Monthly Archives: August 2023

Fort Scott Community College, Government

Fort Scott Community College Agenda for August 28

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August 28, 2023
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, August 28, 2023. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.

5:00 p.m. Dinner in meeting rooms of Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, followed by regular board
meeting at approximately 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Proposed Budget Review, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on July 17, 2023, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 7
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 60
A. Approval of Updated Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy, 60
B. Consideration of Generator Purchase and Installation, 132
C. Approval of Rodeo Program Hay Purchase, 138
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 139
A. Correspondence for Review, 139
REPORTS, 142
A. Administrative Updates, 142
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 159
ADJOURNMENT, 1601
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
Board Meeting
Labor Day, Campus Closed
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• December 11, 2023 (Changed due to winter break) Board Meeting
Winter Break, Campus Closed
MLK, Jr. Day, Campus Closed
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Spring Break, Campus Closed
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
• August 28, 2023 (to facilitate budget process)
• September 4, 2023
• September 25, 2023 (to facilitate budget process)
• October 16, 2023
• November 20, 2023
• November 22 – 24, 2023
• December 15, 2023 – January 3, 2024
• January 15, 2024
• January 22, 2024 (Changed due to MLK, Jr. Day)
• February 19, 2024
• March 11 – 15, 2024
• March 18, 2024
• April 15, 2024
• May 20, 2024
• May 27, 2024
• June 17, 2024 Memorial Day, Campus Closed
Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Jason Kegler, President

FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.

ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Robert Nelson

CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. PROPOSED BUDGET REVIEW
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on July 17, 2023.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.

D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Jason Kegler, President, effective July 24, 2023
b) Ezequeil Tenorio, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, effective August 19, 2023
c) Ronnie Jackson, CDL Instructor/Examiner, effective August 28, 2023

2) Separations
a) Jacob Reichard, Director of Institutional Research, effective September 1, 2023
b) Lawrence Alford, Theatre Manager, effective September 1, 2023
c) Nick Mora, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, effective August 16, 2023

3) Transfers
a) Celina Moses, from Financial Aid Officer to Assistant Director of Financial Aid, effective August 1, 2023
b) Ben Souza, from Network Specialist to Director of Institutional Research, effective August 28, 2023
c) Chris Larsen, from Lead IT Technician to Network Specialist, effective August 28, 2023
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson

 

To view the entire packet:

8.28.23 Consent Agenda

Government

Assistance For Livestock Producers Due to Extreme Heat

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USDA Updates Livestock Disaster Payment Rate to Assist Producers Hard-Hit by Heat and Humidity

 

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2023 – The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced today it is updating the  Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payment rate to support livestock producers in the Midwest who have lost cattle to the extreme heat and humidity experienced this summer. To help indemnify ranchers to reflect a trend towards higher cattle weights in feedlots, the 2023 LIP payment rate for beef calves over 800 pounds will increase from $1244 per head to $1618, an increase of $374.

“The recent heat domes plaguing many parts of the country have proven to be unsurvivable for some animals and temperatures are not expected to let up any time soon. This is one of the latest, many examples of how a changing climate is creating immediate challenges for farmers and ranchers, and we’re finding that our emergency relief programs need to adapt accordingly,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Given these circumstances and the trend towards higher weights in feedlots, it became clear that USDA’s Livestock Indemnity Payment rates were not reflective of the true market value for cattle. This change will better indemnify the investments producers have in the livestock they raise, and we will continue to find flexibilities where possible to help our farmers and ranchers in the wake of climate-related impacts.”

LIP provides benefits to livestock owners and some contract growers for livestock deaths exceeding normal mortality from eligible adverse weather events, certain predation losses and reduced sales prices due to injury from an eligible loss. Indemnity payments are made at a rate of 75% of the prior year’s average fair market value of the livestock.

The updated LIP payment rate is effective immediately and will be applied retroactively starting Jan.1, 2023, for all eligible causes of loss including excessive heat, tornado, winter storms, and other qualifying adverse weather. Producers who have already received LIP payments for 2023 losses will receive an additional payment, if applicable, commensurate with this updated rate. For details on eligibility and payment rates, review the LIP fact sheet.

 

FSA recognizes that an annual update of LIP payment rates does not account for the volatile nature of livestock markets and is further exploring flexibilities to establish more current payment rates.

 

More Information

 

On farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool can help producers and landowners determine program or loan options. For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent. For FSA and NRCS programs, they should contact their local USDA Service Center.

 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

 

 

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

 

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

New in Riverfront Park: Labyrinth In Memory of Allen Warren

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Jackie Warren at the memorial , a labyrinth path, at Riverfront Park for her late husband, Allen Warren. Her husband was on the Riverfront Authority Board until his recent death. Jackie and Allen  volunteered labor and equipment to help construct the park, according to Jerry Witt. Submitted photo.
The Belltown Trail in Riverfront Park continues to be popular, even though Fort Scott is under a heat advisory, according to Jerry Witt.  “Many exercise enthusiasts continue to walk the trail under the shade of the tree lined path.”
“A lot of people use the park,” he said.
Witt is chairman of a board called the Riverfront Authority  that has been improving the park on North National Avenue in Fort Scott since 2005.
There is a new addition to the park added this summer.
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation awarded a $1,500 grant to construct a labyrinth path, according to Witt. A labyrinth concrete pad has been completed next to the west side of the half-mile Belltown Trail.  A labyrinth is a complex and circuitous path that leads from a beginning point to a center.
“It was Allen Warren’s idea to construct a labyrinth path in Riverfront Park,” he said.  “He met with his Methodist minister, Christopher Eshelman, and Riverfront staff to talk about the possibilities of this being placed in Riverfront Park. But before the final plans were in place, Allen passed away.”
For the many hours of volunteer labor and use of his tractor equipment donated to the park construction,  Witt decided to go ahead with the project and dedicate the labyrinth to Allen’s memory.
“The 24 ft. by 24 ft. concrete pad structure can be used by citizens to walk it’s path for meditation or just as a playful path for exercise,” Witt said. ” A plaque to honor Allen will be placed by the structure.”
History of Riverfront Park
Members of Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority discuss updates on construction projects at Riverfront Park in 2017. From left clockwise: Dan Magee, Bob Love, Allen Warren, Jerry Witt and Jeff Sweetser.

The park began as an outshoot of a town wide visioning event in 2005, when citizens wanted to develop the Marmaton River as an asset to the community.

“Dean Mann saw the vision of a riverfront park and he was the original chairman, until he retired several years ago,” Witt said.

The Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority was formed in April 2007, with approval from then Kansas Governor Sebelius.

Their mission was to purchase and develop land along the river to create a park and they also created a master plan.

“We had to have property owners buy in to the vision of the park,” Witt said. “Most donated land to the Riverfront Park.” That process took years.

The Belltown Trail information kiosk at Riverfront Park.

Since then the following has been put in the park: a lighted walkway, parking spaces, an observation deck at rivers edge, a pavilion and a loop drive on the south side of the river which goes under Hwy. 69.

Riverfront Park’s overlook structure in 2021.

Local artist Stephan Toal has beautified the inside of the underpass with historical murals.

Murals by Stephen Toal. Submitted photo.

The Fort Scott Garden Club has planted and maintained a flower garden on the south side, with the Fort Scott Fire Department watering it. The City of Fort Scott put in a facility in the southwest part of the trail for people to fill their water bottles.

“The city has plans to build a walkway from the north side of the bridge to the Bell Town Trail, probably this fall,” Witt said.

Paul Ballou, who works for the city helps maintain the park and does “a great job,” Witt said.

The park has been used for weddings, business meetings on nice days,  car shows and many other events..

“There will be a festival in the park on Sept. 30,” Witt said. “It will be all day and feature Bluegass music and a car show.”

To reserve the pavilion, one must call the city offices at 223-0550.

Members of the Riverfront Authority at the ribbon cutting of the  pavilion in 2018. From left Allen Warren, Arnold Schofield, Danny Magee, Jerry Witt, Dean Mann and Betty Boyko.

Current members of the Riverfront Authority board: Penny Barnes, Dan Magee, Bob Love, Arnold Schofield, Jeff Sweetser and Witt. Mann remains an ex-officio member, and Kate Sweetser is a part of the group as well, Witt said.

 

Opinion

A Deadly Decision by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023

My sorority reunion was last week in Grove, Oklahoma. Catching up is always fun, but it had been a tough year for two of the other five gals, as one is struggling to keep her business open, and two months ago, “Sharon,” our wheelchair-bound friend, had watched her husband, “Bryan,” choke to death on a piece of steak at her independent living, five-star restaurant. We knew about his death but not all of the facts surrounding his death.

The recently-hired administrator apparently had instructed all the dining personnel never to use life-saving measures.  Only the nurses on duty could do so.  The trouble was, he had fired 30 of them when he took over–in order to save money–and none were on duty.

My friend screamed for help as she watched her husband slump in his seat.  The chef was called but also refused to help. Finally, a porter ran into the restaurant and attempted to pick Bryan up under his arms, but that only caused more problems because of a recently-installed pacemaker.  Within four minutes, paramedics arrived, but it was too late.  The E.R. personnel were able to dislodge the piece of steak.

In the care facility, news spread that Sharon’s husband had suffered a heart attack.  She knew the administrator was trying to cover his hide because of his irrational policy.  Two weeks ago, a scheduled meeting was held to discuss any issues residents had.  My friend attended and asked why they weren’t telling the truth about her husband, that he had choked and not suffered cardiac arrest.  The question was avoided, but the next day, when Sharon tried to watch the YouTube recording of the event, her question had been edited out.  Apparently, residents not present at the meeting were not to know the truth.

My girlfriends and I sat stunned as we learned of the horror our friend had witnessed. She shared that since then, all restaurant personnel have had training in C.P.R. and the Heimlich.  Life-vacs have been purchased and are in each of the five dining rooms. Sharon was grateful for that.  She also has contacted an attorney about the lies being told.  We were grateful for that.

Some of you readers might have a story of someone’s incompetence (maybe even your own) that changed your life forever. The memory of it makes you shudder. The fact is, this is a fallen world.  I picture Satan celebrating when Bryan died, hoping it would destroy Sharon’s faith. It hasn’t worked.  She, a devout Christian, knowing that her husband was a Christian, has found peace, as she is confident that she someday will see him again.

Yesterday, I texted Sharon and asked how she was doing.  This was her response.  “Sometimes, I sob, but I cling to 1 Thessalonians 13,14: Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

May we all have that kind of faith.

Area News, Government, Kansas

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Horses in Kansas

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health has received notification of multiple confirmed cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in horses across the state over the past few weeks. Confirmed cases have been reported in Barber, Butler, Douglas and Pratt counties.

WNV is a preventable disease, with annual vaccinations that have proven highly effective. All of the confirmed cases of WNV in Kansas were in unvaccinated horses or horses with an unknown vaccination history so were assumed to be unvaccinated. All horse owners should consult with their local veterinarians and make a vaccination plan for their horses.

WNV is a virus that can infect humans, horses, birds and other species. Horses infected with WNV can have symptoms that range from depression, loss of appetite and fever to severe neurologic signs such as incoordination, weakness, inability to rise, and hypersensitivity to touch or sound. WNV can be fatal in horses. If you see symptoms of WNV in your horse, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The virus is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes; it is not directly contagious from horse to horse or from horse to human. WNV is a reportable disease in Kansas, which means veterinarians are required by law to report any confirmed cases to the State Veterinarian.

For more information about West Nile virus or other animal disease issues in Kansas, go to the KDA Division of Animal Health website at agriculture.ks.gov/AnimalDiseases.

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Obituary

Obituary of Scarlett Gail Reeder

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Scarlett Gail Reeder was born silently on August 16, 2023, at Ascension Via Christie Hospital, but her little life spoke volumes.

She is forever loved by her parents, Ashlee and Preston Reeder, and her brothers, Thayne and Case of Uniontown.

She is preceded in death by her beloved great-aunt and namesake, Dinah Gail Skillett (Belton, MO).

Survivors include grandparents Carla Stubby of Fort Scott, Carol and Don Reeder of Uniontown, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who will always hold Scarlett Gail in their hearts.

Government, Kansas

Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Plan Announced

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Kansas Submits Five-Year, $451M Action Plan to Expand High-Speed Internet

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Kansas Office of Broadband Development has submitted the state’s comprehensive Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan (FYAP) to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The required action plan details how universal connection will happen in Kansas, and the planned use of the $451 million NTIA has allocated to the state.

The plan underscores Governor Kelly’s commitment to ensuring every Kansan has access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet and the skills necessary to thrive in a digitally-driven society.

“Access to reliable high-speed internet is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity for education, health care, economic growth, and overall quality of life,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This plan moves us toward achieving universal broadband availability in Kansas, ensuring everyone from business owners to students can succeed in today’s digital age.”

Submitting the FYAP is a crucial step in securing federal funding for the state’s broadband initiatives. The plan outlines the path to making high-speed internet available to all Kansans, with a focus on unserved and underserved areas.

The BEAD FYAP consists of a comprehensive strategy that includes the Kansas Office of Broadband Development’s (KOBD) vision to provide universal access to quality broadband, with specific goals and objectives aimed at broadband coverage, adoption rates, and economic growth. This plan also identifies existing programs and assets to reduce overlap and to leverage resources.

