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Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Aug. 13

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August 13, 2020 Thursday 10:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session to hold the 2020 Primary Election canvass, all of the Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk were present for the canvass. Present for the canvass were the following; Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune, Michael Hoyt, Hazel Swarts, Sparky Schroeder and Julie Saker.

The Commissioners had a 2021 budget review beginning at 1:30 pm. Present for the meeting Lynne Oharah, Nick Ruhl, Kendell Mason and Justin Meeks, also present were Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune, Michael Hoyt and Hazel Swarts. The Commissioners said they were budgeting for 4 additional employees for the Road & Bridge departments (2 employees for a bridge crew and 2 employees for a ditching crew), Michael Hoyt questioned how the Commissioners were going to cover the loss of the Public Works director and the foreman; Lynne said they would open up the positions up for applications. The Commissioners decided to add $3,694.82 to the Correctional Center wages to help fund raises for two salaried employees, (this raise will not go into effect until a wage resolution is adopted to put the raises into effect). Lynne said a raise has been built into the IT department’s budget. Michael Hoyt questioned what expenses had been removed from the Commission budget and the Attorney’s budget; Lynne said expenses were removed from the Commission budget and that moving/remodeling expenses were removed from the Attorney’s budget that had been built in the prior year’s budget, District Court’s 2021 budget is more than 2020 due to money budgeted for Courthouse security, the Commissioners said the I/T’s overall budget is higher than 2020 to cover the cost of I/T expenses at the Hospital and if the County doesn’t take over the Hospital the money will be used as a carryover for the general fund. The Commissioners discussed the County Counselors 2021 wages; Lynne said currently the County Counselor makes $64,000 annually, he said the wages will increase to $78,000 in 2021 and the County Counselor will be paid as a 1099 employee without any benefits, he will pay for his own office supplies and CLE’s, $12,000 is budgeted in contractual for the tax sale work; Michael Hoyt suggested to make sure that the County Counselor meets the definition of an IRS 1099 employee. Tammy Helm questioned if part of the economic development’s salary is paid by grant money; the Commissioners said part of that salary will be paid by the Healthy Bourbon County Grant. The Commissioners continued to go through the 2021 budget; Lynne said they hope to have enough surplus in the ambulance fund to purchase a replacement ambulance. The Commissioners said the Road & Bridge 1% sales tax will be on the General Election 2020 ballot. Hazel Swarts questioned where the COPS and Sparks grants were accounted for on the 2021 budget; the Commissioners said the COPS is labeled as the SRO under the Sheriff’s revenue, Hazel questioned where the vehicle would come from for the SRO officer; the Commissioners said that the Sheriff stated he had a spare vehicle for this position.

Lynne made a motion to publish the 2021 budget as presented with the additional $3,694.82 for the Correctional Center wages, Nick seconded and the motion passed. Nick made a motion to hold a 2021 budget hearing on August 25th @ 10:00 am, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.

Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 25-20; a resolution with the results of the 2020 Primary Election, Nick seconded and the motion passed and they signed the resolution.

At 2:47, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and the motion passed.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner
(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
August 18, 2020, Approved Date

Fort Scott, Government

Water Flushing/Burnout Starts Today in Fort Scott

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Press release for 2020 Flushing/Burnout

Who: City of Fort Scott Water Utility

What: Is initiating our flushing/ free Cl2 burnout program for the year.

When: Starting on Thursday, August 27th and lasting approximately 5 weeks.

Where: City of Fort Scott – and Bourbon County Rural water districts.

Why: In order to maintain water quality. If this maintenance is not performed in the water distribution system, the water will eventually lose all of its disinfection residual, which could cause water quality to degrade, and could cause the utility of incur disinfectant residual violations from KDHE.

The Fort Scott Water Utility has commenced the annual flushing program along with a free chlorine burnout of the water distribution system. This burnout is a part of necessary maintenance of the distribution system which will help maintain the disinfection residual levels required by KDHE. During this flushing and free chlorine burnout, the disinfectant used in our distribution system will be changed from chloramines to free chlorine which is a stronger and faster-acting disinfectant. Flushing and chlorine burnouts are routine distribution system maintenance conducted by utilities with chloramine disinfection.

There are two common types of chlorine used in water treatment for disinfection purposes, combined chlorine (or chloramines) and free chlorine. Chloramines are created by combining free chlorine with free ammonia. A benefit of using chloramines is that they will retain disinfection residual longer in the distribution system and they do not lend themselves in promoting taste, or a “chlorine” taste in the water. Except during a burn out in the summer time, the City of Fort Scott Water Treatment Plant uses chloramines to disinfect the finished water before entering the distribution system. However, chloramines are not as strong of a disinfectant as free chlorine and it can allow certain types of nitrifying bacteria to grow in the distribution system. These natural occurring bacteria feed on the ammonia found in our finished water. These bacteria are nonpathogenic – they are not a health concern. Nitrifying bacteria which naturally grow in any distribution system when using chloramines can become prolific in warm summer temperatures. They will eventually cause water quality to degrade in the warmer summer months. Also, heat alone is a major factor that will cause disinfectant residuals to dissipate.

