![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSCN0095-563x750.jpg)
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/DSCN0026-2-750x563.jpg)
![](https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif)
![](https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif)
Highly pathogenic bird influenza has come to Kansas and families who have backyard birds should examine their flocks, according to both state and federal press releases.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Franklin, Dickenson, and Sedgwick Counties recently according to recent press releases https://agriculture.ks.gov/news-events/news-releases/2022/03/12/usda-confirms-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-in-backyard-flock-in-kansas.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys, and other birds.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture officials have quarantined the affected areas, and birds on the property are destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
All who are involved- from a small backyard chicken flock to a large commercial producer- should look at their flocks for signs of the flu.
“Coughing, sneezing, discharge around the eyes, lack of energy, not moving around, not making noise,” are some of the signs, Heather Lansdowne, Kansas Dept. of Agriculture Director of Communications said.
Other signs are decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea, according to the KDA press release. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.
If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian, according to a press release. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.
There are procedures intended to protect humans or animals against disease or harmful biological agents, which are called biosecurity measures that can be done to help stop the spread of the flu.
Find guidance on biosecurity on the KDA Division of Animal Health webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza. More biosecurity resources as well as updates on the current HPAI status nationwide can be found on the APHIS website at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.
Proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F are recommended as a general food safety precaution.
For more information about HPAI, including the current status of the confirmed cases in other states as well as more information about biosecurity for flocks, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza or call KDA at 833-765-2006.
Basic Facts of HPAI
What is avian influenza?
• Avian influenza is a rapidly spreading viral disease that mainly affects birds.
Is it contagious, who is susceptible and how is it transmitted?
• Yes, it is contagious.
• Although rare, humans and other mammals can be vulnerable to the disease.
• The disease may spread through contact with infected birds or ingestion of infected food or water.
• Birds are the most susceptible animal.
• Exists naturally in wild birds.
What are the symptoms?
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Respiratory distress
• Decrease in egg production
• Sudden death
How do I avoid it or stop it from spreading?
• Notify veterinarian of any suspected disease.
• Stay informed about the health of neighboring birds.
• Do not move animals from farm to farm.
• Keep flock away from wild birds.
• Be sure your birds have no contact with contaminated birds.
• Isolate new birds.
• Restrict unauthorized people and vehicles from the farm
• Disinfect tires, equipment, and clothing going on and off the farm
• Quarantine contaminated areas and birds immediately
• Dispose of all dead birds properly
How is it treated?
• At this time there is no known treatment
Are there public health risks?
• Although rare, humans and other mammals can be vulnerable to the disease. If you have come in
contact with the disease and are showing symptoms, report it to your physician immediately
• There have been no reported cases due to consumption of infected, cooked meat.
March 18, 2022
Wrapping up committee work was our main goal last week. While that means the end of regular meetings for most committees, it does not mean that the work is finished. The final days of session will be floor debate, and no or minimal committee work.
Election Security is critical. During debate last week on the Senate floor, a compelling argument was given by a Senator, former county commissioner, that he would not certify an election because the vote count could not be reconciled. The other two commissioners did certify the election, so the issue was dropped at that time. (There should have been a complete investigation.) Senate Bill (SB) 389 and SB 390 should help prevent that situation from occurring again. SB 389 would require a distinctive watermark for paper ballots and a sample hand-count audit of paper ballots that are counted with electronic tabulating equipment. The bill would also prohibit use of poll books that do not require a hand-written voter signature. The bill passed 27 to 11. SB 390 would require each person working with ballots to sign an affidavit in the tracking of ballots handled. It passed 27 to 10. I voted Yes on both measures.
Out-of-control spending continues in this year’s budget, SB 444. As with most budget bills, there was some good and some bad. Paying down debt and long overdue pay increases are some of the good. Increased spending on programs that are not being held accountable or proven effective is some of the bad. The budget also “puts away” $600 million in a rainy-day fund and has a $360 million ending balance. That $600 million could be used to remove sales tax on food, not socked away for government to spend at a later date. The bill passed the Senate 23 to 14. I voted No in defense of the taxpayer and slowing government growth.
Senate redistricting map passed on a vote of 28 to 8. I did not support the map. It would take the city of Ottawa and Bourbon County out of the 12th Senate district and include Coffee, Woodson, and Wilson Counties. The 12th district could have easily increased population in Miami County and kept all of Franklin in the 12th district.
