Monthly Archives: September 2023

Bourbon County, Government

The Amended Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission This Evening

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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

September 18, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 9-11-2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Bill Michaud-CORE Communities Progress Update
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • 2022 Audit Letter
  • Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
  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.

 

Elections, Government

Efforts Toward Civic Engagement: Kansas Voter Registration Day is Sept. 19

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September 19 proclaimed Kansas Voter Registration Day, joining a national effort toward civic engagement

TOPEKA –

–Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation declaring September 19, 2023, Kansas Voter Registration Day. This aligns with the National Voter Registration Day events taking place across the United States. The goal is to reach Kansans who either haven’t yet registered to vote, or simply need to update their registration due to things like a move or name change, by engaging communities through this statewide, single-day event.

On September 19, the State Library, along with libraries and community organizations across the state, will host events encouraging voter registration. Leah Grote, a reference librarian at the State Library, attended a Federal Depository Library Program training on voter engagement and learned about NVRD initiatives from other state libraries.  “I thought Kansas should have an initiative like that too,” Grote said. “I’ve worked to create a webpage with information and resources Kansans need to register to vote and host their own registration drives. Our hope is that this initiative will inspire people across the state to make sure they are registered and to help others register to vote.”

Nationally, the holiday has helped more than 5 million Americans register to vote through the collective efforts of thousands of volunteers, nonprofit organizations, businesses, schools, libraries, election officials, and citizens just like you. Kansas Voter Registration Day is about building community while building democracy–together.  Kansans are welcome to visit the State Library on Kansas Voter Registration Day to register or check their registration and pick up NVRD stickers in English, Spanish and Vietnamese (while they last).

Resources for individuals and community organizations, and the full text of the Governor’s proclamation, can be found at kslib.info/1523/National-Voter-Registration-Day-2023. Email [email protected] with any questions.

Opinion

Muscles for the Mountains by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

 

 

I readily admit that I don’t have cheerleader qualities — it takes a lot of strong muscles to stack people on top of each other and not collapse. I’m also mesmerized at the ability of  individuals who can to do the same thing at the same time with a bunch of other people.  My daughter played saxophone in the Pitt State marching band and, as an onlooker, I was astonished. If I’d been in the band, I would have spent most of my time on the ground  being trampled because I would have been out of sync with everybody else.

 

I’ve celebrated a number of birthdays and often say, “I ain’t 22 anymore.” Recently, my two kids and I had a frank conversation about aging muscles. Shortly afterwards, I joined the fitness center in order to stand firm and fight against the course of nature. Everything was fine until the day my trainer, Mr. Flex, had me do 30 minutes of squats with hand weights. Apparently, I hadn’t used those particular muscles since grade school. I was impressed that I could even walk to my vehicle on rubbery gelatin legs like that. Lying down in the parking lot and getting run over almost seemed like a realistic option.

 

The choices we make today impact the quality of our lives spiritually and physically. Our spiritual health can be compared to our physical health because we’re equipped with both types of muscles. But we have to work at staying strong — it doesn’t just happen automatically. We have to make the choice to do preventive maintenance and upgrading  on purpose. The road of life is often uphill and we need to be strong in order to make it to the top. But, there’s help for the climb. “The joy that the Lord gives will make you strong” (Nehemiah 8:10 GNT). You might say that God has a storehouse of muscle rub.

 

Coasting down a hill works just fine until a mountain of crisis appears on the horizon.  When you need power to climb, but discover there isn’t any reserve, you can find yourself in a world of hurt. God’s Word has a lot to say about the importance of our strength. We must take the initiative to encourage ourselves in the Lord, just like King David did. “But I know that God helps me. The Lord is the one who keeps me going” (Psalm 54:4 NIRV). God will keep His children strong, but we have some important instructions to follow if we want to flex those spiritual muscles.

 

Jesus strongly cautions us about what will happen if we foolishly think we can coast through life with no preparation for storms. “Anyone who listens to My teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears My teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash” (Matthew 7:24-27 NLT).

