Monthly Archives: May 2024

Government, Kansas, Youth

Kansas Family Permanency Option For Aging Out Of Foster Care System

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Governor Kelly Ceremonially Signs SOUL Family Legal Permanency Bill

~~Kansas Becomes First State in the Country
to Adopt the SOUL Family Option~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly ceremonially signed House Bill 2536 today, establishing the Support, Opportunity, Unity, and Legal (SOUL) Family permanency option for children aging out of the state’s foster care system.

“My administration has been focused on reforming our child welfare system and reducing the number of children and teenagers entering foster care,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The changes we have made to our child welfare system have been significant and the SOUL Family permanency is another example of this. It is a tool that we can use to ensure Kansas foster children aging out of the system grow into the next phase of their life, finish their education, settle into jobs, and become contributing members of their community.”

The Kelly administration’s work has resulted in a nearly 20% drop in the total number of young people in foster care.

SOUL Family is a fourth pathway for teens 16 or older in foster care to obtain legal permanency and transition into adulthood via a custodian of their choice.

Previously, young people in custody of the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) had three pathways for permanency, a term for a legally recognized family-like relationship. Those pathways were adoption, reintegration, and appointment of a custodian. Now, teens 16 and older can choose a person or a group of people they trust to help raise them as they enter adulthood.

“The SOUL Family option means young people who are aging out of foster care will be empowered to select the circle of caring adults who will help them as they move into adulthood,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “The adults would agree to serve as legally recognized caregivers not just during the young person’s transition from foster care to adulthood, but for the rest of their lives.”

While adoption, reunification, and guardianship provide family for many youths, those pathways don’t always meet the needs of others. Stakeholders and those with lived experience in the foster care system testified to the need for the SOUL Family permanency option.

Kansas is the first state in the country to sign the Soul Family permanency option into law.

“When young people with lived foster care experience spoke, the legislature listened with the overwhelming support of the SOUL bill. This additional permanency option gives youth the freedom to select their SOUL family, providing the security and stability needed as they approach adulthood,” said Kansas State Representative Susan Concannon, District 107. “This is a game changer, and I’m so proud that Kansas is the first state to pass this innovative approach to permanency.”

DCF is currently working on the implementation process, which includes building the criteria, practices, resources, benefits, and administrative structures to best support the safety and well-being of young people transitioning from foster care into court-approved legal SOUL Families. This fourth permanency option is expected to be available to young people in foster care this summer.

Young people with lived experience will continue to be involved in the implementation process.

 

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Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Help Build the Field of Honor at Fort Scott National Historic Site

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Symbols of Sacrifice, Memorial Day Weekend

Fort Scott, Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site invites you to join the park in placing the flags for the “Symbols of Sacrifice” Field of Honor Friday morning, May 24, 2024. We welcome everyone to participate and encourage individuals and groups to plan on arriving at 8:30 a.m. and help as long as you are available.

 

Symbols of Sacrifice continues the entire Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 24th through Monday, May 27th. The Field of Honor will be open throughout during normal park grounds hours from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset all weekend. Fort Scott National Historic Site also encourages volunteers to help us retire the display on Tuesday, May 28th. This is an all-weather event.

 

The Field of Honor with its approximately 8,500 flags commemorate the ultimate sacrifice members of the United States Armed Forces have made to keep this country free. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. It originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are currently open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

-NPS-

Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 Board Meeting Press Release for May 13

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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

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, May 13, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 13, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda with the change to District Cell Phone policy to be discussion only, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

04/08/24 Board Minutes

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – April 19, 2024 – $2,108,758.88

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Resolution 23-17 KMIP Signers

Resolution 23-18 – Account Signers

Tiger Club Fundraising

EW Book Fair Fundraising

Leadership Club Fundraising

EW Box Top Fundraising

FSHS Dance Team Fundraising

 

Zach Johnson & Matt Harris recognized Jannah Farrington and Danielle Cavin, both Special Education Teachers at Fort Scott Middle School. They were both thanked for countless hours that they put into their positions not only with paperwork and legal information but how much they care for the students. Both Administrators spoke very highly of each teacher and how each meets the needs of their students and collaborates seamlessly with staff and Admin.

