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Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Kansas

LEGION Act signed into law The American Legion July 30

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In a significant legislative victory for The American Legion, President Trump signed a bill July 30 that declares the United States has been in a state of war since Dec. 7, 1941.
The American Legion sought the declaration as a way to honor approximately 1,600 U.S. service members who were killed or wounded during previously undeclared periods of war.

The LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act) also opens the door for approximately 6 million veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.
“Recognizing the service of these wartime veterans is the right thing do and it is long overdue,” National Commander Brett Reistad said. “The families of those who were killed or wounded during these wartime acts should take pride in knowing that we recognize their sacrifice and service. Moreover, we are proud to welcome any of the six million living veterans from the previously unrecognized periods into our organization and call them ‘Legionnaires.’”

Now that the legislation has been signed, The American Legion’s eligibility criteria immediately changes from seven war eras to two: April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and Dec. 7, 1941 to a time later determined by the federal government. No other restrictions to American Legion membership are changed.

The law’s journey began on Feb. 14 when Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., introduced S. 504, along with Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. A companion measure, H.R. 1641, was introduced in the House by Reps. Lou Correa, D-Calif., and Ben Cline, R-Va.
Reistad expressed gratitude to the bipartisan members of Congress for passing the legislation.
“We are grateful that President Trump fully acknowledges the importance of The American Legion by signing the LEGION Act in the White House today – just one week after it passed the House of Representatives,” Reistad said. “In an era of partisan gridlock, Republicans and Democrats in Congress overwhelmingly recognized the importance of allowing thousands of honorable but previously ineligible veterans the right to join the largest and most influential veterans organization in the country.”

Reistad pointed out that existing American Legion membership applications are in the process of being updated but can still be used. “In the meantime, I recommend that prospective Legionnaires and recruiters write ‘LEGION Act’ in the eligibility date section of American Legion membership applications if they fall outside the previous war eras,” Reistad said. “The larger pool of veterans now eligible for The American Legion will also open their family members to eligibility in the Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary as well.”

Any Veteran who has served one day on active duty and was honorably discharged can now join the American Legion.

We have quite a few Bourbon County Veterans who can now join the Fort Scott American Legion.  I already have four area Veterans ready to join our Post.  Reach out to Veterans you know and ask them to join us.  

Contact me for membership applications OR invite them to our next meeting on Monday, August 5 at 7 pm. All they need in order to join our Post is proof of honorable service and their first year’s dues of $40

Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.

620-215-1688.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 BOE Special Meeting Minutes of July 30

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Members of the USD 234 Board of education met on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, for a special noon meeting at the Fort Scott Middle School Community Room.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

Gina Shelton, Board Clerk, presented 2019-20 budget information.

Board members approved an Early Retirement and 4030) Employer Match Plan

Provisions and Groups for licensed employees and Match Plan

Provisions and Groups for classified employees for the 2019-20 school year.

In addition, the board approved a revised
2019-20 school calendar and ratified the 2019-20 negotiated agreement.

There were no sealed bids received for the sale of the property at 21 3 Scott Avenue.

The board went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel, returned to open meeting, and approved the following employment matters:

A. Resignation of Curt Toll, high school teacher aide, effective at the end of the 2018-19 school year

B. Resignation of Debra Baimi, middle school paraprofessional, effective August 16,
2019

C. Resignation of Gary Floyd, high school paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2018-19 school year

D. Resignation of Alyssa Park, high school cook, effective July 24, 2019

E. Transfer of Brenda Hill, Eugene Ware instructional coach, to elementary instructional coach for the 20 1 9-20 school year

F. Contract extension for Josh Messer, high school counselor, for the 20 I 9-20 school year

G. Appointment of Robyn Kelso as the high school attendance officer for the 2019-20 school year

H. Employment of Emily Elliott for high school vocal presentations and musical music director/middle school vocal presentations for the 2019-20 school year

I. Employment ofDelynn Abati as high school play assistant for the 2019-20 school year

J. Employment of Taylor Qualls as high school play assistant for the 2019-20 school year

K. Resignation of Stewart Guss, Eugene Ware custodian/bus driver, from his bus driver duties only, for the 2019-20 school year

L. Employment of Amy Harper as high school sophomore sponsor for the 201 9-20 school year

M. Resignation of Stacey Dawson, high school custodian, effective at the end of the 2018-19 school year

The board approved a 5% raise for administrative and classified employees for the 2019-20 school year.

