Monthly Archives: January 2024
FSCC Community Conversation This Evening at 5:30 p.m.
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Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission for January 8
January 8, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Jason Silvers, Mark McCoy, Clint Walker, Teri Hulsey, Michael Hoyt, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 12-18-23, approval of payroll totaling $225,101.85, and approval of accounts payable totaling $448,457.08. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Michael Hoyt stated he sent information regarding the STAR Bond and TIF and if anybody else would like to receive the information he has it available to email.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated there wasn’t a culvert report for December and the fuel report was emailed to the Commissioners. Eric said it is time to have the annual bridge inspections and he is asking approval for 21 bridges and 5 low water crossings for $8,000 from Schwab Eaton. Eric stated that Schwab Eaton does the inspections every year and that we are mandated to do the inspections. Clifton made a motion to accept the proposal for the 12-month annual interim routine bridge inspections which are due January 2024 for Schwab Eaton in the amount of $8,000 and for all three Commissioners to sign. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric then presented an agreement for the bridge at 60th and Grand Road. Eric said Justin has reviewed the contract. Clifton made a motion to sign the agreement for Project 006C-5286C-01 off system bridge program. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric updated the Commission on the landfill compactor that he asked permission to purchase from Purple Wave. Eric said he was able to purchase the compactor for a price of $21,500 and that it has made a big difference just by how much it is compacting the ground. Eric said there are two road graders listed on Purple Wave that will sell tomorrow. A blast was conducted at the Shepard Quarry last Thursday and ended up with 48,177 tons and they are currently in the process of moving the crushers and setting up the quarry to get rock on the road in that area. Eric said they sent trucks out to push off the slush we received from the storm today. The crews are on a rotating basis with one crew working 4:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. and another crew working 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. to try to cut down on the overtime. Eric said they are prepared for the rest of the week and are full on salt and ice control and running five dump trucks. Nelson said he received a call from the Bronson City Clerk and that she inquired about meeting with him and Eric to see about possibly doing chip and seal and Eric said he was unsure about if they could do in-kind projects and said he would visit them. Jim said the City of Fort Scott will be contacting Eric to talk about working together to do asphalt again this year.
Matt Quick, County Appraiser, informed the Commissioners that their office sent out personal property rendition forms January 1st. Matt said that anybody that who personal property in Bourbon County will receive a form that has their personal property listed with a section that asks if the personal property is still owned. Matt stated the forms need to be completed, signed, and returned to his office by March 1st. If the form is not received, they must assign a penalty to the property owner which will be reflected on their tax statement they receive in December. Matt stated it is a simple form to complete and return and he wanted to get the information out to residents so they do not receive penalties in the future. Matt also said if a resident sells any type of personal property, such as a boat, ATV, or trailer, they need to let the Appraiser’s office know when they do so they can remove it from the tax roll. Matt stated if a person has a boat, they sell they also need to notify KDWP in Pratt to get it removed from the state system.
