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Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda May 28

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: May 28th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-Jim Harris – 10 minute executive session for preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

Jim Harris – Discuss the condition of Yale Road

10:00 am – Dave Martin with the City of Fort Scott – executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

10:30 am – Health Department Generator

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

          Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Opinion

A Time To Mourn by Pastor James Collins

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A Time To Mourn

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

I was awakened at 2:30 in the morning by a pounding on my door. Adrenaline immediately hit my system as I jumped to my feet. You learn how to sleep and sort of stay awake at the same time in combat. I threw open the door to see the face of Pfc. Clark. “Come quick chaplain,” he said. “We had a convoy get hit. There is one casualty.” Clark turned to run back to headquarters. I yelled after him, “Who?” He stopped, looked over his shoulder, and said, “Maj. Culver.”

I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. My eyes welled up with tears. As I hurriedly dressed, I argued and bargained with God. “No! No! No! You can’t do this. Not Wayne. Let it be a mistake. Take my life instead.” I slipped my boots on without lacing them and ran out into the night. There was a red haze in the air. Literally, the Iraqi desert looked like hell.

The tactical operations center was quiet when I enter the room. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at me. The squadron commander, Ltc. William Rachal walked over. He put his hand on my shoulder and whispered, “Chappy, the vehicle Wayne was in was struck by an IED. He was killed instantly.” My legs felt weak, I backed up against the wall, and slid down into a chair. Ltc. Rachal leaned in and continued, “I know that you are hurting, but I need you to hold it together. Everyone will be looking to you.” I choked back tears, stood to my feet, and said, “Yes, sir.”

Ltc. Rachal was right. Over the next few days, people did look to me. As the chaplain for Task Force Geronimo, the soldiers looked to me for spiritual guidance and comfort – especially in a time of loss. Wayne was a huge loss. To our unit, Maj. Ronald “Wayne” Culver was our executive officer. To me, he was the best friend I had on the deployment.

We spent a lot of time together in the year leading up to our arrival in Iraq. Once we arrived, we made it a point to have coffee every morning. We didn’t talk business over morning coffee. The conversations were about family, movies, music, and God. I intentionally ended each morning coffee with a prayer for Wayne. The last time I saw him, I also prayed for him. He was getting ready to depart on the ill-fated mission. When I finished praying, Wayne smiled and said, “You didn’t pray in little baby Jesus name.” He was jokingly referring to a line in the movie, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.

Since his death and over the years, I often think about his children. His daughter, Michelle, finished her master’s degree last year. She lives in Austin and works for the State of Texas. His son, Ron, graduated from the University of Kansas last week. Wayne would be proud of them.

It is going on ten years, since I last spoke to Wayne’s wife, Tracy. I can’t work up the courage to contact her. At our deployment ceremony, Tracy said to me, “I am so glad that you have come into Wayne’s life. Since he met you, he is more focused on the Lord. Wayne loves you.” Then she said something to me that haunts my dreams. She said, “Keep him straight. Take care of him.” Tragically, I couldn’t take care of him…

The day before Wayne’s death, I had just returned to Iraq from ten days in the United States. I had been given leave to go home to be with my wife, Amanda, for the birth of our son, John. My son was born one week, and my best friend died the next. There is a time to be born; and a time to die. To everything there is a season…

The point is: The Bible teaches there is a time for mourning. When Wayne died, I really couldn’t process his passing. I had to be strong. I had to soldier on. I had to preach his memorial service. My season for mourning had to wait. It had to wait until today. As I write these words, my heart breaks over the loss of my friend.

Memorial Day is this Monday. It is a solemn day to remember those who gave everything in the service of this country. It is a time to honor those who gave their lives for the freedoms we cherish. It is a time to mourn their loss.

However, I have come to realize that Wayne would not want me to mourn forever. So, I have decided to look forward. There will come a time when I will see Wayne again. There will come a time when we will share a morning cup of coffee. There will come a time when death and sadness will be no more. There will come a time when there will be no more crying, pain, or mourning.

I don’t know about you, but I look forward to that season…

James Collins is a pastor, columnist, author, and retired U.S. Army Chaplain. He can be reached at Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church at (620) 223-2986, or through the website www.thepointis.net.

