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Monthly Archives: March 2025
First Southern Baptist Church Hallelujah Kids Programs
Fort Scott Community College Weekly Bulletin March 31
Bad Bite of A Bay by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Bad Bite of a Bay
I was in my early grade school years when my dad bought a little Bay horse for me. I named her Judy, which must have been one of my favorite names because I also named one of my baby dolls Judy. This horse was a well-behaved animal and I liked her. One day when I emptied the feed scoop into her trough, she turned her head and bit hard on my abdomen as I walked away. If she had simply nipped me with her soft lips, I wouldn’t have thought anything of it. But because she hurt me, I couldn’t trust her anymore. I never rode her again, so Dad sold her. I didn’t care, because I no longer liked her. I couldn’t trust this equine any further than I could throw her.
“Some trust in chariots. Some trust in horses. But we trust in the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7 NIRV). Although I found out I couldn’t trust my horse Judy, I have proved that I can always trust God. I’ve been trusting Him for over 58 years and He’s proven to be a faithful and never-changing Father. He’s not up one day and down the next. He’s not an angry God. He’s patient and kind and not willing to leave us alone even on the darkest night.
David sang this scripture song to the Lord on the day He rescued him from all his enemies and from King Saul: “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God is my strong fortress and He makes my way perfect“ (2 Samuel 22:31-33 NLT). Even though God sometimes does things we don’t understand, He remains trustworthy.
We can trust God with everything because He is reliable. Here is a strong affirmation of faith: “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand…” (Psalm 31:14-15 NKJV). The latter portion of this scripture has been a huge comfort to me in recent years. Our lives can be so disrupted and different from what we assumed it would be, that we have to resign ourselves to God’s care. Let’s face it, our times, our lives, and our future simply cannot be in our own hands. Why? Because God didn’t design us to be in charge of our own lives. Believers must entrust every part of our lives to the One who makes our way perfect.
It’s sad when a Christ follower says, “I know I should trust God, but I don’t.” In this case, my humble advice is to make a decision to believe what God’s Word says. A change of mindset is absolutely necessary to take appropriate steps toward trusting God in every circumstance — past, present, and future.
Solid principals for trusting God in difficult times are found in His Word. “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding” (Proverbs 3:5 AMP). God is telling us not to depend on our frail human understanding, but to trust Him to know and do the perfect thing in every tough and mind-boggling situation. He’s got a great track record from Genesis to Revelation. Need proof? Read it for yourself.
The Key: No matter how bad you’ve been bitten, you can always trust God.
Amended Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on March 31
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt, Chairman
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower, Vice-Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Vacant
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
March 31, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer – Susan Walker
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 03.17.25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of 03.21.25 Payroll Totaling $302,476.86
b. Approval of 03.21.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $323,049.49
c. Approval of 03.28.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $84,814.71
d. Tax Roll Corrections
e. Signature of Contracts – Special Legal Counsel Professional Services Agreement
V. Old Business
a. MOU Gov Deals
b. Fence viewing discussion
c. Tax Sale
i. Michael Hoyt
VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VII. New Business
a. Zoning discussion
b. Department Update
i. Lora Holdridge – Hidden Valley Roads & Cemeteries & Land Locked Property
ii. Eric Bailey – 60th & Grand Approval of Construction Engineer
c. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) Job Performance
d. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(2)
e. Commissioner Comments
VIII. Adjournment
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their
privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be
deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in
consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations,
partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters
at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.
Bourbon CountyPayroll Fund Appropriation Report
Payroll Date: 3/21/2025 Using All Accounts
Fund Number Fund Name AmountDept
001 GENERAL FUND $155.6500
001 GENERAL FUND $2,855.6901
001 GENERAL FUND $4,757.6702
001 GENERAL FUND $4,765.0703
001 GENERAL FUND $13,024.4604
001 GENERAL FUND $5,105.0005
001 GENERAL FUND $1,977.5007
001 GENERAL FUND $2,131.1910
001 GENERAL FUND $1,845.3711
001 GENERAL FUND $5,173.4415
001 GENERAL FUND $3,692.3199
001 $45,483.35Total Fund:
016 APPRAISERS $8,143.6300
016 $8,143.63Total Fund:
052 COUNTY TREASURER MOTO $2,937.1600
052 $2,937.16Total Fund:
062 ELECTION $1,432.6900
062 $1,432.69Total Fund:
064 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT $97,594.0500
064 $97,594.05Total Fund:
108 LANDFILL $5,798.4200
108 $5,798.42Total Fund:
120 COUNTY SHERIFF/CORRECTI $55,450.9400
120 $55,450.94Total Fund:
220 ROAD AND BRIDGE $49,637.7000
Page 1 of 23/19/2025 8:28:48 AM
SalvaradoOperator:Report ID: PRCK65A
Fund Number Fund Name AmountDept
220 $49,637.70Total Fund:
375 AMBULANCE SERVICE $102.3700
375 AMBULANCE SERVICE $35,896.5524
375 $35,998.92Total Fund:
$302,476.86Total Appropriation:
Page 2 of 23/19/2025 8:28:48 AM
SalvaradoOperator:Report ID: PRCK65A
Personal Property Change Refund Tax Year Trucks Change Refund Tax Year
Robinson, Michael (9.58)$ 9.58$ 2024
Snyder Revocable Trust (3,067.78)$ 222.27$ 2024
Smith, Michael J (966.00)$ -$ 2020
Bolinger, Wayne (203.10)$ 203.10$ 2024 (3,636.04)$ 3,636.04$
Forester, Robert (64.10)$ -$ 2024
D&D Farms (31.84)$ -$ 2024
(4,342.40)$ 434.95$
Real Estate Change Refund Tax Year
2220 Soldier Road (587.64)$ -$ 2024
524 250th St, Garland (411.42)$ 134.94$ 2023
190 145th St FS (25.68)$ -$ 2024
320 Circle Drive, FS (169.42)$ 169.42$ 2024
114 S Judson (229.80)$ -$ 2024
114 S Judson (209.44)$ 209.44$ 2023
818 E Wall (442.38)$ 131.56$ 2024
1904 Maple Rod (313.74)$ -$ 2024
625 Fairway Lane (809.50)$ 809.50$ 2024
525 Meadown Lane (542.02)$ -$ 2024
720 S National Ave (1,084.44)$ -$ 2024
740 S Eddy (174.20)$ -$ 2024
2064 Hwy 54 (3,340.18)$ 1,261.29$ 2024
1807 Valley Rd (1,177.44)$ -$ 2024
277 Juniper Rd (389.66)$ 389.66$ 2024
1711 E 1st St (603.64)$ 603.64$ 2023
1300 135th St (725.02)$ 725.02$ 2024
675 160th St (874.36)$ -$ 2024
(12,109.98)$ 4,434.47$
-$
Tax Roll Corrections for Personal Property, Special Assessments, and Trucks
Special Assessments
Meeting Date 03.31.25
GovDeals Memo of Understanding – V16 11.27.2023 1
Liquidity Services Operations LLC dba
GovDeals
Online Auction Memo of Understanding
This Online Auction Memo of Understanding (MOU) is between Liquidity Services Operations
LLC dba GovDeals, a Delaware corporation having its principal place of business at 6931
Arlington Road – Suite 460 – Bethesda, Maryland 20814 and the Bourbon County(“Client”),
having its principal place of business 221 S Judson St – Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701.
1.0 Description of Services: GovDeals provides a means for Client to post assets for sale
and for potential buyers to bid on these assets via an online auction system. Although
GovDeals provides system access for Client to list assets, GovDeals is not a party to the
actual sale and has no control over the listed information or the ability of the buyer and
Client to complete the transaction.
2.0 GovDeals’ Responsibilities: In addition to maintaining and operating an online auction
system, GovDeals will provide Client with the following services for the period agreed to
in 5.0 below:
2.1 Access to a GovDeals online “Seller Asset Management” (SAM), which will allow
Client to load assets to the online auction system, maintain information about assets
and view and run reports. The SAM will provide Client with the following capabilities:
Accept descriptive information concerning an asset including unlimited photos
Allow different auction phases based upon dates and times
Allow Client to set minimum starting prices, bid increments and reserves
2.2 Training and support services to assist Client in implementing the GovDeals online
auction system, which will include:
Familiarization with the nature and operation of SAM
Guidance in the posting of assets and provide ongoing support
Procedures for taking and posting pictures of assets
Based on mutual agreement between GovDeals and Client, training and support
services will be provided on-site or via telephone or Internet
2.3 Help Desk support available via telephone or email during normal business hours,
except announced holidays.
