol MacArthur and Anne Dare to witness the 22 month destruction of election material. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Ashley stated that there have been complaints from the people that the building at 108 W 2nd. There was work done last year and paid for but it is not completed. Jim asked if there is a check-off process for projects to make sure they are completed prior to payment. Ashley said when we received the invoice and it has been signed, we assume the work is done.
Ashley asked if any of the commissioners planned to attend the KAC conference on October 17-19. Jim asked that Ashley make reservations for him. Clifton and Lynne will be attending, also.
Bill Martin stated that over the last 5 years there have been 90 employees go through the jail as correctional officers. In the last week we’ve had four correction officers turn in their resignations. That brings us down to 8 to operate the jail. I’m here to inform the commissioners that I’m shutting the jail down. We’ll be transferring the inmates out until we can figure out what we can do in regards to the employees. We’ve had Facebook posts, job announcements by word of mouth to get people to come in and haven’t gotten one application. This is being done for inmate and correction officer safety. Bobby Reed did everything he could do.
Jim mentioned that this is a nation-wide issue. Your situation is not unique. People don’t want to work. Bobby stated that this is a very difficult decision. I have 16 positions that are under my control for correction staff, not including myself, my caption or my secretary. Next Tuesday, I will have 8 of those employees out of 16. Those 8 employees, if they stay, I have been told that another one may be coming; I have another one coming at the end of August. Those 8 employees are staying on because we are not shutting the facility down completely. We are moving all of the inmates out that we canto surrounding areas. I’ve been in contactwith several sheriffs throughout SEK as far as Fredonia and we are going to have to keep those 8 people on and figure out some sort of schedule so that when arrests are made they are still going to be booked into our system. They will then be transferred to another county. We still have to have daily operations, depending on the court systems, we are still going to have to get the inmates to court. We will have to go get them from where they are being held to get them there. We will still be responsible for their medical. This morning I have 62 inmates that are ours. Some counties are going to charge us $35.00/day/inmate, some counties will charge $40.00/day/inmate and some will charge $45.00/day/inmate plus medical. Jim asked Bobby what he thought was contributing to the turnover. I
n the last couple of months, everyone that has resigned has filled out the exit interview paperwork. I ask for details. Several years ago we opened our job pool to hire outside of Bourbon County. I had an employee who left two weeks ago that was driving from El Dorado Springs, MO. He found employment closer to home making more money. Gas prices are also playing a roll. I’ve contacted Cherokee, Crawford, Allen, Linn, Anderson and Miami. Everyone, but Miami and Anderson County start out at $15.00/hr. They are struggling to stay fully staffed. When asked if they would take some of our prisoners they said in an emergency they would but they are trying not to because they are short staffed as well. Miami and Anderson’sstarting wage is $17.00/hr. Jim stated that according to records, their budget was increased $48,000.00 for 2022. Bobby said back in 2018 we started out at $10.17/hr. In 2018 we got a $1.50/hr raise that brought us up to $12.17/hr. With the 3% that we got in 2022 that brought the starting wage to $12.50/hr. Bobby stated that even if we brought the starting wage up to $15.00/hr., there is no guarantee it will bring us applicants. Bill asked about the increase for 2022. Jim stated that there was an additional $48,000.00 for the correctional facility and an additional $50,000.00 for Sheriff’sside. When we did the budget last year we tried to address it
and tried to help. Bill stated that the report they received from Susan showed we are about 3%
belowwhat we should be spending but we’re not familiar with what will happen in the future. We are just finishing the 5thmonth going into the 6thand overtime is at $32,000.00. Given the pay raise we feel that that is going to be over budget in regards to wages and salaries and we are trying to watch that in regards to what is going on. Bobby and Ben have worked diligently trying to figure out what to do and how to get this going. Law enforcement public safety, when it comes to correctional officers, are just as important. Our hands are tied. We can’t even fill from deputies because it takes away from their time off. Jim stated that when we increased your budget $48,000.00, we were hoping that would bring the salary up enough to make people happy. Bill stated that this is not to make anybody angry,but we’ve had several studies done to show that we are below the minimum pay. We addressed that and they were in double-digit figures. When you give raises in the single-digit figures it’s hard to make that up. We are open for suggestions. We are willing to have a round table discussion at a later time, but right now this is what we are faced with. Bobby said we need to come up with incentives for people to want to stay. We need to pay our people well enough that they can’t afford to look. When there is such a wide salary difference between us and the private sector it’s pretty common sense. With 60 inmates at an average of$40.00/day that’s $2,400.00/day multiplying by 30 days that’s $72,000.00/month. If this is long term, which I hope is not, we have roughly 180 days left in the year. That’s $432,000.00 estimated to pay to other counties depending on our numbers. That doesn’t include medication, fuel and wear and tear on vehicles. Susan asked about food service. Bobby said that we areunder contract and he hasn’t reached out to them. Worst case scenario, we have to keep a few of our inmates because we can’t find housing, a bare minimum of maybe under 10. Susan stated that because we are a government entity, contracts can be broken because of budget constraints. Could we reduce the amount of food? Bill stated that we will have to get with the contractor and find out once we get the numbers and negotiate. If we do away