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Inflation by Gregg Motley

Gregg Motley. President of the Bourbon County Economic Development Council. Submitted photo.

Inflation

Congress has printed and spent trillions of dollars in the last year. Two “stimulus” checks have gone out to most Americans. Congress is still paying a $300 unemployment bonus, contributing to worker shortages and supply shortages. The Federal Reserve still has rates at zero. Banks are awash in cash with few investment options. Congress is trying to spend another $1 to $4 trillion.

All these factors should lead to inflation; and they have. The Consumer Price Index surged 5.2% year over year in May, the largest increase since 2008. Over the last 12 months, core inflation is up 3.8%, and other industries are much higher: used cars – 29.7%, airline fares – 24.1%, jewelry – 14.7%, shoes – 7.1%. We all know that the price of lumber has skyrocketed, along with most other commodities.

The housing market has taken off nationwide, including Bourbon County. Year-to-date in our region, sales are up 37%, average sales price is up 18%, days on the market has dropped 53%, and pending sales are up 49%. How long this will last is anyone’s guess, but it is obvious that forces beyond the market are at work. With the increase in lumber prices adding about $36,000 to the cost of an average new home, pre-owned homes are becoming more attractive and the market reflects that reality.

Rates are an historic anomaly, as evidenced by the fact that municipalities can borrow at rates lower than the rate of inflation. It does not make sense for cities and counties to save money for projects, when they can lower costs by borrowing at low rates and beating long-term inflation. Case in point, the average rate of inflation for construction costs has been 2.42% over the last ten years (are there any doubts that number is MUCH higher in the last year?); a city can borrow money for around 1%. Thousands of municipalities have taken advantage of this historically rare arbitrage at record levels.

What should a business do? Lock in long-term borrowing rates. Marginally increase normal levels of inventory. Save capital. Have a plan to deal with inflation in inventory, labor and other expenses. Get out of all short-term, variable rate debt. Much of this applies to individuals as well. One positive factor is that our nation’s personal savings rate has doubled the pre-pandemic level to 14.9%, which is nice to see given that people tend to spend money they did not earn more freely.

Inflation is a tax we all pay, regardless of our income level or position in life. A modest, predictable level of inflation is healthy; what appears to be coming is not. Now is the time for all entities, all people to focus on good financial health. Bourbon County can be an oasis of stability in an inflation desert.

Conclusion: Don’t get caught up in the nationwide buying/borrowing frenzy, unless it is absolutely necessary, such as for municipal infrastructure needs. Pay down debt. Save. Let’s position Bourbon County as a financial leader in the months and years to come.

Obituary of Bernard Nilges

Bernard John Nilges, age 98, a resident of Iola, Kansas, passed away Thursday, June 17, 2021, at his home.

He was born August 24, 1922, in Scipio, Kansas, the son of Samuel P. Nilges and Mary Catherine Peine Nilges.

He served with the United States Army from 1942 to 1945. While with the Army, he participated in the Battle of the Bulge and later helped with relief efforts at the Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany. He was proud of his time spent in the military where he faithfully served his country.

Hospice had given him a plaque in honor of his military service just prior to his death. Following his military service, he returned to Anderson County, Kansas, where he married Norma Jean Blubaugh on July 16, 1948.

He owned and operated his own farm and dairy for forty years. He was a farmer and proud to be one. He loved to see things grow and to know that he had a part in that. He loved to be outdoors and enjoyed nature.

Following retirement from farming in the mid 1980’s, Bernie and Norma Jean moved to Iola, Kansas.

He worked for twelve years as a bus driver. He was also a very good carpenter. He loved working with his hands and was good at whatever he was doing.

Bernie was a soft-spoken man. He never asked for much and yet he gave so much to anyone and everyone.

He will be dearly missed not only by his family but by anyone who ever knew him.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dawn Henshall, Melissa Preston, Tammy Snyder, Melissa Andres, Rodney Andres and Debra Wools who have served as caregivers for both Bernie and Norma over the years.

Survivors include his wife, of seventy-two years, Norma Jean, of the home; and two daughters, Cristine Bacon (Chuck), of Moran, Kansas and Connie Hiner (Sam), of Burlington, Kansas. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Bryan Bacon (Brenda), Jessica Bacon, Tina Withers (Chris), Erica Combs (Donnie) and Renee Fischer (Chancy) and ten great-grandchildren, Abigail, Caleb, Austin, Hannah, Collin, Cassidy, Evan, Ava, Addison and Jocelyn and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Joe, Fred, Herman and Mark and three sisters, Cecilia, Agnes and Rose.

