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Government, Kansas

Child Car Seat Safety

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Free Resources Help Parents Ensure Children’s Safety
State Partners Highlight Car Seat Safety During Child Passenger Safety Week

 

TOPEKA – Every day in America, millions of parents and caregivers take to the road with children in their vehicles. While many children are buckled up in the right car seat for their ages and sizes – nearly half (46 percent) are not, and some aren’t buckled up at all. Child Passenger Safety Week is September 15-21, 2019, and Safe Kids Kansas, the Kansas Department of Transportation and Kansas Highway Patrol want to ensure children ride as safely as possible—every trip, every time.

 

“Every 32 seconds in 2017, a child under 13 was involved in a motor vehicle crash,” said Colonel Herman T. Jones, Kansas Highway Patrol. “Using a car seat that fits your child and your vehicle is the best way to keep your children safe.” According to NHTSA, motor vehicle crashes are a leading killer of children. While fatalities and injuries declined from 2016 to 2017, there is still work to be done to completely eliminate these preventable tragedies. Car seats, booster seats, and seat belts can make all the difference. “In 2017, there were 312 children under the age of 5 saved because they were using restraints,” said Col. Jones. “Car seats matter.”

 

Too often, parents move their children to the front seat before they should, which increases the risk of injury and death, even if they are buckled up. The safest place for all kids under 13 is in the back seat.

 

“As parents and caregivers, we have a long list of things we do for our children to show our love. One of the simplest and most important things on the list should be to make sure they are in the right car seat for their age and size,” said Cherie Sage, Safe Kids Kansas. “Get your car seats checked. Make certain they’re installed correctly, and that your kids are in the right seats and are buckled in correctly. Even if you think your child’s car seat is installed correctly, get it checked with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, so you can be sure that your child is the safest he or she can be while traveling.” To find a car seat inspection station near you, visit www.kansascarseatcheck.org.

 

According to a 2018-19 observational survey, if the driver is belted, about 97% of the observed children are belted too. If the driver is not belted, about 30% of the observed children are belted.

 

“Drivers play an important role in not only getting to a destination safely, but ensuring all passengers are buckled up,” said Julie Lorenz, Kansas Secretary of Transportation. “Seat belts are for everyone because your life and your passenger’s lives depend on it.”

 

For optimal safety, it is recommended to keep children rear-facing as long as possible, up to the top height or weight allowed by their particular seats. Once a child outgrows the rear-facing-only “infant” car seat, he/she should travel in a rear-facing “convertible,” or all-in-one car seat. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing size limits, the child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness (always use the tether). After outgrowing the forward-facing car seat with harness, children should be placed in booster seats until they’re the right size to use seat belts safely. And if children are under 13 years old, they should always sit in the back seat.

 

Remember to register your car seat or booster seat with the seat manufacturer so you can be notified in the event of a recall. Parents and caregivers can find more information on how to choose and use car seats safely at www.ultimatecarseatguide.org.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes August 27

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August 27, 2019                                              Tuesday 9:00 am

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

Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune and Nancy Van Etten were also present.

Jeremiah Hill met with Jim Harris, Jerad Heckman and the Commissioners; he said the motor grader had cut a diagonal ditch across the road on Poplar between 205-215th; Jerad said he felt the water was coming from the driveways cutting the ditch in the road. Jeremiah said when a ditch gets cleaned the dirt is getting pushed into the fence; Jim said they have been instructed not to do this if there is a fence there. Jeremiah discussed an area where this was done, Jim said they have to clean up the shoulders to build the road that he has requested, Jim said when it is dry enough they will go back and smooth out the area; Jeremiah said when this is done, it changes the flow of water. Jeremiah discussed the drive entrances now being higher than the road. Jeremiah discussed the roads and the intersections getting narrower. Jeremiah presented pictures of piles of dirt and debris that the graders are leaving on the roads.

Jeff discussed KDOT’s grant for bridges, he said there is $5 million available; Jeff said he felt they needed to prioritize the bridges and apply for some of the grant money.

Jim said they are out of chips and are planning to start making chips today; Jim said they will probably have to buy ice control this year.

Lynne discussed the revenue from the Road & Bridge Sales tax; he said it was down $6,500 for August and $10,000 for July. Jim suggested that the revenue from Road & Bridge Sales tax be monitored weekly.

