Category Archives: Bourbon County
CHC/SEK consolidates curbside COVID testing
CHC/SEK will consolidate curbside testing for Coronavirus beginning Jan. 12. There will remain one curbside testing location in each county served by CHC/SEK.
Curbside COVID-19 testing will be temporarily suspended at Baxter Springs, Pittsburg South (1011 Mount Carmel Place), Arma, Fort Scott primary clinic, Independence, Mound City and La Cygne clinics.
CHC/SEK will shift resources and continue curbside testing by appointment at Pittsburg North (3011 N. Michigan), Pleasanton, Iola, Coffeyville, Parsons, Columbus, Miami and Fort Scott Walk-in Care. Some locations are scheduled out several days for testing appointments.
“It is important to note that patients who are experiencing COVID symptoms are still be able to be seen by medical staff in all clinics and tested for Coronavirus as appropriate,” said Jason Wesco, President of the CHC/SEK health system.
The change comes after the health center experienced increasing demand for testing and staffing shortages caused by COVID-19, seasonal flu and other illnesses.
“Our staff have kept our communities safe through the pandemic, but we are experiencing levels of infection unlike we ever seen” he said. “To date, our staff have delivered almost 79,000 tests and almost 63,000 vaccinations. Staff are exhausted and this measure will help protect them while ensuring that we continue to test in every county we serve while continuing other critically needed healthcare services provided by CHC/SEK.”
If you receive word of a positive COVID-19 test, put on a mask immediately. Then isolate yourself as quickly as possible, even if you don’t have symptoms.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends isolating for at least five full days, followed by five days of wearing a mask around others, as long as you don’t have a fever and any other symptoms are improving. If you are seriously ill with COVID-19 or have a weakened immune system, the CDC recommends an isolation period of 10 to 20 days.
If you have a fever, the agency advises you to stay home until the fever resolves. If you are waiting for test results but have symptoms of Covid-19, the CDC recommends that you isolate anyway, regardless of vaccination status.
CHC/SEK said its best advice is still to get vaccinated and get boosted. Wear a mask, don’t touch your eyes or face and wash your hands frequently. Social distance as possible and most of all, absolutely stay home if you think you might be ill or potentially exposed.
Help with Energy Costs Available
People who are having difficulty paying their utility bills and meet the income guidelines, can get hands-on help this Wednesday to fill out the needed paperwork.
The Salvation Army and Bourbon County Senior Center, 26 N. Main, will partner with Evergy, the local electric company, to assist in filling out Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) applications this Wednesday, January 12, from noon to 3 p.m.
Allen Schellack with Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries is the Bourbon County Coordinator for the Salvation Army.
“Normally, you have to go through DCF (the Department of Children and Families) to get the funds,” Schellack said.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a Federally-funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit, according to the DCF website Energy Assistance – Economic & Employment Services (ks.gov)
No appointment is necessary for help with filling out the application.
Applicants do not have to be Evergy customers.
Applicants are required to have at least $80 in payments in the past 90 days.
Applicants will need to bring copies of all proof of income for all permanent residents who are at least 18 years or older.
Copies of utility bills which include gas, electric, propane, wood are needed to apply.
LIEAP Frequently Asked Questions
Other community resources that may be of assistance can be found here: EES Helping Organizations.
The 2022 LIEAP application period is from Monday, January 3, 2022, through Thursday, March 31, 2022. Applications must be received before 5:00 PM, March 31, 2022.
For those who do not feel they need assistance in filling out the paperwork:
Additional information may be obtained by calling 1-800-432-0043.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- An adult living at the address must be personally responsible for paying the heating costs incurred at the current residence, payable either to the landlord or the fuel vendor.
- Applicants must demonstrate a recent history of payments toward the purchase of the primary heating energy.
The combined gross income (before deductions) of all persons living at the address may not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level according to the guidelines listed below:
2022 Income Eligibility Guidelines
| Persons Living at the Address | Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
|
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,610 | |
| 2 | $2,178 | |
| 3 | $2,745 | |
| 4 | $3,313 | |
| 5 | $3,880 | |
| 6 | $4,448 | |
| 7 | $5,015 | |
| 8 | $5,583 | |
| 9 | $6,150 | |
| 10 | $6,718 | |
| 11 | $7,285 | |
| 12 | $7,853 | |
| 13 | $8,420 | |
| 14 | $8,988 | |
| +1 $568 for each additional person | ||
| | ||
Benefits
Benefit levels vary according to the following factors:
- Household income
- Number of persons living at the address
- Type of dwelling
- Type of heating fuel
Bo Co Agenda For Jan. 11
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: January 11, 2022
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
- Flag Salute
- Open discussion regarding masks
- Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
- Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
- Mowing/Snow Removal Bids for Medical Building
- Bill Martin
- JAG Grant Approval
- Equipment Loan Consideration
- County Counselor Comment
- Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
- Public Comment
- Elected Officials Comment
Commission Comment
Diann Tucker Featured in Top Agent Magazine
Diann Tucker was Featured in the January, 2022, edition of Top Agent Magazine
Fort Scott, KS: Diann Tucker of Stewart Realty Co. was featured in the January 2022 edition of Top Agent Magazine. Top Agent Magazine is the premier real estate magazine featuring the foremost real estate agents, mortgage professionals, and affiliates in the USA, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Top Agent Magazine features the top producing and most accomplished professionals in the real estate industry, offering an in-depth look at their careers and providing a blueprint for their success.