Susan Walker, CFO, spoke to the Commissioners about the audit proposals she received to complete the 2023 fiscal year audit. Susan stated she reached out to five audit firms and only two were able to accept clients. Susan said we need to make a decision quickly so that we can get our audit scheduled to ensure we have the audit information back timely to help with budget preparations for next year. One proposal was from Loyd Group, LLC and was $45,000 the other is Jarred, Gilmore, and Phillips, PA for $24,000. Clifton made a motion to use Jarred, Gilmore, and Phillips PA out of Chanute, KS with a bid of $24,000. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, presented the KRAF grant and stated they would use that to purchase another LUCAS device and RAD 57 pulse-oximeters which will detect carbon monoxide. Teri stated that the Chairman would need to sign the grant. Clifton made a motion to allow the Chairman to sign the KRAF grant. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Teri said she was contacted via Facebook by an individual asking if the patient is alert or if the patient is with a person that can legally make decisions for them and they know their insurance will not cover a certain area and are able to let you know this and will EMS transport that patient to a facility covered by their insurance upon their request. Teri said that they will transport to the closest appropriate ER based upon medical conditions and yes, if the patient is alert and able to make a sound medical decision, they will honor that request; however, there are stipulations to that for example if they are having a cardiac event Via Christi would be the closest appropriate ER even if they are not in your network. Teri said if they were to transport a patient to an ER that was not capable of handling their situation then the patient would incur another ambulance bill whether that is ground or air ambulance. Teri said they have protocols they must follow and must take patients to the closest appropriate facility and if anybody has any questions, please reach out to her.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented several resolutions for 2024 including GAAP waiver, financial institution and official newspaper declarations, and Rural Opportunity Zone. Clifton made a motion to adopt Resolution 1-24 concerning the waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer stated Resolution 2-24 is designating depositories and the official publication carrier. Jennifer stated in compliance with KSA 9-1401 the following banks of Bourbon County are selected as depositories of funds by the County Treasurer: City State Bank, UMB Bank NA, Union State Bank, Liberty Savings and Loan, Landmark National Bank, and Citizens Bank NA. The county’s active account will be carried in Landmark National Bank and the official county newspaper will be the Fort Scott Tribune. Clifton made a motion to adopt Resolution 2-24 designating depositories and official newspaper as stated by the County Clerk. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer presented Resolution 3-24 which authorizes the participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone student loan repayment program for the calendar year 2024 with Bourbon County allocating zero dollars for the purpose of matching payments from the State of Kansas. Clifton made a motion to pass Resolution 3-24 authorizing the participation of the ROZ for student loan repayment for the calendar year 2024 and as stated allocate zero dollars for this purpose. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer asked to amend the agenda to discuss the inclement weather policy. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add discussion of inclement weather in the county. Nelson seconded the motion the motion and all approved. Jennifer stated since this is her first year as Clerk, she wanted to inquire about the inclement weather policy and if it is decided to close the courthouse who would be notified. After discussion it was decided the Chairman would coordinate with the Public Works Department and the County Counselor to determine if the courthouse will be closed. The Chairman will notify the County Clerk, who will send out notifications to the department heads of the closure. Nelson asked how the employees who work EMS, Public Works, and the Sheriff’s Department who work while the courthouse is closed would get paid. It was determined that the employees who work while the courthouse is closed will receive time and a half.
Sheriff Bill Martin met with the Commissioners regarding the retirement of a K9 named Pistol. Sheriff Martin presented the contract, which states the handler Zach Ross will be taking custody of the dog, for the Chairman to sign. Nelson made a motion for the Chairman to sign the retirement paperwork for K9 Pistol so the dog can go to Deputy Zach Ross. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. Sheriff Martin stated another car has been totaled in an accident and he is working with the insurance company regarding it. Sheriff Martin said they have received approximately $11,000 from the insurance company for the vehicle that has 152,000 miles on it. Sheriff Martin said he has reached out to the business where they purchased the other vehicles and is waiting on a quote from them. Sheriff Martin asked to work with the CFO to determine how to purchase a replacement vehicle whether that be money that have or if it needs to be financed.
Clifton asked for continued permission to work with Sheriff Martin and Undersheriff Davidson regarding deputies that are underpaid. Clifton said he would like to talk to them as a Commissioner about trying to get the deputies more money. Jim agreed and said if Bill doesn’t have it in the budget they can work with Susan and find some more money or move it but he thins we’re losing deputies to the City because they’re paying much better. Clifton thanked the newspaper for the clarification that was made about a story a few weeks ago stating information was leaked during an executive session which was not what was stated. Nelson ended the Commission comments section by holding a prayer.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:16. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
1-23-2024 Approved Date
Ascension Via Christi Pittsburg Earns Distinction for Maternity Care
Ascension Via Christi hospitals designated
Blue Distinction Centers+ for Maternity Care
Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph, Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan and Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg have all earned designation by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as Blue Distinction Centers+ for Maternity Care.