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for June 22

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: June 22, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

    MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM.

 

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
  • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
  • Bourbon County Soil Conservation District 2022 Budget Review
  • Wallstreet Group Insurance – Cassie Laemmli, Health Insurance Presentation
  • Assured Partners – Health Insurance Presentation
  • Commission to Review Fireworks Permits
  • Kendell Mason – Annual Statements
  • Michael Clancy – Reodry USA – Inspection of Courthouse Foundation for Free
  • Will Wallis – Termination of County Declaration
  • Bill Martin – Sheriff’s 2022 Budget Review
  • Elected Officials Comment
  • County Counselor Comment
  • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
  • Donation to Kansas Road Trip
    • Public Comment
  • Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

          KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

          KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

          KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Child Tax Credit: American Rescue Plan

Governor Laura Kelly Encourages Families to Register for Monthly Child Tax Credit with New Online Tool

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today encouraged Kansas families who normally aren’t required to file an income tax return to use a new online tool to quickly register for the expanded Child Tax Credit under the American Rescue Plan.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service announced this week that the new Non-filer Sign-up Tool for people who did not file an income tax return for 2019 or 2020 and did not use the IRS Non-filers tool last year to register for Economic Impact Payments is now available through IRS.gov.

“Businesses are open, unemployment is back to pre-pandemic lows, and Kansas’ economy gets stronger every day – but we know that many families still need support,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I encourage all Kansans who qualify to use this new online tool to quickly and easily register for Child Tax Credit payments – and to spread the word about the new tool in their communities.”

This tool, an update of last year’s IRS Non-filers tool, is also designed to help eligible individuals who don’t normally file income tax returns register for the $1,400 third round of Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of Economic Impact Payments they may have missed.

Learn more about the Non-filer Sign-up Tool here.

Southeast Kansas Library Newsletter June 2021

The SEKnFind Newsletter
June 2021

This newsletter about new books is distributed to people who are registered adult users at a southeast Kansas library participating in the SEKnFind catalog. We hope you find it useful, but if you don’t wish to receive this anymore, you can click on the “Manage Subscriptions or Unsubscribe” link at the bottom.
All the books included in this newsletter are new additions in one or more SEKnFind libraries–and since the catalog is shared, that means they are available to you whether they are in your local library or not!  Just place a hold on the item(s) you want.  If you don’t know how, your librarian can show you.

New Nonfiction

On Juneteenth
by Annette Gordon-Reed

In this intricately woven tapestry of American history, dramatic family chronicle, and searing episodes of memoir, the descendant of enslaved people brought to Texas in the 1850s, recounts the origins of Juneteenth and explores the legacies of the holiday that remain with us.

Mom genes : inside the new science of our ancient maternal instinct
by Abigail Tucker

Part scientific odyssey, part memoir, this fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the biology of motherhood reveals the hard science behind our tenderest maternal impulses. 75,000 first printing.

The music advantage : how music helps your child develop, learn, and thrive
by Anita Collins

An expert in cognitive development and music education explains how learning music and listening to it can positively impact numerous aspects of a child’s development, improving language abilities, social skills, concentration, impulse control, emotional development, working memory, and planning competence.

Vibrant : a groundbreaking program to get energized, own your health, and glow
by Stacie Stephenson

“With pracitcal steps to improve everything from brain health and energy to immunity and weight, Vibrant introduces readers to a new way of looking at health, as something each person can control for themselves, rather than something that happens to them”

100 plants to feed the monarch : create a healthy habitat to sustain North America’s most beloved butterfly
by Eric Lee-Mäder

An in-depth portrait of the endangered North American monarch butterfly describes its life cycle and extraordinary migration and provides instructions for designing monarch-friendly landscapes with plants that provide it nourishment, including milkweed and flowering plants and shrubs. Original. Illustrations.

Cook for your gut health : quiet your gut, boost fiber, and reduce inflammation
by America’s Test Kitchen (Firm)

This cookbook presents nutritious, high-fiber meals that promote gut health and are perfect for those trying to calm occasional gastrointestinal symptoms, those who are among the 1 in 5 Americans who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or those simply seeking to nourish themselves with whole foods. Illustrations.