 

I chose not to lay down in the parking lot, and believers can choose not to lay down spiritually. Paul wrote to the believers in the Church at Ephesus: “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT).

 

The Key: Keep your spiritual muscles strong so you won‘t collapse under pressure.

Bourbon County, Government

Sept. 7 Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission

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September 7, 2023                                                                                                              Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present for a special meeting to hold a Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) hearing and a budget hearing.

 

Jason Silvers, Michael Hoyt, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, and Anne Dare were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.

 

Jim made a motion to open the Revenue Neutral Rate hearing. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Susan Walker, CFO, explained the changes to the RNR stating the revenue neutral rate is 56.586 mills and the proposed budget would exceed that at 59.907 mills.

 

Jim opened the floor for comments for any citizen that would like to speak. Michael Hoyt stated that RNR is smoke and mirrors and that it sounds good but is not. Clint Walker said it is admirable that you are trying to keep taxes lower.

 

Jim made a motion to close the RNR hearing. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton read resolution 15-23 a resolution to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate.  Jim made a motion to adopt resolution 15-23 and exceed the revenue neutral rate. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. All three Commiossioners filled out the roll call form and indicated how they voted as well as signed resolution 15-23.

 

Clifton stated he felt that the RNR process is absurd and ridiculous. Jim agreed and said it felt like a dog and pony show.

 

Jim made a motion to open the budget hearing. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Susan Walker, CFO, discussed the proposed 2024 budget. Susan put together a chart that showed the funding we receive as a county entity with 60% of that being from property taxes.

 

Jim opened the floor to comments for the budget hearing for any citizen that would like to speak.

 

Michael Hoyt spoke of the money that we disperse to other entities and stated we need to hear from them more often and asked if they know what our expectations of them are. Clint Walker said everywhere he has been departments come in and gave reports and updates on measurable things. Mr. Walker also stated that an entity refuses to go to bulk fuel when you can save 45-85 cents per gallon that adds up to a lot of money. Nelson stated he disagrees with appropriations on a principal level and he would defund a lot of things but the state mandates we have to fund them. Clifton said the majority of our budget is road and bridge and the Sheriff’s department and the appropriations are minimal and that to make a difference you would have to cut everybody 15-20% across the board. Clifton said that it had been previously looked into and to have our own health department would cost us $200,000-$300,000 per year and we currently pay $90,000 to the SEK Multi-County Health Department. Jim said he agrees with Clifton and that the appropriations only equal approximately ¾ of a mill. Jim stated he is from a school where sometimes people need help and he will help people as long as he sits here.  Jim reiterated that the PILOT funds were used for Bourbon County REDI not taxpayer dollars. Clifton suggested showing Nelson the presentation Susan created before he was Commissioner that shows this Commission has done their job and lowered taxes.

 

Jim made a motion to close the budget hearing. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to pass the 2024 budget as presented. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

All three Commissioners signed the 2024 budget certificate.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:09. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

 

Selena Alvarado, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk

    9-11-2023       Approved Date

 

Bourbon County, Government

August 28 Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission

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August 28, 2023                                                                                                                   Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Nelson Blythe and the County Clerk present.

 

Anne Dare, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.

 

Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 8/21/23 and 8/24/23, approval of payroll totaling $336,998.21, and approval of accounts payable totaling $401,487.67. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Clint Walker stated that Kansas is receiving $451,000,000 to allow for better cell phone service and computer service and he hopes Bourbon County receives their fair share of it.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, updated the Commissioners on the chip and seal project which Eric said is currently on hold due to the chip spreader breaking down last Friday. Eric stated they are taking the machine to G.W. Van Keppel for repairs. A blast is scheduled for Thursday at Thomas Quarry and the crusher is being moved there from the Beth Quarry. Eric said the crew is out patching potholes, mowing right of ways, and getting rock on the roads. Nelson said he received a call from Brent Smith and spoke to Eric about the status of a project on 115th Street. Eric stated he would check into this as he thought the tubes had been installed. Jim asked Eric if his budget was doing ok and receiving reports, and Eric said he has been crunching numbers with Susan.

