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Taking Care of Business by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

 

Awhile back I was shopping at a thrift store and discovered a piece of jewelry that was quite a find, at least for me. It was a necklace with three letters “TCB” with a lightning bolt nestled between the T and the B. I could hardly believe my eyes! Most people probably wouldn’t have known or cared what they were looking at, but I did. The TCB logo was designed by Priscilla Presley and stands for “Taking Care of Business,” which was Elvis’ personal motto. When he returned to touring in 1969, his musicians were called the “TCB Band.“ Even though Elvis left the building in 1977, Elvis Presley Enterprises is still taking care of business at Graceland in Memphis.

 

I’m intrigued with the account of Mary and Joseph losing Jesus in Jerusalem when he was twelve years old. When it came time to head back home to Nazareth, Mary and Joseph assumed he was among their relatives and acquaintances. But when the entourage stopped for the evening, they discovered Jesus was nowhere to be found. When they returned to Jerusalem to look for him, “…they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they [Mary and Joseph] saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, ‘Son, why have you done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously‘“ (Luke 2:46-48 NKJV.) Jewish boys reach the age of religious responsibility at the age of twelve, so this incident was a crucial moment in Jesus‘ spiritual development.

 

“And He [Jesus] said to them, ’Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business’”? (Luke 2:49 NKJV.) Jesus seems to have assumed that His mother understood His mission better than she really did. I think Jesus was surprised to discover that his parents didn’t search for Him in the temple right off the bat. Jesus was taking care of His Father’s business because He understood His mission even as a young man.

 

As Christ followers, do we really understand our mission? Jesus is our example and He loved, taught, and healed wherever He went. “And He [Jesus] got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little way from the land. And He sat down and began teaching the people from the boat” (Luke 5:3 NASB.) Jesus’ ministry was not confined to the church building; He took advantage of all locations and situations so He could help people everywhere everyday. Jesus told Simon that he would begin fishing for people. Do we realize that catching fish is our mission and cleaning fish is God’s?

 

How do believers take care of business for the King? We are to walk in love, be generous, and forgive others. Jesus taught the hard straight truth that how we treat others is the same as how we treat Him (ref. Matthew 25:41-45). Christ followers must be careful not to put the business of everyday life ahead of the Father’s business. Jesus was sent to preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God and He “went around doing good“ (Acts 10:38 NLT.) We are preaching to others what we believe simply by how we live. Saint Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel at all times and, if necessary, use words.”

 

The Key: Taking care of our Father’s business happens everyday everywhere.

K-State Extension

Sun Safety

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Cassidy Lutz
K-State Research and Extension 
Family and Consumer Science Agent 
Southwind District 
211 W. Butler 
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620

 

As the days get longer and the temperatures get higher, many of us will likely spend more time outside enjoying the sunny spring days.

Although there are many health benefits tied to spending time outdoors, there is one potentially dangerous side effect of sun exposure that can be dangerous – skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 3.3 million Americans have some type of skin cancer. Most diagnoses are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and can be prevented. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps.

As much as we all love being outside during the spring and summer months, it is important to keep your skin healthy.

The best place to start would be to reduce sun exposure, especially during the peak time of day for high UV index, which is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you are planning to be outside for extended periods, wear protective gear such as hats, long sleeve shirts, pants, and sunglasses. Wear sunscreen daily, regardless of the season or weather forecast. UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause sunburns even when it’s cloudy.

Some individuals are more sensitive to UV rays and need higher SPF sunscreens. Make sure to read the labels of sun lotions, gels, oils, and sprays to ensure it is the right fit for you. Apply sunscreen to all uncovered areas thirty minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours. Spots like the back of the neck, the tops of ears, and the back of the hands are easy to overlook but are usually the areas with the highest exposure. If you work up a sweat or go for a swim, make sure to apply it more often as sunscreen is not waterproof.

When choosing a sunscreen, avoid spray cans as they can be accidentally inhaled. They are also less likely to be applied in adequate amounts and can leave missed spots. Look for sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as the active ingredient. These chemicals are generally safer for children because they aren’t absorbed into the skin. Avoid products that contain the chemicals oxybenzone, octinoxate (octylmethoxycinnamate), or retinyl palmitate/retinol/vitamin A. All have higher toxicity concerns associated with them. Always read and follow all label directions and precautions on sunscreen products. Some have specific warnings regarding the use on children.