Craft your own happy : a collection of 25 creative projects to craft your way to mindfulness
by Becci Mai Ford

“Craft Your Own Happy is a collection of mindful craft projects to make you smile! Perfect for those moments when you need a bit of self-care and relaxation time.Do you ever feel like you spend too much of your day staring at screens, feeling anxious or stressed out? If the answer is yes – then you need this book! The cute colorful projects have all been designed with the feel-good-factor in mind. Crafting can help to take you away from the worries and pressures of your daily life, and give you back those moments of slowness and focus which can help to reduce anxiety.Unlike other craft books, this is a book that you can dip into and find projects based upon how you are feeling. So you can craft to suit your mood! There are 25 beginner friendly projects to choose from including cross stitching, embroidery, paper craft and more…”

Dream first, details later : how to quit overthinking and make it happen
by Ellen Bennett

A former line cook shares her experiences about turning a flash of inspiration about better kitchen aprons into an internationally-recognized brand as well as presenting her creative problem-solving tactics to encourage would-be entrepreneurs to follow in her footsteps. Illustrations.

The ground breaking : an American city and its search for justice
by Scott Ellsworth

“The definitive, newsbreaking account of the ongoing investigation into the Tulsa race massacre In the late spring of 1921, Tulsa, Oklahoma, erupted into the worst single incident of racial violence in American history. Over the course of sixteen hours, mobs of white men and women looted and burned to the ground a prosperous African American community, known today as Black Wall Street. More than one thousand homes and businesses were destroyed, and scores, possibly hundreds, of people lost their lives. Then, for nearly a half century, the story of the massacre was actively suppressed. Official records disappeared, history textbooks ignored the tragedy, and citizens were warned to keep silent. Now nearly one hundred years after that horrible day, historian Scott Ellsworth returns to his hometown to tell the untold story of how America’s foremost hidden racial tragedy was finally brought to light, and the unlikely cast of characters that made it happen. Part true-crime saga, part archaeological puzzle, andpart investigative journalism, The Ground Breaking weaves in and out of recent history, the distant past, and the modern day to tell a compelling story of a city-and a nation-struggling to come to terms with the dark corners of its past”

New Fiction

The plot
by Jean Hanff Korelitz

Wildly successful author Jacob Finch Bonner, who had stolen the plot of his book from a late student, fights to hide the truth from his fans and publishers, while trying to figure out who wants to destroy him. 200,000 first printing.

Lemon drop dead
by Amanda Flower

When a surprise guest at Emily Esh’s lemon-themed baby shower claims to know about her secret shame, and then winds up dead, Emily’s sister, Esther, is accused of the crime and Bailey King must put the squeeze on the real killer to keep this family together. Original.

The lost village
by Camilla Sten

Obsessed with the vanishing residents of an old mining town, dubbed “The Lost Village,” documentary filmmaker Alice Lindstedt and her crew set up camp and are soon plagued by strange events that makes them realize they are not alone. 100,000 first printing.

Local woman missing
by Mary Kubica

When Delilah, who disappeared 11 years earlier when she was only 6 years old, shockingly returns, the residents of a quiet suburban neighborhood want to know what happened to her, but no one is prepared for what they’ll find. 200,000 first printing.

What’s mine and yours : a novel
by Naima Coster

When the community rises in outrage of the integration in the Piedmont schools, two students, Gee and Noelle set off a chain of events that will bring their two families together in unexpected ways

Like cats and dogs
by Kate McMurray

“The fur flies when new veterinarian Caleb Fitch moves in next door to the Whitman Street Cat Cafe and gets on the wrong side of cafe owner Lauren Harlow. Caleb is cute and Lauren is instantly attracted, but he’s a dog person through and through, and Lauren is a dyed-in-the-wool cat person. Still, the friction between them is fascinating, and they can’t seem to stay away from each other. Determined to smooth things over, Caleb comes to the rescue when a litter of abandoned kittens is left on Lauren’s doorstep. But the kittens are only the first obstacle Lauren and Caleb are about to face, and they’ll have to learn to work together and confront the fiery attraction that’s been building between them from the start”

One last stop
by Casey McQuiston

Cynical August starts to believe in the impossible when meets Jane on the subway, a mysterious punk rocker she forms a crush on, who is literally displaced in time from the 1970s and is trying to find her way back. Original. 250,000 first printing.

Project Hail Mary : a novel
by Andy Weir

The sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission to save both humanity and the earth, Ryland Grace is hurtled into the depths of space when he must conquer an extinction-level threat to our species.

Breakout : a thriller
by Paul Herron

An imprisoned ex cop and a rookie correctional officer team up to survive and exact vengeance when their Miami jail is abandoned in the wake of two colliding Category 5 hurricanes. 40,000 first printing.