The board adjourned.

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Spring Honor Roll

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Greyhounds Continue Academic Success

Submitted by Kassie Fugate-Cate on

two students posing with the greyhound mascot during a business expo

Fort Scott Community College Greyhounds continue with academic awesomeness! Over 200 students made it on either the Honor Roll list (GPA 3.5-3.74), Vice President’s list (GPA 3.75-3.99), or President’s list (GPA 4.0+) for the spring 2019 semester!

 

“The Fort Scott Community College Administration and Faculty
are extremely proud of our students. Congratulations on your outstanding academic achievement during the spring 2019 semester”, says VP of Student Services, Janet Fancher.

 

FSCC students, keep up the hard work and dedication. We cannot wait to see what our centennial class has to offer in the fall of 2019!!

 

Congrats Greyhounds!!!

 

#GoGreyhounds

 

To review the full list(s) of honorees, please click HERE.

Church news, Fort Scott, Schools

Bingo To Benefit School Shoe Program for Local Youth

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Come for a night of fun for a great cause!

The public is invited to Shoe Voucher Bingo from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on July 31 at Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton.

With  a $10 donation participants will received a 10 game packet with three cards on each game. That’s 30 chances, yes 30, to win some great prizes from local businesses.

Prizes will be listed as they are donated on the event’s Facebook Page. Click here to view:

https://www.facebook.com/events/883633282004426/

All proceeds from this event go directly to the Shoe Voucher Program.

The Shoe Voucher Program is a local program assisting area students/families with shoe purchases for the upcoming school year.

Light Concessions will be available.

This is for anyone in the community.

Please share and invite friends. Kids can play as long as they are old enough to manage their cards.

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Reports July 30

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07/29/2019 – 07/30/2019
293 E 20th St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office
Arrest Summary Report

Charges Bond Type Bond Amt.
BOURBON COUNTY SHERIFF’S
OFFICE

42 year old
SMITH, RODNEY JOE,  – 2019-000701
Warrant Type
7/29/2019 9:16:00 AM 7/29/2019 10:34:00 AM
WARRANT BOURBON COUNTY ( FAILURE TO APPEAR) * 2019-CR-0235 CASH/SURETY 2500.00
Bond Total 2500.00

Charges Bond Type Bond Amt.
BOURBON COUNTY SHERIFF’S
OFFICE

22 year old

PASTRICK, WYATT READ – 2019-000702
Warrant Type
7/30/2019 8:00:00 AM
SENTENCED * NO NO BOND 0.00
Bond Total 0.00

Inmate Name Agency Held For Arrest Date Released Date Age
Page 1 of 1 Printed 07/30/2019 0824
© 1994 – 2019 Omnigo Software St. Louis MO omnigo.com

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Minutes of June 24

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Training
June 24, 2019

PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bernita Hill, Liz Meyer, and Robert Nelson

ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff, and community members.

Chairman John Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Bartelsmeyer stated that FSCC features over 20 student organizations for students to experience growth and fulfillment outside of the classroom.

CTEC UPDATE: CTEC Executive Director shared an update about the Southeast Kansas Career and Technical Education Center of Crawford County. He stated, “FSCC is more than just education; it impacts peoples’ lives. CTEC is a great example of that.” He added that CTEC is growing, and the funding assistance from Kansas Crossing Casino provides scholarships for students to attend. Mengarelli credited a portion of CTEC’s success to great industry partners and great instructors, and he also thanked the Board of Trustees for FSCC’s role in CTEC’s success.

CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Hill, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda.

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:

  1. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to set the Board meeting dates for July and August as July 25 and August 6 to facilitate the budget approval and publication process.
  2. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the agreement between FSCC and National PASS Center.
  3. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by McKenney, and carried by unanimous vote to participate in the Kansas Association of School boards Workers Compensation Fund, Inc., for the 2019-20 fiscal year with a premium of $29,671.
  4. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of the HEP Collaboration Station from CDW-G for $18,269.55.
  5. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of replacement faculty computers from CDW-G for a revised quote of $19,599.63.
  6. A motion was made by Hill, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of CAMP laptop computers from CDW-G for a revised quote of $26,525.15.
  7. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the disposal of equipment (two copiers).
  8. A motion was made by Hill, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the lease request for passenger vans from Merchant’s Fleet.
  9. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the renewal lease for a 52 passenger shuttle from Master’s Transportation.
  10. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the property/casualty/auto/excess liability insurance for an annual premium of $100,532 plus the buy-down insurance from $300,000 to $25,000 for an annual amount of $47,614.
  11. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of eSports computers and accessories from PCM-G for $33,460.74.
  12. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the continuation of the proposed agreement between IA DOE and FSCC for July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. The budget will not exceed $762,116 for the fiscal year.
  13. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the renewal of FSCC memberships and dues for the 2019-2020 school year.