If you notice a spot on your skin that changes in size, shape, color, or is itchy or painful, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. A yearly check up with a skin doctor can help with early detection and prevention, especially for those with a family history of skin cancer.

Follow these tips to ensure you are enjoying your time outside safely and in a way that won’t cause major health concerns now, or in years to come. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.

 

K-State Extension

Container Gardening Is For Everyone

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

 

The popularity of container gardening has dramatically increased in recent years. As we live in a world of limited time and space for gardens, container gardens seem to be a practical fit. Residents of apartments, long term care facilities or houses with small lots can still enjoy gardening. Poor soil or no place to put plants in the ground is no longer an excuse for not enjoying plants.

 

Building a container garden is really quite simple. However, they tend to need a bit more attention than a garden in the ground. Careful attention needs to be paid to the potting media, watering and fertilizing.

 

Garden soil is great for growing things in the ground but when using containers, the soil needs to be changed. Container soils need to be well aerated and well drained but yet still be able to retain moisture. This is why a soil substitute, or potting mix (media), is often used. These mixes may contain soil (called a soil mix) or no soil at all (called a soilless mix) and may also contain other ingredients such as peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. You can also your own mix by using one part soil, one part peat moss and one part perlite. The same potting media can be used from year to year if the plants in the containers were healthy during the growing season with no major disease issues.

 

What about the contain itself? Containers come in many different styles and sizes. Containers can be made from clay, plastic, ceramic or wood. I personally use empty cattle supplement lick containers and they actually work quite well. The only essential thing is that the container must have drain holes in the bottom.

 

As for the size of container, it depends on the type of plants to be planted. Small plants can be grown in fairly small, shallow containers while larger plants will need more space. Most annual flowers and small vegetables do best in 12 inch pots. Larger vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes or peppers will require a 16-24 inch container.

 

When choosing plants – most of the standard varieties of vegetables will grow well in containers. However, there are some cultivars bred specifically for small spaces. Lettuce, spinach, radish and onion are all early season vegetables that can be easily grown in containers. For the more warm season vegetables – sweet, hot and banana peppers do well in large containers. Tomatoes, dwarf varieties such as Patio, Pixie, Tiny Tim or Tumbling Tom, are a good choice. If you like a small vine tomato, consider Mountain Belle (cherry), Mountain Glory or Sunmaster.

 

We have a very useful publication titled “Growing Vegetables in Pots.” It gives complete information on planting, care, fertilization, and variety selection. Visit www.southwind.ksu.edu to download.

 

If you have gardening questions, I can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 620-244-3826.

 

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension agent assigned to Southwind District. 

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

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION for April 18

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 NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR              

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION


CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

April 18, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1. Roll Call:
  2.      Jones     T. VanHoecke     E. Woellhof     K. Harrington     M. Wells
  3.      Flag Salute:

III.     Invocation:   M. Wells

  1. Approval of Agenda:
  2. Consent Agenda:
  3. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 4, 2023
  4. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1334-A totaling $664,633.78
  5. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $18,851.35
  6. Invoice 16438 – System Designs Phase

Addenda Phase II – $3,400.00

Phase III – $4,187.50

  1. Invoice 16440 – Bidding    $450.00
  2. Invoice 16441 – Cooper Street Inspection

Shane Redfern – $291.00

Amanda Simpson – $145.50

Miles – $74.75

  1. Invoice 16442 – South Horton Street and West 6th Street

Preliminary Design 82% –    $1,380.00

  1. Invoice 16443 – City Engineer –

Monthly Fee –   $4,243.60

  1. Invoice 16444 – US-54 CCLIP – Phase I –

Survey 30% –    $3,600.00

  1. Invoice 16445 – CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project I

Jason Dickman –   $885.00

Shane Redfern –   $194.00

 

  1. Public Comment:

Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5)      minutes per person, at Commission discretion.

VII.      Old Business: 

 

  1.   Consideration of Body Cam Purchase for Police Department – J. Pickert
  2. Consideration of bid for Fort Scott Pavilion – renderings of color options

     presented – J. Dickman

  1. Consideration of Letters of Interest for Open Seat on Park Advisory Board
  2. Consideration of WWTP Reuse Water Booster Pump System – S. Flater and
  3. Dickman

 

 VIII.     Appearances:

 

  1. Jesse Hazen – Request for Temporary Park Closure – Riverfront Park – Riverfront Car & Bike Show – 6/3/2023 – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  2. Jesse Hazen – Request for Temporary Street Closure – N. National Ave. between Linker St. and Maple Rd. – 6/3/2023 – 8:00AM – 3:00PM
  3. Dr. A. Johnston – FSCC Project
  4. Rachel Carpenter – HBCAT’s 3rd Street Park Project

 

  1. Public Hearing: NONE

 

  1. New Business:
  2. Consideration of Resolution No. 2-2023 – Designating the Official Depositories for the Public Funds of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas
  3. Approval of EPEC Aquionics UV Units, Power, and Control Panels – S. Flater
  4. Consideration Gunn Park Bathroom and Shower House Bids – B. Matkin
  5. Consideration of Investing $2 million of City funds into CDs – B. Hart
  6. Core Community Discussion
  7. REDI Discussion
  8. Discussion of upcoming vacancy for City Commissioner

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:
  5. VanHoecke –
  6. Woellhof –
  7. Harrington –
  8. Jones –
  9. Wells –

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

XII.        Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for   Executive Sessions)

XIII.        Adjournment:

Ascension Via Christi

Ascension Via Christi celebrates 120 years of compassionate care

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On Apr. 14, 1903, Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg began its healing mission as Mt. Carmel Hospital,with just 20 rooms lit by oil lamps in which to provide care.

In the late 1800s, coal mining camps developed throughout Crawford County as Southeast Kansas experienced a period of rapid growth. Health conditions were poor and the city hospital in Pittsburg was unable to serve the influx of residents, so local doctors consulted the Rt. Rev. John J. Hennessy, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, for help in building a new hospital. The bishop called Mother Mary Bernard Sheridan, founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Wichita, for help.

In 1989, Charles J. Devlin, owner of the Mt. Carmel Coal Company, presented the Sisters with a monetary donation and 40-acre tract of land between Frontenac and Pittsburg upon which  to build the hospital. As a gesture of appreciation, the new facility was named Mt. Carmel Hospital and was the first to be operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Wichita.

“We are blessed to be part of a health organization that has provided care to our local community for 120 years,” says Drew Talbott, hospital president. “Our Mission began to provide care to the underserved and continues so today.”

In 1971 and after a highly successful community fundraising drive, the current hospital building was constructed to accommodate its ever-growing patient count.

Now, 120 years later with 110 rooms and a staff of more than 450, the hospital provides specialized orthopedic, cardiology, emergency, obstetric and gynecology, surgical, pediatric, cancer care, rehabilitation, physical therapy, sleep medicine and other health services.

It also features a Women’s Center with a Level II nursery and central fetal monitoring system; Heart Center with a $2.6 million Cardiac Stepdown Unit, catheterization lab and pediatric echocardiogram program; Emergency departments in both Pittsburg and Fort Scott recognized as Level III trauma Centers with Level 3 geriatric care accreditations; a 40,000-square-foot Surgery Center equipped with state-of-the-art robotic-assisted technology, 3D mammography capabilities and a recently-renovated Cancer Center equipped with a $1.5 million state-of-the-art TrueBeam linear accelerator.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the work of our incredible associates and medical staff,” says Talbott. “They make our Mission possible.”

Since 1903, Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg has been blessed to provide compassionate care, close to home and will continue to do so well into the future.

To learn more about Ascension Via Christi, go to ascension.org/pittsburgKS.

###

About Ascension Via Christi

 

In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Minutes of March 20

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
March 20, 2023
PRESENT: Dave Elliott, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson (Acting Chairman)
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff
Acting Chairman Nelson called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was
opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Acting Chairman Robert Nelson welcomed attendees and expressed
gratitude for the successful the great things happening at FSCC.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Marquece Hayes spoke on behalf of Thade Yates who had submitted a request to give a public comment. He asked the Board to consider bringing the football program back to FSCC.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Holt, and approved by unanimous vote to
amend the consent agenda by adding Consideration of Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan as the first item under Action/Discussion.
A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda as amended.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. Rob Harrington presented information regarding the Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.
A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.
B. A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve disposal of three copiers as specified.
C. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve disposal of
identified broken, damaged, non-functional and/or obsolete equipment with an R2 certified E-waste disposal company.
D. A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the KanREN renewal contracts for all sites listed for their respective time periods.
E. A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the public notice publication for the property at 902 S. Horton.
F. A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the agreement between Fort Scott Community College and Institute for the Development of Educational Advancement (IDEA).
G. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the bid from Lankford Enterprises for the Arnold Arena gym floors.
H. The Board discussed attendance at graduation ceremonies. Robert Nelson, Dave Elliott, Bryan Holt, and
Kirk Hart are planning to attend both ceremonies.
I. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve 2023-24
tuition and fees as presented.6