To be considered for a feature in Top Agent Magazine all professionals must go through a nomination and interview process. ALL Candidates are then evaluated based upon production, professionalism, as well as industry and community involvement. It is considered a privilege to be nominated as it speaks to a certain success level all real estate agents strive for. Top Agent has set itself apart as a trusted source of real estate information and inspiration. Diann Tucker is a stellar example of the kind of prominent leaders of real estate we are proud to feature in Top Agent Magazine.
The online magazine can be viewed at https://topagentmagazine.com/top-agent-magazine-nationwide-and-international-edition/
“It is an honor to have been nominated and featured as a “Top Agent” in the real estate industry. I am humbled that my clients have reached out in such a way to have me recognized. I hope to continue to make real estate dreams come true.” For more information about Diann Tucker, please call 620-223-6700 or 620-224-7054, email [email protected], or visit www.stewartrealty.org.
K-State Garden Hour – 2022 Line-Up
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
K-State Garden Hour – 2022 Line-Up
If you haven’t participated in the K-State Garden Hour in the past, plan to start this year! The K-State Garden Hour began in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way for K-State Research and Extension horticulture experts to share research-based information to gardeners of all abilities and experience. Due to the overwhelming success, the K-State Garden Hour continued through 2021 and is gearing up for this year!
The 2022 lineup has been announced and it is full of great topics. Each program is held online from 12 noon to 1 p.m. (CST), including a 45-minute presentation and 10-15 minutes for viewer questions.
“We are excited to offer a new round of webinars in 2022, based on the topics our participants requested most,” said Matthew McKernan, a K-State Research and Extension horticulture agent in Sedgwick County. “There’s no better time than the cold, winter months to be planning for next year’s garden. That’s why, whether you are wanting to grow more produce from next year’s garden, or redesign your landscape next year, our K-State Garden Hour webinars will kick off the new year to will get your garden started right in 2022.”
A one-time registration gives viewers free access to all of the 2022 sessions, which include:
- Feb. 2 – Indoor Seed Starting.
- March 2 – Landscape Design 101.
- April 6 – Pollinator Plans for Continuous Food Sources.
- May 4 – New and Improved Annual Flower Varieties.
- June 1 – Organic Pest Management for Vegetable Gardens.
- July 6 – Growing Culinary Mushrooms at Home.
- Aug. 3 – Landscaping for Wildlife.
- Sept. 7 – Recommended Trees for Kansas.
- Oct. 5 – Improving Soil Health in the Landscape and Garden.
- Nov. 2 – Wildlife Damage Prevention and Control in the Lawn and Garden.
- Dec. 7 – Accessible Gardening for All.
In 2021, the K-State Garden Hour was watched by viewers in 39 states, five countries and four continents. Between February and December, the program drew 16,326 viewers, including a single-session high of 1,034 live viewers for a workshop on container gardening.
To register for this free, on-line series, visit: http://www.ksre-learn.com/KStateGardenHour
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Dawson Mitchell To Appear on January 20 For Preliminary Hearing For Double Murder
The double murder case in Bourbon County is moving forward with the defendant, Dawson Mitchell, scheduled to appear on January 20 in a preliminary hearing at 2 p.m. at the Bourbon County District Court, according to information provided by John P. Milburn, Public Information Officer for the Office of Attorney General Derek Schmidt.
Mitchell is charged with killing his mother and step-father with a gun stolen from his father, and is currently an inmate in the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, Fort Scott.
The case is being prosecuted by attorneys with the Kansas Criminal Litigation Division of the Office of the Attorney General at the request of the Bourbon County Attorney. The case number is 2021-CR-588.
Charges are merely accusations; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, according to the document provided.
The following are the charges against Mitchell.
The State of Kansas versus Dawson James Mitchell case alleges that
Count 1
On or about the 21st day of December 2021, in Bourbon County, Kansas, Dawson James Mitchell did unlawfully, feloniously, intentionally, and with premeditation, kill Melissa Hays Mitchell, which is murder in the first degree.