St. Joseph is the only Wichita hospital to earn this quality recognition, which is based on Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s analysis of patient outcomes, satisfaction and additional measures collected as part of its 2023 Maternity Care Provider Survey.
According to Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Distinction Centers+ for Maternity Care demonstrate expertise and a commitment to cost-efficient quality care for vaginal and cesarean section deliveries and have better overall patient satisfaction.
“The criteria for Blue Distinction Center+ designation covers virtually every aspect of maternity care, requiring a demonstrated team commitment to and focus on evidence-based best practices and protocols,” says Samer Antonios, MD, chief clinical officer for Ascension Via Christi. “Thanks to everyone involved for helping ensure that delivering mothers have the best possible experience and outcomes at our hospitals.”
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 134 other sites of care and employs more than 6,400 associates. In FY2023, Ascension Via Christi provided more than $65 million in community benefit programs. In FY2023, Ascension provided $2.3 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Ascension includes more than 150,000 associates and 40,000 aligned providers. The national health system operates more than 2,600 sites of care – including 139 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Visit www.ascension.org.
The Bourbon County Commission Amended Agenda For January 23
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
January 23, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 1/8/2024
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $290,106.71
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $539,504.23
- Approval of November Financials
- Susan Walker, CFO
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- County Clerk
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
- Selection of Chairman 2024
- Audit Contract
- REDI/Legacy Health Announcement
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
- Commission Comments
- 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.
KS Department of Children and Families Office Building is Being Built at Wall and National Avenue
A new building is being built at the corner of Wall Street and National Avenue for a local Kansas Department of Children and Families office, with a completion date in mid-summer 2024, according to the developer.
The building will be 13,649 square feet and will have the capacity for 40 employees, said the real estate developer Kendall Schoenrock. Schoenrock purchased the building in the summer of 2023.
The State of Kansas released a Request for Proposal for the project and “I answered that request and proposed the downtown site,” he said.” I proposed the site during the RFP process. That location was part of my bid and was selected by the state. We won the bid after proposing the site.”
“This project is very important for the State of Kansas, to retain jobs in Fort Scott,” Schoenrock said. “They could have moved the DCF to another community.”
This is a multi-million dollar investment into downtown Fort Scott, he said.
In addition, it will spur money for retail and restaurants in the downtown area.
“This project will get many people for downtown businesses,” he said. “They will eat downtown, shop downtown, etc.”
The demolition is being done by Skitch’s Hauling and Excavating, Inc.
After demolition, Schoenrock’s team will get to work, putting the building on the south side of the lot, with parking on the north.
“I have rented a house in Fort Scott and will live there for a year,” he said. “I am bringing in my team.”
“Many (local) people helped make this happen,” he said. “Bailey Lyons with Lyons Realty Group, Rob Harrington with Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, and Brad Matkin and Matthew Wells, with the city. And Arnold Scholfield with the Fort Scott Design Review Board provided good, solid feedback for the project.”
“They should be praised,” he said. “Fort Scott has been very supportive. I couldn’t have asked for more support from the city. That’s what is needed to spur development.”
“I have been impressed working with all these people- it’s a team effort,” he said. “They are appreciative of outside money coming to town. I always tried to be a good partner.”
Silverrock Venture is his family business and is based in Junction City. He is a commercial real estate developer.
Recently, he developed and now owns the Flint Hills Medical Home, a 12,375-square-foot medical facility located in Junction City, for the Department of Defense, according to his website.
More can be learned about the owner at his website: kendallschoenrock.com.
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Presbyterian Village on January 25
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Obituary of Bernice Carriger
Bernice Faye Carriger, age 89, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Credo Senior Living, Fort Scott. Bernice was born, along with her fraternal twin sister, Innes Mae, on October 22, 1934, in Augusta, KS to Ernest Vay and Osa Matle (Johnson) Gardner. She was raised and educated in Augusta, graduating from high school in 1952. Right out of high school, she married Jimmie Dale Ropp. They were blessed with three children, Craig Allen, Douglas Randall, and Laura Lynn, before the marriage ended.