with that contract, it will be difficult to find another vendor to come back in due to what is going on. This contractor takes full responsibility for any food allergy reactions. They take that responsibility during lawsuits so we have to negotiate and watch what we do. Bobby stated there are two vendors. One is food service and the other is medical with CHC. Due to some of our inmates going to other facilities that have CHC will have to work something out. If we pull off of that then our costs go up considerably. CHC has saved Bourbon County a lot of money. I would hate to do away with the contract. We are hoping this is short term. Jim stated some of our larger correctional facilities are privately run. Is there any advantage to that? Have you looked at anything like that? Bobby responded that the sheriff has control over the jail, the jail has to set in the county seat. I’m almost 100% certain that the county has to have the jail and it can’t be because if it was that easy every county would do it. Out of 105 counties in Kansas there are 102 jails within Kansas. Three or four are shut down because they are old and only have one or two beds. Most of those that are privately run are like a prison and not a county jail. Those facilities house post-trial or sentenced inmates. Bill stated that a private institution would pay more in wages. That would not be feasible for Bourbon County. Clifton asked how many beds our jail has. Bobby stated 74. This morning there are 69 inmates and 6 of those are Linn County so we would be 61 or 62 inmates. Linn County will take their inmates and house them elsewhere this week. I spoke to the sheriff in Linn County and their facility will not be open for another 2 or 3 weeks and that’s if all goes well. Bill stated that at the end of May we should have spent 41.5% and is setting at 37% which is about 3% less which gives us some cushion for overtime. There is going to be overtime on the sheriff’s side now because we havea deputy that resigned and that
position will have to be covered too with the possibility of one or two more leaving. This is not
about the sheriff’s office,I’ll handle that. Bobby has worked hard to find ways along with the help of Undersheriff Cole and I believe they have done all they can. Clifton asked how many people Bobby has today. Bobby stated that he has 11 as of today. He has 19 positions, 16 that are assigned to the back that are 6 correction officers, 4 corporals, 4 sergeants and 2 lieutenants that doesn’t include myself, my captain or my business secretary. Bill stated that he knows there will be people in the public that will say that when we built the new jail we increased our staff and that is incorrect. We hired one and that is the transportation officer. Bobby stated I’m not asking for more staff because I can’t fill the positions I have now. Jim asked if they equate so many employees per inmates. Bobby stated no that they would need a lot more staff handle it that way. Bill said there was a study done that stated one correction officer per 8-10 inmates. With the way the jail was designed we could handle the inmates with the current staff. Jim asked if we were going to maintain eight employees could we keep 30% of the inmates. Bobby stated that he doesn’t like to work with less thanthree employees due to safety or medical issues. Jim asked Susan about the money they are talking about spending where is it coming from? Susan stated at quick glance I can’t tell you. You may have to dip into some sales tax money of which you don’t have a lot built up and if sales tax takes a dip that’s a little bit different. Susan stated that looking at studies with counties with populations similar to ours. Of course, you have to look at assessed valuation, property tax generated but what comes from that is Bourbon County has the lowest assessed valuations in the comparisons and we’re the third highest in mill levy. So, we are poor and are taxing at a high rate. We are second to lowest in what we can generate in property taxes. It’s more about economic development and growth in our community. That is a partnership between lots of entities. Bourbon County Redi, City of Fort Scott, our school districts with everybody coming together and figuring out how we get our assessed valuations up so we can lowerour taxes, that’s housing development and industries coming in. Right now we are a poor county when it comes to what we have to fund and the services we provide. I looked at the American city, county government journal and it is a national problem. What is changed, according to the article, is the private sector is offering high compensation, flexibility and rapid career advancement. They are looking for younger workers. They are calling this the great resignation. They’ve never seen anything like this. Turnover is unprecedented. For many the pandemic prompted reflection about what is most important in their lives. Work, it turns out, wasn’t as important as many had thought and people became less willing to center their lives around their job. Further into the article it talked about a shift in worker attitudes. There are five values that could be driving the change. A desire for flexibility across all dimension, work that works for the person, among the young groups they are telling governments to rethink how they’re giving incentives both wage and non-wage incentives to align better with new worker values. We are not just talking about other industries; we are talking about people we are trying to hire. They are saying be open to hiring senior workers. The report that they did said that if we don’t change our approach to hiring and retention the oldest members of gen-x (those born between 1997 and 2012) who are now 25 and the youngest just 10 years old the cohort will be the target hires for the next decade or more and their interests are very different than those of the baby boomers and the gen-xers who now occupy most senior rolls in government. We have to rethink what we’re doing. Jim asked if the sales tax won’t cover it, will we do no-fund warrants? Susan stated that could be a potential. You could have to do some serious budget cuts; you could have to do some reduction in force. This is a very serious conversation. Bobby stated that it costs a lot of money to fight crime and crime don’t care about money. This is a service that