REPORTS:

  1. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Gordon Parks Museum, Miami County Campus, Student Services, Instruction Office, Finance and Operations, and the President.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 7:56 p.m. by Hill, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote.

Chairman Clerk

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Tax Holiday This Weekend

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Fort Scott’s
Sales Tax Holiday
Weekend
This weekend,
August 2nd, 3rd & 4th
No Sales Tax Holiday Weekend
August 2nd, 3rd & 4th
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce an opportunity for shoppers to save money
August 2nd through the 4th.
Select retailers will be offering a
Sales Tax Holiday by volunteering to pay the sales tax for shoppers.
Enjoy a 9.4% discount this weekend at these participating merchants:
Bids & Dibs
Books & Grannies
The Electronic Store
Fort Scott Gun & Pawn
Hedgehog.INK
J & W Sports
Papa Don’s Pizza
Ruddick’s Furniture
Sekan’s Occasion Shops
Sunshine Boutique
These stores offer a variety of merchandise including apparel, home décor both new and repurposed, school supplies and much more.
There is no need to cross the border during this No Sales Tax Holiday Weekend.
Save money,
Shop local,
Shop Fort Scott!
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda July 30

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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: July 30th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

AFTERNOON/EVENING MEETING STARTING AT 1:00

1:00-1:20-Executive Session-Attorney-Client Privilege-20 min.

1:20-4:00-Commissioners to work on 2020 Budgets

4:00-5:30-Commissioner gone for dinner

5:30-6:30-Jody Hoener-Community Input for Strategic Plan

6:30-7:30-Jim Harris

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

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

K-State veterinarian urges producers to plan for animal heat stress

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Chris Petty, K-State Extension.

Tarpoff says water is just one part of the equation

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Compared to recent years, Kansas’ weather has been mostly nice to the state’s cattle producers this summer. That has recently changed this summer.

Kansas State University beef veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff is sounding the bells for livestock producers to take some extra measures to protect their herds during a stretch of days in which temperatures are forecast to tbe very hot across the state.

“Water, water and lots of water,” said Tarpoff, who noted that the beef industry loses an estimated $369 million each year due to the effects of heat stress. “Whenever we have a heat stress event, that is the most essential nutrient for animals, times five.

“I say, ‘times five’ because the question always comes up about how much water do cattle need, and the answer is that they need five times the amount of water that they are taking up in dry matter.”

For a cow that is consuming 30 pounds of dry matter, that comes out to about 20 gallons per day. Multiply that by the number of cattle in an operation, and the need for water grows exponentially.

Tarpoff said cows try to cool themselves by panting heavily (evaporative cooling), and somewhat by sweating – though they are inefficient sweaters compared to humans. Cows accumulate a heat load during the day and rely on cooler, nighttime temperatures for relief.

Producers can aid in cooling not only by providing more water, but also by changing some of their management strategies during the hottest days.

For example, Tarpoff notes, producers should consider providing most of the cattle’s feed later in the day, as much as 70 percent. Doing so will help to reduce digestive heat, or the heat that accumulates when cattle eat.

“This time of year, we may be providing that ration at 6 or 6:30 in the evening so we can push back that digestive heat load into the cooler hours of the night,” Tarpoff said. “That can make a big impact on how much these animals deal with during the heat of the day.”

Producers should also try to avoid lower quality straw hay or other foods that are fibrous, which create more heat in the animal’s rumen. Feedlot rations and lush green grass are better options for helping animals control digestive heat, Tarpoff said.

In feedlots or other confined settings, producers should provide plenty of water and shade (if available), and use sprinklers to cool pen floors. Tarpoff said they also should minimize handling of animals because the more they have to move, the more heat they produce.

The Kansas Mesonet Network at Kansas State University maintains a Cattle Comfort Index that combines the effect of temperature, humidity, wind and solar radiation. Tarpoff said it’s an excellent online source for producers to monitor when making plans for heat and potential nighttime cooling.

The Cattle Comfort Index is available online at http://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal.