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K-State Extension

SOUTHWIND 4-H MEMBERS WIN 2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

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: 4-H members from the Southwind Extension District – Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties – had the opportunity to participate in the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes at Kansas State University. Their skills and knowledge were challenged by participating in Livestock & Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl, and Livestock Skillathon contests. Those attending were (from left to right) MaKinlee Bloesser, Hailey Shadden, Marley Sutton, McKinley Sutton, Kendyl Bloesser, Emery Yoho, Chanlynn Wrestler, Carly Dreher, Kyser Nemecek, Brady Hurt, Tate Crystal, Carla Nemecek (volunteer/coach), Byron Fry, and Reegan McDaniel. Submitted photo.

 

 

4-H members from the Southwind Extension District excelled at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes event on August 19-20 in Kansas State University’s Weber Hall. Participants from the Southwind Extension District were MaKinlee Bloesser, Hailey Shadden, Marley Sutton, McKinley Sutton, Kendyl Bloesser, Emery Yoho, Chanlynn Wrestler, Carly Dreher, Kyser Nemecek, Brady Hurt, Tate Crystal, Carla Nemecek (coach), Byron Fry, and Reegan McDaniel. The Southwind District is especially proud that 4-H members represented 4-H Clubs from Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties.

4-H members learned gained new knowledge and worked on livestock skills to be competitive in the Sweepstakes event which consisted of blending scores in four contests. Southwind Extension District completed the weekend by being named the 2023 Reserve Champion State 4-H Sweepstake Team. The top ten individual Sweepstakes winners for Southwind were Tate Crystal 3rd; Reegan McDaniel 4th and Carly Dreher 9th after excelling in all contests.

The Livestock Quiz Bowl started with a qualifying exam. The twelve teams with the highest average scores advanced to the quiz bowl competition. Southwind #1 (Crystal, Dreher, Hurt, Nemecek) was seated first after the test and was later named the 3rd Overall Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #2 (Fry, Yoho, McDaniel, Wrestler) earned 6th best team.

The Livestock Judging contest consisted of nine judging classes and four sets of reasons with 212 contestants and 41 teams from across Kansas. Southwind #1 (Dreher, Crystal, Hurt, Nemecek) was 1st in Sheep; 1st in Hogs; 3rd in Cattle, and 1st in Reasons and named Champion Team Overall. Individual livestock judging results are as follows:

  • Brady Hurt – High Individual Reasons; 2nd Sheep; 6th Swine; 3rd Overall
  • Kyser Nemecek – 2nd Reasons; High Individual Sheep; High Individual Swine; 5th Overall
  • Carly Dreher – 3rd Reasons; 6th Sheep; 3rd Swine; 8th Overall
  • Tate Crystal – 9th Reasons; 10th Beef; 10th Overall

The Meats Judging contest was based on the identification of thirty retail cuts, six placings classes, and three sets of reasons. The Intermediate Meats Judging Team continues to shine and was named Champion Team for the second consecutive year. Members include Hailey Shadden, Marley Sutton, Kendyl Bloesser, and MaKinlee Bloesser and they were 1st in Placings; and 1st in Retail ID. Individual intermediate meats judging results are as follows:

  • Marley Sutton – 4th Retail ID; 5th Placings; 3rd Overall
  • Hailey Shadden – 1st Retail ID; 4th Overall
  • MaKinlee Bloesser – 5th Retail ID; 7th Placings; 5th Overall
  • Kendyl Bloesser – 6th Retail ID; 4th Placings; 6th Overall
  • McKinley Sutton – 3rd Placings; 9th Overall

Senior Meats Judging results include: Southwind #1 (Fry, Crystal, McDaniel, Dreher) was 4th in Placings, 3rd in Reasons, 4th in Retail ID and Third Team Overall. Individual senior meat judging results are as follows:

  • Byron Fry – 5th Retail ID; 4th Overall
  • Reegan McDaniel – 7th Reasons
  • Brady Hurt – 10th Reasons

In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation, and a written test. There was also a team component where members worked together on evaluating quality assurance protocols and judging wool. Out of 30 teams and 156 individuals, Southwind #1 (Crystal, Dreher, Hurt, Nemecek) was 4th in Exam, 2nd in Practicum; and Reserve Champion Team Overall. Southwind #2 (McDaniel, Wrestler, Yoho, Fry) was 3rd in Exam, 4th in Practicum; 3rd Team Overall. Southwind #3 (Sutton, Sutton, K. Bloesser, Shadden) was 6th in Practicum and 11th Overall Team. Individual Skillathon results are as follows:

  • Reegan McDaniel – 4th Exam; 5th Practicum; 4th Overall
  • Tate Crystal – 4th Practicum; 6th Overall
  • Hailey Shadden – 9th Overall

 

This group worked hard and studied a great deal of material to prepare for four state contests. To be named the Champion Livestock Judging Team, Reserve and 3rd Skillathon Teams, 3rd & 6th Quiz Bowl Team Teams, Champion Intermediate & 3rd Senior Meats Judging Teams, and Reserve Champion Sweepstakes Team at the state contests shows how hard these 4-H members pushed each other to “Make the Best Better.”  The Southwind District is grateful for the support of their parents and very proud of their accomplishments and look forward to future growth and learning.

 

___________________________________________

K-State, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.  K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Bourbon County

DAR Holds Raffle

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Submitted photo.
Molly Foster Berry Daughters of the American Revolution is holding a raffle Monday through Friday, September 18-22.  This coincides with Constitution Week.
Tickets are available at Fort Scott Munitions, Crain Insurance Agency, or by contacting Barbara Ritter at 913-636-4892.

The prizes are 3 weapons and 2 boxes of ammunition to be drawn one per day:
$700 Henry .22 magnum rifle
$600 Sig Sauer 380 pistol
$320 Savage 12 gauge shotgun
$118 4 boxes of 9mm cartridges
$90 4 boxes of 5.56/223 ammunition
The tickets are $25 or 5 tickets for $100
Molly Foster Berry chapter DAR gives away flags during parades, gives copies of the Constitution to new citizens at the naturalization ceremony, and gives scholarship money to high school students who are studying history or who are a Legacy of a current DAR member.
We proudly continue honoring the memory and spirit of the men and women of the American Revolution 1775-1783.
Government, Kansas

KS Hunting Regs Summary/Hunting Atlas Available

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Get Your 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting Regulations Summary, Hunting Atlas

PRATT – The wait for Kansas’ top hunting-related publications is over. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has confirmed that the state’s 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary and 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting Atlas are available now. Both publications are free, available online at ksoutdoors.com, and in print at nearly all license vendor locations. Hunters may also request mailed copies by calling (620) 672-5911.

The hunting regulations summary includes common rules, methods of take, season dates, bag and possession limits, as well as a list of game wardens by county, and more.

The hunting atlas includes maps of all publicly accessible hunting land in Kansas, to include Walk-in Hunting Access areas, state and federal public wildlife areas, and more. And soon, Garmin GPS and Google Earth files will be available for download, making finding a place to hunt even easier.

To access electronic versions of the 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary and 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting Atlas, visit ksoutdoors.com or download the Go Outdoors KS mobile app, here.

Whether you decide to keep them on your phone, laptop, or hardcopies in the truck or boat, no hunter in Kansas should be without them.

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Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for The Fort Scott Commission Meeting on Sept. 5

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

September 5, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.   Roll Call:
  2.     VanHoecke       K. Harrington      E. Woellhof        M. Guns         M. Wells
  3.   Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation:  Led by E. Woellhof

III.    Approval of Agenda:

  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 15, 2023
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1343-A — $815,071.98
  4. Request to Pay – Kansas State Treasurer – General Obligation Bond payment – Invoice R1231001122677- Series 2016 – $213,646.88
  5. Request to Pay – Kansas State Treasurer – General Obligation Bond payment – Invoice R1231001122676 – Series 2021-A – $631,000.00
  6. Request to Pay – Kansas State Treasurer – General Obligation Temporary Notes payment – Invoice R1230907122468 – $5,456,103.33
  7. Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 4 – Engineer’s Project No. 23-409 (22-306) – Work completed Jully 22, 2023 – August 25, 2023 – $383,678.87

 

 

  1. Public Comment:   Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda

and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

 

 

  1. Old Business:

 

  1. Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Health In All Policies Task Force – Tabled from July 25, 2023, August 1, 2023, and defeated motion on August 15, 2023.