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on an increase in enrollment for the end of the year. Also, explained about a Federal EPA Grant that the district will be applying for with various community partners. The Board will meet with Administration for a work evening.

 

The Board welcomed Terry Mayfield who will be Assistant Superintendent/Business Manager starting July 1, 2024.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported the final revenue payment coming in June. She updated the board on ESY with sixty-six students attending this summer. Testing tools are being reviewed and hopefully will be updated soon.

The Board moved the district cell phone policy to discussion only and Tyler Slinkard, FSHS Speech and Debate Forensics Teacher, was present to discuss this policy.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Five Year Professional Development Plan
  • Approval for Crossland as CMAR for Preschool building
  • FSHS Lunch Price Recommendation for 2024-25
  • 10 Passenger Van Purchase
  • New student devices for incoming 6th & 9th graders
  • Content Filter & Classroom Management Bid
  • Middle School Science Text & Resources
  • Instrument Lockers & Storage Bids – Melhart

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT

May 13, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Anderson, Anna – Resignation – SPED Teacher – Eugene Ware

Bergmann, Mark – Supplemental Resignation -Assistant Debate & Forensics Coach – High School 

Casey, Hunter – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott

Durnell, Suzan – Resignation – Instructional Coach – Winfield Scott

Forkner, Julie – Resignation – Preschool Intervention Teacher

Hall, Kathi – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Summer Weights & Conditioning 

Hall, Laeci – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Volleyball Coach – High School 

Hutchison, Brian – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Football Coach – Middle School

Kegler, Terra – Supplemental Resignation – Head Volleyball Coach – High School 

Killion, Chelsea – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Kim, Anna – Resignation – 5th Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware

Ludeman, Sara – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

Martin, Jared – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Football Coach 

Metcalf, Alvin – Resignation – Full Time Substitute 

McGehee, Sarah – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool

Michaud, Jennifer – Resignation – Spanish Teacher – High School

Motley, Aubrionna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Owenby, Bo – Retirement – Custodian – Eugene Ware

Regan, Nikki – Resignation – Special Education Teacher – High School

Specht, Alex – Resignation – Assistant Principal – High School

Weddle, Codee – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

For the 2024-25 school year:

Certified:

Deatsch, Erin – Kindergarten to 2nd Grade – Winfield Scott – 2024-25

Classified:

Allen, Joe – Substitute Bus Driver to Full Time Bus Driver – 2024-25

Brown, Stacy – Food Service to Paraprofessional – Middle School – 2024-25

Supplemental:

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Hay, Marilyn – 9th Grade English Teacher – High School 

Hardesty, Tabitha – SPED Teacher – Eugene Ware – 2024-25

Howell, Carolien – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott

Johnson, Jeff – Assistant Principal – High School – 2024-25

Knopp, Mackenzie – FACS Teacher – High School 

Prine, Amanda – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott 

Wilcoxen, Travis – Special Education Teacher – Middle School

Williams, Courtney – 5th Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Baublitz, Christina – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Coffman, Quita – Food Service – Middle School 

Elton, Martin – Kitchen Manager – Winfield Scott

Guss, Stewart – Substitute Bus Driver 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Martin, Dave – Assistant Girl’s Swim Coach 

Schnichels, Laryn – Assistant Cheer Coach – High School

 

Summer School Recommendations

High School

Clark, Erica – Teacher

Felt, Carson – Teacher

Harper, Amy – Teacher

Mayberry, Polly – Teacher

Robinson, Justin – Teacher

Rogers, Jaimie – Teacher

Tally, Jenna – Teacher

Middle School

Ables, Andrew – Teacher

Claypool, Tammy – Teacher

Hall, Dakota

Homan, Tracy (1st two weeks)

