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K-State Extension

Herb Workshop Set for April 6

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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

 

Whether for culinary or medicinal purposes, herbs are a versatile plant. Are you interested in learning how to grow herbs and utilize them as natural seasoning? If so, plan to attend an herb workshop set for Thursday, April 6 at 12:00 Noon at the Buck Run Community Center in Fort Scott. The workshop will cover growing herbs indoors, care and maintenance, the health benefits of cooking with herbs, utilizing them in the kitchen, and herb preservation. In addition, participants will get to taste test a few recipes. For more information, call the Southwind Extension District at 620-244-3826.

K-State Extension

Adding Residual Herbicides to Your Corn-Herbicide Programs

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Chad Guthrie
District Extension Agent, Crop production and Forage Management
Southwind District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Cell: 308-991-8415
[email protected]

Corn planting is right around the corner for the Southwind District. It is time to consider adding a residual herbicide to your corn, weed management plan.

Residual herbicides that kill weed seeds/seedlings as they germinate or emerge are an important component of herbicide applications at or before the time of corn planting. These herbicides can control weeds for several weeks, which prevents yield loss due to early-season weed competition and can greatly improve the effectiveness of a post-emergence herbicide application and give more flexibility for post-application timing. Residual herbicides are also an important component of sequential herbicide applications later in the growing season. In general, preventing the emergence of weeds, especially herbicide resistant weeds, is preferable to controlling them after they emerge

Many cases of herbicide-resistant weeds have resulted from over-reliance on post-emergence herbicide applications, thus it is essential to include one or more residual herbicides available for corn. However, it is also important to remember to change residual herbicides to prevent selection of tolerant or resistant weeds. The importance of this is reflected in the recent confirmation of waterhemp and Palmer amaranth that are resistant to S-metolachlor (Dual).

The specific herbicide you use is important, but it is usually less important than making the decision to use a residual herbicide program that includes at least two effective herbicides. But, it is important to know the strengths and weaknesses of each product in terms of the spectrum of weeds controlled. A table summarizing weed species response to various corn herbicides can be found on pages 24-26 of 2023 Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland (SRP 1162).

 

Categories of residual herbicides for corn

Photosystem II Inhibitors (Group 5). Atrazine is the most widely used PS II inhibitor in corn. It controls a wide variety of broadleaf weeds, including pigweeds, ragweeds, morningglories, and mustards, as well as some grass species. However, atrazine resistance has been reported for many weed species. Atrazine use rates are influenced by soil type, soil pH, and organic matter, and use is prohibited in instances where water contamination is likely. Unless your situation prohibits atrazine use, it is recommended to include atrazine when you apply HPPD-inhibitor and acetamide herbicides.

Very Long Chain Fatty Acid Inhibitors (Group 15). The main VLCFA products used in corn include acetochlor, S-metolachlor, metolachlor, dimethamid-P, and pyroxasulfone In general, these products are very effective in controlling most annual grasses (except shattercane) and small-seeded broadleaf weeds such as pigweeds. They are much less effective in controlling kochia or large-seeded broadleaf weeds such as cocklebur, devilsclaw, morningglory, sunflower, and velvetleaf. An exception are those products containing pyroxasulfone. Though resistance to Group 15 herbicides have been reported in corn/soybean rotations in Illinois, there have been no cases of weed populations in Kansas developing resistance to the Group 15 herbicides to date.

Group 15 herbicides are most effective when applied with atrazine. In past years, often because of cost, reduced rates of these products were applied to help manage heavy summer annual grass pressure, then followed up with a good post-emergence herbicide program. With the increased occurrence of glyphosate- and other herbicide-resistant weeds, it is essential to use the full rates of these products in conjunction with a POST program.

HPPD-inhibitors (Group 27). Examples of HPPD-inhibitors are isoxaflutole (e.g. Balance Flexx) and mesotrione (e.g. Callisto and many generics). These products should be applied with atrazine. HPPD-inhibitors provide excellent for control of kochia, pigweeds, velvetleaf, and many other broadleaf weeds, as well as grasses. Corvus (thiencarbazone + isoxaflutole) will control shattercane and common sunflower better than Balance Flexx, provided the sunflower is not ALS-resistant. Keep in mind, products containing Balance should not be applied to coarse-textured soils when the water table is less than 25 feet below the soil surface. Balance Flexx does not provide adequate control of sunflower.