Count 2
On or about December 21, 2021, in Bourbon County, Dawson Mitchell did unlawfully, feloniously, intentionally, and with premeditation, kill Leonard Zimmerman, which is murder in the first degree.
Count 3
On or between December 19 and December 21, 2021, in Bourbon County, Mitchell, did unlawfully and knowingly possess a firearm, a Walther 9 mm handgun, and within five years preceding such possession was convicted of the distribution of a controlled substance. He was not found to have owned a firearm at the time of the prior crime, and has not had the prior conviction expunged or been pardoned for such crime. The charge is criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Count 4
On or between December 19, 2021, and December 21, 2021 in Bourbon County, Mitchell, exerted unauthorized control over property: a Walther 9 mm handgun, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner Jerald Mitchell, of the possession, use, or benefit of the property of a value of less than $25,000. The charge is theft of a firearm.
Count 5
On or about December 19-21 2021 in Bourbon County, Mitchell did unlawfully and knowingly possess a weapon; which was a Puma pocketknife, and within five years preceding such possession was convicted of the distribution of a controlled substance. He has not had the prior conviction expunged or been pardoned for such crime. The charge is an aggravated weapon violation by a convicted felon.
Count 6
On or between the December 19-21, 2021, in Bourbon County, Mitchell, exerted unauthorized control over property: which was Puma pocketknife and $200 cash, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner Jerald Mitchell, of the possession, use, or benefit of the property of a value of less than $25,000.
All of the above acts then and there committed being contrary to the statutes in such cases made and provided and being against the peace and dignity of the State of Kansas, according to the document.
The case was filed by:
OFFICE OF THE KANSAS ATTORNEY GENERAL
DEREK SCHMIDT
CJ. Rieg, W21 0
Assistant Attorney General
120 SW 10th Avenue, 2nd Floor
Topeka, Kansas 66612—1597
Phone: 785276-9707
Fax: 785.291.3875
[email protected]
Celebrating the Life of Martin Luther King Jr.
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Randy Holt Retires From USB After 42 Years
Agenda For Uniontown City Council on January 10
CITY OF UNIONTOWN
COUNCIL AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2021 MEETING STARTS AT 5:30PM ON MONDAY
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Administer Oath of Office to elected Mayor and two Council positions
Elect President of Council
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of December 14, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
B. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
D. Resolution 2022-0110-1 – 2022 GAAP Waiver
C. Destruction of records for 2011 and prior
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Roots in sewer main –
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Storage containers/fences –
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Local Government Day at the Capitol – January 22 –
Mental Illness-The Silent Epidemic –
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Traffic control on several streets –
Dog/Cat Ordinance and amendments review –
Wholesale water supply –
Pond Improvement Project –
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update –
American Rescue Plan Act update–
NEW BUSINESS
Street Repair –
ADJOURN Time __________
To view the submitted financial reports:
Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council for Dec. 14
CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779
DECMBER 14, 2021 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
The Regular Council Meeting on December 14, 2021 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Kandyce Cox, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUEST
Kandyce Cox requested permission to have a fourth adult dog. After some discussion, the council declined her request. Clerk Johnson will send her a copy of the ordinance limiting the number of adult dogs per household.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger was absent. November written Treasurer report presented. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $350,214.68, Receipts $29,230.09, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $28,195.21, Checking Account Closing Balance $348,223.56. Bank Statement Balance $349,966.93, including Checking Account Interest of $28.57, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $1,743.37, Reconciled Balance $348,223.56. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $27,033.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $17,493.63, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $23,317.91, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $416,068.30. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $340.75 and Utility CDs $311.83 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $652.58. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2021, Beginning Balance $195.75, Receipts $0, Expenditures $195.75, Ending Balance $0. November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Loss for the month of November $1,991.12, Year-to-Date Net Loss $52,874.91. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $103,267.64 (103.5%), Expenditures $98,167.62 (79.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $33,763.44 (97.2%), Expenditures $32,681.90 (74.9%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $134,210.29 (103.9%), Expenditures $248,727.85 (75.2%); General Fund YTD Revenue $132,245.25 (115.5%), Expenditures $134,793.23 (82.1%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $9,287.36 (155.3%), Expenditures $12,368.20 (82.8%). The December 2021 estimated payables, including End of Year transfers, in the amount of $67,987.50 were presented.
Mayor Jurgensen handed out gift cards to employees in attendance and will personally deliver to those not in attendance.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of November 9, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent Rich reminded the Council they approved giving a gift to Matt Wells, Bob Hull, Inc for all the assistance he has volunteered, but they never specified what type of gift or monetary value.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to gift Matt Wells with a $200 Visa gift card
He reported the tractor has an engine noise in the area of the water pump. It also “hesitates” when put in gear after it is first started or restarted. PrairieLand Partners estimated $1,600 for water pump repairs. He also talked to Ol’ Boys Tire and Auto but they decided they didn’t want to work on it. It was suggested to check with FSCC John Deere program and Councilman Stewart offered to contact a mechanic they use.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to allocated up to $3,000 for tractor repairs out the city streets and special highway funds
Rich gave the Council a list of trees available from Travis Russell, Traveling Trees. Two Autumn Blaze Maples and two Autumn Fantasy Maples were decided upon with one of each to be planted at the pond and in the park. Clerk Johnson will contact the school district about the location for planting at the pond.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan gave an update. 205 Washington now has utilities on; 104 Fulton does not have utilities on; a letter was sent to 210 Sherman to remove or replace the awning; 103 Third St wants to replace the sidewalk in front; 201 Fulton, 204 Fulton, 103 Sherman, new owners; 401 Sherman building permit for privacy fence behind house. Storage containers and buildings (306 Washington, 402 Washington, 302 Sherman) were discussed and what requires a building permit and what doesn’t. Clerk Johnson was directed to check with other cities to see what they have regarding storage containers, storage sheds, and fences.
Clerk Johnson has received complaints about traffic on Hill St. One citizen suggested speed bumps or all way stop signs at Fourth and Hill.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to table discussion until January 10, 2021 meeting
She asked the Council if they wanted to participate in the Low Income Water Assistance Program through Kansas Department of Children and Families.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to participate in the Low Income Water Assistance Program through Kansas Department of Children and Families
An update on natural gas winter pricing was given to all.
An email was received today regarding submitting Statement of Substantial Interest annually. She will check to see into statutes and check with the County Clerk.
A discussion was had concerning the January meeting conflicting with the School Board meeting.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to change meeting time for the January 10, 2021 meeting to 5:30PM
Mayor Jurgensen has been researching splashpads and outdoor exercise equipment. Three designs for recirculating splashpads were received from RainDeck and distributed to all. The Council will continue discussion on splashpads and outdoor exercise equipment at the February 8, 2021 meeting. Ruritan did receive $10,000 grant from Bourbon County REDI for the splashpad project. Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Placemaking pathway could be used for the splashpad and there is $10,000-$17,000 allocated for Uniontown.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – Thanked Frankie & Sally Johnson for the lights in the park.
Councilwoman Esslinger – Lights around town look nice, especially Clay and Hill Streets.
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – Wants to review dog ordinances at next meeting. Thank you to BBCO Sheriff deputies monitoring traffic on Fifth St.
Councilman Stewart – Inspected fishing dock walkway, it appears the east railing has only been spot welded. Rich will inspect and contact vendor if needed.
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
Pond Improvement Project – The contractor installed the walkway and has been paid in full. Bourbon County Public Works has brought rock for the riprap. Some is north of the pond and the rest is on the railroad right-of-way.
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – Two closed accounts have been finaled, but not paid. If not paid by January 10, they will be submitted to Collection Bureau of Kansas for collection. She was asked if she had received an update on the Attorney General’s investigation of pricing during the February extreme weather event. She has not but will check into.
American Rescue Plan Act update – US Treasury has opened the portal for NEUs report submitting.
NEW BUSINESS
CMB License Renewal – Union Station – application and fees for off-premises consumption received.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to approve the 2022 off premises consumption CMB license renewal for Union Station
Water Rate Increase – notification of a 7.5% increase ($0.55/1000 gallons) was received from Bourbon County Consolidated Rural Water District #2. Discussion ensued about the possibility of finding an alternate supplier.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to adopt Ordinance No. 195 – inside city limits a minimum charge of $25.81 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $12.11 per 1000 gallons after the first 1,000 gallons and outside city limits a minimum charge of $26.99 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $12.65 per 1,000 gallons after the first 1,000 gallons
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:35PM
Health Department COVID-19 Guidelines
SEK Multi-County Health Department of Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties provided the following:
2022 Updated COVID-19 Guidelines
January 4, 2022
IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19:
ISOLATE
EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS:
- Stay home for at least 5 days
- Stay home as long as you have symptoms. If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.
- If you have no symptoms or your symptoms resolve, you can leave your house after a minimum of 5 days of isolation.
- Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days after you leave isolation.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID-19:
QUARANTINE PROCEDURES
IF YOU ARE VACCINATED:
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IF YOU: Have been boosted OR Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months OR Completed the primary series of J&J vaccines within the last 2 months |
YOU SHOULD:
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IF YOU ARE NOT FULLY VACCINATED:
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IF YOU: Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine more than 6 months ago and are not boosted OR Completed the primary series of J&J more than 2 months ago and are not boosted OR Are unvaccinated |
YOU SHOULD:
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*Please note: these guidelines are not for healthcare workers, school-aged children, or people living in congregate settings.