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Kansas

Unmet Legal Needs in Rural Kansas

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Rural Justice Initiative Committee releases report and recommendations

TOPEKA—A committee formed two years ago to examine unmet legal needs in rural Kansas has released its findings and recommendations in a report to the Kansas Supreme Court.

The Kansas Rural Justice Initiative Committee was charged with studying the trend toward fewer attorneys living and working in rural Kansas and how it impacts rural Kansans who need legal services.

The report includes 10 recommendations to encourage new attorneys to live and work in rural Kansas, as well as to inspire K-12 students in rural areas to pursue careers in law.

“Every day, judges in rural communities witness the effects of too few attorneys, but this was the first attempt to document the depth and breadth of the problem,” Chief Justice Marla Luckert said. “I appreciate the committee’s extraordinary work, time, and effort to find ways we can change this trend.”

In its report, the committee said the problem of too few attorneys in rural Kansas has become a crisis. It notes that in 99 rural Kansas counties, the attorney-to-resident ratio is two or fewer per 1,000. The American Bar Association reports the national average is 3.9 active attorneys for every 1,000 residents.

Kansas has two counties that don’t have any attorneys at all. If you remove attorneys who are 60 and older, 87 counties would have one or fewer attorneys for every 1,000 residents. Nine more would have no attorneys at all.

About 79% of all active attorneys live in five urban counties—Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte. The counties are also home to nearly half the state’s residents. This leaves about 1,400 active attorneys to serve 1.3 million rural Kansans in 100 counties.

Justice K.J. Wall, who chaired the committee, said the situation is even more stark than what the data show.

“We need to keep in mind some rural attorneys do not or cannot offer legal services,” Wall said. “Some are judges or prosecutors and some work for government or private businesses. These attorneys are not available to provide legal services to someone in the community, although they are represented in the data.”

This lack of attorneys strains the court system. It requires judges to look outside their community to find an attorney to represent a party who is entitled to have one appointed by the court.

Judges are also faced with a growing number of people who act as their own counsel, which can be out of necessity. Judges and court employees carefully guide these unrepresented parties through legal processes while exercising great care to not give legal advice.

Rural Kansans who need an attorney and have the resources to hire one can be forced to look outside their community, which can increase their costs.

What’s needed, Wall said, is coordinated action to make it easier and even enticing for new attorneys to live and practice in rural areas.

Among the strategies the committee recommends are tuition-reimbursement incentives for prospective attorneys to attend a Kansas law school and practice in rural Kansas after becoming an attorney. Another is a student loan repayment program for attorneys living and practicing in rural Kansas.

“There isn’t one solution to this multifaceted problem, but rather a number of strategies that could work together to reverse a long-term trend,” Wall said. “The recommendations are well-reasoned and attainable, and they reflect the committee’s combined understanding of this issue.”

Before developing its recommendations, the committee surveyed rural Kansas attorneys and conducted listening sessions with rural attorneys and law students at Kansas’ two laws schools. The committee also researched how other states are responding to this issue, including through programs highlighted by the National Center for State Courts Rural Justice Collaborative.

The 35-member committee included representatives from all three branches of state government, the legal and business communities, law schools, and organizations that serve victims of sexual or domestic violence.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

www.kscourts.gov

Opinion

The Best Gift of Christmas by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. – Isaiah 53:2-5

Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, his entry into the world was predicted by Isaiah. We who celebrate Christmas, focusing on our exquisitely decorated trees, our lavish presents, enough food to feed our local community, and perhaps even our yearly trip to a church service are not exactly what Jesus had in mind when he entered this sin-filled world.

He came to be what we need to glorify Him. Perhaps that’s why the details of his birth are what really matter during this holiday season.

Christ was not born under a beautifully decorated tree near a fireplace but in a feeding trough. The first smells to enter his nostrils were not cinnamon potpourri or a freshly roasted turkey but animal manure. He came not to receive gifts but to be our gift, yet we seem to ignore that as we spend hours preparing a feast (that is devoured in 30 minutes) or go into credit card debt for gifts people probably don’t even need.

We forget Jesus’ importance.

We forget how he suffered for us.

And suffer he did. Matthew 20:28 tells us that Jesus came to serve. He did that by rescuing us from ourselves, from our sins, starting at his birth.

Jesus willingly left Heaven to come to earth, not to live in a palace, tended to by servants, but to live as we would never choose to live, to pay the penalty for our sins and offer us freedom and peace and eternity with him in Heaven.

Jesus did not show up for a celebration. He chose to suffer to be our savior.

So, on whom do we focus when we revel in the gift side of Christmas?

God loves when we serve, not just at Christmas but daily, and He provides those opportunities in some crazy, simple ways.

Yesterday, for example, Dave and I were driving home from church when we noticed an elderly man on a side street, struggling to catch his dog. The more the man limped toward the dog, the further the animal ran from him. As we passed the street, I told Dave that I thought we should turn around and see if we could help.

By that time, the old man had given up and was headed back up the road, clearly struggling to walk. His runaway pooch was at the end of the street, which is where I got out of the car and yelled, asking the man if this was his dog. It was. The closer I walked toward the animal, the more it retreated, then stopped, waiting for me to move towards it, ultimately ending up beside the man who thanked us over and over.

I said, “Merry Christmas,” and we left. Such a simple thing.

I pray that this Christmas, our celebration of what Jesus willingly did for us will become a festival of overflowing joy, not so we get caught up in all the worldly acts of craziness surrounding it but so we can pass on to others our gifts of service. Our way of honoring our King.

Area News

Stay Warm and Save Money: Tips to Lower Your Energy Bills this Winter

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As the chill of winter sets in, Kansas Gas Service is dedicated to helping customers stay warm and save money. With a few no-cost or low-cost energy-saving tips, families can reduce their energy use without sacrificing comfort.

“Making small adjustments to save on energy consumption is easier than customers think. With simple tips and tools, Kansans can use less energy, which lowers bills and keeps more money in their pockets,” said Sean Postlethwait, vice president of Operations at Kansas Gas Service.

5 Easy Steps to Save Money and Energy This Winter

Customers can take these easy steps to reduce energy use and help manage their winter bills:

  • Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows: Apply weather-stripping or caulk to seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors to keep warm air in and cold air out.
  • Reduce the Temperature on Your Water Heater: Set your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or the “warm” setting.
  • Change or Clean Filters: A clean filter on your furnace can lower your energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
  • Install Foam Gaskets on Switches and Outlets: Electrical switches and outlets can account for up to 10% of your home’s energy loss.
  • Change the Rotation of Ceiling Fans: Hot air rises, so reverse your ceiling fans to a clockwise rotation to push warm air downward.

Applying these tips can help reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills while keeping your home comfortable during the winter months. For more information, visit kansasgasservice.com/energytips.

 

 

About Kansas Gas Service

Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 648,000 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&P MidCap 400 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, Nextdoor, LinkedIn and YouTube.

 

Bourbon County, Health Care

Ruritan Organizes Remembrance of Local Veterans

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From left, Matt Crystal, speaker; Mark Warren, Ruritan spokesman, and Pastor Mary DeWitt. Submitted photo.

The Uniontown Ruritan organized a wreath-laying event at the town’s cemetery on December 13.

The ceremony honored 85 veterans of U.S. Wars, dating back to the Civil War, by placing a wreath on their graves and calling their names out for remembrance.

Matt Crystal, with the local VFW, spoke to the attendees.

Students from Uniontown High School assisted Ruritan in the ceremony.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Has A Banner Year

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December 16, 2024

Vol. 12

A Banner Year: Celebrating Record Visitors in 2024

Since its beginning in 2007, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes has hosted visitors from around the world, including 109 countries and all 50 U.S. states. On December 7th, the center reached a new milestone with its 15,000th visitor for 2024, a record-high number of visitors for one calendar year.

The Lowell Milken Center congratulates Brittany Ward from Fayetteville, AR, as the 15,000th visitor for 2024, and it just so happened that she was also celebrating her 50th birthday! Upon touring the exhibit about Irena Sendler, Brittany, who was visiting with her sister, Samantha Thomas from Webb City, MO, shared some personal connections. Her family was originally from Germany; her grandfather served on an American Navy submarine during WWII, and some family members came to the U.S. as refugees in Oswego, NY.

Visitors like Brittany advance the mission of the Center, learning about and sharing the Unsung Heroes’ stories, along with the heroes’ significant historical impact on our lives, our country, and the world. As the number of visitors increases, interest in the Center grows, and the number of projects entered in the Discovery Award and ArtEffect competitions also grows. Consequently, new Unsung Hero exhibits are continually added to the Lowell Milken Center’s Hall of Heroes, the Lowell Milken Park, and the Center’s website. These unsung heroes become role models that inspire all who learn about them to seek to make a difference in the lives of others.

Visit www.lowellmilkencenter.org to learn more.

Brittany Ward (left) of Fayetteville, AR, was the 15,000 visitor this year at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. She is pictured with her sister, Samantha Thomas, of Webb City, MO.

Celebrating Excellence in Education

LMC’s CEO, Norm Conard, recently traveled to Louisiana to join a momentous celebration—the announcement of the 3,000th recipient of the Milken Educator Award! Presented by the Milken Family Foundation, this prestigious award recognizes outstanding educators across the country. Norm, a proud recipient of the award in 1992, continues to embody its spirit through his lifelong dedication to education and innovation.

We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with the Milken Family Foundation and applaud the incredible impact of exceptional educators nationwide!

LMC Fellow DC Cockrell Decorates The White House for the Holidays

Darrion “DC” Cockrell, 2023 LMC Fellow and 2021 Missouri Teacher of the Year, was invited to The White House Holiday Reception this season! Adding to the honor, DC was also asked to be part of the team that decorated The White House for the holidays, contributing his creativity and spirit to this time-honored tradition.

Reflecting on the experience, DC shared:
“Education is the gift that keeps on giving. Because I’ve been able to prioritize education and embrace my love for being an educator, I was honored to be invited to decorate the house of the people—The White House. I will forever be grateful for this incredible experience!”

DC’s passion for service and community continues to inspire us, and we are proud to celebrate this remarkable achievement with him!

LMC Receives Kansas Tourism Development Grant

We are excited to announce that the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes has been awarded a Tourism Attraction Development grant, presented by Bridget Jobe, Director of the Kansas Tourism Department. This generous support will enable us to continue sharing the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes while enhancing the experience for visitors from near and far.

We’re proud to contribute to Kansas’s vibrant cultural and educational tourism landscape and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to our center. Thank you, Kansas Tourism, for helping us make a difference!

Holiday Magic Shines Bright at the 2nd Annual Christmas on the Bricks

The 2nd Annual Christmas on the Bricks was a resounding success, drawing locals and visitors from across the region—and even out of state—to downtown Fort Scott. This year’s celebration featured enchanting horse-drawn carriage rides, an ice-skating rink, live music, and plenty of shopping to kick off the holiday season. The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes welcomed numerous visitors who enjoyed exploring its inspiring exhibits, while the beautifully decorated Lowell Milken Park served as a highlight of the downtown festivities. The event was filled with laughter, joy, and community spirit, making it a perfect start to the most wonderful time of the year! 🎄

✨ Christmas magic lit up Lowell Milken Park as families and friends enjoyed the holiday cheer with dazzling lights and a festive movie night during Christmas on the Bricks. 🎄🎥❄️

Your Generosity Fuels Our Mission

Consider a Personalized Brick in Unsung Heroes Park!

For just $100, you can create a unique and enduring tribute to honor a hero in your life. By purchasing a brick, you not only create a lasting memorial but also support the Lowell Milken Center’s mission to share the remarkable stories of Unsung Heroes throughout history.

Your purchase is tax-deductible, as the Lowell Milken Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We’ll promptly email you a printable certificate, making it a hassle-free and meaningful gift option.

Secure your brick today by visiting the Lowell Milken Center at 1 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS, or by submitting this form: https://bit.ly/brick_form. For more information, contact LMC at 620-223-1312.
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Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on December 11

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The Regular Uniontown City Council Meeting on December 11, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Savannah Pritchett, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Appoint and administer Oath of Office Savannah Pritchett as council member to fill vacant position.

 

Administer Oath of Office to Danea Esslinger, City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk.

 

KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel – Dixie unable to attend due to meeting date change. Council to review Slide Show

Presentation and email questions to Clerk to forward to Dixie before the January meeting.

 

Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing – Cost estimates not completed yet, table until January meeting.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Johnson was absent but a written report was presented for the November 2024 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $305,810.54, Receipts $32,360.86, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $34,792.15, Checking Account Closing Balance $290,603.25. Bank Statement Balance $302,036.21, including Checking Account Interest of $63.57, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $11,432.96, Reconciled Balance $290.603.25.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,813.87, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,652.34, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,625.68, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $389,695.14. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $651.22, and Utility CDs $1,993.05 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,644.27.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvements-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvements-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of November $15,207.29, Year-to-Date Net Income $55,124.05.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $111,087.83 (90.0%), Expenditures $114,731.66 (70.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $32,108.71 (86.9%), Expenditures $28378.65 (67.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $104,804.74 (71.5%), Expenditures $109,096.85 (61.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $205,995.81 (105.3%), Expenditures $176,750.57 (57.1%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,175.91 (112.5%), Expenditures $7,183.05 (70.9%).  The December 2024 payables to date in the amount of $25,405.87 were presented.  The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Johnson-Schowengerdt, council pay and payroll have not been received/completed by meeting time.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of November 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and November 19, 2024 Special Council Meeting.
  • Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported that Bill Griffith would like rock or something on the railroad right-of-way where county cleaned out ditch. Mayor Jurgensen suggested to try 5 to 6 inches of milling.

 

Clerk Esslinger informed the council that gWorks is not working as promised.

She asked the council if can waive the penalty for utility billings this month due to slow US Postal delivery.  We received several calls that billings had not been received by the 10th.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to inform unpaid accounts of waiving of penalty due to slow postal delivery, and inform them of amount due; penalty will be applied if not paid January 10th.

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Pritchett– nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilwoman Pemberton – there is a need a for additional electrical outlets for Christmas lights in the Park. Discussion followed, and Council directed Superintendent Rich to get quotes for additional electrical outlets.

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – brought up items covered in other sections.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Councilwoman Pemberton gave report that they will put in the poles for the fence soon, but will wait for Spring to put up the fence.

 

Streets/FEMA – Mayor Jurgensen asked if we know when Bettis Asphalt will be here to complete warranty work.  Clerk Esslinger stated that Bettis will be here when they can. FEMA have the information and is still working on it.

 

Warehouse project – Superintendent Rich stated that the warehouse skin is about completed. Mayor Jurgensen let Council know that Evergy is coming soon to advise us where the electricity line will be put that will be for the warehouse. Discussion followed.  Getting electrical bids for the inside of the warehouse building was discussed. The sale of the Weed Barn was also discussed as the proceeds will be earmarked for the warehouse.

 

SEED Grant – Grant application was submitted 11/4/24. Grant will be awarded in December, and Clerk Esslinger has not heard back yet.

 

NEW BUSINESS

CMB 2025 License renewal – Discussion followed.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to allow the CMB 2025 License renewal

 

Sunday CMB hours of sales- Discussion followed.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to approve Ordinance No. 205 amending the start time to sell CMB to 9AM.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:19PM.

 

Open meeting resumed at 8:19.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:32PM.

 

Superintendent Rich called in at 8:20, out at 8:32. Open meeting resumed at 8:32.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:07PM.

 

Open meeting resumed at 9:07.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to convert unallocated benefit stipend to an hourly rate of $2.88 effective 1/1/2025 and add $1.00/hr merit increase effective immediately for City Superintendent.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 9:20PM.

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda For the Dec. 19 Meeting of the Bourbon County Commission

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Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

 

December 19, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 12/12/2024
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $868,622.24
    3. Approval of Payroll Totaling $307,527.33
  1. 9:00 a.m.-Budget Amendment Public Hearing
  2. Public Comments
  3. Brian Allen-Approval for Publication
  • Brandon Whisenhunt-Redistricting
  • Bourbon County REDI
  1. Deb McCoy-Contracts of Bourbon County REDI
  2. Sheriff Bill Martin-Financial Advisor Request
  3. Justin Meeks-Freeman Agreements
  • Commission Comments
  • 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.

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Starlite Family and Consumer Education December 2024

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The December meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager Building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.  Before the meeting, the members assembled thirty-six gift bags for the Tri-Valley clients.  Each bag contained a Christmas mug with a bag of Chex mix, cocoa mix, popcorn, socks, gloves, and a candy cane.
President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order, Vice President Joyce Allen led the members in reciting the Pledge to the American flag and the Club Collect.  Fourteen members were in attendance and reported fifty-nine volunteer hours and that they had recycled forty-five pounds.  The minutes of the previous meeting were read, corrected and approved.  Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report.  Doris announced that she had the Christmas cards ready to send to the Veterans Hospital.
Old business consisted of a report that the Christmas tree for the Christmas tree contest had been decorated and that pictures are available to see on the Presbyterian Village web site.
New business of taking up a collection for Preferred Living in lieu of Christmas presents was announced and an envelope was passed around to collect the donations.  Glenda also announced that the books for next year are in and need to be filled out.  Karen Peery, Joyce Allen and Betty Johnson volunteered to fill them out and will be available at the January meeting.
Letha Johnson moved that the meeting be adjourned, Taylor Bailey seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.
After the meeting the club enjoyed a wonderful carry in dinner and played the game right, left, center to the enjoyment of all.
Prepared by
Terri Williams