PPO-inhibitors (Group 14). Examples of PPO-inhibitors include flumioxazin (e.g. Valor) and saflufenacil (Sharpen). Herbicides containing flumiozaxin must be applied 7 to 30 days before corn planting. These herbicides provide excellent control of pigweeds; however, they are marginal on kochia. Fierce (flumioxazin + pyroxasulfone) will provide improved control of velvetleaf and kochia compared to Valor. The addition of atrazine will enhance kochia, pigweed, velvetleaf, and morningglory control, provided the populations are not triazine-resistant. Sharpen and Verdict (saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P) have excellent activity on pigweeds, kochia, and large-seeded broadleaf weeds. However, the length of residual activity can be shorter than other pre-emergence products when all are compared at full rates. Approximately 7 to 10 days of residual can be expected per 1 oz of Sharpen and 5 oz of Verdict.

ALS-inhibitors (Group 2). One example of a pre-emergence ALS-inhibitor used in corn is flumetsulam (Python), which only has broadleaf activity and provides good control of large-seeded broadleaf weeds such as cocklebur, sunflower, and velvetleaf, or the small-seeded common lambsquarters. Flumetsulam is also a component of Hornet, Stanza, SureStart II, and TripleFlex II. These products are especially effective for control of sunflower, along with cocklebur and velvetleaf, but less effective for morningglory control.

Rimsulfuron is another ALS-inhibiting herbicide that is a component of Basis Blend, Instigate, Prequel, Realm Q and Steadfast Q. Products with rimsulfuron will provide short residual control of grass and broadleaf weeds and should be used as a setup herbicide with a good post-emergence weed control program. If ALS-resistant broadleaf weeds are present, these ALS-containing herbicides often will be less effective.

The use of trade names is for clarity to readers and does not imply endorsement of a particular product, nor does exclusion imply non-approval. Always consult the herbicide label for the most current use requirements.

Adding a residual herbicide to your program could be a key piece to a successful corn-herbicide program this growing season. Choosing the correct residual herbicide for your operation can be difficult, so it is important to consider all of the options available. The Southwind Extension District offices have free 2023 Chemical Weed Control books available for producers and landowners. You can also contact Chad Guthrie, crop production and forage management agent, at any Southwind District office for more information.

K-State Extension

Drought Damage Showing Up in Landscapes

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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

 

Spring has sprung, but we still haven’t received adequate moisture to pull the area out of a drought situation. According to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor, all of the Southwind District counties remain in the moderate to severe drought classification. The drought is predicted to remain, but will improve. Unfortunately, the drought has caused permanent damage to some of our landscape plants – mainly fescue lawns and ornamental shrubs.

The fescue lawns in the area are not looking very good. I’ve noticed that some have areas of green-up and others have definite dead spots. In my own yard, the drought damage is very visible! Part of my yard is near an old hedge row and the grass located 20 feet or so out is completely dead. The hedge row successfully robbed all of the moisture and intensified the drought on the grass.

As much as I would like to overseed this spring, I’m going to refrain and wait until fall. You might be wondering why? Spring is not the ideal time to overseed fescue lawns because of the shorter time frame between seeding and when the hot summer conditions arrive. It is best to overseed in the fall when the temperatures are cooler and the plant can get a root system established before the brutal summer conditions.

That’s not to say that there aren’t times when a spring seeding can be successful. However, it requires committed watering and care from the time of seeding through the summer. The best time to attempt a spring seeding is mid-March through early April. We are near to closing the window of opportunity for this year. If you think scattering some seed out on the ground will suffice, you will be disappointed! It is definitely take more effort than that.

Soil preparation will be important and the use of verticutter is recommend. Verticutting slices grooves in the soil which will allow for good seed to soil contact for germination. Once the soil is prepared, the seed can be broadcast.

The ground must have moisture through germination and into early establishment in the form of light, frequent waterings. On average, it will take two weeks for the grass to emerge. After the seed is up, reduce the watering frequency. How often should you water? The grass will show you signs when it needs water. This will be evident by it wilting or it showing a bluish color to the blades.

The turf will need an application of fertilizer. At seeding, use a starter type fertilizer. About five or six weeks later, use a high nitrogen – slow release source of fertilizer at the rate suggested on the bag. As for crabgrass control, there is a product recommended for use on spring seedings. The active ingredient in the product is Dithiopyr. This product can actually be applied a little later in the growing season than other crabgrass preventing products and yet still provide season long control.

