Carla Dean Lowe, age 59, a resident of Neodesha, Kansas, passed away Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the Neodesha Care and Rehab Facility. She was born October 3, 1964, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the daughter of Robert Eugene Lowe, Sr. and Wilma Dean Kepley Lowe. She enjoyed collecting dream catchers.
Survivors include two sisters, Brenda Karns and Cheryl Reed, and two brothers, Glen Lowe and Robert Lowe, Jr. Also surviving are her three children and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and many cousins. Carla was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
There was cremation. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, June 14th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place in the Dayton Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Carla Lowe 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.
The mural on the east side of Bandera Stone Inc. in Uniontown.
A mural on the side of a Uniontown business makes the downtown area more attractive and pays homage to local history.
Don and Mary Pemberton own Bandera Stone Inc., a rock quarry business in the county.
“Bandera flagstone has been quarried near Redfield off and on since the mid-1800’s and the company name Bandera Stone carries on that history,” she said.
“Bandera Stone Inc. had outgrown its office space, and needed to expand and add a showroom,” Mary Pemberton said. She and her husband Don own the business.
“We liked this brick building on the Uniontown square and wanted to save it,” she said. ” I always planned on having a mural painted on one side as part of the remodel.”
“In March of 2023, my office assistant, Ashley, encouraged me to apply for the Rural Mural Grant awarded by the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity to promote tourism to small communities,” she said. “The City of Uniontown agreed to sponsor my application and we were awarded a grant that covered about 1/3 of the cost of the mural. Bandera Stone, Inc. funded the other 2/3 of the total cost.”
She selected Danyell Miles, Fort Scott, after talking with a few artists.
“She has painted several murals around Fort Scott and Pittsburg, so I knew the quality of her work. I wanted the mural to have some local and state significance, yet be fun and a nice backdrop for selfies. The design Danyell put together is all of that! With her mother, Flo Tanner, helping her, Danyell began painting in June 2023 and finished in August 2023, working two or three evenings each week to avoid the daytime heat.”
The artist is Danyell Miles, assisted by her mother, Flo Tanner as depicted by this sign on the mural.
“Everything on the mural has a meaning and was designed so visitors who know a little about Bourbon County, and take a few minutes to really look, will find ‘hidden’ relevance in the various elements,” she said.
“The Eagle represents the local Uniontown High School mascot; a nod to local and state aviation history is the hot air balloon and banner which is being pulled by Amelia Earhart’s airplane; Wizard of Oz characters are one of the first things most people think of about Kansas – as are tornados. Danyell had the brilliant idea of using ‘tornado debris’ to incorporate a number of local and Kansas items: the books are all authored by Bourbon County residents, a Missouri-Pacific railroad engine reminds that Bourbon County used to be a rail hub, a box turtle, fishing, farming, and even a windmill to signify the future. Also prominently displayed in the debris is ‘Life in a Jar’, the UHS History Day project that inspired a book and movie and brought the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes to Fort Scott!”
Pemberton added a 3D element by making a basket that ” people can stand in when taking a picture with the hot air balloon. The colorful balloon with the Uniontown banner makes for a very nice and memorable ‘hometown’ or ‘travels’ photo.”
” Next time you are near Uniontown, stop by 103 Third Street on the north side of the park square and see the mural, take a picture, view the fossil collection in the Bandera Stone Inc. window displays and if you’d like, step inside the showroom to see the transformation of a piece of Uniontown history which most people remember as a former cafe,” she said.
Bandera Stone is on the square in Uniontown. The basket at the bottom of the balloon is for people to stand in for a photo opportunity.
The following local authors/books are depicted on the mural: The Greatest Test of Courage by Ronda Hassig; Historic Reflections of Bourbon County by Fred Campbell Jr. and Don Miller; Murder and Mayhem by Brian Allen; Life in a Jar; Why Did Grandpa Cry? by Cathy Werling; A Little Faith Lift by Patty LaRoche; A Kansas Sunset by Joyce Love, Our Duty by Gerri Hilgar; The Moffet Street Gang by Kay Large; Legends of Bourbon County by Judy Marshall; Fort Scott Now and Then by D. Miller, A Schofield, F. Campbell, and D. Banwart and The Learning Tree by Gordon Parks.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
05/13/24 Board Minutes
06/03/24 Work Session Minutes
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – May 08, 2024 – $1,677,190.37
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Resolution 23-19 KMIP Signers
Belinda PItts and Cynthia Row. Submitted photo.
