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Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Feb. 17

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Please note meeting is on Wednesday and begins at 3pm.

Date: February 17, 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 COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
  • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
  • Shane Walker – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • Susan Bancroft – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • 2020 Audit
  • Bill Martin – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • Bob Reed – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • County Counselor Comment
  • 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.

Community Development Grants: Bourbon County $244K

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Nearly $14 Million in Grants for Rural Kansas Communities

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced 32 rural Kansas communities will receive a share of $13,864,149 in federal grants to assist with community development projects.

Through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program facilitated by the Kansas Department of Commerce, these federal grants are being awarded for a variety of community improvement projects, including sewer and water projects, housing rehabilitation and community facility improvements.

“The Community Development Block Grant program is a powerful tool for improving communities, revitalizing vital infrastructure, and maximizing economic opportunity,” Governor Kelly said. “Over the past several months, the pandemic has heightened the challenges our rural communities face when it comes to community development – making assistance like this more important than ever. My administration is dedicated to doing all we can to continue addressing rural Kansans’ most pressing needs.”

“Providing assistance to address quality-of-life issues is a necessary and noble part of economic development,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “By funding community projects like these, the CDBG program is helping to improve the overall business and residential appeal of these small towns. These investments will improve living conditions for Kansas residents, create new economic opportunities for rural communities and bolster the overall prosperity of our entire state.”

Counties, applicant cities and award amounts are as follows:

CDBG

The CDBG program administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce provides federal funds to local governments for the development of viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities and economic development needs. To be awarded funds, local government units must meet at least one of three program objectives:

  • The grant will benefit low- and moderate-income persons
  • The grant will prevent or eliminate slums and blight
  • The grant will resolve an urgent need where local resources are not available to do so

The CDBG funds are one of the Department of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

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Ice Safety Tips

KDWPT Provides Ice Safety Tips 

 

PRATT – Frozen lakes can be tempting spots for late-winter goose hunters, anglers with an itch to ice fish, and park-goers looking to get some fresh air, but no matter how thick the ice layer, frozen waters should always be approached with caution.

 

While no ice is 100 percent safe, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) shares these tips to ensure that outdoors enthusiasts return safely home after recreating near or on frozen waters.

 

The clearer, the better 

The appearance of the ice can give potential clues to its integrity. New, clear ice is the strongest. White ice may only be about half as strong. Warm, sunny days can melt the surface and “honeycomb” the ice, which will weaken it, as well. Also be aware that temperature, snow cover, currents, springs and even roosting geese can affect the strength and safety of ice. Never take ice strength and thickness for granted.

 

Measure for thickness 

Wait for at least 4 inches of clear, hard ice before walking on any ice-covered waterbody, and 5-7 inches of ice is necessary to support a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle (ATV). It usually takes several days of calm weather with single-digit temperatures to make “safe” ice. Continually measure the ice thickness when moving farther from shore. And when in doubt, back away and remain on land.

 

Don’t go it alone 

KDWPT recommends never recreating alone, especially during winter; invite a family member or friend. Should an incident occur, chances of survival may be increased with more people present.

 

If hunting or fishing, pack safety gear 

Carry ice picks, and have a length of rope and a throwable floatation device for every member of your party. It’s also a good idea to wear ice cleats, as they make walking on smooth ice easier and much safer.

 

If fishing, keep ice holes small 

When ice fishing, it’s best to use an auger to cut holes – this is a quick and efficient method for drilling into the ice. In Kansas, holes cut in the ice of public waters may be no more than 12 inches in diameter; though, this is a good practice for private waters, as well.

 

Vehicle use 

Motorized electric or gasoline-powered ATVs, work-site utility vehicles, golf carts and snowmobiles may be operated on ice-covered department waters only for the purpose of ice fishing and only from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Vehicles shall enter onto the ice only from boat ramps and points of entry established by posted notice.

 

Falling into frigid water can be a deadly mistake as hypothermia can overcome a person within minutes. Follow these basic rules outlined above to ensure your wintertime outings remain safe and enjoyable.

 

For more ice safety tips, like and follow KDWPT on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kdwpt, or visit ksoutdoors.com.

Union Lofts: Rent In February Get 2 Months Free

February Rent Promo
Announced by the new Union Lofts
Downtown Fort Scott!
2 months FREE rent if leased signed in February!
Union Lofts feature both market rate
& income based apartments.
The units currently available are income based.
Market rate units are full at this time.
See link below for income guidelines.
[Spacious Kitchen]
[Community Lobby Seating]
AMENITIES
  • BBQ Grill
  • Beautiful Courtyard
  • Fitness Center
  • Community Area
  • Laundry Area
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a viewing, call or email Rachel Wheeler…
Rachel Wheeler
Property Manager
a. 8 E. 1st Street, Ft. Scott, KS 66701
p. 620-223-1718  f. 620-223-1482

Local Chocolate Crawl Saturday in Fort Scott

Saturday
February 13th!
Fort Scott Participating Retailers will be offering Chocolate tastings while you shop! Special offers, discounts, & drawings!
This Saturday, February 13th
Shop Local with Love in Fort Scott to find…
the perfect gift for your Valentine, friend, neighbor,
OR pampering for yourself!
This Saturday, February 13th!
Burrrrr… we know it will be chilly out, but what an even more important time to support your Local stores!
Let’s show them some LOVE!
ROSES ARE RED…
VIOLETS ARE BLUE
THE CHAMBER LOVES LOCAL
WE KNOW YOU DO, TOO!

FSHS Thespians Host 3rd Annual Royal-Tea Party and Revue

Addy Labbe as Cinderella, Carlee Studyvin as the Evil Stepmother, Zaria Byrd and Tina Ramirez as the Evil Stepsisters. Submitted photos.

 

 

 

The Fort Scott High School Thespians host their 3rd Annual Royal Tea Party and a special Royal Revue on Feb. 20 at the FSHS Auditorium.

Join your favorite princesses and princes, queens and kings as they sing, dance, and perform for you. Take photos with your favorite characters and take home special crafts and treats as momentos.

 

 

Montana LaRoche as Maleficent and Ali McClain as Sleeping Beauty. Submitted photos.

 

The Revue includes performances by junior Jenna Stockstill; sophomores Israel Carreno, Jordyn McGhee, and Karen Primeaux; and freshmen Rex Wells, Silvia Moreno, and Cadence Tuck.

Performances begin at 5 and 7:30 p.m. with an immersive theatre experience to follow where audience members can interact with nearly 20 other characters and take home a goodie bag.

Tickets are $6 for children and $8 for adults. Tickets must be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschooltheatre.ludus.com. Tickets may be available at the door, but are not guaranteed. Masks a

nd social distancing are required.

All children must stay with and be accompanied by an adult as they enjoy the festivities and attendees are encouraged to join us in dressing as royalty.

Doors will open 15 minutes early.

 

The musical is directed by Theatre Director Angie Bin, Music Director Mary Jo Harper, Assistant Music Director Taylor Qualls, and Choreographer Delynn Abati.

 

For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Bin at [email protected]

or 620-719-9622.

Photos are from last year’s Royal Tea Party.

 

Uniontown High School Send-Off-Seniors (SOS) Beef Raffle

 

The Uniontown High School Seniors are selling raffle tickets to raise funds for their Send-Off-Seniors post-graduation event.  The SOS event began as a way for the seniors to celebrate their accomplishments together in a drug-free and alcohol-free environment.  All of the donations collected will go towards providing items the seniors will need as they move away from home to college dorms or their own houses.

 

It has been a challenging year to raise funds for this event.  In years past the SOS committee has relied on concession stand revenue and silent auctions.  This year the committee has decided to hold a beef raffle.  Tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5.  TWO winners will receive a 40 lb. beef bundle.  Bundles will include 25 lbs. of ground beef, 10 lbs. of steak and 5 lbs. of roast.  Winners will be drawn on February 25th and you need not be present to win. 

 

The UHS seniors and parents would like to thank G-Three Ranch and the Sutterby Family for donating all of the beef for this raffle. 

 

Please contact any UHS senior or senior parent for tickets.  If you or your business would like to donate please contact SOS committee member Rebecca Sutterby at [email protected] or Amy Holt at [email protected]

Chamber Coffee at Sunshine Boutique on Feb. 11

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that this week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by
Sunshine Boutique
18 E. Wall Street
Downtown Fort Scott
February 11, 2021 @ 8 am
Join us for Coffee, Networking & Community News while visiting the boutique!
Georgia Brown has owned and operated Sunshine Boutique in Downtown Fort Scott since 1981.
Over the past year, the store doubled in size with Georgia’s granddaughters joining the business offering apparel and accessories in addition to the gift shop which features home décor and kitchen wares, coffees and teas, floral design and tuxedo rental, candles, greeting cards and Dixie Belle chalk paint.
Click here for their website.
Click here for their Facebook page.
Click here for their Facebook VIP group.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE SCHEDULE:
~ 2/18 ~ Fort Scott Chamber Board of Directors
~ 2/25 ~ Ascension Via Christi ER – Drive-thru Chamber Coffee
~ 3/4 ~ Chamber Coffee “OPEN” call to schedule!
~ 3/11 ~ Chamber Coffee “OPEN” call to schedule!
~ 3/18 ~ Briggs Auto “Birthday Week” 6 years
~ 3/25 ~ Nevada Regional Medical Center (location TBA)