2.4 Provide marketing of assets posted to the online auction site and promote use of the
site to potential buyers.
Work with Client to identify items that may benefit from marketing attention.
Provide documented proof of all marketing efforts made on behalf of Client.
Assist in determining values and starting prices for unique and high value assets.
3.0 Fees: The Client pays 0% and the winning bidder pays a 12.50% Buyers Premium.
4.0 Payment:
4.1 GovDeals will collect auction proceeds electronically via PayPal, credit card or wire
transfer please review and complete Exhibit A.
4.2 Client shall promptly, but no more than fifteen (15) business days after the auction end
date, notify GovDeals of any transaction that was not completed. The fees for said
transaction shall be credited to Client during the next invoice period.
GovDeals Memo of Understanding – V16 11.27.2023 2
5.0 Term of MOU: This MOU shall commence on the date it is signed by the second party
and will continue for a period of twelve months unless otherwise terminated upon sixty
days written notice by either party. This MOU shall automatically extend for additional
one-year periods, unless either party notifies the other in writing of its intent not to renew
at least sixty days prior to the anniversary date.
6.0 Terms and Conditions: Please find Exhibit B attached as an example of suggested
Client Terms and Conditions. At any time during the term of this MOU, Client may
modify the Terms and Conditions. Any substitutions or modification must be submitted
to GovDeals in writing before posting assets to the GovDeals auction site.
7.0 Governance: This MOU will be governed, interpreted, construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the state of Kansas.
8.0 Non-Exclusive Engagement: This MOU is not exclusive. Client may utilize other
approaches, including traditional auctioneer services or sealed bids. However, it is
understood and agreed that Client will not utilize other disposal approaches for an asset
at the same time the asset is listed on the GovDeals online auction site or sell by some
other means to a prior bidder any item currently or previously listed on the GovDeals site
for the purpose of avoiding payment of the GovDeals fee. Client agrees to not
manipulate or interfere with the bidding process on the GovDeals site.
This online auction memo of understanding is agreed to by:
GovDeals Client: Bourbon County
Signature: ___________________________ Signature: ___________________________
Print Name: __Scott Starcher___________ Print Name:__________________________
Title: Vice President of Operations Title: __________________________________
Date: __________________________________ Date: ___________________________________
Memo of Understanding Contact:
Attention: Sales Support
6931 Arlington Road – Suite 460
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Telephone Number: 866.377.1494
Fax Number: 334.226.4415
Email: salessupport@govdeals.com
GovDeals Memo of Understanding – V16 11.27.2023 3
EXHIBIT A – Online Auction Memo of Understanding
Financial Settlement Services (FSS)
It is understood the Client elects GovDeals to collect all proceeds due the Client from the winning bidder
and remit the proceeds to the Client less the GovDeals fee
GovDeals will charge the winning bidder a “Buyer’s Premium”, therefore, the Client is not allowed to charge
the winning bidder an additional “Buyer’s Premium”.
GovDeals will collect all proceeds from the winning bidder, including the “Buyer’s Premium” through PayPal,
credit card or wire transfer. This is the only means of payment by the bidder.
The Client will not release an asset to the winning bidder until the Client has received verification from
GovDeals that payment has been received from the winning bidder. Prior to an item being released to the
winning bidder, the Client will ensure the winning bidder or his/her agent has signed a “Bill of Sale”
containing the following notation: “Asset is sold as is, where is and without warranty. Once the asset is
removed from the seller’s premises there is no refund of monies previously paid”. The Bill of Sale must be
printed from the Seller Asset Management (SAM). Any other “Bill of Sale” used by the Client must be
submitted to GovDeals for approval.
No proceeds will be remitted to the Client for any asset sold without verification of payment from GovDeals
and verification from the Client the item has been picked up by the winning bidder. Approved payment from
the winning bidder through PayPal, credit card or wire transfer will be noted in SAM. It is the Client’s
responsibility to notify GovDeals when an item has been picked up, which is accomplished by the Client
accessing SAM and selecting the “Picked Up” option from the “Paid, not picked up” report.
GovDeals will remit all proceeds collected, less the “Buyer’s Premium” and the GovDeals fee to the Client
on a weekly basis for all assets marked in SAM as ‘Picked Up’. All proceeds will be remitted electronically
by Automatic Clearing House (ACH). A detailed backup will be submitted to the Client to support the
amount remitted.