Have you noticed brown shrubs in area landscapes? Damage from the 2022 drought and winter injury is being seen on various woody plants, especially euonymus, boxwood and yew. Many that are brown have most likely died. However, the best time to assess the extent of the damage and the potential for recovery is May. By that time, new growth should have developed and it will be clear if the buds are going to put on some new growth and the shrub is still alive.

If you have questions about lawn care, gardens, trees or shrubs, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the Extension office. Most Extension services are free of charge.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

 

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

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

March 24th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Trolley Tours of Fort Scott

50-minute narrated historical tour

Every Friday & Saturday on the hour

Fridays 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturdays 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 12 & under, leaves from the Chamber

Click this link: The Artificers

Upcoming pottery class/workshop

schedule, something for all ages!

Click here for all the FUN activities at the

Museum of Creativity, something for all ages!

March Special at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore

Buy 2 Children’s Books, Get 1 free

Gardening Books 25% off!

3/24 ~ FSCC Aggie Days at Fort Scott Community College, 8am-3pm

3/24 ~ Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry, Kennedy Gym, 705 S. Horton, click here for

more info.

3/24 ~ Annual FSHS Talent Show & Miss(ter) Pageant, admission is $5, doors open at 6:30pm, show starts at 8pm, click here for more info.

3/24 ~ CJ Serenade performing at Common Ground, starts at 7pm.

3/24-25 ~ Spring Open House ~ Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event, Downtown & Around, shop at participating retailers for savings!, click here for more info.

3/25 ~ A Slave, A Nurse, and A Soldier Spy, Fort Scott National Historic Site, 11am-12pm, click here for more info.

3/25 ~ Visit the Easter Bunny at Bids & Dibs, they have the backdrop; you bring the camera, 12-3pm, click here for more info.

3/25 ~ Mary Queen of Angels Benefit

Golf Tournament, 4 person scramble $60 per person ($240 per team) 8:00 Registration, 9:00 Tee off, click here for more info.

3/25 ~ Unique Fundraiser at Museum of Creativity, $15/person, starts at 9am, click here for more info.

3/26 ~ DIY Wine Bottle Bouquet Class at Sunshine Boutique, 1pm, click here for info.

3/30 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site at the Fort, 8am.

3/31 and 4/1 ~ Home, Sport, Farm, & Garden Show, Friday 5-8pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, Arnold Arena at FSCC, 2108 S. Horton St., hosted by KOMB FM 103.9 and 98.3 FM Radio

4/1 ~ Eggstravaganza @ Buck Run Community Center, pre-k – 5th Grade, pre-register by March 30th, 9-10:30am, click here for more info.

4/1 ~ Floral Easter Basket Class at Sunshine Boutique, $25/person, 10am-12pm, click here for more info.

4/1 ~ First Saturday Story Time at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, guest reader and an activity, 2:30pm, click here for more info.

4/1 ~ Annual Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt at Gunn Park Shelter house #2, starts at 11am.

4/1 ~ Star Party at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, join Park Rangers and the Kansas Astronomical Observers for a deep look into space at stars, galaxies, and nebulae, dress in layers, comfortable shoes, bring a red covering for your flashlight, 7:30-9:30pm, click here for more info.

4/4 ~ Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet at City State Bank, 202 Scott Ave, 8-9am

4/5 ~ FSHS 2023 Career Fair, Fort Scott High School Auxiliary Gym, 8am-12pm, click here for more info.

4/5 ~ Community Connection Event, public invited 11:45am to 1pm, Empress Event Center, panelist updates from City of FS, Bourbon County, USD234, USD235, BB County REDI. Click here to register & purchase lunch (if desired).

4/5 ~ Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneurship Event, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Office, 5:30pm

4/6 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 Horton St, 8am

4/6 ~ BINGO at Memorial Hall by the American Legion, doors open 6pm, starts 7pm

4/8 ~ Floral Easter Basket Class at Sunshine Boutique, $25/person

Save the Date!

4/13 ~ JOB FAIR hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 3-6pm, click here to register for an employer booth.

4/15 ~ America’s Got Talent Semi-Finalist Greg Morton Comedy Show, Memorial Hall, 7-10pm, click here for tickets!

4/15-16 ~ Civil War Encampment at Fort Scott National Historic Site National Park, this event is free and open to the public, 9am-5pm, click here for more info.

4/26 ~ Women’s Appreciation Luncheon at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, $5/per person,

11am-1:30pm, click here for more info.

_________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

March Into Savings at

Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore!

Spring Open House, Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event ~ March 24th-25th!

Star Party at the Fort ~ March 29th!

Job Fair hosted by the Chamber

April 13th, 3-6pm, employers register here!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Deb McCoy

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We do have a Comprehensive Plan!

 

I have asked numerous times if the City had a 5 year or 10 years Comprehensive Plan for the City of Fort Scott. I never received an answer from any City Official, City employee, or City Manager stating YES WE DO! While researching the Fort Scott City Commissioners Agendas and Minutes of the Meetings I came across a City of Fort Scott Comprehensive Plan with survey results that was put together by the Planning Commission Board and presented on March 20th, 2018 at the City Commissioners Meeting. In reviewing the meeting agendas after that meeting, this comprehensive plan was never discussed or implemented. Look at the amount of tax dollars that we have spent on surveys and studies over the past 5 years when we had a comprehensive plan that was completed and introduced by the Planning Commission Board in 2018. Why was this Comprehensive Plan not implemented?

 Let me share some of the characteristics of this Plan:

  1. It is a physical plan that reflects social and economic values and is a guide for the physical development of the community. It translates values into a scheme that describes how, why, when, and where to build, rebuild, or preserve the community.
  2. It has a long range design, covering a period greater than one year to 5 years that expresses current policies that will shape the future rather than show a rigid image of the future itself.
  3. It is comprehensive and covers the entire city geographically, not merely one or more sections, and it covers areas outside of the City, referred to as the Growth Area.
  4. The plan is a state of policy covering community desires as quantity, character, location and rate of growth and how these desires can be achieved.
  5. Finally the plan is a guide to decision making by the Planning Commission, the City Governing body, City Manager and City Staff.

The Chapters in the Comprehensive Plan Include:

  1. Introduction
  2. Community Character
  3. Housing
  4. Economic Development
  5. Recreation and Natural & Historical Resources
  6. Infrastructure and Transportation
  7. Downtown and Fort Scott National Historic Site
  8. Code Enforcement
  9. Land Use/Growth Management

 

–  A quote from Chapter 4 states – “Without funding for economic development initiatives, without the ability to actively recruit business to Fort Scott, and without the means to extend the infrastructures necessary to accommodate new business growth, the community is vulnerable to economic stagnation and decline.” We also need to ensure that the City’s zoning and related regulations that promote good site design and protect business and commercial development from inappropriate development on neighboring properties. A long term goal would be to attract new industries that complement Fort Scott’s economy and utilize its labor force. This would also include the need to plan for future employment growth by having sites “shovel ready” to develop.

– One of the goals mentioned was to work with Fort Scott Community College to develop trade and labor apprenticeship programs that include heating/air, plumbing, electrical, carpenter and building trades, street and infrastructure maintenance, etc. that would provide qualified employees for local positions. Having a job to sustain a household, and affordable housing to accommodate the employee is another important factor.

– Another Goal from Chapter 4 states – that retaining existing businesses and industries and supporting their expansion is the foundation of our economy and is the source of the greatest percentage of jobs grown in the community. This means we need to develop the means to identify when a local company may be considering relocating or closing, and provide services to address the firm’s business needs and keep it in Fort Scott. Think about the loss of businesses over the past 5 years. Winery, Beaux Art Center, Peerless expanded their production to Iola and Nevada, Mercy Hospital, Dialysis Center, Price Choppers, Shoe Department, and Goody’s, just to name a few.

– Chapter 8 covers Code Enforcement, “which is the City’s use of its legal authority, often referred to as the “police power” to help ensure that the health and safety of residents is not adversely affected by property conditions. This includes poor yard maintenance, storage of items that can be hazardous, and lack of care resulting in property deterioration which directly impacts quality of life in a community. Property values as well as community self image are affected by blight and lack of maintenance. ‘Property Rights’ implies responsibility. No property should be used or maintained in a manner which downgrades its or another’s value, use, enjoyment or safety. This coupled with lack of investment in infrastructure such as improved streets or sidewalks, breeds, an aura of negativism which impeded a desirable ‘community spirit’”

 

It makes me wonder why this Comprehensive Plan was never implemented. It is obvious that a lot of time and effort was made in putting this plan together. The Plan was built on the past to create the vision for the future and could have easily been implemented into an active plan that would certainly be applicable today.

 

Why do we keep spending money on all of these studies when we had the Blueprint to a Comprehensive Plan presented 5 years ago just sitting in our files waiting to be implemented? Isn’t it about time we took some action towards a plan well thought out, well written and community oriented so that we as citizens could also participate in?

 

To get a copy of this Comprehensive Plan to the Fort Scott City website under Government and click on Agenda & Minutes. Pull up the March 20th, 2018 Commissioner Meeting notes. Go to page 57 thru 126.

Sincerely,

Deb McCoy

3/23/23

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 20

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March 20, 2023                                                                                                                 Monday 9:00 a.m.

 

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

 

Alan Drake, Lori Collier, Jeff Collier, David Klein, Larry Howard, and Malinda Bailey were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting at 9:00 with a flag salute.

 

Clifton Beth made a motion to amend the agenda to move the executive session after the road work session so that County Counselor Meeks could attend. Nelson Blythe seconded and all approved.

 

Jim Harris welcomed all the citizens and thanked them for coming to the 2023 Road Work Session. Jim stated Public Works is doing a great job and that we have come a long way in 10 years, but we still have a long way to go. Dustin Hall handed out the proposed road plan to the citizens attending the meeting. Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, introduced Dustin Hall who is the Assistant Public Works Director and Chad Brown who is the Public Works Foreman. Eric started by stating the proposed road plan is broken down by district but there is no set order on how the roads are listed within each district.

 

The roads in District 1 were discussed with Eric stating a section of Maple Road needs to be finished in order for Public Works to chip and seal Maple Road. Eric said he has spoken to contractors for a second opinion on Yale Road and they have recommended milling up the road as well. The sub-base has failed and the road from the west side of the Hidden Valley Lake to Mapleton needs to be milled and gravel brought in to compact and build a good base. Dustin said they will try to do an extra mile next year on Yale Road since it is four miles to the lake. Jim said he wants to make sure that before the extra mile is done on Yale Road that the focus is on a road that has been milled for 5 years.

 

The roads in District 2 were discussed next with Eric saying Jayhawk Road from 69 Highway to Liberty Bell Road needs overlay work done. KDOT is currently checking to see if that section of road has been turned over to the county yet. Eric said if the road has not been signed over to the county then KDOT will have to have the road in an acceptable condition before the county will agree to take the road over. Jewel Road, 230th Street, and 232nd Terrace, which make up Marco Estates, were discussed next with Eric saying they tried to get to those roads last year but ran out of funding. Eagle Road from Garland to 267th Street is on the plan, and it was stated Eagle Road is in dire need of help. The last area discussed was 227th Street from Kansas Road to the city limits. Eric said it would cost $37,306.17 to produce the asphalt and he thinks the city should pay half of that. Jim said he has talked to the City of Fort Scott and they have it on their agenda for approval.

 

District 3 has more roads listed on the plan than the other two districts, but Eric pointed out that the other two districts have taken precedence the last two years and District 3 has not had much asphalt work done. Eric said they want to do something a little different than they have in the past and start now with a one-inch overlay then come back in July or August and chip and seal the roads. Eric has spoken to contractors and KDOT and this will save money. The roads discussed for this technique are Soldier from 215th to 245th Street, 245th Street between Soldier Road and Valley Road, and Valley Road between 245th Street and 267th Street. They plan to chip and seal 215th Street from Native Road to Yellowstone Road. Jim wanted to make sure that everybody knew Clifton allowed roads in other districts that were dangerous to get priority the past two years so that is why he is getting so much more this year.

 

There were many roads that were listed under an extra heading that Eric would like to try to get to this year if the funding is available. Eric said he would like to get started right away and lay four inches of asphalt on Eagle Road from 69 Highway to 230th Street, but he needs to get a budget report, so he knows how much carryover he has from last year. Jim stated since it is almost April, he hopes that the end of year will get closed out soon so that Eric can know how much money he has to work with. Jayhawk Road from Liberty Bell Road to 245th Street was also listed under the extra’s section and Jim said it is in need of chip and seal since it was such a dry year last year the pavement moved and cracked. Eric commended Dustin on all the hours he had worked to create the plan. Dustin said that asphalt oil is down about $100.00 per ton and fuel is down about $1.00 per gallon so that will help make our limited funding stretch farther. The laydown machine has a new engine in it, and they are working out a few bugs but hope to have it running soon. Jim said if sales tax continues to be up he is confident we can do one mile on Eagle Road. It was discussed if sales tax is up doing one mile of Yale Road, and Dustin said the traffic really needs to compact the road for a year to get a good base before any asphalt is laid. Dustin said that a lot of the asphalt roads are in better shape now and that they plan to chip and seal which will make the asphalt last another 5 to 7 years.

 

Alan Drake spoke about the roads in Marco Estates stating they have deteriorated over the last several years and they need help. Alan said that the last work done to the roads was chip and seal several years ago, but recently all that has been done is patching. Mr. Drake said he appreciates all the work that the road crews and Commissioners do. Larry Howard asked about sales tax and when we find out how much we will receive. Jim explained that we do projections for the year based upon the first sales tax payment we receive in the year, but that sales tax has been up the past few years. Nelson questioned if Yale Road was milled how soon it would be before the work was started, and Eric said it could be the beginning of April. Clifton said the only way to fix the road is to mill the road and that it is a safety issue. Eric assured Nelson that they will not do any milling on Yale Road without notifying him and getting the word out to the citizens as well. Eric said that he will bring the asphalt plan back on Thursday for approval.

 

Jim asked for a short break, and the meeting started back in session at 9:37.

 

Justin Meeks, County Counselor, asked for a 12-minute executive session to discuss security measures. Nelson made a motion for an executive session under 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 to include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks for 12 minutes returning at 9:53. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session with no action at 9:53. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:51. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

_______________, Approved Date

 

 

Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

The Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 9

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March 9, 2023,                                                                                        Thursday 9:00 am

 

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

 

Michael Hoyt, Tiana McElroy, CJ Robinson, Patty Ropp, Deb McCoy, Jason Silvers, Lora Holdridge, and Clint Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute, followed by a prayer by Mark McCoy.

 

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

 