We also worked on the following:
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
…
A local organization is helping to add more of a tree canopy to the community.
The Fort Scott Kiwanis Club is offering free trees to residents of the city.
“This is made possible through a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation,” Phil Gorman, treasurer of Kiwanis, said. “Sixty trees will be purchased and planted by the club in cooperation with Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott High School, and the City of Fort Scott.”
“FSCC, and the high school, we are going to use some of their organizations for labor to help us get the trees in the ground,” Gorman said.
“The city helped us with the grant and they will help dig the holes and also help with logistics of where the trees will be planted,” he said.
Two large-growing tree varieties are being offered, Swamp White Oak and Shumard Oak.
To be considered for trees contact the City of Fort Scott at 620.223-0550, by April 4. Trees will be planted sometime in April.
For safety, the group won’t plant trees in the way of high lines or on street corners, Gorman said.
The Kiwanis tree planting program has been done for many years, Gorman said.
“Some street trees all around the city were planted by Kiwanis years ago,” he said. “I’d say in the thousands.”
The group is rejuvenating the program and hopes to make it an annual event.
About Kiwanis
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community, at a time.
They meet each Tuesday at noon at the Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford.
“There are currently 35 members,” Gorman said. “We are always open to new members.”
“We have been experiencing a horrible time,” Marzanna Pogorzelska, Lowell Milken Center in Europe (Poland) said.“The war in the Ukraine reminds us of the times we thought would never come back. Polish society is now one big network of support for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters.In this network there are thousands of organizations and people, but I think that one person with her network of supporters is missing now and here.I can only imagine Her, Irena Sendler, these days. Finding safe places for Ukrainians mothers. Organizing cars to take them from the border to somebody’s house. Collecting food for small babies. Making sure the sick ones get necessary medicine….And many, many other things.I also imagine Her determination and anger which she could always change in true care and support in her own, incredible way.”
Those who would like to save money at the pump have some vehicle driving tips to help them reach that goal.
A call to AAA, Topeka, resulted in the following tips from Shawn Martin, AAA Retail Sales Associate with additional tips from Consumer Reports:
Drive the speed limit. “Your driving habits can play a significant role in fuel economy, according to a Consumer Reports story https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/10-tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-tank-of-gas-a2642110189/. Consumer Reports measured gas mileage while driving at a steady 55, 65, and 75 mph in a Nissan Altima and Toyota RAV4. They found that reducing speed from 65 mph to 55 mph improved fuel economy by 6 mpg in the Altima and 8 mpg in the RAV4. The penalty of cruising at 75 mph, rather than 65 mph, was almost 7 mpg in the Altima and 6 mpg in the RAV4. Higher speeds exact a toll on fuel consumption. Another way to look at it: Speeding up from 55 to 75 mph is like moving from a compact car to a large SUV. Beyond fuel concerns, speeding is, of course, a safety risk.
No sudden acceleration. “Avoid hard acceleration and braking whenever possible. In our tests, frequent bursts of acceleration and braking reduced an older Toyota Camry’s mileage by 2 to 3 mpg. Once up to speed, maintain a steady pace, according to the web article. “The harder you accelerate, the more fuel you use. Unnecessary braking wastes the fuel you used to get up to speed. Drive smoothly and anticipate the movement of traffic. Smooth acceleration, cornering, and braking also extend the life of the engine, transmission, brakes, and tires.”
Check your tire pressure. Tires lose about 1 psi a month. Having tires with lower pressure than what is recommended on the doorjamb sticker can affect performance, tire longevity, and fuel economy.
Using air conditioning does consume gas. In mild weather, if you can get by without it, even if you open the windows, it will give incremental savings. But once it gets hot, having AC on to cool the cabin and lower humidity is a wise investment in your comfort and ability to stay alert while driving.
According to Consumer Reports, if in the market for a more fuel-efficient car, HERE are Consumer Reports vehicles with the best MPG.
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is offering a grant writing training workshop to SEK area non-profits which include 501 3c organizations as well as government, religious and educational institutions.
The training event will take place on Tuesday, April 19 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at The Foundry meeting room, located in Block 22, 402 N. Broadway in Pittsburg.
CFSEK is partnering with The Center of Community Supports at Greenbush Education Service Center to offer this workshop at no cost to the SEK community, according to a press release from the community foundation.
“Grant writing is one of the services of our foundation,” Sherri Stephens, CFSEK Program Coordinator, said. “We hope this training of writing a grant proposal will make it easier.”
Monica Murnan, Greenbush Director of Community Support Services, will share information on organizational readiness, proposal development, needs assessments, budgeting, and managing funded projects.
Murnan has a 25-year history of successful grant writing and management in the areas of community-based services, health care access, collaborative early childhood projects, and education-based programs for kids and families, according to the press release.
CFSEK staff will share some CFSEK grant-specific information as well.
Learn some “must do” and “please don’t” strategies along with some organizational tips for gaining funds for your organization/entity’s work, according to the press release.
Email [email protected] with any questions.
He has served with assisting his church’s Vacation Bible School and taught Sunday School classes.
Ryan Goodbody, Emily Diebolt, Judy Hood and Marge Madison.
February 22, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Ann Dare, Matt Crystal and Bill Martin were present for a part or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey presented a permit for culvert extension that was completed for Russell Felt at 2431 Jayhawk. All commissioners signed.
The bridge at 130th & Birch has the outer stringer in place and welded. Concrete decking is put back in and now we’re working on getting guard rail back up.
Eric stated they are calling for storms again this week. Material wise we are holding up. We got truck 145 back last week. We are on our way to get truck 146 so we’ll have 5 trucks to work with. Eric stated that we lost a previous employee over the weekend. There will be several of us attending the funeral tomorrow just to let you know. Landfill will stay open.Eric stated he met with Jeff Spangler last Tuesday after commission meeting and we went around and looked at some areas that IA is continuing to work on. They are doing a good job and will be doing a final punch list soon.
Clifton stated he received a request for sidearm mower on the county road going east of Oakgrove Cemetery. Eric stated they would take care of it.
Jim made a motion to sign a cereal malt beverage permit for 946 Hwy 69. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Ashley Shelton stated the Clerk’s office adds special assessments. We have requests to remove special assessments (mowing, demo, clean up, etc.) from the city asking us to remove them. The assessment requests are sent once a year to be added. Once assessment removal requests are received, the chairman approves and the process is handled by the Clerk’s office, then passed on to the Treasurer’s for finalizing.
Justin Meeks reported work is being done to prepare for the next sales tax. Demand letters will be going out soon for the sale in September.
Justin also reported that he has received revised contracts from Noble Health that he will be discussing with the Chairman.
Jim stated that in the past Justin mentioned about the county working with private investors at Elm Creek. Is that still something we’re looking at? Justin stated that five or six years ago we were approached by some people who were very interested in running an Airbnb or fixing up the cabins out there and having a private partnership. With money as tight as it is I think it is a very good idea to have that happen. It would be simple contracts. Some of the cabins have repair needs. Justin will check and see if the private investor is still interested. Clifton stated this would have to be a bid out process to do this.
Ashley Shelton wanted to discuss closing due to inclement weather. Ashley has a call-tree to all department heads and they in turn notify their employees. The clerk’s office is the switchboard for the building. We need to know if a department is closed so that as we receive calls that information can be passed along. We notify the radio station and we put posting on Facebook.
Susan stated that we have heard back from the state and they don’t like the contract that we had with the appraiser. We have fixed that and we’ve done a new resolution to comply with their format. In 2025 the resolution will need to be renewed again. We need to get this sent to the state as soon as possible. Clifton made a motion to accept the amended resolution for the appraiser’s contract (32-21). Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan stated that has been working very closely with the Treasurer and Clerk’s office on various things. One of the things we’ve identified in the treasurer’s office is that it is difficult for Patty to not have a lot of interruptions where she is currently at. We have the control room right off of her office and we are asking that she be allowed to move into that area and that would allow her privacy and be able to concentrate a little better with less interruptions. Commissioners approved.
Susan stated that when going over the financial reports over the weekend there are a few entries that need to be corrected. I’m going to make those and we should have final reports next week. Patty and I are working on those.