Jim said the older New Holland tractor has a cracked block.

Jeff discussed the road north of Redbud Nursery; he said a few years ago the County reclaimed the road and said the root of the problem there was that a contractor had filled in a ditch forcing the drainage under the road. Jeff said he has witnessed the same issue around the County in other areas.

Lynne discussed gravel in the ditch at Range and 105th; Lynne said the gravel was washed off of the road due to concrete placed in front of a culvert in the area.

Jeff said he received a report from Jim’s neighbor about the ditch north of his property; Jim said they are building a ditch in the area.

Cheryl & Frank Adamson met with the Commissioners regarding a hearing that was held between the City of Fort Scott Commissioners and Kevin “Skitch” Allen. Kevin won a place on the General ballot for a Fort Scott City Commissioner. The City Commissioners claimed that Kevin was not a city resident; after the hearing and based on the information that the City presented at the hearing, it was determined that Kevin met the criteria to be a resident. Cheryl questioned the ordinance that stated the candidates needed to be residents; Kendell said it is a City of Fort Scott ordinance.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Jody Hoener, Kendell Mason and Richard Goldstein). No action was taken.

Bill Martin, Bobby Reed, Ben Cole and Alvin Metcalf met with the Commissioners to discuss the 2020 budget. Also present for this meeting were Frank and Cheryl Adamson, Nancy Van Etten, Rachel Pruitt, Dave martin, Robert Uhler and Tracy Reed. Bill Martin said he was reviewing the 2020 budget and asked for an explanation of the proposed budget. He said he noticed a $39,674 increase in the Sheriff departments wage budget, he questioned if this was to cover the wages of the Sheriff Deputy that has been being paid by a grant, Lynne said no this wasn’t the reason for the increase. Bill said the position is still there, but isn’t being paid for by the grant any longer; Bill said he will be over in wages in 2020. Bill said he noticed that each one of the elected officials was getting a pay raise in the budget; Bill said he only requested a 3% increase for his wages, Bill said he wanted no more than a 3% increase. Bill discussed two of his exempt employees that there was not a raise budgeted for (Bill said the two employees hadn’t received a raise since 2012 or 2013), but other exempt employees getting a raise. Bill said when the hourly employees received raises last year, his exempt employees did not receive a raise; Bill suggested finding money to get them a pay raise as well, he said they are good employees that do above what is expected. Bill said he wasn’t attacking a person, but questioned the budget for Economic Development; he said in 2019 $60,000 was budgeted, but in 2020 $100,000 has been proposed for the Economic Development budget. Lynne said Economic Development is the only way to turn the ship around by addressing what is causing the population decline. Jeff Fischer told Bill he admired how Bill had tried to address wages and retention; Jeff said they had previously adjusted his deputies’ wages to help address retention and said at that time they had planned to address salaried individuals in the future. Jeff previously compared the wages of Bourbon County to other like counties and said they realized there was a gap in some areas. Jeff said other like counties pay their Sheriff $67,000, Bourbon County pays $45,900. Bill said every year he presents a budget with raises, but said this lacked action. Lynne discussed the Sheriff budgeting $4.00/gallon for fuel, he said they have offered the Sheriff a fuel tank to save money on the fuel, but Bill did not accept the tank. Bobby Reed said they have been kicked to the curb for 7 years; Lynne said each Commissioner was ok with the way the budget was done. Lynne said they were told that the new jail wasn’t going to cost anymore, Bobby said he didn’t say that, Lynne said when the new jail was presented it was promised it could operate on the same amount of money; Bobby asked who said this, Lynne said he (Bobby) did, Nick said this was always told to taxpayers that it wasn’t going to cost anymore; Bill said it was presented that there wouldn’t be any more cost for the employees to run the building. Bill said the operation of the jail is covered by the sales tax; he said the ballot stated that the sales tax could be used to refurbish the old jail, pay the bond for the jail and the operations. Lynne said the County is getting less revenue from sales tax and that we have to be able to make the payments. Bill said he did not want a raise. The Commissioners said they would like to address the exempt employees next year; Bobby said it could be addressed if they are still here. There was a brief discussion over Allen County receiving reimbursement from inmates for medical care while in jail, Jeff said he hasn’t seen any reimbursements for Bourbon County inmates; Bobby said this is submitted to the County Attorney and it is then up to the court to collect the money. Alvin Metcalf said when he goes to work every day, his family doesn’t know if he is coming home or not. He said other people don’t have the same worry. Alvin said when they come to the Commissioners nothing gets accomplished. Lynne said other departments budgets have been reduced significantly. The Commissioners said it is budgeted in 2020 and planned to give a longevity bonus based on years of service. Jeff said in January of 2020 they will assign a value to each position. There was a discussion over the declining population and the healthcare costs that the County has incurred. Bill said he didn’t feel comfortable taking a raise with the unknown. Bill said he didn’t do his job for the pay, but was doing it for the civic duty. Jeff said a large portion of the previous raises given were given to his department. Lynne said they realize that in a few years they will have to address wages for the hourly employees. Jeff said that previously the Sheriff’s department was losing employees to the City of Fort Scott and the County Commissioners addressed their wages then, he said they are making progress and it is getting better. Jeff said they need to be working together to move the community forward.

City of Fort Scott representatives Rachel Pruitt, Cheryl Adamson, Randy Nichols and Dave Martin, as well as Jim Fewins, Jody Hoener and Barbara Ritter met with the Commissioners. Rachel Pruitt presented a draft document of a Property Tax Relief for the City of Fort Scott. This program is to help local businesses prosper and grow. This is a program they are trying to create to help move current businesses from building lease to business building owners. Rachel discussed property taxes being a barrier to owning property for the businesses. If the program is created there will be different qualifications. If approved, the program will offer the approved applicant different percentages of the taxes that they have to pay over a ten year period. Barbara Ritter said the tax burden keeps them from purchasing, so they continue to lease. Rachel said this program would be to help with business retention and is an expansion tool to keep current businesses. Jeff questioned the impact for the other counties that are doing this.

Lynne said Joe Bisone presented him with a picture of a development they are working on; they hope to build 107 units near Hammond on Condensory Road made out of Hempcrete. The plan for the first phase will consist of 7 units.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 30 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 3 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

At 12:02, Lynne made a motion to break for lunch and reconvene at 1:30, Nick seconded and all approved.

Emergency Manger Will Wallis met with the Commissioners, Jeff made a motion that Lynne sign the EMPG Funds document, Nick seconded and all approved and Lynne signed the document. Will discussed disaster KDEM #4449; 70 Kansas counties (including Bourbon County) are a part of this disaster and there are nearly 500 applicants in the program. Will said he would question if there was a 6 month debris removal deadline.

Deb McCoy presented a letter to Jeff and Kendell; the letter from Deb thanked Kendell for the work she does.

Economic Development Director Jody Hoener met with the Commissioners; they discussed the strategic plan and the vision for Bourbon County.

Nancy Van Etten met with the Commissioners regarding research she had done; previously Fort Scott Lake property owners met with the Commissioners regarding a possible building of condos on a lake lot. In September 2004, Mel Cummins petitioned Bourbon County to subdivide a lake lot for multiple single dwellings. At that time, the Cummings property was outside the 3 mile zone, so the County had jurisdiction over the Cummins property. The County Commissioners held a hearing in October 2004 and the Commissioners denied the petition to subdivide the property.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

At 3:56, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and all approved.

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

Approved Date 09/03/2019

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas Commerce Dept. Is Restructuring

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Secretary David Toland Announces Agency Restructuring, Open New Positions

 

Topeka, Kan. – Secretary of Commerce David Toland has announced agency-wide restructuring as part ongoing rebuilding efforts. These actions include the rebuilding of both the Business Development and International Trade Divisions.

“Much of the structure that exists today at the Department of Commerce came in response to hasty budget cuts and ideologically-driven decisions that simply do not reflect best practices in economic development,” Secretary Toland said. “When you’re in the business of selling the state as a great place to do business, it makes no sense to eliminate much of your sales force, as happened under the previous administration. Governor Kelly and I are determined to do the difficult restructuring work at Commerce that will yield strong economic growth in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state.”

Two new positions will be created to align with the new structure:

  • Business Development Division Director – The director will develop and administer programs designed to recruit and retain businesses within the state. They will lead a team of local and regional economic development professionals to grow and diversify the economy, while promoting the state as a desirable location to do business.
  • International Trade Division Director – The director will design and lead the international investment and trade development strategy for the state, including opening new export markets for Kansas businesses and recruiting businesses seeking U.S. locations to the state.

Current Director of Business Development Susan NeuPoth Cadoret has announced that she will retire in December 2020. She is transitioning into a new role as special advisor to the Secretary, supporting Secretary Toland’s re-engineering of the Department.

“Susan is a committed and forceful advocate for Kansas communities and businesses, and she stepped up to the plate to hold our Business and Community Development functions together during incredibly difficult times in the agency,” Toland said. “I’m grateful to Susan for 20 years of service at Commerce and for her willingness to work closely with me in this new role as we return this agency to a national leader in economic development.”

Alicia Janesko Hutchings, who was appointed by Secretary Toland in June to lead the Business Recruitment team, will remain in that capacity.

 

 

Ryan Brinker

Public Information Officer

[email protected]

 

Kansas Department of Commerce

Office of the Secretary

1000 SW Jackson St. Ste. 100

Topeka, KS 66612-1354

Phone: (785) 296-4931

Cell: (785) 276-9723

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Several Musicians Featured At Friday Night Concert in the Park

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The Free Friday Night Concert will feature three different sets.

Steve Fortenberry on the guitar,  does special stylings on his solo guitar and plays traditional, gospel and light classical pieces.

“I am really looking forward to hearing some of his new creations on the guitar,” said Ralph Carlson, event coordinator.

Rob Hunt and friends will be performing a mix of gospel and hymns. “Rob has performed for us before and is an outstanding keyboard player,” Carlson said.

“In addition, I have not quite concluded booking a bluegrass and gospel group who you have heard before and is well-liked,” he said. ” I believe we will have a good show for you. I plan to have a brief open mike period for anyone who would like to play and or sing.”

In the event of bad weather, the event will move inside to the Common Grounds Coffee Shop. Come early and bring a lawn chair as seating is limited. Heritage Park is located at 1st and Main street in downtown Fort Scott, at 7 p.m.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Town-Wide Garage Sale Sept. 13-14

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Submitted by: Lindsay Madison, Executive Director, [email protected]
Monica Walden, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]
Phone: (620) 223-3566

FORT SCOTT – Mark your calendars for the Fall Town-wide Garage Sale this Friday and Saturday, September 13th and 14th. Now is the time to get your garage sale on the map.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce encourages residents in Fort Scott to do your fall cleaning and make room for something new. Garage sales may be registered through the Chamber by 1 pm, Wednesday, September 11th for only $10. The registration fee lists your sale on the official garage sale map and enables the Chamber to advertise the sale throughout the region on the radio, newspaper, social media and the Chamber website.
Garage sales may be registered in person at the Chamber office, located at 231 E. Wall Street or by phone using debit or credit card by calling (620) 223-3566.
The official garage sale maps will be available to shoppers this Thursday evening from the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the following locations: 5 Corners Mini-Mart, Bids & Dibs, Casey’s, Don’s Smoke Shop, and all four Pete’s locations.
***

Obituary

Obituary of Arlone Golden Blevins

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Arlone Golden Blevins, age 85, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, September 6, 2019, at her home.

She was born November 12, 1933, in Hume, Missouri, the daughter of Robert E. Lee and Sylvia Fern Teagarden Lee.

She graduated from Hume High School where she played the piano and basketball. Arlone married Charles M. Blevins on February 24, 1952, in Hume. They were married for sixty-six years. To this union, two daughters, Ronda and Robin, were born. From an early age, Arlone sewed her own clothing and designed beautiful ruffled dresses for her two girls. She was employed by the Post Office at Foster, Missouri while Charlie served in the Korean War. After the war, Arlone helped her husband on the farm milking dairy cows, planting and harvesting crops and raising beef cattle. After leaving the farm, Arlone worked at Litwin’s Clothing Store, the Western Insurance Company and Lincoln National.

Arlone loved spending time with her family and enjoyed cooking their favorite dishes. She loved bowling, working in her numerous flower gardens, playing the piano and organ at churches she attended and teaching Bible classes. She was a member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Survivors include two daughters, Ronda Hastings and husband, Bradley, of Grants, New Mexico and Robin Miller and husband, Stephen, of Ft. Scott, Kansas; five granddaughters; seven great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons. Also surviving are a brother, J. R. Lee and wife, Mary, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two nieces and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

Arlone requested cremation and limited services following her death. Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct graveside services at 1:30 P.M. Friday, September 13th at the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel from 12:30 P.M. until leaving for the cemetery at 1:15 P.M.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 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.

Obituary

Obituary of Robert Johnson

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Robert Michael (Bob) Johnson, age 69, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, went home to be with his Lord, Friday, September 6, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. 

He was born February 13, 1950, in Fort Scott, Kansas the son of Robert Wayne Johnson and Margie Ladine Clark Johnson.

  Bob graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1968.  He then graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources.  He married the love of his life, Linda Boyd, on November 20, 1976, in Fort Scott, they had two children Derrick Wayne and Michael Randell.

  Bob loved spending time with his family. They took many trips to Roaring River, traveled to Pittsburg to see his son perform for the Pitt State choir, and went on numerous debate trips. Recently Bob loved spoiling his grandson, Randell Matthew. 

Bob also enjoyed sports; he was an avid Chiefs, Royals, and St. Louis Blues fan.

 

After graduating, Bob worked as Human Resources Director for Midwestern Distribution.  He then worked as Human Resources Director for the City of Fort Scott, where he served as a reserve Lieutenant and interim Chief of Police. Following retirement, he assisted with the debate and forensics program for Unified School District 234.

 

Survivors include his loving wife and best friend of 44 years Linda Linnett Johnson, his sons Derrick, and Michael and wife Jana, and their son Randy all of Fort Scott.  Survivors also include several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

  He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Walter and Gertrude Johnson, an uncle, Raymond Johnson, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

 

Rev. Rob Carr will conduct funeral services at 10:00am Friday, September 13, 2019 at the Cheney Witt Chapel. 

Burial will follow at the Memory Gardens Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends and loved ones for a visitation viewing from 5:00-7:00pm Thursday, September 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

 

Memorial donations are suggested to the Bob Johnson Memorial Fund or Fort Scott High School Debate and Forensics Program and can be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Activity Fair Sept. 13 at 5:30 p.m.

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Submitted by:
Lauren Madison, FSHS Senior, [email protected]

 

FSHS ACTIVITY FAIR PRIOR TO FOOTBALL GAME

The first Fort Scott High School home football game will take place this Friday, September 13th vs. Paola at 7 p.m. Prior to the game, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., various FSHS clubs, sports and activities will be hosting an Activity Fair.

The event will take place on the front/west lawn of the high school at 1005 S. Main St. where high school students will host free activities for all ages. There will be games, face painting, prizes, food and fun. All ages are welcome to attend and share the Tiger spirit.

Art, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College

The 2019 Gordon Parks Celebration to feature Photo Contest: Life Lessons Learned

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The 2018 Gordon Parks Photo Winner was Kole Wagner with this photo, “First Love”. The theme was: “I am Inspired By.”  Submitted photo.

 

Fort Scott-The Gordon Parks Celebration, scheduled for Oct 3- 5, 2019, at Fort Scott Community College, will feature a photo contest sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography and inspired by a quote by the Gordon Parks-directed film The Learning Tree.

The theme of the contest, “My Learning Tree, Life Lessons Learned” is for any amateur photographer. Photographers are invited to capture the essence of this metaphor from Mr. Park’s film.

Non-professional photographers of any age and skill level are invited to take pictures for the project and may enter up to two photos. There will be a first place ($100), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable mentions. All photos submitted will be on exhibit during the 16th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration on Oct. 3 – 5, 2019. All photos will also be posted on the Museum Facebook page.

Photographs must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. All photos must be JPEG in format and limit file size to less than 2 MB. All entries will be confirmed via email. Photographers should submit (in their email) a title, along with their name, address, email, and phone number. If under 10 years old please include parent’s information. Photos should be received via email by Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at the latest.

For more information email [email protected] or by phone call 223-2700, ext. 5850.