Messer, Kari – Teacher

Short, Samantha (last two weeks)

Middle/Elementary Shared

Bin, Angela – Teacher

Chaplin, Lisa – Teacher

Nelsen, Lori – Teacher

 

ESY Summer School Recommendations

SPED Teachers

Kassie Cate, Sierra Sprague, Danielle Cavin, Billi Jo Shoemaker, Jannah Farrington, Aubri Motley, Ashley Taylor

Paraprofessionals

Nissa Dinneen, Matt Crank, Michael Freeze, Tabitha Hardesty, Joan Page, Jordan Guss, Becky Lee, Erin Campbell, Jenny Pryor, MeKenna Lord, Kayla Purdy, Susanne Cosens, Lena Phelan, Sara Schnichels, Rhonda Perkinson, Heather Metcalf, Julius Hodges, Kathryn Ogle, Mckayla Vincent, Laryn Schnichels, Dennis Denigan, Alicia Craig, Corinna Johnson

 

Classified Renewals: Preschool, Winfield Scott, Eugene Ware, Middle School, High School, Tech Team, Kitchen Staff, District Office, Transportation Staff, Transportation Subs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Fort Scott Kicks Off Summer Activities This Saturday

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The Gathering Place was completed in 2023.

The City of Fort Scott is sponsoring a free community event this Saturday, May 18 from 1 to 10 p.m. called Hello Summer Luau 2024.

The splash pad will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Fort Scott Farmers Market is under the pavilion from 8 a.m. to noon.

The Fort Scott Sensory Park and Splash Pad is on North National Avenue;.

Starting at 1 p.m. there will be vendors for hot dogs, kettle corn, pork rinds and lemonade. Face painting and hair tinsel will be available.

Free goodie bags will be given to the first 100 kids attending.

In the evening, live music will feature Vinyl Revival and Surfin USA two Kansas City bands.

“The purpose of this event is to have the community come together and be able to kick off summer 2024,” Payton Coyan, the City of Fort Scott Director of Human Resources, said.

Payton Coyan. Submitted photo

“We are excited to host the Hello Summer Luau to strengthen our community bonds. These events help develop a sense of belonging, community, and friendship! This event will be an alcohol and drug-free event. The whole event will be free for all individuals! We hope to see everyone in Downtown Fort Scott to kick off SUMMER 2024!”

The event will be at the Gathering Square in Downtown Fort Scott, on North National Avenue, south the Marmaton River Bridge

The Fort Scott Splash Pad opened in 2023.

“ The City of Fort Scott is so excited to invite everyone to kick off summer with a splash bash at the splashpad on May 18th, 2024,” she said. “The Farmers Market will kick it off that morning and then there will be over 15 vendors that have face painting, hair tinsel, ice cream, lemonade, snacks and we will also have special guest Sparky the Fire Dog. The City of Fort Scott will have gift bags for the first 100 kiddos and then Surfin’ USA and Vinyl Revival will be highlighting the evening from 6:30PM to 10:00PM. All Hit 103.9 will be there with live coverage, and is our platinum advertisement sponsor for this city-wide event. Come join the fun on May 18th, at the Splashpad in Downtown Fort Scott.”

“If we have inclement weather it will be moved to Memorial Hall,: Coyan said. “However, according to the weather forecast, we look like we are going to have great weather!”

Coyan and Mary Wyatt, the city’s Planning, Housing, and Community Development Director, are facilitating the event.

This is being paid for by the city’s  Fund 206 – Special Alcohol and Drugs (Prevention). This fund can only be utilized when Alcohol and Drugs are not allowed to be sold in the event space.

