Monthly Archives: July 2023

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission on July 17

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Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701

July 17, 2023 5:30

I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
III. Approval of Consent Agenda
a. Minutes from 7/10/2023
b. Approval of Payroll totaling $225,433.30
c. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $587,542.42
IV. Public Comments
V. Department Updates
a. Public Works
VI. Discussion of Low Maintenance Roads
VII. Revenue Neutral Rate Intent
VIII. Bourbon County REDI
IX. Justin Meeks Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
X. Brian Allen-Disaster Proclamation Resolution
XI. Commission Comments
XII. Meeting Adjourn

Executive Session Justifications:

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.

Bourbon County, Fair, Fort Scott, Health Care

Learn About Arthritis and Cancer Health Issues at the Bourbon County Fair

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You Are Invited !
The Starlite FCE (Family Consumer Education) Unit invites you to attend an informal meeting on enjoying life and staying healthy.

At the Meyers Building
Bourbon County Fairgrounds
Wednesday, July 19 at 2:00 pm.

Two important areas of health will be addressed.
Arthritis – Learn to establish routine health visits, to assess
symptoms and to defend against this disease.
Cancer – Learn the symptoms and risk factors, how to reduce risk,
and what tests are available for early detection which is the key to
treatment options.

Jackson RN, EMT will be our presenter
Please join us for this informative Health session.
A cold drink and a frozen treat will be available to all participants.
Come in out of the heat to the air conditioned building.

Government, Kansas

Program Announced to Replace Stolen Food Assistance Benefits

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TOPEKA – In response to increased reports of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card thefts across the U.S., the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is accepting requests for replacement of the stolen Food Assistance (also known as SNAP) benefits.

“Access to healthy food is a key component of a family’s well-being,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “This program will help Kansans whose benefits have been stolen recoup those resources, helping to ensure they can provide healthy, nutritious meals for their family members.”

There have been fewer than 20 reports of stolen benefits in Kansas. Nationally the numbers are higher, which prompted the signing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 by President Joe Biden in December 2022. The act includes a provision for the replacement of stolen EBT benefits with federal funds.

Food Assistance benefits eligible for replacement include those stolen from card skimming, card cloning, and other types of fraudulent methods between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2024. Cardholders have 45 calendar days from the day of the theft to make a report to DCF. If the incident occurred between Oct. 1, 2022, and July 12, 2023, a report must be made by Aug. 26, 2023.

  • Skimming – A method of obtaining personal data from EBT cards while they are used at an ATM machine or POS.
  • Cloning – A type of card theft in which the thief makes a digital copy of the card information using a concealed or disguised electronic scanner to create a new physical card.
  • Similar Fraudulent Events – Phishing or scamming attacks by criminals to obtain EBT card numbers to clone EBT cards or conduct online transactions.

If a Kansan believes their Food Assistance benefits have been stolen, they should contact DCF at 1-888-369-4777 or by calling the Fraud Hotline at 1-800-432-3913.

The USDA Food and Nutrition Services offers the following tips to prevent the theft of benefits through fraudulent activities.

  • Avoid simple PINs. Number combinations such as 1111, 1234, or 9876 may be easy for others to guess.
  • Keep your PIN and card number secret. Do not share your PIN or card number with anyone outside your household. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN on a machine.
  • Beware of phishing. State agencies and EBT processors will never call or text to ask for your PIN or card number.
  • Change your PIN often. Change your PIN at least once a month, right before your benefit issuance date.
  • Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges. If you see any, change your PIN right away to stop the thief from making new purchases. Report suspicious activity to your local SNAP office.

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Obituary

Obituary of Judy Marshall

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Judy (Woods) Marshall  died July 14, 2023, after a brave fight with cancer. Judy was born March 27, 1938 to Charles E. and Claybel (Houston) Woods in El Dorado, KS.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years Bob Marshall; three children Dana (Craig) McKenney of Fort Scott, Darcy Marshall of Houston TX, and Dirk Marshall, also of Houston; and her brother Ray Woods of Independence, KS.

Although she was known as Grannie Karate Chop for her fearless enforcement of dining table etiquette, Judy also loved and was loved by her seven grandchildren Reece McKenney, Drew Suddock, Neely Stuart (Laith), Kyle Moore, Cole Gaston, Parker McKenney (deceased), and Angie McKenney, and her three great grandchildren Kieran Houlihan, Colin Houlihan, and Joyce Stuart.

She grew up riding horses and playing tennis and golf.

Judy attended the University of Kansas and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Only rarely did she get up on a chair at the dinner table and sing Kappa songs. She graduated from KU with a degree in English.

She won a short-story writing competition sponsored by the Kansas City Star and twice won statewide short-story competitions in North Carolina. She was the author of two books: Ride a Hole Through the Wind (young adult fiction) and Legends and Lore of Bourbon County.

(Proceeds from the sale of the latter book go to the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.).

Judy raised three children who love her and already miss her dearly. When her children were young, she was active in the Junior League of Kansas City, performing for years in their Children’s Theater productions and also providing volunteer physical therapy for disabled children.

She took up racquetball and won several trophies – those trophies are still prominently displayed in her home. Her husband’s boxes and boxes of handball and football and basketball and baseball trophies are somewhere but we’re not sure where.

Judy appointed herself Assistant Athletic Director at Fort Scott Community College from 2003-2008 – while her husband served as the official Athletic Director and also Assistant State Senator in Topeka while her husband served as a Kansas State Senator from 2008-2012.

She was a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Big Brother Big Sisters organization in Fort Scott and loved being a member of the local Rotary Club. She was a regular at Nu Grille for lunch.

She loved her Kansas Jayhawks. In Allen Field House she let Bobby Knight know he was doing a fine job commenting on the games, while offering helpful if unwanted advice to others, like Fran Fraschilla and Dick Vitale, who were, in her opinion, too distracted and distracting.

Judy loved Fort Scott, KS, her adopted hometown and never met a stranger in town.

The family thanks all  in Fort Scott for being a part of the community that meant so much to her and brought her so much happiness.

Thank you to the cowboys who endured her unsolicited advice on how to run a cattle operation. Judy named the cows she and Bob raised – Esther Williams was her most beloved cow. She was great at taking care of the animals; not so great at getting them sold at the Fort Scott sale barn.

Judy was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott.

Pastor Christopher Eshelman from the First United Methodist Church will conduct a memorial service at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 19th at the First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time on Wednesday in the church parlor.

In keeping with her spirit, please come dressed casually. Farming clothes such as overalls and crimson and blue KU clothes will be most welcome; KSU Wildcat purple will be tolerated.

Private burial will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

To honor her memory,  contributions can be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or to the Fort Scott Community Foundation; or to the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.

Special thanks to the staff at the Nu Grille diner downtown for entertaining and being entertained by Judy day in and day out for so many years.

Thanks also to the caring staff of Gentiva Hospice of Pittsburg, Kansas.

And finally a special thanks to the wonderful nurses and staff at Presbyterian Village who loved Judy and called her Sweet Pea and took “brilliant” care of her in her final months.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com

Bourbon County, Jobs, Schools

New Uniontown Jr/Sr High Principal: Robert Onelio

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Robert Onelio. Submitted photo.

Robert Onelio, 42, is the new junior/senior high principal at USD 235.

Uniontown High School.

“I’ve always felt it was a calling to work in education” Onelio said. “It’s rewarding to see kids grow and learn but also over the years it’s even more rewarding to see former students succeed as adults!”

A challenge as an educator is ” nothing stays the same and you must find a balance between the tried and true and the new trends that come into education. All the while keeping in mind what is best for kids.”

He is married to Abby Onelio who is  going to be working at Uniontown Junior/Senior High School as a Spanish Teacher. They have four children.

They will be commuting from their farm in Crawford County.

“As a family we are active in our church, 4H, and sports,” Onelio said. “Also, we enjoy traveling, camping, riding dirt bikes, and taking care of cows!”

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University in 2004, and a Master of Science in School Leadership from Baker University in 2011.

Onelio has 18 years total in the field of education in Arkansas City Public Schools: six years as a World History teacher, five years as an assistant high school principal, five years as a head elementary principal and two years as head middle school principal.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown Cleans Up After Storm

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Following Friday evenings strong wind storm, Uniontown is clearing all limbs and branches.

The City of Uniontown has a burn pile location southeast of town, but the road in was too wet following the storm.

Residents are asked to bring limbs and trees to the city property at First and Clay Street, where the piles of rock are kept.

City Superintendent Bobby Rich said he will burn the debris in the correct location when the leaves dry out.

Residents are responsible for hauling the limbs and trees that have fallen on their property.

Hunter Bartlett, HB Mowing Service is available, if help is needed. He can be reached at 620.224.6064.

Doug Bullard, who lives just east of the post office is also available to help, one can stop by to talk to him, City Clerk Sally Johnson said.

Residents may also notice a crew at in town, currently on Third Street that is reconfiguring ditches for better water flow, according to Rich.

Mix Construction is doing that work in preparation for paving work on city streets that will start in October, Rich said.

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board Agenda for July 17

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

JULY 17, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

 

1.0       Call Meeting to Order         

Danny Brown, President

 

2.0       Flag Salute

 

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

 

4.0       Reorganization of New Board (Action Item)

            4.1 Election of President of the Board

            4.2 Election of Vice-President of the Board

 

5.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            5.1       Board Minutes – 06/12/2023 Regular Meeting & 06/27/2023 Special Meeting

            5.2       Financials-Cash Flow Report 05/31/2023 & 06/30/2023

            5.3       Check Register

            5.4       Payroll – June 20, 2023 – $1,957,353.85

            5.5       Activity Fund accounts – 05/31/2023

            5.6       Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds

            5.7       Designation of newspaper for official school publications

5.8       Officers for the 2023-24 school year

            5.9       Recreation Commission Board Member Term

            5.10     Resolution 23-01: Resolution for Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

            5.11     Resolution 23-02: Resolution for Rescinding Policy Statements Found in Board Minutes

            5.12     Resolution 23-03: Resolution to set dates and times for board meetings

            5.13     Resolution 23-04: Resolution to Establish Home Rule by Board of Education

            5.14     Resolution 23-05: Resolution for Destruction of Records

            5.15     Set fees for copying of records

5.16     Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate

5.17     2023-24 School Fees

 

6.0       Recognitions (Information/Discussion Items)

6.1 Student Recognition

6.2 Employee Recognition

6.3 Board Member Acknowledgements

 

7.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            7.1       Superintendent’s Report

            7.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            7.3       Special Education Director’s Report

            7.4       Finance Director’s Report

                                               

8.0       Old Business

8.1       Roof Payment (Action Item)

           

9.0       New Business

9.1       Happy Kids Lease Agreement for the 2023-24 School Year (Action Item)

9.2       Set Dates for Budget Presentation, Revenue Neutral Hearing and Budget Hearing (Action                     Item)

9.3       Revenue Neutral Declaration to County Clerk (Action Item)

9.4       FSHS Social Studies AP and Dual Credit Resources (Action Item)

9.5       HS MAP Assessment (ELA, Math, and Science) & Professional Development (Action Item)

9.6       Contribution to Core Communities (Action Item)

9.7       MOU with SEK Mental Health (Action Item)

9.8       Facility Use Request – FLAG Church (Action Item)

9.9       Substitute Pay Schedule 2023-24 (Action Item)

 

10.0     Public Forum

11.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters

11.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

11.2     Exit Executive Session

11.3     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

12.0     Adjourn Meeting

                       

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Special Gathering of U234 Board of Ed

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN

Superintendent

 

From:   Gina Shelton, Board Clerk, USD 234

 

Re:        Notice of Gathering     Monday, July 17, 2023

4:30 p.m.

Retirement Celebration

Board of Education, 424 S. Main, Fort           Scott, KS 66701

 

There may be a majority of USD 234 Board Members present at the above event.  Even though a majority may be present, no school district business will be conducted.

 

Opinion

Bases Are Covered by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

When I’m planning a meal for family or friends, I write out the menu on a little card and then make a grocery list. These lists help to ensure that I cover all the bases. I also keep the menu in sight to make sure I don’t forget to set everything on the table when it‘s time to announce, “Supper‘s ready!” I’ve been known to leave the deviled eggs in the refrigerator only to discover them after everyone left (sad face). Even though the meal time was enjoyable, without the deviled eggs it was “not as.”

