Influx Services Expands

Jake Province. Submitted photo.

Influx Services, which was started by Fort Scottian Jake Province last year,  now offers roof, gutter, and window cleaning services, in addition to house washing and roof cleaning services.

His pressure washing and exterior cleaning service serves Fort Scott KS, Nevada MO, Miami OK, and surrounding areas

He has also been serving businesses in Fort Scott: the local Travelodge and Don’s Spirits and Wines.

“I use low pressure and algicides to clean homes more effectively, and without the risk of damaging the home by using high pressure,” Province said.
“We’ve gathered multiple five-star reviews on Google, and become one of the top-ranking pressure washing companies in the area as a result,” Province said.
Those interested in hiring Influx Services can call or text at (620) 407-3008, visit www.influx.services, email influxservicescontact@gmail.com, or message on the official Influx Services Facebook Page.
Province expressed  gratitude for the fortscott.biz article published last year about his company.
“(That) support was incredibly helpful and helped us get our start in the community,” he said.
Horton Apartments before and after washing by Influx Services. Submitted photo.

Dawn Bryant, Fort Scott, Selected to Serve on the KS Pet Animal Advisory Board

Governor Kelly Announces
Administration Appointments

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced seven appointments and five reappointments to the following boards, commissions, and councils.

Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council
Purpose: To advise the Governor on adult, adolescent, and children’s services issues.

  • Cindy Sherlock, Osawatomie
  • Amber McMurray, Dighton
  • James Jones, Kinsley
  • Seth Dewey, Hutchinson

KS Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Purpose: To advocate for and facilitates equal access to quality, coordinated, and comprehensive services that enhance the quality of life for Kansans who are deaf and hard of hearing.

  • Harmony Jarratt, Olathe

Citizen’s Utility Ratepayers Board
Purpose: Provides efficient and effective legal and technical representation for residential and small commercial utility ratepayers and ensures that utilities can charge only just and reasonable rates to Kansans.

  • Danya Burks, Wichita

Agricultural Remediation Board
Purpose: To administer the Kansas Agricultural Remediation Fund and the remediation reimbursement program.

  • Laura Pearl, St. Marys (reappointment)
  • Jami Loecker, Manhattan (reappointment)

KS Dental Board
Purpose: Adopt rules, issue licenses, and conducts hearings to revoke or suspend dental licenses.

  • Maya Nunley, Wichita (reappointment)

Pet Animal Advisory Board
Purpose: To make recommendations on changes to the Kansas Pet Animal Act.

  • Dawn Bryant, Fort Scott

Physical Therapy Advisory Council
Purpose: Advises the Board of Healing Arts on the examination and registration of physical therapists.

  • Danielle Vequist, Wichita (reappointment)

KS Athletic Commission
Purpose: Supervises all regulated sports and professional wrestling performances held in the state.

  • Tom Burroughs, Kansas City (reappointment)

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Gov. Kelly Requests Agency Provide Emergency Waiver During Summer Driving Season

Governor Kelly Calls On EPA to Take Action to Save Kansans Money at the Gas Pump This Summer 

~~Gov. Kelly Requests Agency Provide Emergency Waiver to Allow Alternative Fuels During Summer Driving Season~~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan requesting the agency allow the sale of E15 products – gasoline blended with 10.5% to 15% ethanol – during the summer through the use of an emergency waiver. This move, which the EPA granted last summer, would help prevent potential fuel shortages and save Kansas money at the gas pump.

Allowing the sale of this product during the summer driving season would also support the Kansas ag industry, especially corn growers who contribute to ethanol production.

“I’m calling on the EPA to take action to save Kansans money at the gas pump, increase our nation’s fuel supply, and support Kansas ag producers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The agency delivered this relief last year, and given inflation and declining fuel inventories, I believe they should do it again.”

During the summer of 2022, the EPA ensured the continued availability of E15 in order to extend fuel supplies put at risk by the Russia-Ukraine War. This action helped prevent potential shortages and saved Americans at least $57 million in fuel costs.

U.S. inventories of crude oil and petroleum products recently hit a 19-year low, and nationwide gasoline stocks are 3% lower than a year ago. Those statistics, coupled with continued international pressure and refining capacity being offline for maintenance, are predicted to have the same implications as last summer, providing support for another emergency waiver.