Mary Wyatt. Submitted photo.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Sylvia Woodall

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Sylvia Ellen Woodall, age 85, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2024, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott.  She was born April 30, 1939, in Pleasanton, Kansas, the daughter of John Emery Henderson and Mary Olive Wilcox Henderson.  Sylvia graduated from the Pleasanton High School.  She married David Allen Woodall on January 31, 1960, in Miami, Oklahoma.  Sylvia was a devoted wife and mother.  She enjoyed cooking and sewing and caring for her family.

 

Survivors include her three children, Beverly Rast (Walter) of Coolidge, Arizona, Robert Woodall of Branchville, South Carolina and John Woodall of Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Also surviving are seventeen grandchildren and thirty-seven great-grandchildren.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband, David on December 1, 2016.  She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Crosby, a son, David Nolen Woodall, a great-grandson, Lance Haley, Jr., a brother, Emery Henderson and a sister, Frances Campbell.

 

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Thursday, May 16th at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Friends and family will meet at the cemetery.  Following services, the family will have a time of visitation at the Carriage House, 301 S. Main St.

The family will also  receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Sylvia Woodall Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Shead Farm On May 16

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Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, May 16th, 8am
Hosted by Shead Farm

2468 Cavalry Road
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Shead Farm, 2468 Cavalry Road, on Thursday, May 16th at 8am. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing. It will take you about 15-20 minutes to get there from Fort Scott, so we suggest you leave town by 7:40am! Go South on 69 Highway to Cavalry Road, turn east and follow the signs.

Shead Farm is hosting their 4th Annual Shead Farm Homestead Festival THIS Saturday from 10am-6pm. There will be music, children’s activities, farm tours, farm store and vendor booths, and a food court. A wonderful outing that ALL ages will enjoy! Admission: single ticket – $5 or family pass $25 (5+ members).

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.

Click here for their Facebook page!

Click here for their Website!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members

shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Ascension Via Christi, Health Care

Via Christi Cybersecurity Event Update

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Via Christi Cybersecurity Event Update

National Update

Ascension previously reported that it experienced a ransomware attack that has caused disruptions to patient care in its network. Our priority remains on providing safe patient care. Ascension, with the support of leading cybersecurity experts, worked around the clock over the weekend to respond to the ransomware incident affecting our systems. We are focused on restoring systems safely. We are making progress, however, it will take time to return to normal operations. As systems and services come back online, we will share those updates so that our patients and communities can plan accordingly. We have established a dedicated website to share any updates we have across our system. We will be expanding the site this week to provide updates related to healthcare services as they relate to specific regions.

We encourage anyone seeking information surrounding the incident or with questions about the operational status of Ascension facilities to visit this page for the latest updates – https://about.ascension.org/cybersecurity-event.

Via Christi Update

All Ascension Via Christi hospitals, physician offices, and care sites across Kansas remain open and operational. Despite the challenges posed by the recent ransomware incident, patient safety continues to be our utmost priority. Our dedicated doctors, nurses, and care teams are demonstrating incredible thoughtfulness and resilience as we use manual and paper based systems during the ongoing disruption to normal systems.

We thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unexpected situation. Rest assured, our commitment to the health and safety of our community remains our highest priority.

 

Can I go to my doctor’s appointment?

Ascension Via Christi Medical Partners doctor’s offices and care sites are operating with normal business hours, and all scheduled appointments are proceeding as planned.

Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays. To help expedite processes, patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles. In the event that appointments need to be rescheduled, an Ascension associate will contact patients directly.

Can I get my prescription filled?

Ascension Rx retail pharmacies in Kansas cannot fill your prescription at this time. If a prescription was filled prior to May 8, 2024, and is awaiting pickup, that is available for the patient. If a patient needs a refill, they need to contact their prescriber and get a new prescription sent to a pharmacy outside of Ascension Rx.

 

Is Via Christi Immediate Care on Murdock open?

At this time, the Via Christi Immediate Care on Murdock is fully operating. Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation and care at certain centers, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays.

 

Are Ascension’s emergency rooms open?

All Via Christi emergency rooms remain open. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911, and local emergency services will transport you to the most appropriate hospital emergency room.

Can I still have my surgery?

Patients with upcoming scheduled elective surgeries should plan to arrive as planned unless otherwise notified. Should any rescheduling be necessary, a member of our care team will contact you directly.

Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays. To help expedite processes, patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles.

Will I be able to get my diagnostic imaging, other tests, and treatments?

Imaging, testing, and treatment are being offered at this time. Patients may experience delays, we are grateful for your patience. Should any rescheduling be necessary, a member of our care team will contact you directly.

Commitment to Quality Care:
Our care teams are well versed on dynamic situations and are appropriately trained to maintain high quality care during downtime. Our leadership, physicians, care teams, and associates are working tirelessly to ensure patient care continues with minimal to no interruption. We appreciate our community’s patience and understanding.

 

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About Via Christi

In Kansas, Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 134 other sites of care and employs more than 6,400 associates. In FY2023, Via Christi provided more than $65 million in community benefit programs. In FY2023, Via Christi provided $2.3 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Via Christi includes more than 150,000 associates and 40,000 aligned providers. Via Christ is sponsored by Ascension, a national health system that 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, Via Christi 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.

 

Bourbon County, Elections

Today Is The Day For Healthcare Sales Tax Question To Be Decided

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Vote Here sign at the Bourbon County Courthouse.

People who have been wanting to make their voices heard on a sales tax to establish and operate emergency healthcare in our community will soon have their chance.

The Bourbon County Commission election is today, May 14 for voters to decide.

“It was suggested months ago to put the matter of a healthcare sales tax on the ballot when the subject of subsidizing an emergency room, due to  Ascension Via Christi closing the emergency room, was first announced,” said Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins.

To view the press release of the closure:

December 20: Ascension Via Christi Closes Emergency Department in Fort Scott

Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. Submitted photo.

At the March 11, 2024 meeting of the Bourbon County Commission, Commissioner Clifton Beth made a motion to approve a community vote on the idea.

Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth. Submitted photo.

“The original question asked for a one-half cent sales tax, but Clifton made a motion to approve the question changing it to a one-quarter cent sales tax and it was approved by all three Commissioners,” Hawkins said. “The purpose of the sales tax is to be used as needed for the establishment and operation of an Emergency Department in Bourbon County.”

 

 

Here is the wording of the question that will be asked of Bourbon County residents:

Shall the following be adopted?

 

Bourbon County shall adopt a one-quarter cent retail sales tax effective October 1, 2024, and continuing for 5 years. Said tax shall be used as needed for establishment and operation of an Emergency Department in Bourbon County. Upon termination, remaining tax funds shall be used for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and/or property tax reduction as determined by the Bourbon County Commissioners.

 

              Yes

              No

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Fort Scott Police Department

Stolen Vehicle Pulled From Fort Scott Lake on May 11

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The vehicle pulled from Fort Scott Lake on May 11, 2024. Submitted by Wilma Cagle.

The Fort Scott Police Department was dispatched to Fort Scott Lake on Indian Road on Saturday morning.

“On Saturday, May 11, we had an individual using a fish finder call and say he believed he saw a vehicle underwater with sonar,” Lt. Caleb Bell, with the FSPD said.

The vehicle was located approximately 50 feet south of the dam and 20 feet deep in the water, he said.

“We called the Overland Park Dive Team with the Overland Park Police Department and they came down and dove and advised there was a vehicle,” he said. “There were no people in the vehicle. It was stolen in 2013.”

The vehicle is a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder, a Sport Utility Vehicle.

The stolen vehicle. Photo submitted by Lt. Caleb Bell.

“We’ve made contact with the owners,” Bell said. “They don’t live here anymore. The case of the stolen vehicle was from 2013 and it is an ongoing investigation.”

“We got dispatched at 10:45 a.m. and the investigation was finished by 5:59 p.m.,” he said.

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the event.