 

Rob Harrington, with Bourbon County REDI, stated he was here on behalf of Legacy Health Leadership Team to update the Commission on emergency services in Bourbon County. Mr. Harrington said Legacy Health is moving forward with a strategic partner to solidify emergency room services in Bourbon County. More information on a timeline and the partners will be announced in the next few weeks. Jim asked Rob to share with Legacy that he appreciates Legacy providing us an ER. Rob asked for a 3-minute executive session to update Commissioners on another project.

 

Jim made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Nelson made a motion to go into a session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include both Commissioners, Rob Harrington, and Justin Meeks for 3-minutes returning at 5:41. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Nelson made a motion to resume normal session at 5:41 with no action. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Jim said he likes we are getting some roads done. Jim stated there will not be a Commission meeting on Monday due to Labor Day, but a meeting will be held after the budget hearing on September 7th. Jim said the City of Fort Scott is meeting tonight to discuss the water situation and make a declaration since Bourbon County is in the emergency drought area declared by the state. Jim explained the Governor’s emergency drought declaration and how the state is allowing individuals permits to obtain water from state fishing lakes, however; Bourbon County does not have a state fishing lake. Jim said the city owns all the water, and they are taking notice and taking action.

 

Nelson said he has heard talk of mask mandates coming back and that he remembers when we had someone at the door checking temperatures and handing out masks and stated he will not have anything to do with that. Jim said if we have to go in that direction, Nelson would be allowed to vote. Jim said before he would entertain considering a vote, he would want to hear more from Clifton who is our health representative, Becky Johnson from SEK-Multi County Health Department, and have several health officials to talk to us and give us guidance. Anne Dare said we have learned a lot and that needs to be taken into consideration and that the monthly meeting of the SEK-Multi County Health Department will be held tomorrow in Garnett but she is unsure if that topic will be discussed. Jim said it is something we will have to watching going forward and see what happens.

 

Clint Walker questioned if the Commissioners have heard anything from the state about West Nile Virus that has been detected in surrounding counties. Jim stated he has not heard anything regarding West Nile Virus in the area.

 

Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:46. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

 

Selena Alvarado, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk

              9/11/2023          Approved Date

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Work Session Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on Sept.18

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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

September 18, 2023 4:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

A work session will be held to discuss health insurance benefits with Don Doherty.

 

 

Government

Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on Sept. 18

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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

September 18, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 9-11-2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Bill Michaud-CORE Communities Progress Update
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • 2022 Audit Letter
  • Commission Comments
  1. 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.

 

Government, Kansas

KS Birth Certificate Must Reflect Scientific Fact

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AG Kobach commends KDHE for complying with state law on Birth Certificates

TOPEKA – (Sept. 15, 2023) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today issued the following statement in response to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment complying with SB 180 and Attorney General Opinion 2023-2 by listing individuals’ biological sex at birth on birth certificates and stopping the modification of birth certificates to reflect something other than sex at birth. KDHE will also restore its own previously modified birth records to their original form.

Attorney General Kobach stated: “The intent of Kansas legislators was clear when they passed the Women’s Bill of Rights. Kansas birth certificates are state records that must reflect scientific fact as recorded by the doctor at the time of birth. I am pleased that KDHE is now complying with Kansas law in the wake of the recent federal district court order.”

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CONTACT: Danedri Herbert – (913) 706-6394 [email protected]
Government, Kansas

KS Governor Participates in Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference

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Governor Kelly Travels to Japan, South Korea
to Create More Jobs for Kansans


TOPEKA – This week, Governor Laura Kelly traveled to Japan and South Korea to participate in the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association (MWJA/JMWA) Conference. While there, she met with business leaders to continue building on Kansas’ historic economic development success and create new job opportunities for Kansas workers.

“The relationships we’ve established with Japanese and Korean companies like Panasonic, Marubeni, and CJ CheilJedang have been instrumental in the $17.4 billion in private investments made into the state since I took office,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By strengthening those relationships and building new ones, we continue spurring economic development success and delivering on our mission to make Kansas the best state to live, work, and raise a family.”

While in Japan, Governor Kelly delivered keynote remarks at the MWJA/JMWA conference and, alongside a bipartisan group of Midwest governors, met with U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel to discuss economic development opportunities.

“Governor Kelly’s commitment to strengthening ties with Japan and South Korea is exactly the kind of forward-thinking leadership needed for trilateral cooperation. These partnerships aren’t just about business; they’re about building a brighter future for Kansans,” Ambassador Rahm Emanuel said. “When I see a state like Kansas making such significant strides in global economic partnerships, it showcases the importance of collaboration, vision, and innovation.”

In Kyoto, Governor Kelly met with Panasonic Energy leadership. In July 2022, Governor Kelly announced Panasonic would be building one of the largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing plants in the United States in De Soto. The $4 billion investment is expected to create up to 4,000 new jobs, which represents the largest economic development project in Kansas history. Learn more about Panasonic’s historic investment here.

In Tokyo, Governor Kelly toured the Marubeni Corporation headquarters. Marubeni acquired Arkansas City’s Creekstone Farms Premium Beef LLC in 2017. Since then, the company has invested $35 million in facility improvements, including a refrigerated distribution center and 20,000 square-foot child care facility that is now under construction. In 2020, Creekstone Farms was awarded the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award. Governor Kelly toured the plant in June 2021. Learn more about Creekstone Farms and Marubeni here.

Governor Kelly ended her trip in South Korea, where she visited CJ CheilJedang (CJCJ) headquarters. CJCJ became the parent company of Schwan’s in 2019 and constructed the world’s largest frozen pizza manufacturing plant in Salina, creating 225 new jobs. Its $600 million investment resulted in a new manufacturing plant that opened in May 2023 and a food distribution center that is expected to be completed in early 2025. Learn more about CJCJ’s investment in Schwan’s here.

Fort Scott, Jobs, Schools

New U234 Board Clerk: Candace Jobe

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Candace Jobe. Submitted photo.

Candace Jobe, 37, has been the new MIS Clerk, Special Education Assistant, and U234 Board Clerk, since July 17.

“MIS and Special Education Assistant are the same thing,” she said. “I will be taking care of Paras and tracking training hours for them and helping our Special Education Teachers with various duties. Also, working in our Special Education Reporting Systems as well as assisting our Director, Tonya Barnes (she’s AMAZING) with any other tasks she has.”

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

“For Board Clerk I will be attending all board meetings, working with the Superintendent and Board President, recording minutes from board meetings, acting as custodian of records, and other duties as assigned to the clerk,” she said.

She grew up in Uniontown, school K-12, and graduated in 2005. “Being a part of a school has been my whole life with my Mom, Rolene Lowry, being West Bourbon Elementary School Secretary for 31 years and my Dad, Leon Lowry, as a Bus Driver/Custodian for 38 years,” she said.  “I had the best of both worlds, working parents and stay-at-home parents. My brother also worked for the school district for over 10 years.”

After high school, she attended college in Oklahoma City and worked at the Bank of Oklahoma as a teller and then later in bond trading.

“We moved back closer to family and I worked at West Bourbon Elementary for the past nine years,” she said.

She and her husband, Joel, have two dogs, one of whom, Molly, gets to come to work with her every day.

“We are working towards her certification as a therapy dog and will be in the middle/high school to assist students and staff in any way needed,” she said.
“Being able to combine two things that I am VERY passionate about (kids and dogs) is something I can’t believe I get to do every day!”

“I am so thankful for the opportunity to work for USD 234,” she said. “Everyone has made me feel so welcomed and appreciated already. I don’t think any of the staff will ever know how much that has meant to me.”