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda For April 17

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April 17, 2023
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, April
17, 2023. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall, followed by regular board meeting at approximately 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Digital Marketing Presentation – Jared Dorsey, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on March 20, 2023, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 8
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 69
A. Consideration of Food Service Agreement, 69
B. Approval of Zero Turn Mower Replacement, 75
REPORTS, 76
A. Administrative Updates, 77
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 97
ADJOURNMENT, 981

UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• April 17, 2023: Board Meeting
• May 13, 2023: Graduation
• May 15, 2023: Board Meeting
• June 19, 2023: Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2

ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Robert Nelson3

CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. DIGITAL MARKETING PRESENTATION – JARED DORSEY4

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on March 20, 2023.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Abbi Munson, Women’s Flag Football Coach, effective April 12, 2023
2) Separations
a) Jaelen Milus, Women’s Assistant Basketball Coach, effective March 21,
2023
b) Cheryl Craig, Nursing Instructor, effective May 30, 2023
c) Chris Sterrett, HVAC Instructor, effective May 30, 2023
d) Adam Borth, VP of Academic Affairs, effective June 30, 2023
3) Transfers
a) Mitchell McMullen, from Men’s Assistant Basketball Coach to Women’s
Head Basketball Coach, effective March 10, 2023
E. APPROVAL OF EMERITUS STAFF APPOINTMENTS
1) Janet Fancher
2) Lillie Grubb
3) Chris Sterrett
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson5

To view the entire packet:

4.17.23 Consent Agenda

Bourbon County, Government

KDOT to replace bridge on K-39 in Bourbon County

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The week of April 24 the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to start a project to replace the Owl Creek bridge on K-39. The bridge is 2 miles east of the east K-3 junction.

 

The bridge will be replaced one half at a time, with temporary signals directing one-lane traffic through the work zone. Expect brief delays. The new bridge should be open in late 2023.

 

KDOT awarded the construction contract of $2 million to Bridges Inc., of Newton. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Minutes of April 11

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April 11, 2023                                                                                          Tuesday, 12:30 p.m.

 

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting with all three Commissioners attending via phone and the County Clerk and County Counselor present.

 

Patty Ropp was present for the entire meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with flag salute.

 

Jim asked County Counselor Meeks to read the letter that was prepared and is addressed to the City of Fort Scott Commissioners. The letter requested City Commissioners to vote to overturn the recent application of an ordinance to give additional guidance and regulations to building contractors within the city of Fort Scott. Jim made a motion to approve the letter as Justin read it, submit the letter to the Commission of the City of Fort Scott, and allow Commissioner Beth to read the letter at the city’s meeting if he chooses to. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:32. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

 

Approved 4/13/2023

Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 6

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April 6, 2023                                                                                             Thursday, 9:00 a.m.

 

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Clint Walker, Mark McCoy, Deb McCoy, and Lora Holdridge were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting the with flag salute.

 

Nelson Blythe made a motion to approve the minutes from last week’s meeting.  Clifton Beth seconded, and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the payroll totaling $211,174.87, the accounts payable totaling $302,712.05, and miscellaneous disbursement checks for March totaling $13,719.41. Nelson seconded and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented a list of new culvert permits for March. Eric also handed out a report for the fuel through the end of March. Jim asked if all the departments except for the Sheriff’s department were still getting their fuel from public works and Eric responded yes. Eric gave an update on the fuel card system stating it has been a long process but the company sent software and will be here in the near future to install it. Jim commented that public works was getting good prices on gas and diesel and Clifton agreed.

The 5-year Solid Waste Plan that is due to KDHE by May 17 was handed out to each Commissioner to review and will be presented at next week’s meeting for approval. Jim questioned if any changes were made and Eric stated that the composting was added and that MSW and C&D are up as more out of county and state customers and using the landfill. Eric discussed the process to approve the plan which includes the Commission approving the 5-year plan, posting a notice of a required public meeting which can be held at a regularly scheduled Commission meeting, and passing a resolution adopting the plan. Clifton made a motion to accept the plan, but Nelson stated he would like to read the plan and suggested approving the plan at the next meeting. Clifton withdrew his motion.

 

Eric asked Shane Walker in to discuss the recent storm damage. The storm that passed through Bourbon County yesterday morning had multiple trees down, several residents lost their barns, power lines and poles were down as well. An entire barn was lifted from its block foundation and set down in the middle of Quail Road. Eric thanked the public works crew for their hard work putting up signs, removing downed trees, and clearing debris to allow the electric companies to get in and restore power to residents.  The barn was torn down and hauled to the C&D section of the landfill, which Eric said was approved by KDHE.

Eric thanked the city of Bronson stating John Stokes allowed the county to bring brush gathered from the storm damage to their burn pile which is an approved burn site by KDHE.  Eric stated that the equipment and manhours were all tracked for the storm damage cleanup and multiple pictures were taken so that if a declaration is made by the state, they will have all their documentation in line. Shane said the state contacted him regarding the damage in the Bronson area and they did a verbal storm declaration, but said a written declaration will need to be signed to be on file. Shane said that the emergency management department has posted on the radio and Facebook for residents with property damage to contact the county so the damage can be documented and added to the countywide totals in order to try to meet state guidelines. Shane said that there was not enough road damage to qualify for FEMA. Clifton asked what the total was that had to be met and Shane said it is 5.5 million dollars statewide.

Chanute sustained significant damage with the storm yesterday morning, with Shane stating an entire block will have to be collapsed. Shane stated that 90 mph winds were recorded in Bronson and 78 mph winds were recorded in Uniontown. Shane said roof damage and walls blown out of barns were the majority of the damage they saw; however there was one house destroyed and that debris was carried over a mile away. Jim asked if we had another storm came through in two weeks if they could add damage from that to this storm and Shane said yes if it is within a certain window. Nelson asked how long the declaration can last and it was stated the resolution is for two weeks; however it can be extended by the commission. Nelson asked it we have to pass the storm declaration to get money and where does it come from? Shane said it depends on what we apply for but its mainly federal.

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to move resolution 10-23 before the executive session. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson made a motion to approve resolution 10-23 declaring a state of local disaster for Bourbon County. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved. Eric said if the state’s declaration is approved then public works will get reimbursed for their time, equipment, and material costs.

 

Jim said that they need to have a discussion with property owners on the west side of Lake Fort Scott. 190th St. is a county road, but there are several roads that go into homes that the residents feel are either county or city. Jim said that he spoke to the Register of Deeds, Lora Holdridge, and the roads are not county, but the city says they are not city roads either. Jim stated there needs to be a meeting with city and county representatives and the residents to solve this, but the commission needs to decide how they want to handle this. Clifton said they as Commissioners have zero power outside of the room, so in his opinion the meeting would need to be held during a Commission meeting. Eric was asked to visit with Lora and the city to determine whose roads they are before the meet with the citizens. Lora Holdridge came into the meeting stated the roads are listed as access drives but that the roads do not show ownership and are not named roads. The original plat shows the city of Fort Scott. Mark McCoy said the City Commissioner on the Lake Advisory Board should be the city’s representative in this matter.

 

Jim said the Fort Scott Community College requested a Commissioner to attend a meeting on Monday 4-10-23 to discuss repairs to their pond. Jim asked Eric to attend the meeting on the county’s behalf.

 

Eric told Nelson the road issues he reported during the last meeting were taken care of last week. The road issue Jim reported on 230th St. will be corrected this week.

 

A five-minute break was taken and normal session was resumed at 9:34.

 

Susan Bancroft requested a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include Susan Bancroft, all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Shane Walker and will return at 9:44. Nelson seconded, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:44 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

 

Justin Meeks requested a 7-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for two active litigation issues one is a potential litigation issue and the other is a personnel matter.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow an executive session before public comments. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-minute executive session under 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 to include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 9:53. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:53 with action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks asked to be allowed to approve the documents for the opioid settlement from the state. Justin stated he received the documents yesterday and the amount is under $5000. Clifton made a motion to allow Justin to approve the opioid settlement from the Attorney General’s office. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Justin stated the settlement checks will be sent to the Clerk’s office and that a special fund has been created for those.

 

Deb McCoy read a prepared statement during public comments about prior comments made during Commission meetings about rule of law and codes of regulations. Deb stated, “the cultivation of the rhetoric towards the transgressions of the law is concerning.” Deb said a remark was made that enforcement of laws are the ones that I agree with and the laws I don’t agree with I don’t enforce. Ms. McCoy further stated discretion and enforcement are knowing what is just law. As a public official it should mean acting in a manner that appears just and proper under all circumstances and respect the law. Deb talked about how Justin said federal laws trump state laws and state laws trump county laws and city resolutions and ordinances. Deb briefly discussed wiretapping and eavesdropping under the anti-wire tapping federal and state law stating it is illegal for any person to secretly record any oral, telephonic, or electronic communication that the other party reasonably expects to be private. Deb said in the beginning of March there was a meeting that had two executive sessions and when you returned to the open meeting you were instructed by county counselor to individually to speak with IT privately and then speak to the county counselor about the decision on the action that should be take. Ms. McCoy stated she didn’t recall any mention in any following meetings of action taken. Deb said it was pointed out by the District Attorney that some job descriptions coincide with the county administrator position and that should have been determined by the general bond law KSA 19-3A02. Deb stated it seems like a huge workload for one person with three job descriptions. Deb discussed the eligibility of the office of commissioner stating the Attorney General has issued a ruling about incompatibility involving the office of county commissioner and the position of a city law enforcement. Ms. McCoy said the rule of law is the most basic form, it is the principal that no one is above the law and that democracy depends on the rule of law because without law there is no order and without order there can be no democracy.

 

Nelson introduced himself to Deb McCoy and asked to see her statements so that he could discuss certain pieces with her. Nelson said that he was misinterpreted regarding the laws he enforces and discretion. Discretion is a word commonly used in law enforcement and he referred to speeding and stated they are not required to write a ticket every time someone speeds and that is where discretion comes in. Nelson stated there are laws he doesn’t agree with, but that doesn’t mean he is refusing to enforce them. Nelson said his job as a law enforcement officer is to protect the rights of individuals and protect freedom and safety. He protects the US Constitution and works to make sure that people who live in Bourbon County are safe from murder and theft and that is what he is working on when he leaves this room. Nelson said please don’t take any personal offence to the comments he said last week and that his job as a law enforcement officer is to protect freedoms. Nelson said he stands for the people, he protects the people, and he works for the people to protect their liberties. Deb stated we as citizens should have respect for the rule of law so that it wouldn’t make your job so huge and that the bottom line is without the rule of law, we would be chaotic, we would run amuck. Nelson said the law protects the people, and he takes that very seriously. Nelson thanked Deb for the effort it took to write her statement and come and present it before the Commission. Clifton said there was no action and that we do not have a county administrator nor will we for as long as he is a Commissioner. Jim said he agrees with Clifton’s remark and there will be no county administrator under his watch. As far as the job description they are close but until the Commission take that to the voters, there is no administrator. Clifton said there is nobody making arbitrary decisions on their own in this courthouse and if they do, he would be the first to ask that they be fired. Jim said county administrators are usually in charge of everyone and that this person has no employees. Nelson touched on compatibility of office and said that is the opinion on a statute and for a rule that would have to go to the supreme court; it is not law, only an opinion of one person. Nelson said that he will continue to serve his community to the best of his ability in both capacities as long as he can.

 

 

Clifton said that he had received a few phone calls and saw a few individuals in person and there are some really upset contractors in our community. Clifton said it is not our job to tell the city what to do but a meeting has been called for stakeholders to discuss what the City Commission passed on Tuesday night. Clifton said in his opinion we are very much a stakeholder and he will make a motion to write a response to that because what was passed is questionable regarding contractors. Clifton feels we should have an answer to what was passed considering all the county has done the past few years in regard to economic development and asked for the thoughts of the other Commissioners. Jim said he agrees that we should make a statement. Nelson asked what was done regarding contractors and Clifton responded that they have put licensing, bonding, engineering, and architectural regulations on residential and commercial contractors. Clifton said now a house in Fort Scott will cost 30-40% more to build and questioned when it comes to economic development why are we making it harder? Clifton recommended writing a letter to the City Commissioners of Fort Scott. Jim asked Clifton if he would stand up and read the letter during the meeting the city is going to hold next week and Clifton responded he would. Justin suggested holding a special meeting of the Bourbon County Commissions Tuesday afternoon to review the letter and approve it. Jim made a motion to hold a special meeting on 4-11-23 at 12:30 with some Commissioners attending by phone to possibly approve a letter written to the City Commissioners of Fort Scott regarding contractors. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.  Clifton said he doesn’t want to make a big deal of this but the Commission have put hours into economic development and doesn’t want to see that move backwards. Clifton said that next week during the regularly Thursday Commission meeting there will be a CORE Communities presentation dealing with poverty in our county at 9:30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:18. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Approved 4/13/2023.