every county has to provide but the people that are allegedly committing crimes don’t care if we have an industrial park full of businesses or we have zero. Clifton stated that is what pays our taxes. We don’thave a golden goose that lays eggs to pay for everything. Clifton verified with Bobby that his staff work 12-hour shifts and that is a difficult thing to staff. Hospital systems have spent billions of dollars trying to figure out how to do it effectivelyand they haven’t figured it out either. Jim asked since we’ve built the new facility, what percent has the crime gone up in Bourbon County? Bill said he could get some numbers for him in a couple of weeks. Before closing out Bill asked if the public comments regarding what they’ve talked about could be asked now as they would be leaving after their presentation. Clint Walker stated he reads various county newspapers and they have sheriff’s report during commission meeting. Why don’t we do that? Bobbysaid there is a report sent everyday to the newspaper and various other e-mail addresses. Arrests, inmate count and releases are included in the report. There is a website that you can get this information from as well. Jim said that when the jail was built it was highly discussed about the money that was to be made by renting beds. Bobby said he wasn’t going to go down that rabbit hole because it’s a conversation for another day. But, we moved into that jail 6/18/18. When the jail was built we had 40 inmates here and 20–25 housed out. So, we built that jail for 74, at the time we had 65. We have 1,100 feet currently at the jail that pods could have been put in but weren’t at that time.Hindsight is 20/20, if we could go back in time, I would bet at that time the cells would have been added in that space to house them, we could have had it paid off in 2 ½ years and we would have 2 ½ years of revenue that could have assisted in our budget for wages. Anne Dare reiterated that it is a national problem and not just a sheriff problem; it is a society problem and the way our society is going. It is going to take faith-based communities; medical communities, sheriff communities, school communities to effectively change the culture of our county. The only thought I had was implementing some type of ROTC type program. Is there anything that could be law enforcement type classes in our high school and junior college to possibly help the education process in order for them to come out ready to be hired. Clifton stated the junior college does have classes. When someone is hired in law enforcement that person is sent to the state academy in Hutchison. While there, he is being paid a salary. Once they graduate, they are certified in the state of Kansas. By statute, once they finish academy, they have to work for that agency for 1 year. Jim asked Bobby if starting salary was $15.00/hr what would happen? Bobby stated he didn’t know. I can only hope it would help. I don’t know if it is a fix-all because other counties paying that amount are having trouble keeping help. The county just south of us is slightly below that but as of the 27thof this month they will be raising it to $15.00/hr. I fear it will cause a snowball effect in raising the starting wage to $15.00/hr then you would have to raise those who’ve been there awhile higher and then that will affect other departmentsin wanting increases. I think it is a step in the right direction but will cause a snowball effect and there is no guarantee. I’m available for any questions, round table events to come up with a solution to this problem. 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 including three commissioners, Justin Meeks, Susan Bancroft for 10 minutes returning at 10:41am. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:41am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session for Councilor Meeks for attorney client privilege. 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 including three commissioners, Councilor Meeks for 10 minutes returning at 10:51am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved. 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 three commissioners, Justin Meeks, Rob Harrington and Merrill Atwater for 10 minutes returning at 11:03am. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 11:03am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved. Susan Bancroft stated the SEK Multi-County Health Dept is doing a community baby shower and our handbook does not allow for solicitation. We can make a donation as a county or can put it out for our employees to see. The Commission gave permission to put it out. Susan stated bank reconciliation for May is complete. There is nothing new, sales tax is up still. We did reconcile. All departments are doing better in getting these done quickly. Jim asked about the difference in the CD’s listed. Susan said she would get with Rhonda and Patty and look into bidding those out again with the interest rates going up. Susan presented information from Juvenile Detention Center as to what they will be charging next year. We’ve always budget $110,000.00 and so that is still within range. Their estimate is $83,655.00. It is based on usage. Susan requested an executive session. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75- 4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Shane Walker, and Justin Meeks for 5 minutes returning at 11:14am. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 11:14am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved. Shane Walker–CIO: No comment Public Comment: Anne Dare stated she was looking at the May bank reconciliation and wanted to know why we have 1.64million in CD’s. Susan stated they are certificates of deposit and we’ve tied up our cash to get a little more interest on it. It is part of the budget. That protects us from raising taxes. Anne asked about the funding for the Juvenile Detention Center. How many juveniles do they house for Bourbon County for last year? Justin stated that you cannot house juvenile offenders with adults. We looked at another facility but it was full. Anne wants a better breakdown. Anne asked that they take another look at it to see if it is cost effective. Justin said he and Susan would look at it again. Ashley Shelton stated that Clear Ballot election equipment would be here this afternoon to demonstrate their equipment. Public is welcome. Commission Comment: Jim assured Anne that they would look at the juvenile detention center again. At 11:22am Clifton made a motion to adjourn. Lynne seconded. All approved.
