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Tips to Prevent Digging Accidents


Unearthing Safety: 811 Day (Aug. 11) Promotes Safe Digging
and Preventing Costly Mistakes Kansas Gas Service provides 5 helpful tips to prevent digging accidents
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Aug. 7, 2023 – Aug. 11, National 811 Day, is almost here!

This date, 8/11, serves as a valuable reminder about the importance of safe digging practices and
preventing damage to underground facilities.

“On Aug. 11 and throughout the year, we remind homeowners and professional contractors alike
to use the free 811 service before digging to reduce the risk of accidentally hitting an
underground facility,” said Sean Postlethwait, Kansas Gas Service vice president of Operations.
“Our highest priority is safety, and the best way to prevent injuries or disrupting service in your
neighborhood and community is by contacting 811.”

How 811 Works

Contacting 811 connects you to the local one-call center, which notifies utility companies of
your digging plans. These utilities may include natural gas, electric, water, sewer, cable and
telecommunications. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the
approximate locations of underground lines using flags, spray paint or both.

It’s a free service that only takes a few minutes and helps keep your community safe.

Kansas Gas Service encourages everyone to put safety first when undertaking any digging
project – whether large or small.

For a safer digging experience, here are 5 helpful tips to follow:

1. Contact 811. Call 811 or submit an online request at Kansas811.com at least two full
working days before you start your digging project. (If you hire a contractor, make sure
they have contacted 811.)

2. Verify the Marks Are Fresh and Complete. Verify that all utilities have marked their
facilities and wait for confirmation that the markings are complete by reviewing your
ticket with 811. Ensure the markings are not from a previous project.

3. Respect the Tolerance Zone. The tolerance zone is the area located 24 inches on either
side of the underground facility. Always hand dig within this area to avoid contact or
damage.

4. Only Dig within the Project Area. By contacting 811, the project area can be defined
and helps ensure digging occurs within that area.

5. Smell Gas, Act Fast! If you smell gas while digging or damage a natural gas line, leave
the area immediately then call 911 and Kansas Gas Service at 888-482-4950.

To learn more about safe digging, visit BeADigHeroKansas.com.

About Kansas Gas Service

Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 642,000 customers in
Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state, in terms of customers.

Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-
percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.”

ONE Gas is included in the S&PMidCap400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the
United States.

For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit
kansasgasservice.com and follow its social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube

  Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Opens Annual Grant Process

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) is now accepting applications for the 2023 General Funds Grant program.  Applications will be accepted through August 31, 2023.

The mission of FSACF is to serve the region by encouraging charitable giving benefiting the common good and improving the quality of life. The Foundation is committed to making a making a meaningful contribution in the areas of civic improvements, arts and humanities, health, education, human and social services, and the conservation and preservation of cultural and environmental resources.

Grant funds are available to local 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government agencies, and religious institutions.  The Foundation considers proposals based on how they improve the quality of life for residents, and is particularly interested in projects that are sustainable in the future. Collaborative projects are strongly encouraged.

In 2022, the Foundation awarded $53,536 to 26 non-profit recipients through its General Funds Grant cycle. Projects in Fort Scott, Mapleton and Uniontown received funding.  A history of funded projects can be viewed at https://fsacf.com.

Interested organizations should submit their grant application through the online portal.  The link to the portal can be found on the FSACF website, or at this link: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=southeastkansas .

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Amended Agenda For Bo Co Commission for August 7

 

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

August 7, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 7/31/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Opening of Motor Grader Financing Bids
  3. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-KAC and SEK District Meetings
  • Susan Bancroft-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Jim Harris- Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  1. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  2. Commission Comments
  3. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

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.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Kick Some Devil by Carolyn Tucker

Keys to the Kingdom

 

 

One morning, while it was still fairly dark outside and my mind was fuzzy, I was making my bed by a dim light. Standing by the window, I peeked through the curtains and was confused that I couldn’t see anything. Then my brain kicked in and I realized the shade was still pulled down. Duh! I couldn’t see the reality of anything outside.

 

As believers, we cannot allow the devil to take advantage of us and pull the wool over our eyes. It’s a good day in hell when our enemy deceives an unsuspecting Christian who’s asleep at the wheel. Satan will tempt us to doubt that God loves us unconditionally, hears our prayers, or is even interested in anything that’s happening in our day-to-day lives. Doubting these basic truths will cause us to lose our trust in God’s unfailing faithfulness.

 

What the imprisoned apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus is still the truth for us today. His letter is meant to ground, shape, and challenge all believers in their daily Christian walk. “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called — His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:18-20 NLT). The goodness and greatness of God flows through Christ Jesus into the hearts of every Christ follower. If it’s hard for you to believe that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is inside you, then decide right now to believe and accept this vital truth.

 

When a ripe-for-the-picking believer is lured into questioning and doubting, it’s because he/she has been sideswiped by the devil. Lucifer the Devious can’t be trusted any further than you can throw him because he hates, lies, cheats, deceives, and destroys.  Everything he touches turns to misery. Christians can’t afford to spare one minute listening to his slimy rubbish. “Don’t give the slanderous accuser, the Devil, an opportunity to manipulate you!” (Ephesians 4:17 TPT). Where I come from, we say: “I wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot pole.” Yep, Eve should’ve just walked away from that trap.