Belinda Pitts, mental health liaison, was recognized by Tonya Barnes and Destry Brown. She was thanked for her willingness to be involved and available to the students. Belinda has taken this newer roll and has really excelled. She started as a para and transferred to this position in September.
Cynthia Row, SEK Mental Health, along with her team (Malinda Bailey, Ashlee Reeder, and Angel Brazeal) were recognized by Tonya Barnes and Destry Brown. Cynthia is our “911 call” with some of our students. She was thanked for always being pleasant and easy to work with. Her and her team work throughout the district with students. We are extremely glad to be partnered with SEK Mental Health.
Destry Brown was recognized by staff for his support and help throughout this last year. The ESY students made him a poster of “what I love about Mr. Brown” that was presented to him by staff.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the budget for end of fiscal year. He also informed the Board about the EPA grant that the district will partner with that will help in the workforce development. There was a report from CHC and the services they provided to the students for the 2023-24 school year.
Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on iReady testing for the 2023-24 school year where there has been excellent improvement thanks to the hard work of the teachers and staff.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported on Extended School Year being held in partnership with Summer Enrichment at Winfield Scott this summer. She explained about the final SPED payment for the fiscal year and gave a quick look at training for August with the SPED staff.
The board approved the following items:
iReady Testing Quote
TCI Social Studies Resource Quote
2024-25 District Handbooks
Purchase of two vehicles
Resolution 23-20 – Hazard Mitigation Plan
Resolution 23-21 – Change Method of Election
District Cell Phone Policy
There was none present for public forum.
The board went into executive session for negotiations.
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
June 10, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Carter, Leah – Retirement – Physical Education Teacher – Middle School – May 28, 2024
Hall, Kathi- Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Softball – High School
Hoener, Rhonda – Resignation – Part Time School Psychologist Paraprofessional
Hull, Megan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
King, Christina – Supplemental Resignation – Play Assistant (Fall Musical) – High School
Peterson, Emily – Resignation – Special Education Teacher – Preschool – May 17, 2024
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Brandon Whisenhunt and the County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Bo Casper, Katie Casper, Jason Silvers, Michael Hoyt, Larry Martin, Deb Martin, Vance Eden, Pete Owenby, Brent Smith, Angie Owenby, Teri Hulsey, Deb McCoy, Mary Pemberton, and David Beerbower were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Brandon made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 5-20-24, approval of April Financials, approval of payroll totaling $283,157.83, and approval of accounts payable totaling $406,658.57. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim made a motion to amend the agenda to add Vance Eden to the agenda before the public comments. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Vance Eden, Superintendent of USD 235, stated he has been to a few meetings and provided statute to the Commissioners regarding distribution of funds and would like to get an update on the status of his request for Jayhawk Wind funds to be distributed to USD 235. Jim stated legal says it is a donation not PILOT funds which fall under different statues. Jim said he would support a project with USD 234 and USD 235 and Fort Scott Community College on a trades program and that they could possibly use wind money to support the joint effort. Vance handed out the Jayhawk Wind Contribution Agreement and Jim asked if it says PILOT, Vance said no but it does in meetings and on the budgets as well as receipts provided by the Treasurer’s Office. Jim said he wants to work with legal counsel to determine if we have to distribute the funds and asked Brandon if it was ok for him to work with Vance and Justin, which Brandon agreed to.
Katie Casper stated she spoke at the 4-15-24 meeting and that she was told by Jim if an attorney’s opinion was obtained that demonstrated how the Commission could establish and negotiate setbacks on existing contracts that you would amend the moratorium to include all contracts not just those signed and notarized after April 15th. A group of concerned citizens contacted an attorney who has experience in the industry and delivered that letter to the Commission at the April 29th meeting where both Commissioner Beth and Harris stated the letter had no legal merit based on the advice of five attorneys. Katie said when she asked if there was a written opinion from any of those attorneys the only documentation that she received was a print out of a PowerPoint Presentation from December 2023 that was presented at the Kansas Association of Counties meeting from an attorney group who represents NextEra. Katie said her question was since the citizens provided what was asked of them is there a formal response from any of the five mentioned attorneys that specifically addresses the opinion that was provided? Jim said that he has nothing in writing and that legal said we couldn’t because of the signed contracts. Jim said he has spoken to Crawford County officials on what they are doing regarding solar and thinks we can copycat off what they’re doing. Jim said he would ask if he could get a written legal opinion on why we cannot take on the contracts and he said our insurance company would cancel if we did this and we can’t operate as a county without insurance. Katie said she had a local insurance agent contact her who stated property owners who are considering solar contracts have asked if those solar panels are covered under their farm liability insurance and they are not. Katie stated the solar companies are not adding those property owners as loss payees on their insurance policies and thinks that is something the public needs to be made aware of. Katie stated at the May 20th meeting the Commission advised citizens to get a petition signed by constituents if we wish to place limited zoning on the ballot. A petition was presented to the County Counselor for approval before circulating for signatures as required and the response they received was that said petition was invalid as by statute zoning cannot be placed on the ballot by petition but must be done by resolution of the Commission. Katie asked if it was known that a petition could not be used and if they were just sent down a rabbit trail or did no one know the process but we were advised to do it anyway? Jim said he thought that anything could go on the ballot. Katie reminded the Commissioners that they work for all the people of Bourbon County and stated some people don’t want zoning because they don’t understand what it means. Jim said they are going to get a committee together and a comprehensive plan must be in place before they can move forward and that is something they will talk about when Commissioner Beth gets back. Katie asked about conflicts of interest regarding the solar contract negotiations and Justin stated he has no conflict whatsoever. Katie asked Justin if he was aware we couldn’t put zoning on the ballot and he said he spent a good portion of his week researching zoning and that he has advised the Chairman to hire an outside expert like Crawford County has. Jim handed out copies of Resolution 05-22 and read the resolution that was passed by the Commissioners in May 2022. Jim said the Commissioners received the request for the resolution by citizens and that he supported it and it clearly says we don’t support imminent domain. Jim said that they support individual’s property rights and now people are asking them to tell their neighbors what they can and can’t do. Larry Martin asked if his neighbor’s property rights cancel out his property rights. Jim said if it harms you then it is a civil matter. Tim Emerson said it affects everybody in Bourbon County because if there is a hailstorm then the runoff will go into creeks. Jim said he respects Tim’s opinion but said that to his knowledge KDHE doesn’t think they’re as dangerous as he let on. Pete Owenby asked if that means he can do anything on his land and who cares what his neighbor says?
Clint Walker spoke of the importance of a grant writer and referred to an article he read about a resident who was able to get a new roof and said he thinks the County, Cifty of Fort Scott, and City of Uniontown should work together to try to do that.
Mary Pemberton said it irritates her that you don’t take the time to educate yourself before you take action. Mary said that property owners have nothing to do with setbacks. Jim asked why Mary wanted a committee formed then. Mary said that the setbacks are determined in the contracts the County Commissioners sign with the developers. Mary said to look at what was done in the past and not make the same mistake in the future.
Pete Owenby asked Jim if he looked at the solar farm in El Dorado Springs, Missouri and Jim said no, but he looked at one by St. Louis. Pete said he got out and walked near the one in El Dorado Springs and that he could feel electricity in the air that made his hair stand up. Pete asked if they are sure there is no conflicts of interests in the negotiation of the solar projects and Jim said he can’t speak for Brandon or Clifton but that he has no conflict of interest. Pete asked what is going to happen when his insurance rates are going to go up due to the solar farm that will be next to his house and property. Jim said that would be a civil matter.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the monthly culvert report for approval and stated the fuel report was emailed to them. Eric said they are currently mowing hard surface roads and main arterial roads. Eric and Dustin Hall, Assistant Public Works Director, discussed the storm cleanup and stated due to the amount of damage it could take one to two years to get everything back to how it was. Eric and Dustin have driven all the roads in the county and marked damage on the map and their estimate of damage is 9.5 million dollars and that includes debris removal, washout repairs, gravel, culverts, and putting the roads back in the condition they were. Eric asked to be allowed to purchase through SourceWell a mini excavator in the amount of $46,408.27 by lease purchase to use for the storm cleanup. Eric said he feels they will be reimbursed for the work through FEMA. Eric said if FEMA doesn’t cover the cost, they have enough in their equipment fund to cover the purchase. Brandon made a motion to approve the purchase of a Sany SY35CU with our first payment due next February at a rate of 4.05%. Eric said if they are reimbursed by FEMA, they plan to pay it off before they pay any interest on the machine. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Eric asked for a 10-minute executive session for non-elected personnel. Brandon made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include both Commissioners, Eric Bailey, and Justin Meeks and they will return at 6:43. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Jim made a motion to resume normal session with no action at 6:43. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, said she posted their stats online and received a lot of questions regarding it so she would like to answer those tonight. It was asked what constitutes a dry-run and Teri said that could involve blood draws for the Sheriff’s Office or Police Department after CHC is closed, lift assists for the elderly who fall but are not injured and sign a refusal form. Teri said they are dispatched to all car versus deer accidents when airbags have deployed even if the caller said they are not injured and they will obtain a signed refusal form. Teri said it can also be if a patient calls EMS but then decides they don’t want to be treated. EMS had 98 dry runs last month. Diabetic emergencies with low blood sugar can usually be treated on scene and billed because the paramedics give medication to help raise the blood sugar while the other dry runs listed are not billable. Teri said that they could be cancelled in route due to an OnStar crash activation when the Sheriff’s Department or Police Department get on scene and state there is no need for EMS. Teri said they respond to all structure fires and remain on scene until released by command. Events such as the rodeo and sporting events are examples of standby calls where EMS can bill for their services. When employees are notified to come in for an all call, they are reimbursed their normal rate for a minimum of two hours. All 911 calls with transport are billable and Teri said she does not have the number of those that don’t pay. Teri said they are going to start using the State Setoff Program to try to recover some of the EMS bills that have not been paid. Teri stated they received a $3,000 grant from Wal-Mart and she thanked REDI for their help obtaining that.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented an Office365 quote from the IT department for the Commissioners to approve. Brandon made a motion to approve, sign, and pay the Office365 quote as presented. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer stated she received a public notice from KDHE regarding an NPDES permit renewal for a rock quarry at 521 55th Street in Uniontown. The public notice is available for view in the Clerk’s Office.
Brandon said the longer he sits in the Commission seat it seems that residents are getting angrier about solar projects and urged residents to reach out to their neighbors. Brandon said that there is a lot of anger and discontent that solar has caused in the county and he let residents know that they can call him and discuss things so cooler heads can prevail. Jim stated a lot of people are opposed to zoning and that some want solar and that there are people in the county who still didn’t know anything about it. Jim said he talked to two companies who spoke about putting up evergreen trees around the projects and said arguing won’t settle anything.
Michael Hoyt asked how long before the Commissioners hired outside council and if it would be just for zoning or for wind and solar power. Jim said his opinion is he would like to discuss next week going forward with an outside consultant to come in and help us move forward including solar panel farms and any type of special use permit. Michael asked if it was going to be a consultant or legal counsel. Jim said he would like to have work session with the Commission where the public would be invited and they would sit down with a consulting person from a firm that has done this before. Jim said Crawford County is going to let him know who they will be using. The deadline for an individual who is interested in submitting a letter of interest for the solar panel farm committee is June 12th.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:58. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Ascension continues to work expeditiously alongside industry-leading cybersecurity experts in our efforts to safely restore systems across our network. Please know our hospitals and facilities remain open and are providing patient care. Patients should continue to visit the regional updates portion of this webpage for the latest information on a state-by-state basis.
Ascension continues to make progress in our efforts to safely restore systems across our network. Restoring our Electronic Health Record (EHR) continues to be among one of the top priorities of our recovery process.
To date, we have successfully restored EHR access in our Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Maryland, Central Texas (Ascension Seton and Dell Children’s hospitals), and Oklahoma markets. We are still working toward completing EHR restoration across our entire ministry by June 14.
For patients who receive care in Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Maryland, Central Texas, and Oklahoma, access to your patient portal has been restored. However, please note that medical records and other information between May 8th and June 6th may not be accessible as we work to update the portal with information collected during the system downtime. For record availability during that time frame, please contact your clinician’s office. Please note that, due to high volumes, responses to portal messages may experience a slight delay.
Thank you to our patients and community for your patience and support, and to our dedicated clinicians who continue to provide quality care.
KDA Celebrates Governor Kelly Signing Bill to Update State Pesticide Law
MANHATTAN, Kansas — Several legislators along with leadership from key Kansas agriculture organizations joined the Kansas Department of Agriculture on June 6 as Governor Laura Kelly signed House Bill 2607, a bill amending and updating the Kansas Pesticide Law.
The KDA pesticide and fertilizer program administers and enforces the laws applicable to pesticide use in Kansas, including the licensure, training, and certification of pesticide businesses, dealers, and applicators. HB 2607 made critical updates to the state’s pesticide law which will enable KDA to continue working with Kansas producers to ensure we have a safe, effective system to provide oversight of pesticide use in the state, emphasizing training and education.
“Legislators, state agencies, and industry stakeholders worked diligently together to achieve this all-encompassing piece of legislation addressing pesticide use and application for future years,” said Representative Lisa Moser, vice chair of the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The bill’s development incorporated input from stakeholders in the Kansas agriculture industry, legislators, and pesticide applicators. The bill makes necessary revisions to expand education, reduce barriers, and meet the standards required by the EPA to enable the program to continue its role in administering and enforcing the Kansas Pesticide Law.
“I appreciate how we were able to collaborate with KDA and others in the Kansas agriculture industry to make amendments in the House to address stakeholder concerns and make this bill work for Kansas,” said Representative Sydney Carlin, ranking minority leader of the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Following the signing of HB 2607, the KDA pesticide and fertilizer team will develop regulations to provide more guidance to the regulated community about how the statute will be applied to those who are licensed as pesticide businesses and applicators. In addition, KDA will work with K-State Research and Extension to develop training and testing materials as outlined in the bill.
For more information about the Kansas Pesticide Law, visit KDA’s website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/PestFert or call 785-564-6688.
Sandra Sue Martin was born into this life on March 31, 1941, to Wilma (Clark) and Oscar Woody on the family farm in Vernon County, Missouri. She passed from this life on June 4, 2024, at her home in Stratford, Oklahoma. Sandra met her husband Richard Martin in their early days and the two married in a ceremony on December 6, 1960, in Miami, Oklahoma.
Sandra began her career as a School Teacher in Riverton, Kansas before going to teach in Baxter Springs, Kansas. After teaching she went on to work for Avon for several years, and finally she worked for DHS in Oklahoma for over 20 years before retiring from the State of Oklahoma DHS System.
Sandra is preceded in death by her parents; an infant son; Bradley Steven Martin; a sister, Donna Woody Eaton; and a brother, Paul Clark Woody.
She is survived by her loving husband, Richard Martin; son Shawn and wife Sheena Martin; 2 sisters, Marian Wood and Sharon Robinson as well as her beloved grandpups.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Thursday, June 13th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott, Kansas.
Burial will follow in the Crocker Cemetery, Pittsburg, Kansas.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Crocker Cemetery and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Jessica Ammere “Jescee” Mowen, age 48, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away June 5, 2024, at her home in Ft. Scott. She was born October 9, 1975, the daughter of Wilbur E. Mowen, Jr. and Patricia L. Lattie Mowen. Jescee grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and graduated from Turner High School.
Jescee loved people and felt a calling to healthcare. She became a respiratory therapist and worked for a time in Kansas City area hospitals. She also had a love for animals. She worked as a veterinarian assistant and at horse stables in the Kansas City area.
Jescee later moved to Ft. Scott. She worked as a medical aide at the Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center. While working at the jail, Jescee had a reputation for being both tough and compassionate, and she earned the love and respect of the people she came in contact with.
Jescee later worked as the animal control officer for the Ft. Scott Police Department. She was always willing to go the extra mile to lovingly train and rehome the animals in her care. Jescee was diagnosed with leukemia in January of 2024. Following her death, her family has been amazed at the number of people who have reached out and shared about the impact that Jescee had on their lives. Her family is proud of the legacy of love that she has left behind.
Survivors include her parents, Wib and Patty Mowen of Ft. Scott and her children, Chance Guenther, Hunter Sprague, Amanda Kidwell (David) and Lia Lloyd (Shelby), three grandchildren and a god daughter, Celeste Miller. Also surviving are two brothers, Drew Mowen (Angela) and Brent Mowen (Kristen) several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews as well as a special friend A. C. “Buzz” Hawpe.
There was cremation.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jescee’s life from 1:00-5:00 P.M. Saturday, June 22nd at the Bourbon County 4-H Building, 2109 Horton St., Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to the Jessica Mowen 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.
Lonnie Mengarelli, 35, is the new Kansas State University Southwind District Crops and Natural Resources Agent.
His office is in Fort Scott, but the district covers Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson counties.
He replaced Chad Guthrie and began his duties on May 13, 2024.
Mengarelli is a 2008 Girard High School graduate, who earned a Bachelor of Science from K-State in 2013, majoring in Agricultural Technology Management with two minors: agronomy and animal science.
His background: from November 2021- May 2024 he was an agronomist for Producer Cooperative Association in Girard, making herbicide and fertilizer recommendations for producers.
From June 2013 to November 2021 he worked for K-State at the Southeast Research and Extension Center in Parsons, doing small plot row crop research, in charge of crop variety trials (corn, soybean, grain sorghum, wheat, and oil seed sunflower), and the field lead for the crop production studies under Dr. Gretchen Sassenrath researching soil health and cover crop studies.
He grew up on farm northeast of Girard raising Angus influence cattle.
“I put up hay all summer long including alfalfa, fescue, sedan grass, and prairie hay,” he said. “My father was the fourth agent in Crawford County so I was heavily involved in county fair preparations and extension events.”
His duties for this position: “Being the first person-to-person contact for all row crop production, rangeland, and wildlife questions. I will help with weed identification and control, crop pest control, and consulting on management practices to help improve ag production. I will also be heavily involved in the Bourbon County Fair assisting with the 4-h shows and projects.”
He lives in Hepler, Kansas with his wife Hannah (high school sweethearts) and four kids: Heidi (10), Avery (8), Emery (8), and Heston (6).
‘We’ve been happily married 12 years and own our 160-acre Charolais-influenced cow/calf operation,” he said.
Outside of work, he has many hobbies.
“They include working on my antique trucks and tractors and going to support my kids in all their activities. When not at work I enjoy helping family on their farms from operating equipment to turning wrenches and working with livestock. I am the Fire Chief for the Hepler Rural Fire Department. Also, I am an active member of the Hepler Ruritan Club. I serve as beef project leader for the Bone Creek 4H club in Crawford County. In the spring I volunteer to run field events such as shot put and discus at Girard High/Middle School track meets. “
Mengarelli’s office is in the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue.
Governor Kelly Updates Declaration of Drought Emergency, Warnings, and Watches for Kansas Counties
TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly has approved updated drought declarations for Kansas counties through proclamation.
“While drought conditions have improved in some areas of the state, many counties continue to be negatively impacted by the decline in water supply or strains on water resources,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I strongly encourage all Kansans to continue to conserve water over the summer months.”
The drought declaration placed four counties into emergency status, 35 into warning status, and 66 into watch status. This action was recommended by Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. While Eastern Kansas has seen significant relief from drought since March, central and western Kansas has declined rapidly into Severe and, in a few counties, Extreme Drought.
“The counties in a watch status are experiencing conditions that indicate the probability of a water shortage is rising. It is important to monitor these conditions and be mindful of water usage in these counties,” said Owen. “Summer has arrived, and with it, higher temperatures and a decrease in precipitation. The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to monitor the drought conditions across Kansas and make recommendations to Governor Kelly as conditions change.”
Through an interagency agreement between the Kansas Water Office, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, counties in the emergency stage are eligible for emergency water use from certain state fishing lakes and some federal reservoirs.
Individuals and communities must contact the Kansas Water Office for a water supply request before any withdrawals from lakes. These requests will, in turn, be referred to the appropriate office to obtain necessary permits to withdraw the requested water.
This proclamation shall remain in effect for those counties identified until rescinded by a proclamation ending the declaration or revising the drought stage status of the affected counties.
Effective immediately, the proclamation:
Declares a Drought Emergency, Warning, or Watch for the counties as identified below;
Authorizes and directs all agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor to implement the appropriate watch, warning, or emergency-level drought response actions assigned in the Operations Plan of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.
The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the negative drought-induced effects on Kansans.
For more detailed information about current conditions, visit the Climate and Drought webpage on the Kansas Water Office website at kwo.ks.gov.
As the state’s water office, the Kansas Water Office conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state.
The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources conservation, management and development.