One early wintry morning, while a lot of the community was still sleeping, I was not. Darkness still blanketed my property and I had just loaded the fireplace with wood when I was oddly drawn to the piano. I stood, leaning over the bench, and began playing and singing, “My Jesus knows when I am lonely, He knows each pain, He sees each tear. He understands each lonely heartache, He understands because He cares. My Jesus knows just what I need. Oh yes He knows just what I need. He satisfies and every need supplies, yes He knows just what I need.” I don’t know what was going on in the life of Mosie Lister when he penned the lyrics and composed the music to this song, but I would imagine he was experiencing some type of heaviness in his soul. We can all relate.

I don’t know if Jesus made lists and checked them twice or not. He could have. I do know that He covered all the bases before He left His followers to return to heaven. Jesus was speaking to His disciples and one of them asked a question. He replied, “What I am telling you is from the Father who sent Me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as My representative — that is, the Holy Spirit — He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid“ (John 14:24-27 NLT).

Jesus accomplished His Father’s will by providing the needed sacrifice so those who believe in Him could have an abundant life now and an everlasting life later. Then there was only one more thing He made sure all believers would have — and that was peace. Jesus pays close attention to every detail of our lives and He knew if we had peace, we could not only survive, but enjoy life in Him. “No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.” I would imagine we’ve all prayed for peace at one time or another. But, according to Jesus’ own words, He already gave us the gift of peace. Perhaps we can liken it to purchasing another bottle of aspirin when we already have two unopened bottles in the medicine cabinet. By faith we have to apply the peace Jesus already gave us. It’s inside of us, but we have to activate it. It’s like when we’re issued a new credit card, we must call the card company to activate it before we can use it. If you’ll get quiet, you will hear the Holy Spirit gently remind you that you have the gift of peace in you.

We need to realize that the activation process is not just a one-time deal. It must be activated every time something/someone tries to steal our peace. From personal experience, I know that the devil can be counted on to do that because, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT). Don’t let the devil take what Jesus gave you. Stand your ground and keep it because, of all things, you desperately need peace of mind and heart.

The Key: Jesus covered all the bases and gave us His gift of peace.

Food, K-State Extension

Top Tips for Grilling Month

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Clara Wicoff. Submitted photo 2023

By Clara Wicoff

Southwind Extension District

Grilling with family and friends is a classic summertime activity, particularly during the month of July which is designated as National Grilling Month! Keep foodborne illness off the menu by following these tips while grilling:

  • Wash your hands. You should always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling food. This is roughly the same amount of time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
  • Marinate food in the refrigerator. Never marinate food on the counter or outside!
  • Avoid cross contamination. Never use sauce that was used to marinade raw meat on cooked food and do not put cooked food on a plate that was used for raw meat. If you want to use some of the marinade as a sauce on your cooked food, set aside some of the unused marinade ahead of time for that purpose.
  • Keep cold food cold. If you are transporting food in a cooler, use an insulated cooler and include enough ice or ice packs to keep the temperature at 40°F or below. Place your cooler in the shade or under shelter to keep it out of direct sunlight.
  • Cook food to a safe internal temperature. Once food is on the grill, be sure to cook it to a safe internal temperature as measured by a food thermometer. Color is not an indicator of food safety! According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), whole cuts of beef and pork (such as steaks, roasts, and chops) should be cooked to 145°F and then allowed to rest for 3 minutes. Hamburgers made of ground beef or pork should be cooked to 160° All poultry (including ground poultry) should be cooked to at least 165°F.
  • Keep hot food hot. Once you have grilled meat or poultry, keep it hot (at 140°F or above) until you serve it. This can be done by setting it to the side of the grill rack.
  • Keep food safe. Do not let raw meat or poultry, cooked food, or cut fresh vegetables and fruits sit out at room temperature for more than two hours before placing them in a refrigerator or freezer. (If the temperature is above 90°F, this timeframe decreases to one hour.)

 

For more information from the Partnership for Food Safety Education, visit https://www.fightbac.org/grill-master/. You can also find information from the USDA at bit.ly/grillsafely. Contact me with questions at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

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