This is why surface water systems across the State do an annual or biannual free chlorine burnouts. The term burnout is commonly used because free chlorine is a much more powerful disinfectant than combined chlorine. Free chlorine will oxidize nitrifying bacteria and keep it in check.

Fire hydrants will be utilized to allow flushing of the system to help remove sediment from the pipes and distribute the change in disinfectant. Customers may notice city personnel flushing fire hydrants throughout the city during this period. This free chlorine is pulled through the distribution system by flushing the entire system through fire hydrants, blow-offs, and overflowing water towers.

Occasionally during this process customers may temporarily experience low pressures, taste or odors, discolored water, or even some sediment in their water. During the flushing and burnout you may notice that your tap water tastes different than normal. This is because most people cannot smell or taste combined chlorine in the water, however most people can smell and taste free chlorine in the water. It could also affect the taste of fountain drinks. If you find the chlorine taste unpleasant, it can be helpful to leave an uncovered pitcher of water sit overnight. This will allow some of the chlorine to evaporate and could help improve taste during this time.

The burnout process normally takes four to five weeks after which we can return to the combined chlorine residual and the excellent tasting water of which we are accustomed. We are extremely fortunate to have such a quality water supply available to us. Quality water helps promote quality life. Much of the rest of the world is not as fortunate as we are in water supply and water quality.

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments please contact Michael Mix or Scott Flater at the Water Treatment Plant at 223-5160 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.

Business, Government, Kansas

Over 7,000 SPARK Grant Seekers Applied

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces More Than 7,000 Businesses, Nonprofits Have Applied for SPARK Connectivity Grant Funds

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced a strong response to the state’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Economic Development and Connectivity grant application process, which has yielded more than 7,000 requests for assistance from businesses and nonprofit organizations across Kansas.

 

Of the 7,000-plus grant applications submitted, more than 5,000 were for Small Business Working Capital grant funds. 

 

“The initial response to this application period has been extraordinary,” Governor Kelly said. “We’re ready to give each application the consideration and attention it deserves – and we’ll make sure these funds are deployed in the most effective and strategic way possible to help small businesses, nonprofit organizations and others affected by COVID-19.”

 

More than $138 million in grants to serve businesses and nonprofits affected by the pandemic and for the expansion of broadband access in the state was made available by the SPARK Taskforce established earlier this year by Governor Kelly to lead Kansas forward in recovery from the far-reaching effects of COVID-19.  

 

Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) applications will be reviewed starting at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, when those applications are due. Because of the high volume of applications received, we will no longer accept applications for Small Business Working Capital and PPE Procurement grant programs after 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 31. Small Business Working Capital and PPE Procurement grants are reviewed on a rolling basis. 

 

“The response from small businesses across the state has been amazing, and I’m proud to know that so many organizations will benefit from these grants,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “I’m so grateful to the organizations across Kansas that helped us amplify this message so quickly. Now, we need to make sure these funds are distributed in a way that benefits all Kansans and ensures that our state can get back to business.”

 

The SPARK Taskforce and Kansas Department of Commerce intend to maintain the Small Business Working Capital, PPE Procurement and Connectivity Emergency Response Grant programs in case additional federal CARES Act funding becomes available.

 

The online application process for several other SPARK grant programs will remain active. Details are available at kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief.

 

Fort Scott, Health Care

CHC Gets UnitedHealthcare Grant

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces $200,000 Empowering Health Grant for the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced a $200,000 Empowering Health Grant from UnitedHealthcare for the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Pittsburg. Governor Kelly was joined by Kansas Secretary of Health and Environment Dr. Lee Norman, and State Representative Monica Murnan.

 

“I want to thank the team at UnitedHealthcare for their generosity, which will benefit the Pittsburg community and Southeast Kansas for years to come,” Governor Kelly said. “The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas performs life-saving work in the Pittsburg community. My administration is committed to working with our local and federal partners to provide Kansans access to affordable, quality health care.”

 

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas staff are on the front lines of public health’s response,” Dr. Norman said. “This grant will increase their capacity to improve the health of Kansans.”

 

The Empowering Health grant will be used by the health center to support its Community Health Action Team with a behavioral health nurse and social worker, so it can better address social isolation and behavioral health needs among existing and new patients with low incomes in its service area.

 

“By giving more Kansans access to health insurance, our community partners like Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas would no longer have to cover the cost of care for uninsured individuals,” State Representative Monica Murnan said. “This would free up funds to increase patient care, add new services, extend community outreach, and bolster the local economy.”

 

Governor Kelly said during the ceremony that her administration is committed to supporting local health care organizations across the state by fighting for quality, affordable health care for more than 150,000 Kansans by expanding Medicaid.

 

About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas:

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas has been a pillar in its community since it opened its doors in 1997. Today, over 400 employees care for more than 55,000 patients every year, providing medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and support services in southeast Kansas.

 

The below photos are available for media use:

 

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_0904.jpeg

 

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_0335.jpg

 

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_0334.jpg

 

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_0331.jpg

 

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_0333.jpg

 

Government, Kansas

KS Virtual Job Fair

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Fourth KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair is Now Open

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced the fourth KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair has begun, and will continue through Thursday, August 27.

 

The virtual fair will allow job seekers to easily live chat with employers from across the state through computers and mobile devices. KANSASWORKS has organized four virtual job fairs so far in 2020, with three additional virtual fairs planned later this year.

 

Click here to register for the Virtual Job Fair.

 

“My administration remains committed to providing safe employment opportunities across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The KANSASWORKS team has developed a creative, intuitive way for businesses and job seekers to find each other. I encourage all job seekers in our state to visit this and future Virtual Job Fairs to find opportunities in their area.”

 

The Department of Commerce moved its statewide job fairs online this year to eliminate public health risks associated with mass gatherings, and as a way to continue to provide job opportunities and maintain a ready workforce for Kansas businesses.

 

“Getting our state back to business is our top priority at Commerce,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our economy is recovering, and there are job opportunities in numerous sectors across Kansas. KANSASWORKS virtual job fairs have provided results to Kansas residents and businesses alike. If you are seeking employment in Kansas, the Virtual Job Fair is the place for you.”

 

The third virtual fair in July was a great success, with participation from 189 employers and 1,182 job seekers from across the state.

 

As concerns for the health and safety of Kansans remain high due to COVID-19, the Department of Commerce will maintain the Virtual Job Fair system for the remainder of 2020. Future statewide events are scheduled for:  

 

  • September 22-24
  • October 27-29
  • December 8-9

 

As these dates get closer, updates will be provided with employer and job-seeker registration links for each individual virtual fair.

Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At Washateria Aug. 27

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The Chamber Coffee will be hosted by
Fort Scott Washateria &
Fort Scott Community Closet
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27TH, 8AM
501 S. NATIONAL AVE.
VISIT THE FORT SCOTT WASHATERIA WEBSITE TO
LEARN ABOUT SERVICES OFFERED!
Chamber Members & Guests are welcome
to make any announcement for $1 to the Chamber about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or any other specials!
The Chamber Coffee announcements will be held outside under the canopy and attendees are welcome to tour the business individually.
Masks & social distancing are encouraged.
“UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE SCHEDULE”
SEPTEMBER ANNOUNCER: Geoff Southwell
  • 9/3- Open – Call the Chamber to reserve this date at 620-223-3566!
  • 9/10- Open – Call the Chamber to reserve this date at 620-223-3566!
  • 9/17 ~ Common Ground Coffee Shop with Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening of New Location!
  • 9/24- Open – Call the Chamber to reserve this date at 620-223-3566!
Obituary

Obituary of Camille Parnell

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Camille Lynn Parnell

Camille Lynn Parnell, age 58, a resident of Fort Scott, died Sunday, August 23, 2020 at her home.

She was born July 11, 1962 in Ida Grove, Iowa, the daughter of Ronald Zimmer and Cherrie Clark Zimmer. Camille worked for Mid-Continental Restoration Company. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, and gardening. She loved spending time with her family especially her grandkids.

Camille is survived by her two children, Jimi Huntsman and husband, Garrett, of Peculiar, MO., Zach Parnell and, Cassidy Riley, of Harrisonville, MO.; three grandchildren, Athena Parnell, Collin Huntsman, and Riley Parnell; dad, Wayne Stehr, and wife Nell, of Newcastle, Ok.; three brothers, Chris Zimmer, of South Carolina, Andy Stehr, of Midwest City, OK., Adam Stehr, of Norman, OK., two sisters, Patti Sangster, of Norman, OK., and Karla Brinkley, of Blanchard, OK.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

There was cremation. Pastor Michael Apfel will conduct a Memorial Service at 2:30 P.M. Friday, August 28, 2020 at the Trinity Lutheran Church.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Business, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Town-Wide Garage Sale Oct. 2-3

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Announces the
Fall2020
Town-wide Garage Sale
October 2nd & 3rd
Businesses ~ now is the time to secure an ad on the upcoming Town-wide Garage Sale Map!
See information below!
We are also now accepting
Garage Sale Listings!
All who register a sale will receive two balloons to display and their physical address printed on the maps distributed at
5 Corner’s, Bids & Dibs, Casey’s, Don’s Smoke Shop and all Pete’s locations!
The Fort Scott Chamber will promote the event on all social platforms, paper, radio & distribute the printed maps.
Register online at the Chamber Website or click HERE to download the registration form & return it to the Chamber with payment of $10 registration fee.