Bernice was an extremely hard worker and known by many as a perfectionist. As a single parent, she worked tirelessly and many long hours while living in Wichita to support and provide for her children.
If Bernice taught her children anything it was to love the Lord and have a strong work ethic. She always led by example! Bernice loved people and they loved her. She was a great cook and was extremely generous with her family and anyone in need.
On November 13, 1965, Bernice married Richard E. Carriger. They were married for 51 years before Richard passed away in 2016. Richard and his new family were transferred with KG & E to Fort Scott, KS in 1966. Darren Scott Carriger was born in 1967. Shortly after, Bernice went to work as a dental assistant for Dr. James Taylor. She worked there for 28 years before going to work for General Anesthesia Services as the office manager. She finished her career there, working for Bob Carillo, Will Guilfoyle, and Randy Braswell, happily working until the age of 80.
Bernice considered shopping as her mission in life. Special thanks to her shopping buddies, Carolyn Wenderott, Rita Schroeder, Patty Hutchison, and daughter-in-law, Missy Carriger.
She moved to Credo Senior Living in January of 2018. The staff there provided excellent care to Bernice until her passing. The family wishes to especially thank Betty Allen, Joni Hall, PersianCallahan, Irene Burton and Terri Cox for their loving attention and care over the past six years.
Bernice is survived by four children, Craig and Doug (Patty) Ropp of Fort Scott, Laura (Bill) Dalton of Parsons, KS, and Darren (Missy) Carriger of Osawatomie, KS. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, twenty-six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rick Carriger, and three sisters, Helen Spivey, Dorie Shryock and Innes Wike, and daughter-in-law Elaine Ropp.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, January 26th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Graveside committal services will take place at 1:30 PM at the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 Friday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Elvis Tribute Artist Coming to Fort Scott February 17
Featuring
Jeff Bergen is one of the most exciting and talked about
Elvis Tribute Artists. More detail at https://www.facebook.com/elvisentertainmentkc/ and https://jeffbergen.com/Reviews.html
530 – Happy Hour with Cash Bar with background music
Charcuterie Cup appetizers
Elvis-Themed Silent Auction
630 – Dinner with background music
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Breast & Herb Crusted Lemon Pepper Pork Tenderloin
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans Almondine
Rolls with butter (thank you Connie Conroy!)
730 – Dessert with background music
Elvis-favorites
-Peanut Butter & Banana Dessert Cups
-Pineapple Upside Down Cake Cups
-Donut Wall (Elvis LOVED Donuts)
Taylor Swift Tribute This Saturday in Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall
Tell Your Kids and Grandkids! Tickets at https://advanceboco.
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
January 19, 2024
Tax relief was debated and passed both chambers. A bipartisan vote sent Conference Committee Report (CCR) 2284 on its way to the Governor’s desk. Before the House voted on the CCR, she announced she will veto it. If she does veto CCR 2284, she’ll stop major tax cuts on:
- Income tax relief for ALL
- Eliminates state income taxes for over 340,000 low income tax filers
- Eliminates state income tax on Social Security helping over 92,000 people
- Standard deduction increases each year that inflation increases
- Personal income tax exemption increase to $2,300 per person and increases to offset inflation
- Veterans with 100% disability personal exemption increase to $4600 with inflation increases
- Eliminates income tax on all income up to $6,150 ($12,300 married filing jointly) and levels the brackets to 5.25 for taxable income
- Property tax relief for homeowners that increases each year to offset inflation
- Eliminates the state sales tax on groceries in 2024, instead of 2025
CCR 2284 will provide much needed tax relief and is sustainable. These are ideas that have been diligently and thoroughly vetted. In fact, most of the policy was passed last year and vetoed by the Governor. The veto override failed by one vote in the Senate. Some believe that it will happen again. There is over $3 billion sitting in the state coffers. The government has taken too much money from the people. CCR 2284 will cut taxes and help Kansans.