Surviving Savannah
by Patti Callahan Henry

A tale based on the Pulaski disaster of 1838 follows the efforts of a Savannah history professor to guest-curate a museum collection of wreck artifacts while researching the stories of 11 family members who were aboard the doomed steamship.

The Warsaw orphan
by Kelly Rimmer

Set during World War II in Poland, this novel, based on real-life heroes, follows Emilia over the course of the war, her involvement with the Resistance, and her love for a young man imprisoned in the Jewish ghetto who’s passion leads him to fight in the Warsaw Uprising. 10,000 first printing.

Branded
by Eric Red

Joe Noose, with the help of two U.S. Marshals, hunts down a serial killer who is cutting a bloody swath through the American frontier, branding his victims with a “Q” as he goes. Original.

Even more reading suggestions

NextReads Sneak Peek
Looking for something else to read? Try subscribing to our free NextReads newsletters. Newsletters are divided into a variety of genres and topics so you can get recommendations tailored to your interests sent directly to your inbox every month to two months.
Each issue contains around 9 to 10 reading suggestions. If we don’t have a copy, make a purchase suggestion or ask your library about interlibrary loan. Here’s a sneak peek of titles from this month’s Travel & Adventure newsletter:

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Noxious Weeds: Permanent Quarantine Hearing June 30

Hearing for Proposed Permanent Quarantine of Federal Noxious Weeds

MANHATTAN, Kansas — A public hearing will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at the Kansas Department of Agriculture, 1320 Research Park Dr. in Manhattan, regarding the issuance of a permanent statewide quarantine of weed species that have been designated noxious by federal regulation. The proposed quarantine would replace KDA’s existing Federal Noxious Weed Quarantine, which is expiring, and would prohibit all movement of items regulated pursuant to the quarantine into or within the state of Kansas.

All interested persons may attend the hearing in person or appear by counsel and will have the opportunity to express comments orally, in writing, or both. A copy of the proposed quarantine may be accessed on KDA’s website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment. Written comments and requests for information concerning the proposed quarantine can be shared on that website, or sent to Jeff Vogel, KDA plant protection and weed control program manager, at [email protected] or 1320 Research Park Dr., Manhattan, KS  66502.

Any individual with a disability may request accommodations in order to participate in the public hearing and may request a copy of the quarantine in an accessible format. Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least five working days prior to the hearing. For more information, including special accommodations or a copy of the regulations, please contact Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or [email protected].

###

WHAT:          Public hearing on proposed permanent quarantine

WHEN:         10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021

WHERE:       Kansas Department of Agriculture

1320 Research Park Dr., Manhattan, Kansas

Hearing for Proposed Permanent Quarantine of Federal Noxious Weeds.pdf


COVID Testing in Adult Care Facilities Ordered

Governor Laura Kelly Directs Kansas Department of Health and Environment to Require COVID-19 Testing in Adult Care Facilities

~Order introduced to prevent future spread of COVID-19 in adult care facilities~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly directed the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Dr. Lee Norman, to issue an order requiring COVID-19 testing in all adult care facilities statewide beginning today, June 18. State-licensed adult care facilities were no longer required to continue COVID-19 testing for staff or residents following the expiration of the state’s disaster declaration.

“We have a responsibility to protect Kansans most vulnerable to COVID-19 – and that includes those working and living in adult care homes, which have been some of the hardest-hit populations,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While we work to get Kansans vaccinated – we’ll continue to take these commonsense measures to keep our communities safe and healthy.”

The State Health Officer has the authority to issue health orders as medically necessary under K.S.A. 65-101 and 65-128. Under this order, vaccinated staff members at adult care facilities will not be required to get tested. The state strongly encourages all employees to get vaccinated to ensure the health and safety of all individuals.

“This order ensures that vulnerable populations in Kansas’ adult care facilities continue to receive the testing needed to continue combatting COVID-19,” KDHE Secretary Norman said.

The health order will align testing protocols for adult care facilities that fall under state jurisdiction with facilities regulated by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines. This order has no effect on facility visitation policies.

“Screening, testing, vaccination and good infection control all remain critical to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “Dr. Norman’s order is important to maintain the health and wellbeing of residents and other staff members who work in long-term care and the tremendous progress we’ve made in reducing the number of people sick with COVID-19 and the number of facilities with active outbreaks.”

The order will be effective immediately and will remain in effect until otherwise modified or rescinded. Read the full order here.

What’s Happening in Fort Scott, June 18 Newsletter

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
June 18th Weekly Newsletter
Adam LaRoche 16U Tournament @ LaRoche Baseball Complex
Click here for bracket!
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
TROLLEY TOURS!
Every Friday & Saturday!
50-minute Narrated Trolley Tour
of Historic Fort Scott. Every hour on the hour. Depart from The Fort Scott
Chamber at 231 E. Wall St.
Friday hours: 11 am until 3 pm
Saturday hours: 10 am until 2 pm.
$6 Adults & $4 for 12 yrs & under.
6/18 & 6/20 LaRoche Baseball Complex! Saturday I am running 3 tournaments in town an 8u with 8 teams, an 11 u with 4 teams, and a 16u with 12 teams. Click here for more info.
6/18 & 6/19- Care to Share Benefit Yard Sale at 1123 Burke St. Friday (7:30 to 6 pm) and Sat. (7:30 to 2 pm)
6/18 – Jazz and R & B Violinist, Dominique Hammons Music Performance Fundraising. Performing at Liberty Theater at 8 pm. $35
Click here to see all the details.
6/18 thru 6/25 – Museum of Creativity – OPEN PLAY SEASON. Admission – $3/person (free-4-1 yr old) Monday, Thurs. & Fri. 10 am – 2 pm
Friday also at 4 pm – 8 pm. Click here for info.
6/18 – Friday Night Karaoke at The Boiler Room Bewhaus! 7 pm until 10 pm! 2 S. National St.
6/18 – Friday Night concert at Common Ground Presents, The Wood Family from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Click here for more info.
6/18 & 6/24 – Fort Scott Cinema. Now showing: Petter Rabbit 2, In the Heights, Fast & Furious 9, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. Click here for more info.
6/19- Farmers’ Market, 8 am to noon, Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort.
6/19 ~ The Lavender Patch Farm 4th Annual Fest from 9 am until 3:30 pm. The Trolley will be transporting passengers to the event all day. Jump on at The FS Chamber, 231 E. Wall. To learn more about the festivities,click here.
June & July Hours open daily. Thurs. thru Mon.
6/19 – Main Street Gallery & Gifts – 2nd Annual Junk & Disorderly Event!. Join us for shopping over 10,000 Sq. Feet of Space and 50 + Vendors! Click hereto view more information.
6/19 – Fort Scott Paint in the Park by Creative Signs “USA Flag” Click hereto view more information.
6/22 – Lego Club hosted by Museum of Creativity, Tuesdays through August, 4:30-5:30 click here for more info.
MORE COMING NEXT WEEK
6/21 & 6/23 – RAMM Bicycle riding across USA, will be thru Fort Scott, June 21st thru June 23rd. LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER’S FOR STATIONS Click hereto view more information.
6/22- Security 1st Title Customer Appreciation Luncheon Click here to view more information.
6/24- KANSAS ROCKS…Summer Off Road 101 Course. 9 am until 5 pm.Click hereto view more information.
6/24- EVERGY FREE Community Safety Workshop 9:30 am 11:30 am.Click hereto view more information.
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Downtown Fort Scott is booming!
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
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.
FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN FS!
Many fitness options are available…
SPIN classesnow offered bySmallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15 pm, and Tu & Thurs at 6 pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.
Total Body Fitness ~ M & W Karen Reinbolt at BRCC@
8:15 am $20/8 week session.
Zumba~ M,W, F @ 6pm Monalynn Decker at BRCC $40 for a 12-week session.
Indoor Fitness/Gyms at
I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!

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BEDCO Changes Names

Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc. Gets New Name

BEDCO is now Bourbon County REDI. The Board of Trustees voted to change the name at their June 17th meeting, recognizing a new direction for the organization. The “REDI” acronym stands for “Regional Economic Development Inc.” The organization is also in process of transitioning from a 501(c)(6) entity to a 501(c)(3).

We wanted a name that reflected our passion for the whole county, and all segments therein,” explained Rob Harrington, the new Executive Director for the organization. “We have outlined strategies to deal with economic challenges experienced by all demographic and geographic interests in Bourbon County. We will also be working on a new look and feel that reflects who we are, and our vision for what we want to become,” said Harrington. “The 501(c)(3) status will give donors the opportunity to deduct contributions on their taxes, and create eligibility for more grants and programs,” explained Harrington.

Gregg Motley, President of the Board of Trustees, noted that the hiring of Harrington was deliberate and thoughtful, with the process spanning several months, and the consideration of 24 candidates from around the United States. “Our Human Resource Committee worked together closely to ensure the process had integrity, and identified the most qualified candidate,” Motley said. “During his first month, Rob has proven the process worked. We hired the right fit for Bourbon County.”

Additionally, The City of Bronson appointed a new representative. She is Kelly Perry, co-owner of Perry’s Pork Rinds, and one of the new owners of Hound Nutrition in Fort Scott. “We are pleased that Kelly has joined us,” Motley said. “She is young, energetic, and understands the economics of Bourbon County. She is a great addition to the Board.”

Bourbon County REDI, formerly known as Bourbon County Economic Development Council, was formed in 1992, and reconstituted in 2020 by a change in bylaws to accommodate the new economic realities of the 21st Century. The board is made up of 13 members, representing all cities, schools, and geographic segments of the county. There are two at-large Trustees. The Trustees are: Gregg Motley, President, Jim Fewins, Vice President, Mary Pemberton, Treasurer, Misty Adams, Mike Blevins, Heather Davis, Jess Ervin, Ted Hessong, Bret Howard, Lynne Oharah, Mark McCoy, and Kelly Perry. Rob Harrington, Executive Director, is Secretary of the Board.

FSCC Board Agenda for June 21

June 21, 2021
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
June 21, 2021.

The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott Community College.

5:30 p.m. Dinner at 5:00 followed by regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.

THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on May 17, 2021,
6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 7
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 54
A. Approval of Property/Casualty/Auto/Excess Liability Insurance, 54
B. Consideration of 2021-22 Meeting Dates, 57
C. Approval of Tentative Memorandum of Agreement with FSCAPE, 58
D. Consideration of KASB Worker’s Compensation Member Participation Premium
Agreement and Loyalty Credit Program Agreement, 60
E. Consideration of Mercy Amended Lease for Student Housing, 66
F. Consideration of Proposed Continuation Agreement Between Iowa Department of Education and Fort Scott Community College, 69
G. Discussion of Fort Lincoln School Rock Fossils, 70
H. Consideration of Apartment Flooring Bids, 71
I. Consideration of Apartment Painting Bids, 76
J. Approval of CAMP Laptop Purchase, 81
K. Approval of Consortium Memberships and Dues, 82

ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 84

REPORTS, 85A. Administrative Updates,

86
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 94
ADJOURNMENT, 95
1
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• June 21, 2021: Board Meeting
• August 9-11, 2021: In-Service
• August 12, 2021: Fall Semester Begins
• September 6, 2021: Labor Day, Campus Closed
• October 18, 2021: Math Relays
• November 22 – 26, 2021: Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• November 30, 2021: Graduate Assessment Exam
• December 7 – 10, 2021: Finals
• December 17, 2021 – January 4, 2022 Christmas Break, Campus Closed
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
2
ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bill Meyer
_____ Robert Nelson
3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
4
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA CONSENT AGENDA

B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on May 17,
2021.

C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.

D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Jason Middleton, Assistant Baseball Coach, effective May 26, 2021
b) Sean Moore, Assistant Baseball Coach, effective June 1, 2021
c) Richard Embry, Resident Assistant, effective June 1, 2021
d) Keith Willis-Auger, Resident Assistant, effective June 1, 2021
e) Dalton Brown, Resident Assistant, effective June 1, 2021
f) Kyle Pugh, Resident Assistant, effective June 2, 2021
g) John Horton, Assistant Track Coach, effective June 15, 2021
h) Gunnard Twyner, Assistant Football Coach, effective June 1, 2021
i) Chris Larsen, Lead IT Technician, effective June 7, 2021
j) Kelly Davis, Assistant Football Coach, effective July 1, 2021
k) Marivel Chavez, MEP OSY/K12 Advocate, effective July 1, 2021
l) Adriana Holguin, MEP OSY/K12 Advocate, effective July 1, 2021
m) Magdalena Rosales, MEP OSY/K12 Advocate, effective July 1, 2021
n) Tino Rosales, MEP OSY/K12 Recruiter/Advocate, effective July 1, 2021

2) Transfers
a) Jake Harvey, from Assistant Baseball Coach to Financial Aid Coordinator, effective July 1, 2021

3) Separations
a) Mark Emerson, Assistant Track Coach, effective May 15, 2021
b) Caitlyn Wiswell, Assistant Rodeo Coach, effective May 15, 2021
c) Gonzalo Gonzalez, Assistant Baseball Coach, effective May 31, 2021
d) Sean Davidson, Assistant Football Coach, effective June 4, 2021
e) Michael Page, Custodian, effective June 4, 2021

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved
as presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Meyer Nelson
5

Bourbon County Local News