 

  1. Consideration of changes to City’s Purchasing Policy – tabled from August 15, 2023, for more information.

 

 

 VII.   Appearances:

  1. Rachel French – Update of 1st Colored Infantry Mural
  2. 1)  Frank Halsey – Temporary Park Closure of back of Gunn Park – Marmaton Massacre Festival – September 16, 2023 (8:00AM) – September 17, 2023 (5:00PM).

     2)  Frank Halsey – Temporary Park Closure – Gunn Park including Shelter Houses – NICA Race – April 26, 2024 (3:00PM) – April 28th, 2024 (4:00PM).

  1. Rob Harrington – Bourbon County REDI Update
  2. Justin Meeks – Golf Course property discussion

 

VIII.   Public Hearing:  2024 Revenue Neutral Rate and Budget Hearing – B. Hart

 

  1.  New Business: 
  2. Consideration of Resolution No. 15-2023 – Resolution to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate – Approving a Levy Rate Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate but (1) Mill Lower than 2023 – B. Hart
  3. Consideration of Resolution No. 14-2023 – Resolution Adopting 2024 Operating Budget and Final Budget Book – B. Hart
  4. Consideration of September 19, 2023, as date for 2023 budget amendment public hearing – B. Hart
  5. Consideration of Resolution No. 13-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 1001 W. 2nd St. – Hearing on October 17, 2023 – T. Russell
  6. Consideration of Resolution No. 12-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structures – 1801 W. Wall – Hearing on October 17, 2023 – T. Russell
  7. Consideration of Resolution No. 11-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 922 W. Wall – Hearing on October 17, 2023 – T. Russell
  8. Consideration of MOU – School Resources Officer Program – City of Fort Scott and Unified School District 234 – 2023-24 – J. Pickert
  9. Consideration of Relocation and Reimbursement Agreement – Evergy’s Fort Scott Infantry Substation Project – J. Dickman
  10. Consideration of Old Fort Boulevard/Skubitz Plaza Maintenance and Beautification Project – M. Wells
  11. Tourism Grant Guidelines – A program established to enhance and strengthen the positive economic impact of the tourism industry in our community – M. Wells

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:

 

  1. VanHoecke –

 

  1. Harrington –

 

  1. Woellhof –

 

  1. Guns –

 

  1. Wells –

 

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1.  Executive Session:

 

XII.     Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of The Fort Scott City Commission from August 15

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 Unapproved minutes

Minutes of August 15, 2023                                        Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 15, 2023 at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, K. Harrington, M. Guns (via telephone) were present with Mayor M. Wells. E. Woellhof was absent.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION:  M. Wells, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Pete Earles/Earles Engineering, B. Hart (via telephone). Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director, Tracy Dancer, Josh Jones, Garth Herrmann/Gillmore and Bell, Brett Shogren/Stifel,

 

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda as submitted. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE AGENDA AS SUBMITTED.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

  1. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 25, 2023
  2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1341-A — $1,627,351.54
  3. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $41,723.74 Invoice #16731 – 2022 Sanitary Sewer Inspection – $12,538.74

Peter W. Earles – 10.00hrs/$200.00 – $2,000.00, Shane Redfern – 48.50hrs/$48.50 – $6,741.50, Jason Dickman – 18.00hrs/$147.50 – $2,655.00, Amanda Simpson – 6.00hrs/$48.50 – $291.00, Mileage – 1,309.6 miles/0.65 – $851.24.

Invoice #16727 – South Horton St. & West 6th St.  –  $22,485.00

Preliminary Design (100%) – $6,210.00, Final Design (35%) – $16,275.00

Invoice #16726 – 21-303A – WWTP – System Designs – $6,700.00

Phase III – $3,500.00, Phase II – $3,200.00.

  1. Request to Pay – Invoice #08072301-EPEC-WWTP Aeration $206,654.50 – Phase II Aeration Upgrade (Total: $826,618.00), 25% of Total due – $206,654.50.
  2. Request to Pay – Bourbon County – I.T. Services 2023 – $25,500.00

Shane Walker – $12,000.00, Jimmy Kemmerer $13,500.00

  1. July Financials

 

 

 

  1. Matkin agreed to reach out to other wireless carriers after M. Wells asked about the franchise fees in the Consent Agenda.

 

  1. Guns moved to approve the Consent Agenda. T. VanHoecke seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  None

 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. Consideration of bids for investment CDs from WWTP funds –
  2. VanHoecke moved to approve the proposed CD investments of (1) million dollars for a (3) month CD yielding 4.77% and a (2) million dollar investment for (6) months at 4.88%.

 

  1. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE PROPOSED CD INVESTMENTS OF (1) MILLION DOLLARS FOR A (3) MONTH CD YIELDING 4.77% AND A (2) MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT FOR (6) MONTHS AT 4.88%.

 

  1. Consideration to approve purchase of split case pump and impellor for the Water Production Plant for additional amount of an additional $18.380.55.

 

  1. Harrington moved to approve the purchase of the impellor pump rebuild for $18,380.55. T. VanHoecke seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED the purchase of the impellor pump rebuild for $18,380.55.

 

  1. Consideration to approve Memo of Understanding (MOU) to join the Bourbon County Health in All Policies Task Force and select a City representative – Tabled 7/25/23 and 8/1/23 –

 

  1. Guns moved to approve the original MOU as it was written for the Bourbon County Health in All Policies Task Force. Motion died for lack of second.

 

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.

 

  1. Consideration to adopt a new policy for City Commission Agenda deadlines.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adopt a new policy for the City Commission Agenda deadlines that require all items to be on the upcoming agenda to be submitted to the City Clerk by the end of business Monday, one week prior to the upcoming meeting. The completed agenda is then to be distributed and posted no later than Wednesday. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADOPT A NEW POLICY FOR THE CITY COMMISSION AGENDA DEADLINES THAT REQUIRE ALL ITEMS TO BE ON THE UPCOMING AGENDA BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY CLERK BY THE END OF BUSINESS MONDAY ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE UPCOMING MEETING. THE COMPLETED AGENDA IS THEN TO BE DISTRIBUTED AND POSTED NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY.

 

  1. Consideration to pay Diehl, Banwart, Bolton $18,150.00 (approved on 7/25/2023) for the Certified Audit of Records and Preparation of Audit Report for the year ending 12/31/22. Invoice #161402 was sent and indicates an additional $4,975.00 for the Single Audit of Federal Funds. Total amount due $23,125.00 requiring a new motion.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve to pay Diehl, Banwart, Bolton for the amount of $23,125.00. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO PAY DIEHL, BANWART, BOLTON FOR THE AMOUNT OF $23,125.00.

 

  1. Approval to go out for bid for KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 at 20th Street Repair Project (Project File No. 22-32).

 

  1. Guns moved to approve to go out for bid for the KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 at 20th Street Repair Project. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BID FOR THE KDOT SUB-AREA ROAD EXTENSION & US-69 AT 20TH STREET REPAIR PROJECT.

 

  1. Wells moved to go out for bids on the South Industrial Park Waterline Extension Project. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BIDS ON THE SOUTH INDUSTRIAL PARK WATERLINE EXTENSION PROJECT.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. Consideration of campsite improvements at Lake Fort Scott – B. Matkin was directed by the Commission to get cost estimates for items that would be needed for improvements of the primitive camping sites at this meeting.

 

NO ACTION TAKEN

 

  1. Consideration of 14-day Camping Regulation at Gunn Park (Ordinance No. 3606) and corresponding Municipal Codes –  Directed B. Matkin

 

NO ACTION TAKEN

 

  1. Consideration of Gunn Park Shelter House price increases –
  2. VanHoecke moved to approve the proposed price increases on the Shelter Houses at Gunn Park and amend Ordinance No. 3607 to reflect the changes.
  3. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE PROPOSED PRICE INCREASES ON THE SHELTER HOUSES AT GUNN PARK AND AMEND ORDINANCE No. 3607 TO REFLECT THE CHANGES.

 

  1. Consideration of changes to the City’s Purchasing Policy – B. Matkin was directed to redefine the day-to-day operation supplies, two signatures required and consideration for buying local is the priority. He will return with the corrected version at the next meeting.

 

NO ACTION TAKEN

 

  1. Consideration to approve the sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023 to the USDA.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adopt bond Ordinance No. 3752. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADOPT BOND ORDINANCE NO. 3752.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adopt bond Resolution No. 10-2023. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADOPT BOND RESOLUTION NO. 10-2023.

 

REPORTS AND COMMENTS:

 

City Manager:  B. Matkin

  1. Cape Seal Update – meeting next month with Harbour Construction.
  2. Vandalism at Gunn Park playgrounds. Gordon Parks sign stolen, checking security cameras in park.
  3. Citizen building a lake on their land behind the Woodland Hills Golf Course. He would like to purchase 2-acres from the City or accept a donation from the City of the land in exchange for the use of water in the future for watering the course. The homeowner would like to come to a Commission Meeting to address the Commission and answer questions.
  4. Community Development Director position is posted. Eleven (11) applications have been received. Interviews are in progress.

 

City Engineer:  Pete Earles/Earles Engineering & Inspection

  1. Davis Lift Station is in the process of design, needs survey for the force main and easement issues to work out.
  2. J. Dickman will be back at the next meeting. B. Matkin stated that Evergy would like a preconstruction meeting when he returns.

 

City Attorney:  B. Farmer

No comment.

 

COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS:

 

  1. Guns:
  2. Would like to suggest a Work Session in the near future to review contracts the City has with other entities such as Dispatch, REDI, etc. to ensure equitable exchange.
  3. The new school year starts Friday. She wishes all students and teachers a successful year ahead.

 

  1. Harrington:
  2. Good luck with Back to School this week.
  3. Football Jamboree Saturday
  4. Be sure to check out USD234 Events

 

  1. VanHoecke:
  2. Back to School Safety Awareness
  3. Possibility of hour adjustments with back to school. B. Matkin will meet with the Committee.
  4. Cooper Street is open, City crews saved over $400,000.00 by doing it themselves. The City Manager creates quality operators and gets things done in the City and people appreciate it all.
  5. Asks that citizens use the MyFortScott App to report issues or contact the City Manager for safety issues they see. For safety’s sake, stay out of City job sites. Report them instead.  The City Attorney stated that any citizen that is on a City job/work site is trespassing and can be removed from the site. It is for safety and liability reasons that this request is being made.

 

  1. Wells:
  2. Requested a preconstruction meeting for Cape Seal project.
  3. One, three-, five-, seven- and ten-year capital improvements for streets are being discussed, including the Streets Advisory board for input.
  4. Looking for master plans for sewer and water lines. A map was previously requested and received from PEC. If we cannot find, can we work with Earles to create new documents? Would like to have a clear infrastructure plan other than fixing leaks and start working on proactive projects. Would like to work with Earles to update if they are found.
  5. Echo amazing job the streets crew has done over the year and goes back to the leadership, very proud of current individuals on the crew.
  6. Bus safety is not a suggestion; it is the law. Please be careful and obey the laws.

 

  1. Matkin stated that 10th Street will be open by Friday. He is very proud of all the crews (streets, water, golf course, etc.) and all that they do because he pushes them hard. They appreciate that people notice their work.

 

NEXT MEETING:  Tuesday, September 19, 2023 – 6:00PM at City Hall.

 

WORK SESSION: Review of Contracts held by the City:  Tuesday, September 19, 2023 – 5:00PM at City Hall preceding the Regular Commission Meeting.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45PM. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:45PM.

 

Respectfully submitted for approval,

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Government, Kansas

Health Champion Award Nominees Are Sought

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Governor’s Council on Wellness Opens Nominations for the 2024 Health Champion Award

TOPEKA – Each year, the Governor’s Council on Wellness (previously the Governor’s Council on Fitness) recognizes one exceptional individual and one remarkable organization in Kansas who have shown outstanding dedication to promoting health, fitness and wellness in our communities.

Nominees for the 2024 Health Champion Award can come from diverse backgrounds – from health care professionals and educators to community leaders and volunteers. The award highlights outstanding individuals and organizations who have significantly impacted health awareness, disease prevention and overall well-being within our state.

“We are excited to review this year’s nominations and see all the great work being done throughout our state,” said Jody Hoener, GCOW Awards Committee Chair. “We encourage everyone to nominate the Health Champions in their communities.”

The nomination process is simple and can be completed online. The form requires a brief description of the nominee’s accomplishments and how they have positively influenced their community’s health. It also asks some basic questions about the nominee’s contact information so they can be notified if they receive the award.

The deadline to submit the nomination form is October 31, 2023. The winners will be notified via email, and awards will be announced via a press release in late November.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the Community Health Promotion Summit that will be held in Wichita at the WSU Woolsey Center.

To access the nomination form, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CT77RYV.

Bourbon County, Government

Road Improvements Start Today on 215th Street, Jayhawk Road

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A county road in Bourbon County.

Bourbon County Public Works will be performing chip and seal operations on various roads in Bourbon County.  The areas include 215th Street from US 54 Highway to the Linn County line, along with Jayhawk Road from the Railroad Tracks to 245th Street.

 

Construction will begin Wednesday, August 30, 2023, and will continue through the month of September.  One lane of traffic will remain open at all times; however, motorists may encounter lane restrictions, reduced speeds, and flagging operations throughout the work zones.  Please follow all traffic control devices when traveling through the work zones.

For additional information, call 620-223-3800 ext. 193

Submitted by

Becky Robertson
Bourbon County Public Works
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History, Jobs

Labors and Leisure on the Frontier: Labor Day Weekend at Fort Scott National Historic Site

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Fort Scott Kan. – Saturday, September 2 through Monday, September 4, 2022, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the labors and leisure on an 1840s frontier post. Throughout Labor Day weekend enjoy live music, historic yard games, and a variety of living history demonstrations, and interpretive programs. Visit with soldiers, officer’s wives, laundresses, the post Sutler and find out about the labors of the fort and some of the leisure activities. All programs are free and open to the public. And enjoy ice cream, while it lasts, on Saturday at 11:30 am courtesy of the Friends of Fort Scott NHS, Inc.

 

On Saturday and Sunday, volunteer Katelyn Dancer will be playing the violin on Officer’s Row and volunteer Mathew Wells will be playing the guitar on the porch of the Dragoon’s Barracks. Monday September 4 at 11:00 am, the Prairie Sunflower Strings will be presenting a concert of folk music out on the parade ground.

 

Guided Fort Tours will be offered daily at 10 am and 1 pm. Ranger Charles will be presenting a program about Native American storytelling at 11 am on Saturday and Sunday.

 

 

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

 

-NPS-

 

NPS Photos credit: C. Brenner

Business, Fort Scott, Government, Kansas

1.66 Percent Increase Justified to Provide Electricity to Evergy Central Customers. 

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Kansas Corporation Commission Utilities Staff responds to
Evergy’s rate increase proposal in testimony filed this afternoon

TOPEKA – Kansas Corporation Commission Staff has weighed in on Evergy’s request for a rate increase in both of its’ Kansas service areas. In testimony filed with the Commission this afternoon, Staff’s detailed financial audit of the company’s income and expenses determined that an increase of 1.66 percent or $34,706,527 was all that could be justified at this time to provide service to Evergy Central customers.  Staff’s position is in contrast to Evergy’s request for a net revenue increase of $204,152,629 or 9.77 percent.

KCC Staff’s detailed financial audit of Evergy Kansas Metro’s income and expenses determined that a 7.32 percent rate decrease totaling $53,194,189 is appropriate.  This is in contrast to Evergy’s proposed rate increase of 1.95 percent or $14,152,521.

While an important part in the process, these results are far from final at this stage.  Today is the due date for direct testimony to be filed by KCC Staff and all other intervenors in the rate case. The next steps in the process include cross answering testimony, rebuttal testimony from Evergy, a settlement conference to determine if the parties can agree on a resolution to submit for Commission approval, followed by either a settlement hearing or evidentiary hearing before the Commission.  KCC Commissioners will issue a final order in the docket in late December or early January.

Evergy Kansas Central serves 736,000 customers in Topeka, Lawrence, Olathe, Leavenworth, Atchison, Manhattan, Salina, Hutchinson, Emporia, Parsons, Wichita, Arkansas City, El Dorado, Newton, Fort Scott, Pittsburg and Independence, among other towns and rural areas. Evergy Kansas Metro serves approximately 273,000 customers in Lenexa, Overland Park and other communities near the Kansas City metro area.

Testimony filed today is available on the KCC’s website, along with other documents in the rate case.

The Commission is accepting public comments regarding the rate increase request through 5 p.m., September 29, 2023, on its website, by mail to the Commission’s Office at 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or by calling the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.