Public Comment: Anne Dare asked for justification for a new parking lot. Justin stated it is the property owned by the land bank that is just west of the DMV building. The building currently includes Driver’s License Office, Probation Office and Spyder. The CEO of Spyder made a presentation to the city of Fort Scott and they are on rapid growth mode. They have a lot of room to grow. Susan stated that the property has to be advertised for 30 days. The grant that we are applying for is due February 28th contingent on us getting the property. Justin stated there is a dilapidated house that needs to be torn down. We are also looking at some basketball goals to be used by neighborhood children when not being used for a parking lot. Susan stated that only cost to us would be if there is a clearing title. Justin stated if there is a title issue he can take care of it. Anne followed up with asking why it is our place to provide parking for Spyder. Justin stated that this building is our incubator. Susan stated that the grant we are applying for we have to identify the businesses that are in there now and that grant is specific for expansion of business and that’s why they were named in our conversation. Susan stated the project is estimated at $150,000. for the project. That is only if the grant comes through. Anne stated that with ESSR funds the school district will receive $6,000,000 – $7,000,000 dollars that USD is going to receive on their own. I’m encouraging you all to be as fiscally responsible as you can with ARPA, Spark, etc. funds when these other entities come and ask the county for more funds. Susan stated that the Spark funds were the first funds released for Covid and then later on we had all these other funds that came out. At the time, when it happened, it was really to mitigate safe environments like the college used a lot of their funding to create dorm space to isolate. The school districts were spent more on masks and extra janitorial services. I think the intent of those Spark funds were used correctly at the time it happened because it was the only thing available. We haven’t had any requests from the educational facilities today for any of the funding the county is receiving.
Elected Official Comment: No Comment.
Five minute break was requested.
Commission Comments: Lynne commented on closing the courthouse due to inclement weather. Sometimes it’s justified to be closed. When you look at the overall scope of who has to show up to work. The biggest part of our workforce is going to be here and we’re going to pay time and a half. I do think it is a great idea that if the department heads don’t think we can make it in that’s the way we should go. Safety first for the families. Jim stated each department head should be in charge of their department. Clifton stated that weather can be different across the county. Bill Martin stated he agreed that it should be up to the department heads for their departments to be open. He asked if a person doesn’t come in how are they paid? They can take vacation time. Bill stated that it is not figured in his budget for snow days and paying time and a half. Asked that that be looked at when planning budgets. Jim plans to allow each department head to decide whether to be here or not. The courthouse will be open unless Eric states that no one should be out on the roads.
Clifton suggested having an evening commission meeting. It was determined the commission meeting for Tuesday, March 8, will be at the Community Building in Uniontown at 6:00pm. The meeting will not be available via YouTube.
At 9:59am, Clifton made a motion to adjourn. Lynne seconded. All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk
March 1, 2022, Approved Date
January 31, 2022 Monday 8:35 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Anne Dare and Jason Silvers were present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Eric presented two utility construction permits from Cox Communication. One on 240th north of Limestone for fiber optic. The other is on Kansas west of 230th. Lynne made a motion to approve the two permits. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Ashley Shelton presented a Real Property Relief Application for 1762 255th St, Fort Scott. Lynne made a motion to approve the Real Property Relief Application for 1762 255th St., Fort Scott, KS. Jim Harris seconded. All approved.
Susan presented Approval of Township & Cemetery Board Annual Report. This is a report of all their budget numbers. We are missing about 12. Those turned in are on budget. These reports are sent to the state. Lynne Oharah made a motion to approve the cemetery & township board reports that have reported for year-end budget of 2021. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan discussed sick leave. We had our first department head meeting and it went well. The resolution (06-22) being presented is how they feel the sick leave should be handled.
“Whereas all new hires accrue one day per month of sick leave. One day will represent the number of hours a normal workday is for the specific position or department and whereas of February 1, 2022, new hires will be given 12 days of sick leave on the first day of hire. If the employee leaves employment before their one-year anniversary date and sick leave used exceeds the annual accrual rate of one (1) day per month, the sick leave used must be reimbursed back to the county, Ex: Employee works sick (6) months but uses eight (8) days of sick leave and terminates employment. Two (2) days of non-accrued sick leave will be deducted from the employee’s final paycheck, and whereas, the number of months of service divided by two (2) will be allocated on day one of the transfer for any employee who transfers from a salaried position to an hourly position. Ex: An employee who has worked for Bourbon County in a salaried position for sixty (60) months (5 years) will be granted thirty (30) days of sick leave on the first day of the transfer to an hourly position.”