Government, Kansas

Governor directs flags be flown half-staff for Memorial Day

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In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, and in recognition of Memorial Day, May 27, 2019, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff from sunup to noon on May 27. President Donald J. Trump also issued a flag directive honoring Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace.

“I’m always deeply humbled when I reflect on the sacrifices made by the military service men and women of this country – whether it is veterans, soldiers currently on active duty, or those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Kelly said. “Memorial Day is a time to honor those who died while serving our country. They are all reminders of the values that our country holds dear, and the high stakes necessary to defend our way of life.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.

Government, Kansas

High Water May Force Wildlife to Move

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) cautions people living in or near high-water areas to not be surprised if they see more wildlife than usual. Animals living near flooding bodies of water or in low-lying areas will be forced to temporarily move to other locations to survive. They could congregate on high-ground “islands,” in residential or commercial areas or around outbuildings. Residents may even find small animals in homes or outbuildings if they’re not well-sealed.

Animals such as rabbits, rodents, lizards, snakes, turtles, insects, certain birds or even larger animals such as coyotes and deer may be on the move. Here are some tips to be aware of when you spot a flood-weary animal –

  1. Leave them alone. They need a refuge from high water and might only be passing through. They will not set out to harm you, but any animal may bite or attack in self-defense.
  2. Small animals like lizards and snakes may congregate under shrubs, rocks and debris. Use caution and protective clothing such as long pants, gloves and sturdy shoes if you need to work in the yard or garden. Above all, do not reach blindly under rocks and debris. You don’t like surprises, and neither will a sheltering animal.
  3. Many animals can swim and may get trapped in a flooded building, so use caution when removing possessions from a flooded structure.
  4. Do not try to feed them. Free food may encourage them to overstay their welcome.
  5. The water will eventually recede, giving animals the opportunity to return to their former habitats, so be patient and be a good neighbor to our wildlife.
  6. Most animals can adapt to changing weather conditions, but not all. Be aware that some animals will perish but many more are likely to survive.
  7. Ground-nesting birds and other animals may lose their nests or burrows and their eggs or young. Many will re-nest as soon as they find proper habitat. Though it may take time, most animal populations will eventually recover.
  8. Do not attempt to rescue animals stranded by high water, as flood waters are dangerous and can obscure serious hazards.
  9. Keep an eye on pets to be sure they don’t tangle with displaced wildlife or chase wildlife into floodwaters.

If displaced wildlife have become a nuisance, people can visit the KDWPT website at https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Wildlife-Damage-Control and find a list of wildlife damage control permit holders (NADC Permit Holders) who may be able to assist.

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Ron Kaufman

Director of Information Services

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism

1020 S. Kansas Ave., 2nd Fl

Topeka, KS 66612

785-296-2870

KSOutdoors.com & TravelKS.com

Note  new email address – [email protected]

Fort Scott

Flags Placed at National Cemetery and The Fort May 24: Help Needed

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Sumbitted by Carl Jowers, American Legion Commander
If you are able to help with flag placement tomorrow:
The National Cemetery flag placement starts at 8:30 am. I believe they have about 7,000 miniature flags to place.
The Fort NHS flag placement starts at 9 am.I believe they have about 4,000 miniature flags to place.
My understanding is that the flags will be placed unless there is lightning in the area or tornados.
I hope to see you at one of these events tomorrow. Invite family and friends to help in this community event.
Entertainment, Government, Kansas

Rains, Flooding Affect Some State Parks

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) reported today that frequent heavy rains are impacting some state parks in eastern Kansas. High water levels at many reservoirs have flooded campgrounds, overtopped roads, closed boat ramps and beaches and dampened visitors’ enthusiasm for any outdoor activities. Most state parks in western Kansas have been largely unaffected.

 

In eastern Kansas, Elk City State Park is closed, all campgrounds and day-use areas at Fall River State Park are closed and Perry State Park remains open but with very limited services. Most other state parks in eastern Kansas are reporting various degrees of flooding issues.

 

Typically, Memorial Day marks the beginning of the busy season for Kansas state parks. The four months of the summer season – May through August – account for more than half of annual state park revenues.