Under no circumstance will the Client collect any proceeds directly from the winning bidder and if requested
to do so, the Client should refer the winning bidder directly to GovDeals for payment instructions.
GovDeals will absorb all costs of Charge Backs by PayPal or a credit card company where an item is
released to the winning bidder after the Client receives proper payment notification from GovDeals,
GovDeals receives proper pickup notification from the Client and the Client obtained and retained a signed
“Bill of Sale” from the winning bidder.
GovDeals will refund proceeds collected to the winning bidder in those rare occasions where the winning
bidder pays for an asset but never picks it up and subsequently convinces PayPal or the credit card
company to withdraw the amount from GovDeals’ bank account. It is the Client’s responsibility to request a
credit on the asset paid for but not picked up as soon as the allowable pick up time passes. By taking the
credit, it insures GovDeals will not charge the Client a fee and will allow the Client to resell the asset. If the
asset is mistakenly placed in ‘picked up’ status by the Client and GovDeals has remitted payment, the
Client agrees to refund this amount back to GovDeals.
A GovDeals’ Client Services Representative or a GovDeals Help Desk Representative will train the Client
on how to effectively use the Financial Settlement Services feature and provide ongoing support as needed.
There are no additional costs to the Client for training and support.
GovDeals is covered by a Crime Insurance Policy with a limit of $5,000,000, which will protect the Client
against any loss of funds.
GovDeals Memo of Understanding – V16 11.27.2023 4
Financial Settlement Services (FSS) Remittance Information
Please complete information below:
This section must be completed when submitting the signed MOU back to GovDeals, as this is where GovDeals
Payments to the Client will be made.
Accounting Contact: _________________________________________
(Person to receive invoices) Name and Title
E-Mail Address: _________________________________________
Phone Number: _________________________________________
Please provide the required information:
Name of Bank
County of Bank
Name of Client: (Name on bank account)
Bank Routing Number
Bank Account Number
Checking/Savings
GovDeals Memo of Understanding – V16 11.27.2023 5
EXHIBIT B – Online Auction Memo of Understanding
Bourbon County
Fort Scott, Kansas
Online Sales – Terms and Conditions
All bidders and other participants of this service agree they have read and fully understand
these terms and agree to be bound thereby.
Guaranty Waiver. All assets are offered for sale “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Bourbon County
(Seller) makes no warranty, guaranty or representation of any kind, expressed or implied, as to the
merchantability or fitness for any purpose of the property offered for sale. The Buyer is not
entitled to any payment for loss of profit or any other money damages – special, direct, indirect or
consequential.
Description Warranty. Seller warrants to the Buyer the property offered for sale will conform to
its description. Any claim for misdescription must be made prior to removal of the property. If
Seller confirms the property does not conform to the description, Seller will keep the property and
refund any money paid. The liability of the Seller shall not exceed the actual purchase price of the
property. Please note upon removal of the property, all sales are final.
Personal and Property Risk. Persons attending during exhibition, sale, or removal of goods
assume all risks of damage of or loss to person and property and specifically release the Seller and
GovDeals from liability therefore.
Consideration of Bid. Seller reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to withdraw from
sale any of the assets listed at any time until the Seller has received payment in full for the assets
and Buyer has removed the assets from the Seller’s premises in their entirety.
Buyer’s Certificate. If applicable, successful bidders will receive a Buyer’s Certificate by email
from GovDeals as their notice of award.
Buyer’s Premium & Additional Fees. If a Buyer’s Premium and/or Additional Fees are shown
on the auction page Bid Box, then that amount (expressed as a percentage of the final selling price
or a specified amount) will be added to the final selling price of all items in addition to any taxes
imposed.
Payment. Payment in full is due not later than 5 business days from the time and date of the close
of the auction. Please refer to the payment instructions listed on the auction page for complete
payment terms and methods. Please refer to the Bid Box for all fees and taxes that may be
associated with the auction.
State/Local Sales and/or Use Tax. Buyers may be subject to payment of State and/or local sales
and/or use tax. Please review the Payment Instructions for all information related to Sales Tax and
Tax Exemptions.
GovDeals Memo of Understanding – V16 11.27.2023 6
Removal. All assets must be removed within ten (10) business days from the time and date of the
close of the auction. Purchases will be released only upon receipt of payment as specified.
Successful buyers are responsible for loading and removal of any and all property awarded to them
from the place where the property is located as indicated on the website and in the Buyer’s
Certificate. The Buyer will make all arrangements and perform all work necessary, including
packing, loading and transportation of the property. Under no circumstances will Seller assume
responsibility for packing, loading or shipping. See instructions on each auction page for complete
removal details. A daily storage fee of $25.00 may be charged for any item not removed within the
ten (10) business days allowed and stated on the Buyer’s Certificate.
Vehicle Titles. Seller will issue a title or certificate upon removal of the vehicle. Titles may be
subject to restrictions as indicated in the asset description on the website.
Approval. Some Auctions/Sales are subject to Seller approval prior to award to the high bidder.
Please review the auction/sale page for full terms of the sale and whether the final bid/sale is
subject to approval.
Default. Default shall include (1) failure to observe these terms and conditions; (2) failure to
make good and timely payment; or (3) failure to remove all assets within the specified time.
Default may result in termination of the contract and suspension from participation in all future
sales until the default has been cured. If the Buyer fails in the performance of their obligations,
Seller may exercise such rights and may pursue such remedies as are provided by law. Seller
reserves the right to reclaim and resell all items not removed by the specified removal date.
Acceptance of Terms and Conditions. By submitting a bid, the bidder agrees they have read,
fully understand and accept these Terms and Conditions, and agree to pay for and remove the
property, by the dates and times specified. These Terms and Conditions are available for review in
the bid box at the top of each page of each asset listed on GovDeals. Specific Instructions
(Payment, Removal, and Special) appearing on the asset page will override certain sections of
these Terms and Conditions.
Sales to Employees. Employees of the Seller may bid on the property listed for auction, so long
as they do NOT bid while on duty.
Obituary of Thomas Jones
Thomas Andrew Jones, age 83, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Community Springs Healthcare in El Dorado Springs, MO. He was born October 18, 1941, in Detroit, MI the son of Robert and Hazel Adams Jones. They later moved to Woodbine, IA.
Tom was Postmaster in Fort Scott for 17 years, retiring after 35 years in 1997. In retirement Tom loved to hunt, fish, and read. He served as a Deacon at the Community of Christ Church in Fort Scott.
Tom was united in marriage to Karon Lee on February 4, 1962. She survives of the home. This union produced 4 children, Kim (Kevin) Kruse of Midwest City, OK, Kristi (Dan) Gregory of Camdenton, MO, Kara (Alan) Knapp of Springfield, MO, and Thomas Jones II (Tony) of Manhattan, NY; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, April 2nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel in Fort Scott, KS.
Another service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, April 4th, at the Cutler-O’Neill-Meyer-Woodring Funeral Home in Council Bluffs, IA.
Burial will follow in the Hazel Dell Cemetery, Council Bluffs, IA.
Memorials are suggested to the Community of Christ Church of Fort Scott 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.
Landscaping to Attract Hummingbirds
The Southwind Extension District had a great program last week in Chanute on landscaping to attract hummingbirds. The program speaker, Chuck Otte, gave the attendees information on the hummingbird spring arrival time, nesting habits, food sources and feeder tips. I will highlight some of his information in hopes that it will help you be more successful in attracting hummingbirds to your landscape.
Although there are approximately 360 species of hummingbirds between North and South America, 99.99% of all hummingbirds found in our area will be the Ruby-throated. Their furious spring migration starts in April and continues until early May. Once the migration is complete, hummingbirds settle into nesting mode.
Nests are built in June, with the female determining the site location. The Ruby-throated hummingbird nests will be built near the tip of a down-sloping branch with a fairly open area below and the tree canopy above. Popular tree species for nest building include oak, yellow birch, pine and hackberry. Hummingbirds generally prefer deciduous tree species over conifers. The nesting site will be determined based upon availability of nectar sources and insects. The nests are small – no larger than the size of a quarter!
When it comes to food sources, hummingbirds are attracted to the color red. It is like a flashing neon on sign to them. To prove this point, try putting on a red cap or shirt and sit quietly near a feeder. The hummingbirds will definitely check you out! However, hummingbirds do feed on more than just red flowers.
Any flowering plant that has a trumpet-style flower and is in the red/orange sector of the color spectrum will be quite attractive to hummingbirds. In his presentation, Chuck highlighted several plants to include in your landscape to bring in the most birds. The list included: traditional red Salvia, Agastache, Scarlet runner bean, Cardinal flower, Beebalm, Trumpet Creeper (only if you have lots of space), Butterfly Bush, Hollyhock, Rose of Sharon, Cardinal Climber and Canna.
As for feeders, mark the date of April 5th on your calendar. Chuck stated that in southeastern Kansas, our feeders need to be up and open for business by then. He had several good tips for feeder management:
- You CAN’T have too many feeders!
- Don’t fill feeders completely full – clean at each filling
- If hummingbirds are not emptying feeder – change nectar and clean every 2-3 days
- Do not dye the water red – just a small amount of red on the feeder is all you need
- Artificial nectar – 4 parts water, 1 part sugar
One eight ounce feeder will fulfill the daily energy needs of 40 to 60 hummingbirds. By having more feeders available, this will allow the hummingbirds to feed more easily with less stress. Also, it will decrease the likely hood of territorial fighting. If you’ve feed hummingbirds in the past, then I’m sure you know all about the one that seems to be the gatekeeper at the feeder!
In casual conversations, you might hear say that they have no hummingbirds over the summer, while others seem to be overran with hummers. This could be due to “neighborhood feeder saturation.” Basically, this is when the number of feeders within a geographic area exceeds the biological needs of the hummingbirds present which spreads the birds out. Populations of birds can be cyclical – you can have hummers for several summers and then those birds go elsewhere or don’t survive the winter. However, in a year or two, the population will probably cycle back around.
If you have no activity by late May or early June, you may just want to take the feeder down until early August. The south bound migration usually starts in late July or early August. Many bird watchers indicate that August and September are actually their best months.
Chuck’s presentation slide set, a map of Kansas with spring hummingbird arrival dates, and a complete listing of recommended plants can be accessed at www.southwind.k-state.edu/lawn-garden
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at kharding@ksu.edu or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Wheat Fungicides Applications

Wheat is greening up across Kansas and producers are preparing to topdress nitrogen or apply herbicides. We commonly receive questions about the value of including a fungicide in the mix with those applications. This can be an economical option, but there are a few things to remember. Research at K-State and in other regions continues to demonstrate that fungicides applied between flag leaf emergence and heading growth stages provide the largest level of yield protection against foliar diseases. The yield response to this later fungicide application is influenced by the level of disease risk (amount of disease and predicted weather conditions), variety resistance to the most threatening fungal diseases, crop yield potential, foliar fungicide efficacy, and other factors.
Fungicides can also be applied as an early application made between “spring green-up” and jointing. This application may provide some yield benefits in some fields and years but often doesn’t achieve the same level of yield protection as post-flag leaf emergence applications. Early fungicide applications may result in a yield advantage due to a reduction in early disease establishment in the lower canopy. This may be particularly true for “leaf spot diseases” such as tan spot or Septoria leaf blotch that survive in wheat residue and can establish early in the year. Yield benefits are most likely in wheat fields planted back into wheat stubble and when weather conditions are wet enough to favor fungal disease development. There can also be some rust suppression with early applications, particularly when disease levels are high later in the season. The challenge is that it is difficult to know if rust disease will be a threat during these early growth stages.
If you decide to make an early application, it is important to factor that into the full-season fungicide program. Many active ingredients have use restrictions, where a limited amount of an active ingredient can be applied during a single season. It is important to ensure that early fungicides do not limit options for fungicide applications at flag leaf (which have the potential for higher yield protection in conducive disease years). Some fungicides have special “2ee” labels that allow for lower-rate applications early in the season for winter wheat. Double-checking labels when choosing a fungicide product is always a good idea. Since the payoff for an early application is less certain than with later applications, it is perhaps best to consider using a low-cost fungicide for the early application and saving more expensive products, if desired, for the later application. Producers considering the use of split applications must pay close attention to label restrictions. Every active ingredient in a fungicide has a maximum total amount that can be applied during the season.
For example, if an early application of a generic form of tebuconazole is applied at 4 oz/acre, a subsequent application of any fungicide containing tebuconazole alone or in combination with other ingredients (e.g., premix) around heading could put you over the limit for the crop season. Thus, be sure to read the label to determine the maximum amount of a chemical that can be applied in a single season and the exact amount of a chemical(s) that is in a fungicide.
For information on the efficacy of different foliar fungicide products, refer to the K-State Research and Extension publication Foliar Fungicide Efficacy Ratings for Wheat Disease Management 2024, EP130.
Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at mengo57@ksu.edu or 620-223-3720
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Kelsey Andersen Onofre, Extension Plant Pathologist
andersenk@ksu.edu
Romulo Lollato, Wheat and Forages Specialist
lollato@ksu.edu
FSCC Trustees Meet To Begin Search for New President
The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a special board meeting on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 4:00 pm in the Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Agriculture Hall to begin work on the presidential search process and conduct business needing addressed before the regularly scheduled meeting on April 21. The Board will also adjourn to executive session(s) for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel, with no action expected to follow.
Submitted by
Juley McDaniel
Director of Human Resources
Southeast Kansas Library Newsletter March 2025
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Kansas Has 23 Cases of Measles
Kansas has 23 cases of Measles according to KDHE, according to information from Becky Johnson, BSN-RN
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer
https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2314/
“You can get to the above link as well by way of the link below from the CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/
Below is the link to the MMWR article from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices regarding MMR vaccination:
https://www.immunize.org/wp-
To clarify:
During a measles outbreak, infants aged 6–11 months should receive a single dose of MMR. This would be followed by the 2 dose series at the recommended periods (12-15 months and 4-6 years).
**This would be for residents of counties with outbreaks**
The ACIP generally considers those individuals born before 1957 to have presumptive evidence of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella, thus does not recommend vaccination with the MMR vaccine for this group.”
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Bipartisan Bill Eliminating Barriers to State Employment Signed
Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Eliminating Barriers to State Employment
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly signed on Friday Senate Bill 166, the Fostering Competitive Career Opportunities Act.
“There are a multitude of factors that go into employment consideration, and a postsecondary degree should not always be the deciding factor,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While this principal has already been implemented for agencies under my jurisdiction, I am pleased to sign this bill to codify this practice.”
Senate Bill 166 ensures that applicants for state jobs can’t be denied solely due to their lack of a postsecondary degree. The provisions of the bill would not apply to any positions for which a postsecondary degree is justifiably necessary. Currently, less than 15% of state employees work in jobs that require a postsecondary degree.
“As Chairman of the Commerce Committee for the past seven years, I’ve heard time and again from businesses and workers alike that experience in the field often outweighs classroom learning, and I know firsthand that I learned far more through work than I ever did earning my MBA,” said Representative for House District 27 Sean Tarwater. “This bill sends a clear message: Kansas values hard work and experience. Countless Kansans chose to build their careers rather than take on debt for a degree, and it’s time we recognize and reward their skills.”
This bill codifies current practice for executive branch agencies, continuing to allow flexibility in determining requirements for applicants for each job posting. Rather than being strictly limited to a postsecondary degree requirement, employers could consider prior direct experience, certifications, courses or specialized training, among other requirements.
“With this commonsense approach, Kansas is no longer tied to outdated requirements to demonstrate work readiness,” said Senator for District 25 Mary Ware. “For decades we’ve experienced ‘degree inflation’ which demands a post-secondary degree whether it’s truly necessary, but now previous work and life experience will be as important as a college degree for thousands of positions in our state’s workforce.”
In addition to Senate Bill 166, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:
Senate Bill 78: Requires postsecondary educational institutions to review and update accreditation policies regularly.
Senate Bill 194: Voids a restrictive covenant that limits the use of real property and includes discriminatory provisions, enabling an IXP project at Wichita State University to proceed.
House Bill 2092: Updates certain reporting and audit requirements for Professional Employer Organizations (PEO) with the secretary of state.
House Bill 2117: Modifies certain business filing and fee requirements for business trusts, foreign corporations and limited partnerships; and makes other technical changes.
Substitute for House Bill 2145: Reorganizes the Butler County Fair Board.
Substitute for House Bill 2102: Provides for the advance enrollment of a military student whose parent will be stationed in Kansas.
House Bill 2185: Provides additional educational supports for Kansas National Guard members and their families by updating the Educational Assistance Act to allow family of guard members to participate. The bill also updates the Kansas National Guard educational master’s for enhanced readiness and global excellence (EMERGE) program to include other advanced degrees.
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