 

The apostle Paul knew there would be times when believers would face disappointment and frustration in their spiritual growth. He wrote to remind us that most of the progress we make comes little by little. Our spiritual battles are won through the light of practicing God’s Word. Even when we slip and miss the mark, the Lord  helps us to see clearly as we get up and continue walking in His marvelous light. “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand” (Psalm 37:23-24 NLT).

 

We must be on guard against the sly lies and strategies of Satan. Believers have the courage and strength to live boldly for God because all the forces of hell are anemic  compared to the supernatural power that is in us through Christ Jesus. This is a truth we need to grasp, activate, and practice every day.

 

The Key: Let’s pick up our sword (Bible) and kick some devil.

U234 Special Meeting Agenda for August 7

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                     Superintendent                                                                                                                                             

BOARD OF EDUCATION SPECIAL MEETING

AUGUST 7, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC

 

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                  James Wood, Vice-President

 

2.0       Flag Salute

 

3.0       No Limits Rehabilitation Inc. Contract for Physical Therapy Services (Action Item)

 

4.0       Handbooks for the 2023-24 school year (Action Item)

 

5.0       Presentation of 2023-24 Budget and Needs Assessment (Discussion Item)

 

6.0       Other Business – Personnel Matters

6.1       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

6.2       Exit Executive Session

6.3       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

6.4       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

7.0       Adjourn Meeting

                       

Preparing for the Next Storm

Clara Wicoff. Submitted photo 2023

 

The recent stormy weather in southeast Kansas has left some without power for several days this month. In addition to losing power, this meant that some also lost food when their perishable food was not able to be refrigerated properly. So, how can you prepare to keep food safe during the next storm? Check out these tips from FoodSafety.gov:

  • Put an appliance thermometer in your refrigerator and in your freezer. The temperature in your refrigerator should be 40°F or below and the temperature in your freezer should be 0°F or below. In the case of a future power outage, these thermometers will help you figure out if the food in your refrigerator and freezer is safe.
  • If the power does go out, try to keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed. If unopened, a refrigerator will keep food safe for four hours. A full freezer will maintain its temperature for 48 hours (or 24 hours if it is half full).
  • Once the power is back on, check the temperature on the appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer to see if the food was kept at a safe temperature. Perishable foods which were not kept at a safe temperature should be thrown away. Never taste food to test if it is safe. When in doubt, throw it out!

 

To learn more about keeping food safe before, during, and after emergencies, visit bit.ly/preparingforthestorm. Please contact me with questions at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and

Bo Co Agenda For August 7

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

August 7, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 7/31/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Opening of Motor Grader Financing Bids
  3. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-KAC and SEK District Meetings
  • Susan Bancroft-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  1. Commission Comments
  2. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

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.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Back to School Assistance For Supplies, Tutoring, Lessons, Camps Available

Kansas Education Enrichment Program Provides Back-to-School Assistance for Families in all
105 Kansas Counties 

~~Students Can Receive $1,000 for Educational Goods and Services~~

TOPEKA – As Kansas students prepare to head back to school this month, Governor Laura Kelly announced that families in all 105 counties across Kansas have applied for the Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP). She is encouraging more qualifying parents and guardians to take advantage of the one-time award of $1,000 per child to cover educational goods and services, including school supplies, tutoring, music lessons, and academic camps.

“The KEEP program is providing Kansas families the support they need to encourage their child’s learning over the summer and long after, whether that’s through new books, tutoring, or school supplies,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I encourage all who qualify to join the other families who have applied and to take advantage of this resource.”

In June, Governor Kelly expanded eligibility for KEEP to students with household incomes of less than 300% of federal poverty guidelines. The Kansas Office of Recovery partners with Merit to implement KEEP.

“As students head back to school, Merit is pleased to help facilitate the diverse and enriching educational experiences Kansas children will receive through KEEP,” said Tomer Kagan, CEO, Merit. “Merit’s online education marketplace connects parents and guardians with educational goods and services provided by approved service providers.”

Parents can spend their student’s program funds on a variety of academic enrichment opportunities such as:

  • The purchase of curriculum and educational materials, including school supplies and certain allowed technological devices
  • Camps with academic-related curriculum such as music, arts, science, technology, agriculture, mathematics, and engineering
  • Tutoring
  • Language classes
  • Musical instruments and lessons

The funds are not eligible for private school tuition.

Students in a current foster care placement are also eligible regardless of household income. More information on how families can apply for and receive funds is available on the KEEP program website: www.keep.ks.gov.

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Uniontown City Council Meeting Agenda for August 8

City of Uniontown Regular Council Meeting Agenda for August 8 at 7 p.m. at city hall.

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

2022 Audit presentation – Amanda Lancaster –

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of July 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and July 18, 2023 Budget Worksession
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

KMGA Regional Meeting update

CCMFOA Region 7 Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control Training, October 6, 9-3, Olathe, $25

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Mural Grant –

 

Placemaking Project –

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _____, to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to discuss economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

 

Old Settlers event insurance –

 

Review and update Capital Improvement Plan –

 

 

08-23 Informational Items

2023 Financials – July