Basically we will frontload the sick leave for any new hire and if they terminate before first year of employment then they will have to pay days back. And for the salaried position we basically stated that this is what they would have accrued and then divided it in half. The department heads felt this was fair. As a resolution it will be added to the handbook until the handbook has been updated. Clifton made a motion to pass resolution 06-22 amending sick leave accrual. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Justin Meeks requested an executive session for attorney client privilege for 7 minutes. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship for 7 minutes returning at 8:53am including 3 commissioners and Justin Meeks. Lynne seconded. All approved. Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 8:53am. No action. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Justin Meeks asked a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign any and all legal documents for the possible transfer of the hospital building to Noble Health. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign any and all legal documents from the county to Noble Health. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Justin Meeks asked for an executive session for proprietary information for 7 minutes including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft and myself. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships including 3 commissioners, Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft for 7 minutes returning at 9:02am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 9:02am. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Justin stated that he received an e-mail from a patron concerning some sales tax revenue stuff from back in the day. Obviously, I don’t have the ability to give that legal advice. It doesn’t deal with the county specifically so I will be forwarding that on. If I do need to address that myself I will request permission from the commission prior to that.
Jim Harris announced the commission has been invited to the 76th Annual Bourbon County Conservation District Annual Meeting to be held on February 5th, 5:30pm at Rosie’s Cabin in Uniontown, KS.
Clifton made a motion to allow the three commissioners to attend the Noble Health function. No business will be conducted. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Anne Dare asked about the Township & Cemetery Board Annual Report. She has heard from 2 different treasurers stating that the information they had received was confusing as to what they needed to report for year end. She asked if this has been taken care of. Ashley Shelton stated that the distribution came in high at the end of the year; it shows that they had more money. They need to show whatever was over that they didn’t spend as a cash balance at the beginning of 2022. They are going to receive less money in 2022 but added with that beginning cash balance for what they received over should balance out. Anyone that has reached out to me has been given this information on how to handle it. I would encourage anyone with questions to give me a call. Susan Bancroft made a suggestion that we call in all the treasurers and give them a rundown on how to do this process.
At 9:08am, Lynne made a motion to adjourn. Clifton seconded. All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk
February 8, 2022, Approved Date
The Gordon Parks Museum has become a part of a National Humanities Alliance Foundation’s initiative, Fort Scott’s Gordon Parks Museum Director Kirk Sharp told the Chamber members attending last week’s coffee.
The National Humanities Alliance (NHA) is a nationwide coalition of organizations advocating for the humanities on campuses, in communities, and in Washington D.C., which was founded in 1981.
“We received word on January 10th that The Learning Tree Film Scene and Sign Trail is being considered to be selected and would make a compelling profile on the NEH for All (NHA’s initiative) website,” Sharp said in an interview with fortscott.biz. “Further discussion soon followed.”
To learn more about The National Humanities Alliance Foundation’s initiative, NEH for All, view the profile website https://nehforall.org/projects/gordon-parks-fort-scott.
“This means everything to the museum, as this is an excellent opportunity to help further our outreach of this project nationwide and to keep the legacy of The Learning Tree film and Gordon Parks alive,” Sharp said. “This will also help tremendously to bring more visitors from across the nation, to not only to visit the trail and the Gordon Parks Museum but to spend time in Fort Scott and possibly visit other great attractions within our community.”
“The Learning Tree Film Scene and Sign Trail project is just one of six profiles selected in the state of Kansas and is one of the 260 profiles thus far, selected nationwide, that the (organization) spotlights as exemplary projects,” he said. “We are very honored, thankful, and thrilled that the National Humanities Alliance Foundation selected our Learning Tree Film Scene and Sign Trail as one of the spotlight projects across the nation.”
“With funding from Humanities Kansas, the state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Gordon Parks Museum set out in 2019 to create The Learning Tree Film Scene and Sign Trail. Based on Gordon Parks’ semi-autobiographical novel about growing up in Fort Scott, The Learning Tree was also the first major motion picture directed by an African American. This historic sign trail celebrates Parks and commemorates the filming of The Learning Tree in the city,” according to the website.