A copy of the letter can be found here.

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KS Palliative Care Plan Announced

Governor Kelly Announces the Release of
Kansas’ 5-Year Palliative Care Plan

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has released the state’s comprehensive 5-Year Palliative Care State Plan, a blueprint for how Kansas can better deliver care that improves the quality-of-life and mitigates suffering for Kansans with serious and often terminal illnesses. It includes proposals to deliver timely care to rural Kansans, bolster the health care workforce, and increase public awareness so Kansans can make informed decisions about treatment.

Thousands of Kansans could benefit from palliative care each year, yet Kansas currently ranks 42 of 51 states (including D.C.) in access to palliative care. Examples of diagnoses appropriate for palliative care include advanced dementia, cancer, chronic obstructive lung disease, genetic disorders, perinatal conditions, heart conditions, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, liver disease, multiple sclerosis, and neurologic disorders, among others. It is appropriate for patients of any age or stage of illness and can accompany curative treatment.

“My administration is focused on improving the quality of life for Kansans at every stage of life, and key to that is improving understanding of and access to palliative care,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Palliative Care State Plan provides a comprehensive guide for how our state ease suffering at scale.”

The 2022-2027 Palliative Care State Plan is the product of a collaboration between KDHE, the Palliative Care Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Advisory Council, the Kansas Cancer Partnership, and other palliative care experts.

“Many people in Kansas would benefit from Palliative care but don’t know about it,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said. “This state plan will help serve as a guideline to ensure that all Kansas families facing serious illness have the information and opportunity to obtain high-quality medical care that aligns with their unique circumstances and values.”

Other recommendations in the plan include:

  • Expanding broadband access and preserving policy changes to deliver telehealth services essential to delivering timely palliative care for all Kansans, including those in rural and frontier communities.
  • Incentive programs to recruit, train, and retain highly skilled palliative care clinicians; education on primary palliative care for all disciplines; and enhanced support for unpaid caregivers crucial to addressing our state’s palliative care workforce shortage.
  • Efforts to engage and inform Kansans about palliative care to improve the public’s understanding and acceptance of palliative care and how it differs from hospice.
  • Efforts to bring advanced care planning and serious illness care planning to scale across care settings so that Kansans are well-informed and can express their wishes, values, and treatment preferences ahead of treatment plan development.

To learn more about palliative care and the resources available, visit www.kdhe.ks.gov/834/Palliative-Care-Program.

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KS Women Trailblazers

Governor Kelly Honors Three Kansas Trailblazers During Women’s History Month


TOPEKA
– As part of a ‘Women’s History Month’ celebration, Governor Laura Kelly today honored three women who have made significant contributions to Kansas: Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, former Secretary of Administration; Julie Lorenz, former Secretary of Transportation; and Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent of Topeka Public Schools. Governor Kelly also presented each honoree with letters of recognition and formally proclaimed March ‘Women’s History Month.’

“Too often, we think of ‘women’s history’ as being in the distant past, failing to recognize that there are women making Kansas history right now,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Today, during Women’s History Month, I want to shine a light on three of my favorite current history-makers, strong women leaders who are paving the way for the next generation.”

As Secretary of Administration, Chief Information Technology Officer, and director of the Office of Recovery, Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace played a critical role in strengthening state operations at all levels and broke barriers in state government for women. She departed the Kelly administration in January 2023 after over three years of service.

Dr. Burns-Wallace has been recognized nationally for her achievements, including receiving the Orbie Award for the 2022 Outstanding CIO of the Year in Government. She was also elected to the Stanford University Board of Trustees in 2020 and became a member of the Council on Foreign Relations in 2022.

“The 2023 National Women’s History Month theme is Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” Dr. Burns-Wallace said. “I am honored and humbled today to stand with these two amazing women as our stories, our journeys, our triumphs and even our failures reflect the richness, diversity, and the depth and breadth of women leaders across our great state and nation.”

As Secretary of Transportation and chair of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, Julie Lorenz navigated the passage of the 10-year bipartisan infrastructure program and repaired KDOT’s relationships with stakeholders across the state. She departed the Kelly administration in December 2022 after four years of service. She now serves as Principal Consultant for 1898 & Co., the business and technology consulting arm of Burns & McDonnell.

