Bourbon County COVID 19 cases remains at seven.
To see the full report:
https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/676/4-15-20-update-numbers
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 15
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports April 10-14
Click below:
Extension of Emergency Orders For Utility Disconnects
KCC extends emergency order suspending utility disconnects until May 15
Citing the continued threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kansas Corporation Commission used its emergency powers to extend a previous order suspending utility disconnects for nonpayment until May 15. The action, taken during a Commission business meeting this morning, will offer continued relief to those experiencing hardship from the COVID-19 virus. The previous order, issued March 16, was set to expire tomorrow.
The directive covers all electrical, natural gas, water and telecommunications utilities under the KCC’s jurisdiction, several of which have already voluntarily suspended disconnects. The Commission also encourages those utilities not under its jurisdiction to enact similar practices.
“The difficulties associated with COVID-19 are far from over. As Kansans continue to face both health and financial challenges, it is critical that they have continued access to utility services in their homes to ensure public safety,” said Commission Chair Susan Duffy.
The Commission may elect to extend the suspension order in a subsequent order if conditions warrant.
Today’s order can be viewed at:
https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/20200414110728.pdf?Id=14bf4cde-a3d1-4c29-8971-327bab674e74
Bourbon County Commission Plan For Moving Forward
Bourbon County Press Release
For Immediate Release
4/14/2020
On March 14, 2020, the Bourbon County Commission declared a state of disaster as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Shortly after on March 26, 2020, the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department Officer issued an order to stay at home.
Since that time, there has been measurable progress at the county level, building a framework and preparing for when the Governor of Kansas tells Kansans we can reopen.
Bourbon County Commissioners realized the severity of the situation and acted swiftly in declaring an emergency existed.
This resulted in opening doors to federal resources. Bourbon County Emergency Management has worked diligently to keep our frontline healthcare workers safe with the necessary personal protective equipment, PPE. Available relief has been communicated through Facebook, email, radio, webinars, and hosting teleconference meetings with state level government officials such as with David Toland our Secretary of Commerce.
In three weeks, we have spoken to almost one hundred different businesses and organizations on a regular basis. At this time, we have reports of almost $4.6 million in relief to businesses awarded or applied for in our community.
On April 14, Bourbon County Economic Development, Jody Hoener, presented the commission a framework and roadmap with a goal to facilitate an effective path forward.
All three commissioners voiced their full support of the plan in moving forward.
“It’s an educational type of thing” stated Lynne Oharah, Bourbon County Commission Chair and COVID-19 Manager, “Educating the community on the plan. We need to move forward with this. Jody’s done a great job getting the framework in place and now we need to get all the players on board and get it out to the targeted groups.”
Our community has responded to the crisis informed, safely, and appropriately. Our framework, the roadmap to facilitate an effective path forward to reopening, has likewise been informed by experts in their field, researched heavily to ensure safety, and appropriate needs have been identified.
We do not have tima eline, but we know what the triggers are to move to the next phase. Planning for each phase now should begin so the infrastructure is in place when it is time to transition.
Phases are identified in the most well-renowned plan called National Coronavirus Response: A Road Map to Recovery by the American Enterprise Institute.
The phase we are in right now is called “Slow the Spread.” Experts are saying to move on we must see a slowed rate of infection and our healthcare infrastructure must be scaled up to safely manage the outbreak and care for the sick.
This includes using technology available to us, at its full potential, to keep our healthcare workforce, ambulance crews, and law enforcement officers safe.
The next phase is a State by State Reopening and will be determined by Governor Laura Kelly.
However, we anticipate there will continue to be some physical distancing measures and limitations mandated on gathering to prevent another accelerated outbreak.
Phase three is when physical distancing restrictions can be lifted. We can reach this point when we are using technology to screen our vulnerable populations and essential workers and collect data regionally, statewide, and perhaps even nationwide.
Of course, testing, once available, will be a key component. It is so important that it is worth repeating: Planning for each phase now should begin so the infrastructure is in place when it is time to transition.
The County team diligently on the needed infrastructure for when we are allowed to transition out of the current phase of slowing the spread to the next phase and beyond.
For the last three weeks, we have been very intentional and strategic with our efforts with a goal to facilitate an effective path forward.
We have identified our needs in a one page:
These include:
1.Rapid data collection of essential workers
2.Increase communication between public/private healthcare sectors
3.Improve patient communication
4.Promote a consistent message
We have articulated the required inputs to reach our goals in our Quad Chart.
These required inputs include:
1.Access to technology that can be used to tele-triage and screen our healthcare providers, the essential workforce, and the vulnerable populations. This allows for a more targeted approach to containing the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
2. Build many partnerships with experts and essential businesses such as: MRGlobal, Heart to heart International, the healthcare sector, KDHE, public health, emergency management, nursing homes and assisted livings, law enforcement agencies, and major employers.
3. Funding through public/private relationships.
4. Equipment to keep frontline workers safe with needed PPE, a database with software to support the self-reporting tele- screening, collection, entry and analysis of data taken during triage, testing, and recovery, and finally ensure our healthcare providers have increased testing capabilities.
There are two critical components that will be required for our community to move forward:
1. Screening and Data Collection
2. Testing and Test Kits. The Federal Government has yet to bring forth a plan. The most prominent plan widely used is the American Enterprise Institute’s Road Map to Reopening. This report calls for the need to screen and collect data on target populations.
Like many chambers of commerce, cities, counties, and state governments, Bourbon County has created a roadmap and the framework to facilitate an effective path forward.
“We have to have a starting point, and this is our starting point” Lynne Oharah. “This is a long-term process. Our team does an extraordinary amount of data mining and researching expert advice.”
Experts are telling us that to reopen society will require regular testing and a reliable, fast nationwide reporting network.
One of the ways identified to contain the virus is to screen patients. Because the virus is so contagious even those who may have the virus need to be quarantined.
This roadmap has been our guide the last three weeks and we have made progress in our effort to facilitate an effective path forward by obtaining one of the key components.
We have been working with Dr. Roger Harris, past Vice President of MRIGlobal, on an ongoing basis and through this relationship we have been able to gain access to a screening and data collection software, at no cost to the county, through Heart to Heart International and MRIGlobal.
Both organizations are well regarded in their field and have relationships with the Department of Defense. They have experience in responding to pandemics like Ebola with the same type of technology. Dr. Norman himself, our Secretary of KDHE, remarked positively on the two company’s credibility and reputation.
One of the features of the platform is it provides a self-assessment and guides people where to go should they show symptoms of Coronavirus.
An algorithm is used to manage key patients over time.
We have had measurable conversations with Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Bourbon County Emergency Management. Randy Cason, President of Ascension Via Christi and Becky Johnson, Public Health Department Nurse have been engaged. Community Health Centers of Southeast Kansas, our primary health provider, has been a critical component in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will also be an essential partner moving forward.
Our next steps will be to continue to reach out and engage our essential healthcare providers.
The new technology should be built and available to our community in the next week.
Obituary of Richard Singmaster
Glen Richard “Rick” Singmaster, 74, of Arcadia, Kansas, passed away on April 13, 2020 at his home.
He was born March 19, 1946 in Fort Scott the son of Donald “Reece” and Luetta “June” Kitchen Singmaster.
Rick was a member of the Fort Scott High School graduating class of 1964. He married Phyllis Cullop in 1965 and from this union, a son was born. They later divorced. In 1985, he married Carol Jenkerson, and they lived a full and happy life together.
Rick was self-employed for most of his life, turning his passion for astronomy into a successful business, Starmaster Telescopes. In addition to astronomy, he had a great love for music, fast cars, motorcycles, and his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Carol, of the home, son Barry Rice and wife, Lynn, 2 daughters, Nicole Conner and husband, Russell, and Sylvia Stapleton and husband, Austin, all of Fort Scott, 7 grandchildren, Stephanie Rice, Madilyn Conner, Megan Conner, Alex Rice, Macey Conner, Donnie Stapleton and Reece Stapleton, sister, Judy Barrow and husband, Ron of Leawood, Kansas, brother, Gary Singmaster of Fort Scott, several nieces, nephews and extended family as well as, many friends in the amateur astronomy community.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reece and June Singmaster, his beloved brother, Donnie Singmaster, an infant brother, William Singmaster, and a sister-in-law, Margie Singmaster.
Private burial will take place at Clarksburg Cemetery, and a celebration of life will be announced and held at a later date.
The family suggests memorials to the Leukemia Foundation in memory of his brother, Donnie Singmaster.
Donations may be sent to or left in the care of, the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 309, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Kansas COVID 19 Cases Update April 14
Bourbon County remains at seven cases of COVID 19.
Click here for more information:
U234 Minutes of April 2
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met virtually on Monday, April 2, for their regular monthly meeting.
President David Stewart opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda. The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – March 13, 2020 – $1,414,782.30
D. Financial Report
E. Bond Proceeds Reconciliation
F. Activity Fund Accounts
G. Parent/Teacher Conference Attendance
H. Point of Information – May Employee Recognition to be held at a later date due to COVET-19
Stephanie George, KNEA President, presented a report. Administrators from each
building shared information with board members.
Superintendent Ted Hessong commended staff throughout the district for their hard work throughout the pandemic, reported on the Continuous Learning Plan, and shared special education information.
Gina Shelton, Business Manager, shared information on employee pay, current business practices, and bond closure.
Board members approved the following items:
· KASB Adoption Agreement and Legal Assistance Fund Contract and Renewal Payment
· Price increase for adult lunch and breakfast meals for the 2020-21 school year
· Roof payments
· Purchase of two buses
· Door bids
· Sale of old high school weight racks
The board also acknowledged receipt of the 2020-21 negotiations lists.
Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting. The board then went into executive session to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations and returned to open meeting.
The board approved the following employment matters:
A. Non-renewal of Don Parsons, high school English teacher, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
B. Resignation of Jamie Patterson, preschool paraprofessional, effective April 6, 2020
C. Transfer of Brandon Boyd, Eugene Ware physical education teacher, to Eugene Ware Assistant Principal for the 2020-21 school year
D. Transfer of Pauline Sweyko, high school paraprofessional, to high school special education teacher for the 2020-21 school year
E. Transfer of Matt Glades, high school teacher aide (ISS), to high school technology teacher for the 2020-21 school year
F. Transfer of Sabrina Keating, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, to Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year
G. Transfer of Brenda Hill, elementary instructional coach, to Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year
H. Work agreement change for Debbie West, high school secretary, from a 10-month position to a 12-month position for the 2020-21 school year
I. Employment of Clint Heffern as a high school social science/physical education teacher for the 2020-21 school year
J. Employment of Carissa Bowman as a high school FACS teacher for the 2020-21 school year
K. Employment of Pam Hutchison as a high school teachers’ aide for the 2020-21 school year
L. Employment of Fort Scott High School licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year
M. Employment of Fort Scott Middle School licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year
N. Employment of Eugene Ware Elementary School licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year
O. Employment of Winfield Scott Elementary School licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year
P. Employment of Fort Scott Preschool Center licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year
Q. Employment of special education licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year
R. Employment of Clint Heffern as head high school boys’ basketball coach for the 2020-21 school year
S. Employment of Melissa Miller as elementary instructional coach for the 2020-21 school year
T. Employment of Shelly Sanborn as a middle school special education teacher for the 2020-21 school year
The board adjourned.
Bandera Stone Seeks Employee
Bandera Stone, Inc. has immediate employment available at our Redfield KS facility.
Experience in stone fabrication helpful but not necessary – we will provide training.
This is an outdoor type work environment and the ability to perform physical labor is required.
Full time positions with competitive pay rate plus benefits including health/life/disability insurance, retirement plan, vacation & holidays.
For more information & to apply call 620-223-3920 or email [email protected].
Motor Carriers Relief
Governor Kelly announces executive order extending relief to motor carriers during COVID-19 pandemic
Governor Laura Kelly today issued a new executive order as part of her administration’s comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Executive Order #20-22 will extend temporary relief for motor carriers from certain rules and regulations. It is an extension of motor carrier rules and regulations put in place by Executive Order #20-09.
“As this public health crisis evolves, our teams are constantly adapting and developing methods to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus,” Kelly said. “The executive orders issued today will ease the burden on the workers who are critical to our state’s response capabilities.”
The order lifts certain weight restrictions and permitting requirements to allow needed medical supplies, food shipments and other items to move through Kansas as quickly as possible. These exceptions apply only to motor carriers actively participating in COVID-19 response effort.
To view E.O. #20-22, click here.
U.S. Congressman Roger Marshall, OP ED
Community Colleges Assisting Communities in Times of Need
America isn’t great because she has streets made of gold or monarchies in high castles. America is great because in times of crisis and need, her people rise to the occasion, respond with acts of compassion and individuals do just as much as the state to defeat the enemy and ensure the wellbeing of others. As our country continues to battle this virus and we experience the height of its impact, stories of helping others, giving back and servant leadership abound. One of the pillars of my life has always been community and now, more than ever, our community leaders are stepping up to make a difference.
I recently held a Zoom call with presidents from Kansas’ 19 community colleges. Earlier this spring, with only a few days’ notice, these colleges were all forced to take their classes online, shut down classrooms, residents halls and dining facilities and help students safely return home. The loss of revenue these colleges has accumulated thus far is in the millions. But the message from the presidents on our call wasn’t one of anger and despair. Instead each of these colleges have found their own way to give back to their communities, help those in need and retool their resources and services to become assets and lifelines. As a community college graduate, I could not be more proud of these college and their commitments to their communities.
One president on the call said it best, “When others take the victims’ approach, we take the victors approach and look for ways to help.” Nearly all of the colleges on the call had donated personal protective equipment and medical equipment – including ventilators – from their classes to their local hospitals. Others had opened their residential halls to medical professionals and first responders who need a place, away from their homes and families, to rest between shifts or offered rooms to the hospital in the event multiple residents needed to be quarantined and isolated.
The schools are doing all this while rewriting class syllabi and transitioning classes – including those that require hands-on instruction – online. Their staff remains on payroll and most have committed to paying employees through the end of the school year. In most communities, college administration is now part of daily planning and response calls and every president on our call was more than ready to help their communities however possible.
In this difficult time, it is easy to get wrapped up in the bad news and hardships we are all facings. But my call with these college presidents reminded me just how powerful individuals and community leaders can be. These men and women have done this without asking anything in return or seeking the applause they deserve. I encourage you to follow their Facebook page – Kansas Association of Community College Trustees – to learn for yourself the many ways these colleges are helping their communities. I want to thank President Alysia Johnston and all of the staff at Fort Scott Community College for their tireless work on behalf of their students and the community. Keep up the great work.
U.S. Congressman Roger Marshall, M.D.
Governor Kelly announces most recent appointments
Since March, Governor Laura Kelly has made appointments to various boards, councils and committees while also coordinating emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My administration has been working diligently over the past month to ensure Kansans have the information and resources they need in order to stay safe during these trying times,” Kelly said.
This announcement includes 44 appointments across 19 different boards made by the governor in recent weeks.
“I am committed to keeping government working for all Kansans, and that includes continuing the essential appointments process,” Kelly said. “These appointments have been made with the same level of scrutiny and certainty as always, and I have no doubt these individuals will be great additions to their respective boards and help keep our state running as it should.”
Below are the appointments made by Governor Kelly.
Appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. *
State Board of Technical Professions
The board is charged with protecting the health, safety and welfare of Kansans by registering and licensing technical professionals to ensure that only qualified persons carry out the practice of engineering, architecture, land surveying, landscape architecture and geology in the state.
- Bonnie Limbird, Prairie Village
State Building Advisory Commission
The commission evaluates and selects firms to be interviewed by user agencies for Capitol improvement projects; collects and maintains current data on construction costs; establishes criteria and procedures to evaluate the qualification and performance of contractors providing architectural, engineering or construction services; develops and adopts standards for the inspection and acceptance of Capitol improvement projects; reviews state agencies’ yearly Capitol improvement project requests; and files an advice report with the budget director.
- Fran Hug, Topeka
State Use Law Committee
The Committee’s purpose is to advise the director of purchases on issues surrounding the purchase of products and services provided by blind or disabled persons.
- Representative Jan Kessinger, Overland Park
- Shelby Fry, Topeka
- Robert Tabor, Lawrence
- Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau, Wichita (reappointment)
Kansas Sports Hall of Fame
The purpose of the board is to provide oversight to the Hall of Fame and provide ideas for awareness, education, needed legislation and fundraising.
- Ann Gaffigan, Olathe
Kansas Guardianship Program Board of Directors
The Kansas Guardianship Program Board of Directors is a partnership involving the state of Kansas and its citizen volunteers to assist certain adults legally determined to be unable to manage for themselves. Members shall have knowledge and interest in issues related to guardianship, conservatorship and the needs of disabled adults.
- Sherrie Watkins, Kansas City
Kansas Statewide Independent Living Council
The purpose of the Council is to develop a State Plan through external input, which ensures independent living for Kansans; advocate for the accomplishment of the State Plan objectives; monitor, review and evaluate the implementation of the plan; and to be a statewide catalyst for independent living.
- Teresa Beaudry, Deerfield
- Ray Petty, Lawrence
Kansas Board of Healing Arts
The purpose of the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts is the regulation of 11 healthcare professions and to ensure that these healthcare professionals meet and maintain certain qualifications to protect the public from incompetent practice, unprofessional conduct and other proscribed behavior by individuals who have been credentialed to practice in Kansas.
- Dr. Stephanie Suber, Lawrence
Kansas Advisory Committee on Trauma
The ACT is advisory to the Secretary of Health and Environment on the development and implementations of a statewide trauma system.
- Dr. Wael Khreiss, Topeka
- Dr. Stepheny Berry, Leawood
- Carol Perry, Topeka (reappointment)
- Jane Kemmerer, Jewell (reappointment)
Kansas State Board of Tax Appeals*
The board’s mission is to impartially resolve disputes between taxpayers and taxing authorities. It also reviews tax exemption decisions made by local governments and grievances resulting from technical errors, and corrects tax inequities.
- Robert Marx, Fairway
Kansas Propane Education Research Council
The purpose of the council is to develop programs and projects to enhance consumer and employee safety and training; provide research and development to improve existing propane technology; and to increase efficiency of propane use.
- Rob Northcutt, El Dorado
- Lewis Creek, Meriden
- Richard Mentzer, Yates Center
- Edward Barrett, Pratt
Kansas Credit Union Council
The purpose of the council is to supervise and regulate credit unions across Kansas.
- Michael Augustine, Olathe
- Charles Bullock, Wichita
- Kirsten Flory, Baldwin City
Kansas Banking Board*
The mission of the Kansas Banking Board is to prudently, equitably, ethically and efficiently administer all its statutorily delegated powers and duties so as to promote competitiveness, financial stability, safe and sound banking practices, protection of Kansas consumers and public confidence in the state-chartered banking industry.
- Mary Ann Berry, Goddard
- Lea Tatum-Haskell, Topeka
Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council
The Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council advises the Governor on adult, adolescent, and children services issues.
- Elijah Redington, Newton
- Savannah Hunsucker, Walton
- Ashely Grill, Overland Park
- Dr. Sherrie Vaughn, Topeka
Employment First Oversight Committee
The Commission makes annual recommendations to the Governor, Legislature, and state agencies on strategies to increase the rate of competitive integrated employment for Kansans with disabilities.
- Joseph Scarlett, Overland Park
Kansas Water Authority
The water authority advises the governor, the Legislature and the director of the Kansas Water Office (KWO) on water policy issues — including the approval of the Kansas Water Plan and revisions, federal contracts, administration regulations and legislation proposed by the KWO.
- Dr. Jean Steiner, Manhattan
Kansas Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
The purpose of the Advisory Group is to determine, advocate for and promote the best interests of juveniles in Kansas.
- Dr. April Terry, Hays
Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission*
The purpose of the Commission is to protect the integrity of the racing and gaming industry through enforcement of Kansas laws.
- David Moses, Wichita (reappointment)
- Larry Turnquist, Salina (reappointment)
Civil Service Board*
The State Civil Board hears appeals from classified state employees with permanent status under the Kansas civil service act as well as applicants for classified positions who are entitled by law and regulation to appeal to the Board.
- Tom Wright, Topeka
Kansas Volunteer Commission
The Commission prepares a national service plan for the state; ensures outreach to diverse community-based agencies; and administers certain grant programs.
- Brittany Crabtree, Topeka
- Ginger Williams, Lenexa,
- Marcee Binder, Pittsburg
- Dr. Emily Riner, Lecompton
- Ralph G. Costilla, Wichita
- Dr. Joe Marlow, Olathe (reappointment)
- Amy Pinger, Topeka (reappointment)
- Shelby Ostrom, Overland Park (reappointment)
- Breanna Monk, Wichita (reappointment)
For more information on the appointments, please visit https://governor.kansas.gov/