 

“State park staffers are doing their best to accommodate visitors’ needs,” Secretary of KDWPT Brad Loveless said. “At affected parks, staff are happy to work with visitors to change their reservations to a dry campsite if available, arrange for another date in the future, provide a gift card good for a future stay or issue a refund. We remind visitors, for their own safety, to avoid flood waters and never move or drive around barricades”

 

Visitors can go to kshuntfishcamp.com to check on campsite and cabin availability and make reservations. For information about conditions at individual parks, go to https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/State-Park-Alerts or visit KSOutdoors.com and click on State Parks for other information.

 

Kansas state parks do not receive any State General Fund monies and are almost entirely fee-funded. Revenues drop significantly when bad weather hits. Once the flood waters recede, the damage they leave behind can take months to repair, further limiting park hours and revenues during the summer months.

 

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Here  are the latest updates for each state park:

El Dorado: 5-23-19 – The park is open. In the Walnut River area, all campgrounds, cabins, shelter, trails and day use areas are open. Campsites and cabins are all reserved for the holiday weekend. The Shady Creek Area has non-utility sites available in several campgrounds. Shady Creek Area 1 boat ramp is the only usable ramp on the lake. Bluestem Point campgrounds 1, 2, 3 and 4 are closed. Utility Campgrounds 5, 6 and 7 have about 50% of their campsites open and usable. All usable sites are reserved for the weekend. Bemis Creek campground has 12 usable utility campsites but they are all reserved. The

archery and firearms ranges are both open.

Glen Elder: 5-22-19 – The park is open. Lake is 3.5 ft. above conservation level, inflow at 1900 cfs. and outflow at 50 cfs. Osage Road is closed, and a few primitive sites are affected. The courtesy dock has been pulled at Kanza boat ramp, and a portion of the parking lot is closed. No other facilities are affected at this time.

Webster: 5-22-19 – The park is open. Lake is 2 ft. above conservation level. Inflow 607 cfs., and outflow is being shut down. Three sites are closed in Rock Point Campground, and those reservations have been transferred to Hill Top. No primitive site or other facilities are affected at this time.

Lovewell: 5-22-19 – The park is open. Lake is 1 ft. above conservation. Inflow at 141 cfs. and outflow 0 cfs. No facilities are affected at this time.

Historic Lake Scott: 5-22-19 – The park is open. Lake is .05 ft. above conservation level. No facilities are affected at this time.

Cedar Bluff: 5-22-19 – The park is open. Lake is 16.33 ft. below conservation level. No facilities are affected at this time.

Prairie Dog (Keith Sebelius Reservior): 5-22-19 – The park is open. Lake is 7.3 ft. below conservation level. No facilities are affected at this time.

Meade: 5-22-19 – The park is open. Lake is at conservation level. No facilities are affected at this time.

Eisenhower (Melvern Reservoir): 5-22-19 – The park is open. The lake is 16.01 ft. above conservation level, and outflow is 20 cfs. minimum. The lake is projected to be 18.8 ft. above conservation level by 5-30-19. Park staff is shutting down all the electrical in Blackjack Campground and Abilene Campground. Almost all primitive sites are underwater, and the beach and beach restroom are closed.

   

Pomona: 5-22-19 – The park is open. Lake is 23.26 ft above conservation level, and outflow is 15 cfs. minimum. The lake is about 9 ft. from going over the spillway. The lake is projected to 26 ft. above conservation level by 5-31-19. The marina will be moving all the house boats off the water on 5-22-19, and they also shut down all electrical service to the marina area. Big Bear Campground is closed. The Kansas shower building is closed. Staff is closing six sites on the marina side of Kansa Campground as well as all the Kansa primitive sites. The park road to east side of the park is closed; the back gate is open on the county road.

Wilson: 5-23-19 – The park is open. The lake is 4.8 ft. above conservation level. All utility sites are full. Many walk-in primitive sites available, but some will be impacted by rising water. All cabins are full. Goldenrod Campground road is closed. Otto swim beach road is closed. There is plenty of day-use available park-wide. Boating access is available, but courtesy docks are being pulled from the water. All trails are open.

Hillsdale: 5-22-19 – The park is open. The lake is 9.78 ft above conservation level and outflow is 24 cfs. minimum. The beach, beach area and beach house are closed. Closed campgrounds – Scott Creek, Pintail Point, Crappie Cove, Quail Run. Rabbit Ridge Primitive Campground is partly closed. All boats ramps are closed except Jayhawk and Marysville, and Jayhawk ramp is nearing the point where it will have to be closed.

Clinton: 5-22-19 – The park is open – All campsites and cabins are OK. The lake is 13.72 ft above conservation level and outflow is 21 cfs. minimum. All boat ramps are closed. The marina is closed. The beach is closed. Blue Trail and Red Trail are closed.

 

Tuttle Creek: 5-23-19 – The park is open. The lake level is 52.06 ft. above conservation level. Forty-two sites now open in River Pond / Rocky Ford, and no flooding impacts are expected for Memorial Weekend. All primitive sites are open in River Pond. Cedar Ridge primitive sites are open. All cabins are full. Randolph has two utility sites open; there are no issues for flooding. Plenty of day-use opportunities available at River Pond. Boating access will be difficult.

Perry: 5-23-19 – The park is open but is mostly flooded and has very limited services. The office is closed. The lake is 25.21 ft. above conservation level. Several sites are available however, utility company may have to shut off all power. If this happens, there will be no bathhouse facilities or dump-stations available. If power is lost, utility sites may be used for primitive camping. Generators will be allowed park-wide. The cabins are shut-down. There are very limited day-use activities; patrons should use caution. There is no boat access.

Kanopolis: 5-23-19 – The park is open. The lake is 20 ft. above conservation level. Very limited utility sites are available. Sites that are open will be utilized for customers being moved from flooded areas. Many primitive walk-in sites are available. Generators will be allowed in areas impacted by the flooding. All cabins are full. Some park roads may be impacted over the weekend, if the water continues to rise. Trail access is closed to many areas, and there are limited day-use opportunities.

Boating access is available at Langley Point, but boaters should use caution. 

Milford: 5-23-19 – The park is open. The lake is 21.14 ft. above conservation level. There are very limited utility sites available park-wide. Two to three utility sites may be available in Woodland Hills. Many primitive walk-in sites are available at Woodland Hills and Cedar Point. Generators will be allowed at Woodland Hills and Cedar Point Primitive campgrounds. There are six-seven primitive walk-in sites at Sunset Ridge. All Cabins are full. There are limited day-use opportunities. The marina and Walnut Grove boat ramps are accessible, but boaters should use caution.  

Crawford: 5-23-19 – The entire park is open. Campgrounds, trails, day use areas and cabins are all open. All campsites are currently reserved for the Memorial weekend except a very few non-utility sites.

Sand Hills: 5-23-19 – The entire park is open and usable. There are still several utility sites available for this holiday weekend.

Elk City: 5-23-19 – The entire park is closed due to flooding. The park is unreachable through the county road system. Park is without power and phones. Staff will be stationed at Crawford State Park until they are able to enter Elk City again. If visitors have questions they can call Crawford State Park at 620-362-3671.

Fall River: 5-23-19 – All campgrounds and day use areas are closed. Cabins are usable but reserved for the weekend.

Cross Timbers: (On Toronto Lake): 5-23-19 – The park is open. Non-utility sites are available at Mann’s Cove and Sandstone campgrounds. Utility sites are available at Osage Plains Campground. Currently Black Jack utility campground is open until water rises again. Cabins can’t be reached. No boat ramps are available.

Cheney: 5-23-19 – The park is open. East Shore and Lakeview campgrounds and the marina are open. Lake View sites are filled. Remainder of that area is closed. In the West Shore Area, Harding Hill and Geifer Hill non–utility sites are open and available. Half of Smarsh Creek utility sites are open. Remainder of that area is closed.

El Dorado: 5-23-19 – The park is open. In the Walnut River area, all campgrounds, cabins, shelter, trails and day use areas are open. Campsites and cabins are all reserved for the holiday weekend.

The Shady Creek Area has non-utility sites available in several campgrounds. In the Shady Creek Area, one boat ramp is the only usable ramp on the lake. Bluestem Point campgrounds 1, 2, 3 and 4 are closed. Utility Campgrounds 5, 6 and 7 have about 50% of their campsites open and usable. All usable sites are reserved for the weekend. Bemis Creek campground has 12 usable utility campsites but they are all reserved. The archery and firearms ranges are open.

Prairie Spirit Trail: 5-23-19 – The Prairie Spirit Trail is open and usable from Ottawa to Iola. There are some rough spots caused by recent heavy rains and erosion, and continued rain could leave the trail surface soft to the point that narrow bike tires may cause ruts, but the surface is currently solid. Visitors should always be aware to changing trail conditions as some locations may receive more rainfall than others.

Flint Hills Trail: 5-23-19 – The Flint Hills Trail is open, and the surface is firm in most locations, however, due to the varied development and surface construction some locations are in better shape than others, and there are some known points that are difficult to pass through or impassable. There are several locations between Ottawa and Osawatomie that have water at the edge of the trail, as well as over the trail making through travel between those points impossible. We also have several trees reported down on the trail in that section. There is a section of the trail by Quenemo that has trail surface damage from flooding and water backing up onto the trail, however, it is passable now by walking a bike over the dry rough surface which is about 100 yards in length. The trail between Vassar and Osage city is very muddy and travel is discouraged in this area. There may be other isolated wet spots and with more wind or rain conditions can change. Visitors should always be aware to changing trail conditions as some locations may receive more rainfall than others.  

  

Ron Kaufman

Director of Information Services

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism

1020 S. Kansas Ave., 2nd Fl

Topeka, KS 66612

785-296-2870

KSOutdoors.com & TravelKS.com

Note my new email address – [email protected]

Government, Kansas

Governor Encourages Vigilance During Severe Weather, Flooding

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Kelly: Make safety a priority ahead of Memorial Day weekend

 

Speaking to media at the Kansas State Emergency Operations Center today, Governor Laura Kelly outlined the state’s largescale coordinated response to flooding and severe weather and encouraged Kansans to remain vigilant as severe weather continues to impact the state through Memorial Day weekend.

 

“Memorial Day Weekend is a time many Kansans head outside or go to the lake. In many areas, conditions are not safe,” Kelly said. “Please, put the safety of yourself and your family first. Check the weather before you venture out. If there is severe weather or tornados, seek shelter in a secure location. Check your road routes before traveling – remember conditions can change very fast. And stay away from flood water.”

 

Heavy rainfall, tornados and severe thunderstorms have been impacting Kansas communities for several weeks. Earlier this month, the governor signed a disaster declaration. Since then, the declaration has expanded almost daily, and the current declaration includes 42 Kansas counties. More rain and severe storms are forecast through early next week. Widespread flooding will likely cause additional road and park closures in the coming days.

 

“Please do not play, swim or walk in flood water. It is full of debris, hidden objects and worse. The current can sweep people away,” Kelly said. “Follow all safety warnings and signs. If local officials advise you to evacuate, heed their advice. They are trying to help keep you safe.”

 

On May 20, Kansas activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the response to multi-hazard events including flooding, tornados and severe thunderstorms. This coordinated effort is led the Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli who also serves as the director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. It also includes many state and federal agency partners working together to assist local communities.

 

Road Closures:

 

To obtain information about current road closures in your local area, visit: www.kandrive.org

 

Kansans are encouraged to avoid flooded roads. Tafanelli stressed the importance of not underestimating the force and power of water.

 

“It only takes about a foot of water to float a car,” said Tafanelli. “Two feet of rushing water can carry away most SUVs and pick-up trucks. Flood waters move swiftly and can quite easily knock you off your feet and sweep you away. So, please, heed all warning signs and safety barriers. Don’t try to wade or drive through flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown.”

 

State Park Closures:

 

As Kansas approaches one of the busiest weekends for its state parks, safety must be the top priority. For flood alerts in State Parks, visit: https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/State-Park-Alerts

 

* Conditions are changing frequently. Please, contact your local parks directly for updates on park conditions.

 

According to Tafanelli, Kansans should not swim, walk, or play in flooded streams or lakes.

“There may be dangerous floating debris, hidden underwater obstacles, and treacherous currents,” Tafanelli said. “Don’t try to launch a boat or swim in the water. Even fishing or walking along the bank can be dangerous because the bank may be slippery or easily collapse. Flood waters demand our utmost respect.”

 

Weather Updates:

 

Visit www.weather.gov for the weather impacting your area. Also monitor local media outlets for weather alerts and safety warnings in your area.

 

Local assistance:

 

In the event of an emergency, call 911.  For non-emergency assistance, contact local law enforcement and first responders. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management works directly with them. All requests for local assistance should be initiated through the county emergency manager.