The Governor has proposed tax legislation, but it doesn’t have the tax cut for the 340,000 low income taxpayers; it doesn’t cut income taxes for all Kansans; it doesn’t provide more relief to our 100% disabled veterans; it doesn’t fight against inflation and cost living increases. Remember, in 2021 the Governor vetoed tax cuts, calling them reckless and said they would break the state. We overrode the veto. The tax cuts didn’t break the state and neither will CCR 2284.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Kansas Renewable Energy Projects Announced
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas Director Christy Davis today announced that Rural Development is investing $2.8 million in renewable energy projects to lower energy bills, boost energy production and create jobs.
“Rural Development is helping farmers, ranchers and small businesses be a part of the clean energy economy and directly benefit from it,” Director Davis said. “These investments expand renewable energy infrastructure and save Kansans money on their energy costs that can be invested back into their businesses and communities.”
The details of the Kansas projects are:
- A $79,960 grant will help purchase and install two 15 kilowatt (kW) wind turbines for Viets Brothers Inc. of Girard. The project is expected to generate 71,699 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, 100 percent of the company’s electrical usage and enough to power 6.7 homes.
- A $43,800 grant will help purchase and install a 15 kW wind turbine for Blevins Farms Inc. of Highland. The project is expected to generate 37,337 kWh per year, 100 percent of the company’s electrical usage and enough electricity to power 3.5 homes.
- A $22,300 grant will help purchase and install a 16.28 kW solar photovoltaic system for Casey Andersen of Gove County. This project will realize $2,335 per year in savings and will replace 21,358 kWh, enough energy to power two homes.
- A $39,800 grant will help purchase and install a 15 kW wind turbine for Gene Moritz of Greely County. This project will realize $3,424 per year in savings and will replace 35,124 kWh, enough electricity to power three homes.
- A $1,000,000 grant will help install an anaerobic digester to produce biomethane gas for Rio Vista Farms LLC of Hamilton County. This project will generate an estimated 80,286 Million British Thermal Units (MMBtu) per year.
- A $1,000,000 grant will help install an anaerobic digester to produce biomethane gas for Frontier Dairy LLC in Hamilton County. This project will generate an estimated 84,629 MMBtu per year.
- A $98,720 grant will help purchase and install a 149 kW solar array for Mackey & Sons Inc. of Newton. The project is estimated to replace 187,991 kWh per year, enough energy to power 17 homes. Mackey & Sons Inc. currently has 22 employees.
- A $100,728 grant will help purchase and install a 180 kW solar array for Bold LLC in Hutchinson. This project is estimated to replace 158,385 kWh per year, enough energy to power 14 homes. Bold LLC currently has 85 employees.
- A $25,182 grant will help purchase and install a 13.5 kW solar array for Mid Kansas Marine and RV Inc. of Hutchinson. This project is estimated to replace 19,068 kWh per year, enough energy to power one home. Mid Kansas Marine & RV currently has eight employees.
- A $216,000 grant will help purchase and install a 180 kW solar array for Ade-Wifco Steel Products Inc. of Hutchinson. This project is estimated to replace 277,933kWh per year, enough energy to power 26 homes. Ade-Wifco Steel Products currently has ten employees.
- A $162,845 grant will help purchase and install a 175 kW solar array for Board of Trade Management LLC of Salina. This project is estimated to replace 237,078 kWh per year, enough energy to power 22 homes. Board of Trade Management currently has four employees.
- A $26,875 grant will help purchase and install a 15 kW wind turbine for Flat Land Farms in Wichita County. This project will realize $2,024 per year in savings and will replace 19,216 kWh, enough electricity to power 1.5 homes.
Please see the attached press release for full details. If you would like an interview with Kansas Director Christy Davis, call 785 207-1171.
Allen Pickert
Public Affairs Specialist
State office, Rural Development
United States Department of Agriculture