Clifton made a motion to approve accounts payable totaling $160,243.72 and payroll totaling $208,645.33. Nelson seconded, and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the monthly fuel report. Jim asked if the Sheriff’s department was still getting fuel from the county barn. Eric stated they quit around January 1st or the 4th, but that EMS is still getting fuel as well as all other departments. There was a delay getting the card system installed, but Eric made some phone calls last week and they are moving forward. The sidewalk and concrete have been completed, but there is some painting that still needs to be finished up.  There are four or five more stalls than before, we had 15-16 open previously and now there are 20 parking spaces available. Eric spoke about citizens having problems with nails or metal pieces in the roads and he has done some research and visited with other counties. He said Crawford County uses magnets that are attached to the back of their graders. Eric said they ordered 6 magnets to be installed on the back of our graders and will see how that works out for the issue. He also stated that he knows there has been a lot of flat tires from picking up nails and other things in our dump trucks, so we will see about the outcome and if the magnets will work for us as well. The cost for all 6 magnets was $3,000. Jim said this was a great idea and thanked Eric. The soybean paperwork was finalized with ADM, and they will be transporting 100% of the bean dumpsters to our landfill to make compost along with their pod dumpsters, which will be coming to Bourbon County twice a week. Jim asked if Eric if they had found a good used compost machine and Eric replied they have possibly found a compost turning machine because you have to add different mixtures, then you have to turn it so often, and sometimes add moisture. They have found a used one that they are keeping an eye on, and they are going to look at it in about a week. Jim said the compost could be sold, given away, or use it as C and D cover. Eric responded with absolutely, as well as fill in some holes and other things as needed. Jim thanked Eric and said he appreciated all the work he has done. Eric said they have had a few road projects this week with one at 230th and Hackberry where there were multiple potholes that have been milled and leveled out. East of the intersection of 250th & Fern there was a really soft spot, the road is getting a lot of traffic from gravel trucks hauling to Missouri. The area has been torn up, filled in, compacted, and the road is up and going again. 40 MPH speed limit signs are installed on Eagle Road from 69 Highway to 250th street. Eric said he had a meeting with Troy Howard from KDOT yesterday and that the meeting went very well. They met for about an hour and a half and went over various topics such as asphalt, chip and seal, rights-of-way, and equipment. They also talked about grants coming up and Eric said Troy is going to have an individual get back in touch with us that is more familiar with grants. Jim asked if he was our area engineer, and Eric said yes, he is our area engineer, and he is out of Iola. Last week Eric received his yearly order of culverts, and now they will be working on getting crossroad tubes put in and replacing some entry tubes as well. A total of $53,000 was order and they also received some larger culverts; and that they have bigger projects they need to address. Eric said they have the demolition permit in hand for the house at 201 Crawford and have made contact with the utility companies and as soon as the utilities are removed, they will proceed with tearing the house down. Eric reminded everyone that March 20th at 9:00 a.m. there is a work session for hard surface roads. Nelson asked Jim what was the name of the gentleman that was at the commission meeting last week who spoke about Maple Road, and Jim replied with Mr. Arnold. Nelson asked Eric where we were on that situation. Eric stated he looked it up in the MUTCD, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and that Jim was correct with his statement you shall have striping anything over 6,000 vehicles. Anything less is dependent on whether the Commissioners would like to make a policy or not. Eric looked at the average flow through KDOT, and the average daily traffic count was approximately 768. Nelson stated that Mr. Arnold said it was west of town, but where does he live exactly and what hill is he talking about? Nelson stated that 185th is the cell tower, and asked where would it be in relation to that. Eric stated it would be a mile back East. Nelson then stated what would it look like following rules to put some striping to make Mr. Arnold happy and make it a little safer. Eric said if you’re setting a policy, there you are going to have other requests, it’s completely up to you, the Commissioners, whether you want to start. Nelson said we could deal with the request as they come. Jim stated his thought is if we do one hill we should consider doing all hills, because there’s no difference. He said he sees the attorney standing there who will say well you striped that hill and my client got hurt on this hill why didn’t you stripe it, and we will have no excuse. Jim doesn’t have a problem if they want to go that direction, but he thinks that it is all or none. Nelson stated on Eric’s point, he thinks it’s the one that people complain about the most often would take priority. Jim said he would think it should, but it shouldn’t tell us what the law says as far as us setting policy. Nelson asked what’s all the hills on pavement? Eric said you’re talking about a lot, it’s going to be very expensive, because we do not have the material or the equipment to be able to paint that. So, we would have to either buy equipment, or contract out with someone. Jim said he certainly didn’t want to sound negative on safety, because he does support it 100%, but he thinks before anything gets passed, they need more information from Eric on what it might cost us to do all the hills. Then it is just a domino effect from other things, such as the white passing lines, or no passing zones. Jim would like all the information on how the project would be performed, he told Eric he knows it may take a month or two, but he wants all information before he can make a decision. Nelson said if he is really concerned about that hill then an easier and cheaper solution would for that section to be decreased from 45 to 30. Eric said we can decrease the speed limit all we want, but it doesn’t control people. Clifton said as far as he is concerned, it is all or none.  Eric said he will work on getting pricing for the Commission.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, to demonstrate the LUCAS 3 equipment. Nelson seconded, and all approved.

 

Clifton said he saw the LUCAS a few days ago, and asked Teri to come and explain and demonstrate this phenomenal piece of equipment that will save lives in Bourbon County. Teri Hulsey, along with Chris Rosenblad and Taylor Morrison spoke and gave a demonstration of the new device. The LUCAS device is an automated CPR device that delivers non-stop, completely perfect, CPR every time. Without this device it takes two people to perform CPR, one to do compressions and one for ventilation. A board is placed behind the patient’s back, the device is strapped over their chest, you attach their hands to the device, you press a few buttons, and the machine does perfect CPR every time. Chris said these are a huge benefit and you are very lucky if you work in a truck that has one because he has seen ER’s that don’t even have them. Teri said the great thing about the device is it is connected to the patient, so they can move the patient, carry them downstairs even all the while it is performing CPR. Without this device when you are trying to move someone, especially in older Victorian homes with the winding staircases where you are having to try to turn and maneuver a backboard down the stairs, you are not giving good quality CPR. Clifton said this is an unbelievable piece of equipment, and it is his goal to get at least two more to put one in each ambulance and one in the ambulance housed at the fire station and he has received commitment from Legacy Health to help purchase one device. Clifton said he is going to reach out to other entities, organizations, and foundations in our community to help purchase the devices, which are $18,500 each. Clifton said they also are needing to get new Hamilton ventilators in each of the ambulances which are $16,500 each. Teri said the first time they used the LUCAS device it saved the life of a Bourbon County resident. Clifton commended Teri, Chris, and Taylor; stating that Teri is now fully staffed and has a paramedic on each ambulance in her service. Clifton said the quality of service is unbelievable and Teri said they are probably the only ones in a 200-mile radius that is staffed that way. Teri said she spoke with Jon, who came from Mercy, and he said it has probably been six years since they were fully staffed. Jim said thank you to Teri and to Clifton for going out and trying to get funding for these devices. Teri handed out a form showing manual CPR vs CPR with the LUCAS device. Chris stated that they work in 2-to-3-minute shifts performing CPR and you can visibly see the difference on the monitors when a new person starts CPR as their compressions are stronger: but with the LUCAS device the compressions are always consistent. Clifton made a motion to allow Teri to go out to bid for a new ambulance. The Commission approved a re-mount two years ago, before Teri was EMS Director, but it didn’t get ordered. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. The Commissioners thanked Teri, Chris, and Taylor for coming and demonstrating the new device.