Like Dr. Burns-Wallace, Lorenz has been recognized across the country for her leadership, including with the prestigious George S. Bartlett Award.

“Throughout our history, Kansans have benefitted from strong women leaders in businesses, schools, government, and at home – and our work is not done,” Lorenz said. “We know poverty disproportionately affects women and children.  Today’s celebration of women also underscores the need for us to work harder together to make the future brighter for those who follow us.  I like to say Ad Astra Simul – to the stars, together!”

Dr. Tiffany Anderson is the first African American female superintendent of Topeka Public schools. She has been a passionate public school educator for 28 years, working to transform the lives of students and prepare them for life after graduation. In addition to her role as superintendent, Dr. Anderson serves on the Postsecondary Technical Education Authority (TEA), and as Co-Chair of the Governor’s Kansas Commission on Racial Equity and Justice.

Her dedication has been recognized by President Obama and at the Academy Awards. She recently received the 2023 Woman Superintendent in School Leadership award from the American Association of School Administrators.

“Women have changed the world and continue to lead the way to a better, more prosperous future of hope which can be seen in our woman leaders in politics, healthcare, and in the public education system which supports all other careers,” Dr. Anderson said. “It is a privilege to join Governor Kelly and the many women across Kansas in celebrating the countless contributions of women across the world.”

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

March 30th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Trolley Tours of Fort Scott

50-minute narrated historical tour

Every Friday & Saturday on the hour

Fridays 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturdays 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 12 & under, leaves from the Chamber

Click this link: The Artificers

Upcoming pottery class/workshop

schedule, something for all ages!

Click here for all the FUN activities at the

Museum of Creativity, something for all ages!

April Specials at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Buy 2 Get 1 Free on any Poetry, Classics,

and Performing Arts.

3/30 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site at the Fort, 8am.

3/30 ~ Bingo hosted by American Legion Post 25, doors open at 6pm, bingo starts at 7pm, concession stands available so no outside food or beverages, click here for more info.

3/31 and 4/1 ~ Home, Sport, Farm, & Garden Show, Friday 5-8pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, Arnold Arena at FSCC, 2108 S. Horton St., hosted by KOMB FM 103.9 and 98.3 FM Radio

4/1 ~ Eggstravaganza @ Buck Run Community Center, pre-k – 5th Grade, pre-register by March 30th, 9-10:30am, click here for more info.

4/1 ~ Floral Easter Basket Class at Sunshine Boutique, $25/person, 10am-12pm, click here for more info.

4/1 ~ First Saturday Story Time at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, guest reader and an activity, 2:30pm, click here for more info.

4/1 ~ Annual Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt at Gunn Park Shelter house #2, starts at 11am.

4/1 ~ Star Party at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, join Park Rangers and the Kansas Astronomical Observers for a deep look into space at stars, galaxies, and nebulae, dress in layers, comfortable shoes, bring a red covering for your flashlight, 7:30-9:30pm, click here for more info.

4/4 ~ Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet at City State Bank, 202 Scott Ave, 8-9am

4/5 ~ FSHS 2023 Career Fair, Fort Scott High School Auxiliary Gym, 8am-12pm, click here for more info.

4/5 ~ Community Connection Event, public invited 11:45am to 1pm, Empress Event Center, panelist updates from City of FS, Bourbon County, USD234, USD235, BB County REDI. Click here to register & purchase lunch (if desired).

4/5 ~ Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneurship Event, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Office, 5:30pm

4/6 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 Horton St, 8am

4/6 ~ BINGO at Memorial Hall by the American Legion, doors open 6pm, starts 7pm

4/8 ~ Floral Easter Basket Class at Sunshine Boutique, $25/person

4/13 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by The Artificers,

8 N. National Ave, 8am

4/13 ~ JOB FAIR hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 3-6pm, click here to register for an employer booth.

4/15 ~ America’s Got Talent Semi-Finalist Greg Morton Comedy Show, Memorial Hall, 7-10pm, click here for tickets!

4/15 ~ VFW 8 Ball Pool Tournament, Every 3rd Saturday of each month, Registration will begin at 11:00 AM, Calcutta at 12:00 Noon,

1745 S. National Ave, click here for more info.

4/15-16 ~ Civil War Encampment at Fort Scott National Historic Site National Park, this event is free and open to the public, 9am-5pm, click here for more info.

4/16 ~ Benefit Bull Team & Futurity, Bull Team Fees $1250 Fees/$1250 added Riders, Futurity Fees: $400 fees yearling/$300 fees, BJ Cattle Ranch 1353 195th St., for more information contact 573-259-1420

Save the Date!

4/20 ~ Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration, individual reservations $40 and a table of 8 $360, email or call the Chamber to make a reservation, sponsorship, and/or donation,

|click here for more info.

4/26 ~ Women’s Appreciation Luncheon at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, $5/per person,

11am-1:30pm, click here for more info.

5/23 ~ Spring into Summer Self-Care Fair hosted by Southeast Kansas Mental Health at Fort Scott Middle School, 5-8pm, SEKMHC is NOW requesting Vendors for this event, register here for a FREE booth.

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SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!

Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Star Party at the Fort ~ March 29th!

Don’t Be A Fool, shop at

Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore!

April Special at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore!

Job Fair hosted by the Chamber

April 13th, 3-6pm, employers register here!

America’s Got Talent Semi-Finalist Greg Morton!

Click here for tickets!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration!

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is NOW requesting vendors for their Self-Care Fair!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema

Mental Health Self-Care Fair May 23

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center…
In celebration of Mental Health Month in May, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is holding the 1st annual Spring into Summer Self-Care Fair on May 23 from 5 to 8 pm! We invite anyone who provides self-care products, activities, or services to participate.
Register online for a FREE booth space! (www.SEKMHC.org/selfcarefair)
We hope to provide an opportunity for participants to learn the importance of incorporating self-care into their daily routines, along with giving them limitless options for self-care in our community! This is a great opportunity to showcase your business, club, or organization to an audience eager to connect with local resources!
If you have questions, please call Vicki Wright (620-212-9391) or Dawne Burchett (620-496-8702).
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

The Bourbon County Coalition Meeting Agenda for April 5

This meeting will be April 5, 1:00 p.m., in the Conference Room at the Scottview Apartments. Just a head’s up – depending on Carson Felt’s schedule, the program may be first and then the meeting.

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

April 5, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome: 

 

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1. Program: Carson Felt and members of the USD 234 Orchestra

 

 

  1. Open Forum:

 

 

  1. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be May 3, at 1:00 p.m.

I Am Gomer…and So Are You by Patty LaRoche

Bringing a future spouse home to meet the family can be nerve-wracking. My experience was made even more traumatizing when my two brothers met Dave for the first time and shared with him that they were shocked when someone in high school actually asked me out on a date.  Not stopping there, they showed him a picture of me from my junior high days—right after I had cut my bangs to resemble a crew cut to complement a face full of freckles.

Brothers can be like that, you know.

Still, that event doesn’t come close to what the Biblical prophet Hosea must have encountered when he introduced his bride-to-be to his family.  After all, God had instructed him to marry a prostitute.  Actually, the word “whore” is used in many translations. I doubt this escaped the relatives’ notice, and even though this had been a directive from God, I’m thinking that this didn’t go over well with family members. Let the rumblings begin.

“I’m not sure what god you’re hearing from, but it sure isn’t the Jehovah we serve.”

“With all the sweet, Jewish virgins in town, this is what you choose?”

“Let’s give this relationship a little time—like a few years—and see if you still feel this way about this woman.”

Scripture tells us nothing about how Hosea really felt when he obeyed God and married Gomer (seriously, that’s her name), had three children, and then had her leave him to return to her former lifestyle.  Let the rumblings magnify:

“Too bad somebody didn’t listen!”

“Talk about disgrace!  This is disgrace times 100!  I’ll never be able to show my face in the marketplace again.”

“Now, explain to us again who told you to marry this harlot?”

If we read only this part of the story, it makes no sense, but when we realize that we are all Gomers, we can better understand God’s plan.  Judges 2:17 tells us that the Israelites had refused to be obedient to God’s instruction and “prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them,” clearly violating the first commandment: “You shall have no other gods besides me.”  God used Hosea to demonstrate the pain He felt when Israel no longer was faithful to Him. Hosea’s obedience proves how desperately he wanted his people to get the message.

After having three children and returning to her former lifestyle of prostitution, Gomer ultimately ending up a slave, and just like God continues to forgive us and woo us back to Him when we sin, so did Hosea with his adulterous wife.  He found her and bought her back for fifteen shekels of silver and thirteen bushels of barley.

Then he said to her, “You shall stay with me for many days.  You shall not play the harlot, nor shall you have a man; so I will also be toward you.”  Hosea was able to forgive his wife for bringing him incredible shame and hurt…just like God does for us when we choose anything before Him (prosperity, money, success, comfort, safety, recognition, pleasure, etc.).

God used Hosea to model His undying love for His people, the Israelites, a message that is equally relevant to us Christians.  It’s easy to berate Gomer for her infidelity, but that’s not the lesson intended for me.  I just need to look in a mirror, be convicted of whatever it is I place before God…and then be eternally grateful that He hasn’t given up on me.

Local Jeweler Sees Uptick in Fraudulent Gold Being Sold

This is a real stamp for an 18KT gold item. Submitted photo.

Bartelsmeyer Jewelry staff  have had approximately 12 people bring in gold items to be appraised, and they are not gold, all with a similar story.

John Bartelsmeyer said he wanted to inform the public.

“I wanted to get the word out that people are getting scammed,” Bartelsmeyer said. “People have told us they are buying supposed gold at gas stations. Several local people have brought in items to be appraised in this manner since last fall.”

Bartelsmeyer did not know if they were local gas stations where the scammers were.

“They say, “This person was at a gas station and needed gas and told me they would sell me their gold ring( for money)’,” Krystal Hulbert, an employee of the jewelry store said.

The  fraudulent gold pieces have included necklaces and bracelets too, but mostly gold rings.

Often they have been stamped 18KT to indicate that they are real, which can really fool people, Bartelsmeyer said.

“The gold looks nice,” Hulbert said. “But someone like John who has been working on real gold for 50 years knows it’s not real.”

Jeweler John Bartelsmeyer works on a piece of jewelry.

There is also a chemical test to provide proof that the article isn’t real, Bartselmeyer said.

“If people are wanting to help them out, that is one thing, but thinking they will get a bargain in gold, no,” Hulbert said.

Sgt. Tim Harper, Fort Scott Police Department, said there have been no people turn in a report to the department about this.

 

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 23

March 23, 2023,                                                                                                    Thursday 9:00 am

 

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

 

Clint Walker, Tayton Majors, Anne Dare, Teri Hulsey, Deb McCoy, Lora Holdridge, and Susan Bancroft were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute, followed by a prayer by Mark McCoy.

 

Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes minutes from 3/9/23 and 3/20/23, approval of accounts payable totaling $423,388.77 and payroll totaling $339,592.33. Nelson Blythe seconded, and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks asked for a 5-minute executive session for possible litigation.

 

Clifton Beth made a motion to go into executive session for 5 minutes under 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 to include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Jennifer Hawkins, and Shane Walker and will return at 9:07. Jim Harris seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:07 with no action. Nelson Blythe seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Legacy Health and Bourbon County REDI to present a check to EMS. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Rob Harrington introduced Troy Schell, Chairman of Legacy Healthcare who presented a check for $17,557.50 to Bourbon County EMS to purchase a LUCAS device. Mr. Schell stated that Legacy is committed to the community and is honored to be able to provide the donation which could save lives in Bourbon County.  Rob said that Clifton did an amazing job trying to obtain donations to purchase the lifesaving equipment that EMS needs. Mr. Harrington then introduced Mark McCoy, Chairman of the Board of Bourbon County REDI who presented a check to Bourbon County EMS for $17,000.00 to purchase a ventilator. Clifton thanked Legacy Health and Bourbon County REDI for their donations. Clifton spoke of the needs of AEDs and said his goal is to have AEDs scattered throughout the county and in every Sheriff’s vehicle which would be about 20-30 devices. Mercy donated several devices years ago; however, they are becoming outdated. Jim thanked Bourbon County REDI, Legacy Health, and Commissioner Beth for all their hard work and said, “God bless all of you.” Susan Bancroft said there are Opioid grants at the state level and that she spoke to Dave Bruner yesterday and was informed that AEDs and ventilators could be purchased with the funds. Clifton said the job of the Commissioner’s is roads and public health and safety and he would like to get back to doing that.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, introduced David Singmaster, Noxious Weed Director, who presented the 2023 Noxious Weed Management Plan to be signed by the Commission. Eric said that David recently passed all his state certifications. Clifton made a motion to sign the management plan, Nelson seconded, and all approved. Eric presented the Federal Funds Exchange Agreement through KDOT which would reimburse the county $89,236.81 in 2023. Eric said he would like to use $60,000.00 to put in the bridge repair fund for the bridge that needs repairs on 165th St. Clifton made a motion to accept the 2023 Federal Funds Exchange Agreement and to allow Chairman Harris to sign the agreement. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Eric said he will bring the final number for the sidewalk and parking project to the Commissioners next week.

 

Eric went through the 2023 Asphalt Road Plan that was discussed during the 3/20/2023 work session. In District 1 they plan to overlay ¾ of a mile of Maple Road east of 55th Street. Eric said that will tie everything in. On Yale Road from the west entrance of Hidden Valley Lake to Mapleton they plan to mill the road and bring in gravel to compact and prep the road so that they could try to overlay a mile section of the road next year. In District 2 Jayhawk Road from 69 Highway to Liberty Bell Road is listed as an overlay project. Eric said he visited with KDOT who is still trying to find out if the road has been turned over to Bourbon County. Other areas to overlay include Jewel Road, 232nd St, and 232nd Terr which are all in Marco Estates. Eagle Road from Garland to the Stateline, and 227th Street and Williams Street, which is the east side of Ellis Park, were also said to be in need and were discussed. Jim said the city approved to split the cost of the Williams Street project at their Tuesday meeting. Eric said the city would pay half of the material cost and the county would lay the asphalt. In District 3 there are several areas on Soldier Road that need to be spot milled to level up with the rest of the road. A one-inch overlay will be done on Soldier Road from 215th to 245th Street, 245th Street from Soldier Road to Valley Road, and Valley Road from 245th Street to 267th Street. Eric said he would like to do this early, within the next month or so, then come back in August or September and chip and seal. The extras listed were Eagle Road from 69 Highway to 230th Street to do a mile this year, and to chip and seal Jayhawk Road from Liberty Bell Road to 230th Street. Eric said that the additional two miles of Eagle Road and Yale Road were also listed as extras depending on funding. Eric said he knows that milling Yale Road is not a popular decision but that it needs to be done since the subbase has failed. Eric said he has to know what his carryover from last year is to be able to determine how much more asphalting can be done but that he has not received a budget report since end of the year has not been closed out. Jim asked Susan Bancroft to clarify the process of budget reports. The Treasurer closes out the end of the month which allows the Clerk to run budget reports to send out to the department heads. Jim asked Eric when he last received a report and Eric said he had not received a budget report this year. Clifton asked what we were waiting on? Clifton asked Patty Love, Treasurer, to come in and discuss the end of year and budget reports. Patty said as far as she knew end of year was done and that Susan is going to go over things to make sure all journal vouchers are done. Patty said they couldn’t go on with January until year end was done but they have run into some problems that happened in January that went back into last year. Jim asked moving forward if Patty will be able to get budget reports monthly now that end of year is complete. Patty said yes that the year-end backed them up, but that she wants to get caught up to get reports done monthly. Jim made a motion to adopt the 2023 hard surface road plan as Eric presented it with extras if possible. Clifton seconded the motion and Nelson and asked for discussion. Nelson said he has received several emails and phone calls from residents on Yale Road who do not want the road milled. Clifton asked if a meeting was needed to be held in Mapleton to discuss the road and explain that the road is a safety hazard and will never be fixed correctly without milling the road. Nelson said he is finding out when the next city council meeting in Mapleton is so he can go and explain the road situation again. Nelson asked about milling maybe a mile section then paving it and keep going mile by mile until it is complete. Eric said that due to the extent of the subbase failure he does not feel that would work. Nelson said he has had complaints that the area that is milled is so wash boarded it is worse than the potholes. Eric said he had driven that section of road and it was bad. They have added some gravel to the road and that he recently drove the road and the gravel has helped. Jim said a meeting was held in Mapleton a few years ago to discuss and explain the condition of Yale Road. Jim said there comes a point when there is a safety problem. Justin Meeks said he had received an email from a resident who has been driving Yale Road and has experienced damage to their vehicle. Justin said it can’t be pinned down that the road is the exact cause of the damage, but when you have multiple people talking about how dangerous the road is you are on notice. Once you have been notified you have to do something to try to mitigate the danger or culpability. Jim said the long-term plan with Eagle Road didn’t pan out as quickly as it was originally thought but given the data and information Eric has provided it doesn’t appear that it will be five years to get Yale Road paved. Justin asked for clarification from Eric about what has to be done once a road is milled. Eric explained that the gravel is brought in to be compacted but really needs traffic to drive on it for a year to truly get compacted. Susan spoke about the local food sales tax that the legislatures are trying to end and explained how catastrophic this could be for our county; this would affect our roads and the bond payment for the jail. Susan said to voice your opinions to our local representatives at the state level to explain how devastating this could be to us. The first year the state would cover, but the second year the county would have to raise taxes to continue our programs. Susan explained that the county receives about $900,000 from the state each year from sales tax for our hard surface roads. Justin said the way the jail sales tax and the hard surface road tax were placed on the ballot and voted on by citizens that there could be possible litigation if the state were to take local sales tax. Clifton said he wouldn’t have a problem to add to Eagle and Yale Road next year and that you have his vote. Jim said he is committed to a one-mile section of Yale Road next year, and possibly more if sales tax is up and the money is there. Clifton said he sees possibly Eagle Road being completed next year and Yale Road in two years and Jim said he agrees. Clifton said it’s not his district, but we are on notice at the county and the road can’t be fixed unless we tear it up. Jim went back to his original motion to adopt the 2023 hard surface road plan; Clifton seconded the motion and Nelson abstained. Nelson said we could commit to paving a mile of Yale Road next year, but asked what priority it would be? Jim said Eagle should be first since it has been milled so long. Clifton said he would like to see the sections of two-mile section Eagle Road and one mile section of Yale Road both completed next year. Jim made a motion to commit to the first mile section of Yale Road and the remaining two miles of Eagle Road next year if we have the funding available. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Eric said oil is low and he is wanting to start as soon as possible.

 

Eric said the rock crusher is back and they made a few adjustments while it was in the shop, and we have had a major increase in chip production. The culvert crew is installing culverts, we were running a little bit behind, but they are getting caught up and he appreciates everybody’s patience while they do that. Eric and Dustin will be traveling to Wichita tomorrow to look at a compost turner that they found for sale on an auction site. A new compost turner is around $100,000, so they are looking at used to try to save money. Eric said we have to have a compost turner to turn the soybeans and sawdust at the landfill. Justin said he had spoken with Eric and asked the Commissioners if Eric could have permission to either try the compost soil in different areas or to give it away to citizens to see if it would help things grow. Clifton said he would not be in favor until the compost soil is tested by K-State or another lab. Justin clarified that once the tests come back ok that Eric is ok to give the compost away and the Commissioners agreed. Eric and Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds, spoke to the Commissioners about a section of Victory Road that is listed on some maps but does not have the exact length of the road. Lora said that Eric and Matt drove the road to try to determine the length of the road. Lora said that the length of the road needs to be about 2000 feet so that the landowners can access their property. Clifton and Nelson said they do not want to vote on extending the length of the road until they speak to all landowners. Jim said he would pass the owner’s information along to Nelson since it is his district and have him speak with the owner.

 

Jim asked for a 10-minute break.

 

Susan Bancroft requested a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel matters of nonelected personnel.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include the three Commissioners, Susan Bancroft, and Justin Meeks and will return at 10:09. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:09 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Shane Walker requested an executive session to discuss the acquisition of real estate.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property include the three Commissioners, Shane Walker, and Justin Meeks and will return at 10:15. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:15 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session for Justin Meeks. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for the consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship for contracts to include the three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 10:22. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:22 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to put public comments back on the agenda. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Jim asked Selena Alvarado, Deputy County Clerk, to put public comments on future agendas.

 

Clifton thanked Legacy Health and Bourbon County REDI for contributing to the health of Bourbon County and providing equipment that will save lives and that he hopes other organizations and foundations will step up and also provide donations to help obtain the necessary equipment EMS needs. Jim asked Clifton to keep the Commissioners advised if funding and donations are not coming in so that the board can look at ways to help and Clifton agreed he would

 

Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:24. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Approved 3-30-23