“The BEAD FYAP outlines a strategic approach to leverage existing programs, partnerships, and resources toward the goal of universal broadband access,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By combining public and private efforts, we can maximize the impact of our investments and create a robust broadband infrastructure that supports economic growth and innovation for decades to come.”

The plan identifies challenges such as supply chain constraints, labor shortages, digital skill gaps, and how to overcome these obstacles. Presenting a projected timeline, costs and strategies to close gaps in broadband service and ways to ensure fair digital access, the FYAP aligns with state agencies and partners, including NTIA, the federal funding agency.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to draft a comprehensive plan that aligns with the NTIA’s guidelines while addressing our state’s unique challenges and opportunities,” KOBD Director Jade Piros de Carvalho said. “This plan is a roadmap to providing high-speed connectivity to areas that have historically been left behind and bringing affordable broadband access to every corner of Kansas.”

The plan’s alignment with NTIA guidelines, its inclusive approach, and its strategies to address challenges reflect the state’s commitment to empowering Kansans with essential connectivity.

For more information about the Five-Year Action Plan, click here.

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Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

2023 College Board National Recognition Awardee: Katelyn Dancer

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Congratulations to Fort Scott High School Senior Katelyn Dancer on being named a 2023 College Board National Recognition Program Awardee!

Katelyn earned this academic honor because of her GPA of 3.5 or higher and outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and/or AP Exams.  She is being recognized as part of the National Rural/Small Town Recognition Program.  Award winners are given the opportunity to include this academic honor on their college applications, and many colleges intentionally recruit awardees through College Board’s Student Search Service.

Congratulations Katelyn and keep up the good work!  

— Submitted by

Jeff DeLaTorre
Athletic/Activities Director
Fort Scott High School
Bourbon County, Government

Amended Bo Co Commission Agenda for August 24

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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

August 24, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Budget Discussion
  1. Commission Comments
  2. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

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.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New FS Educators: Self and Forkner

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This is part of a series featuring the new teachers at Fort Scott’s School District.
There are 20 new teachers this year.
Karen Self. Submitted photo.
Karen Self, 56, is a new English teacher at Fort Scott High School.
“As a child we had a basement that had a chalkboard and desks that we purchased from the three-room grade school that had closed its doors in our rural neighborhood,” she said.  “Mrs. Green…. my 5th grade teacher, let me choose anything I wanted from the pile of going-to-be-thrown-away textbooks.  I took those books home and devoured them.  I played teacher…for hours at a time, reading and exploring these old textbooks and trying to get my siblings to play along.  Today, I am taking that next step into my childhood dream.
Creating an atmosphere of safety and peace when chaos abounds,  like so many incredible educators did for me throughout my school years, is a passion for me.”
“I have substituted in USD 234 in the last few years, but most of my experience comes from raising, nurturing and advocating for my  children,” Self said. “I also volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care for 6 years.”

For her education she attended Missouri Southern State University, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Butler County Community College, and finished her secondary education degree taking night classes at Newman University, Wichita.

She has 10 children ranging from 16-35 years of age and  6 grandchildren, 6 months to 13 years of age.

In her spare time she loves to read and write, among other interests.
“I am fascinated by British TV, British accents and London,” she said.  “For the last decade I have explored writing and hope to one day write a book about the beautiful life lived by my lovely daughter, P.J., who succumbed to the ravages of muscular dystrophy and left this earth in 2011.  My favorite pastime of all time is spending time with my children and grandchildren.”
“I love that moment when the look of confusion or frustration on a student’s face is replaced with the ‘aha’ delight of catching the inspiration of learning something for the first time,” she said.
Julie Forkner, is a new Fort Scott Preschool Interventionist.
She earned a BS in Elementary Education and Early Childhood and has taught for 38 years.
“I enjoy small children and building relationships with families and helping shape the future and making a positive difference in kid’s life’s!” she said. She also enjoys getting to know  other teachers, too.
A challenge for her will be starting in a new district and a new environment and learning how things work, she said.
She has two children: a daughter, Mandy married to Steven,  is a Kindergarten teacher in Exeter, MO. She has two grandchildren: Kaylor, 5-years-old and  Kruz, 1 1/2. Her son Austin is a professional motocross racer in Murrieta CA. and will get married in October to Rylee.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her grandkids, traveling, watching her son race.
Her hometown is Moundville, MO.