 

Clifton presented Resolution 09-23 which creates an ambulance equipment reserve fund to move additional funds from the end of the year to a separate fund that will be used to cover the cost of ambulance replacement. Clifton made a motion to approve Resolution 09-23, Nelson seconded, and all approved.

 

Clifton said people should realize how lucky we are to have what we have in regard to EMS. Jim said he was very impressed with what he just saw.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:34. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

_______________, Approved Date

 

 

 

Area News, Health Care

Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic Services Now at Nevada

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Nevada Regional Medical Center recently announced the opening of an Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic aimed at giving patients more options in seeking help with mental health problems.  Dr. Mark Stewart will begin seeing patients on Tuesday, March 28th.  Hospital CEO Jason Anglin said, “We felt it was important to expand the services available to our patients looking for treatment options for behavioral health.”

 

Currently, NRMC offers the following services in the field of mental health.   A structured adult inpatient unit which serves those over the age of 18 and a senior unit for adults over the age of 55.  Additionally, one-on-one counseling appointments can be made at the Primary Care Clinic where Dr. Candice Moore, Child Psychiatrist; Jama Bogart, PMHNP; and Susie Platt, LCSW each have counseling practices.

 

The outpatient clinic will initially focus on patients 18 years of age and older and offer appointment times on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.  Some common conditions treated in an outpatient setting include anxiety disorders, depression, chemical dependency, personality disorders, self-harming behaviors and mental health problems related to sleep disorders.

 

The clinic will be located on the second floor of the hospital’s south tower in the Specialty Clinic.  Appointments can be made by calling 417-448-2121.

 

 

 

About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

 

 

Bourbon County

Starlite FCE March 2023 Minutes

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The Starlite FCE held it’s March meeting at the Yeager Building on the Fairgrounds.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order.  Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  Eleven members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for thirty-four hours and had recycled three hundred and ten pounds.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Doris Ericson gave the treasurer’s report.  Karen Peery presented the Council report.  She announced that the Area Recognition Day will be April 18th in Humboldt, the Aging with Attitude will be April 28th in Parsons, and the Spring Social will be May 4th.

 

Glenda recognized Ida Ford and Claudia Wheeler for their birthdays.  It was also announced that the Program “Herbs, Plant to the Plate” will be held April 6th at 12:00 at Buck Run Community Center, presented by Krista Harding, and Clara Wicoff.

 

Old business consisted of putting together the Easter eggs for Tri-Valley and the gift basket for Jack Jackson.  Glenda announced that Jack would be presenting the lesson on men’s heath to the Uniontown Ruritan Club.

 

New business consisted of putting together a team for Walk Kansas which will start March 26th and run through May 20th.  Our team consists of Glenda Miller, Letha Johnson, Karen Peery, LeAnna Taylor and Brian and Terri Williams.  A motion was made by Deb Lust for Starlite to donate $50 to open class as Fair premiums.  Joyce Allen seconded the motion, motion carried.  Letha Johnson moved that we donate $40 to 4-H for Fair premiums, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, motion carried.  Betty Johnson moved that Starlite make a Scarecrow and a hay bale for the fair, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

Doris Ericson moved that the meeting be adjourned, Karen Peery seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.  After the meeting Deb Lust presented the lesson on Container Gardening.

Refreshments of a Lime dessert, mints, nuts and water was provided by Doris Ericson and Deb Lust and enjoyed by all.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams