Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Government

BoCo Commission Minutes of July 21

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July 21, 2020 Tuesday 1:50 pm

The Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with Commissioner Fischer and Oharah present as well as the County Clerk and Emergency Manager William Wallis.

Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 24-20 and to change the effective date of 7 days to 60 days (a resolution proclaiming a state of local disaster due to COVID, Will said this resolution will help the County continue to get financial aid due to COVID expenses), Jeff seconded and the motion passed.

At 1:54, Jeff made a motion to adjourn, Lynne seconded, meeting adjourned.

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
July 24, 2020, Approved Date

Bourbon County, Government

BoCo Commission Minutes of July 20

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July 20, 2020 Monday 1:30 pm

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

Also present were the following… Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Angel Wilson and Lora Holdridge.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Appraiser Clint Anderson). After the session, Jeff made a motion to approve hiring a field appraiser due to future vacancy that will occur over the next few weeks, Nick seconded and all approved.

Jeff Fischer questioned a service charge that the Consolidated Rural Water District is charging; the Commissioners told him they had a board that should be contacted regarding their charges.

Lynne discussed a resolution for possible approval requiring that any grant applied for or accepted must be approved by the Commissioners; he thought it would be a good resolution for the County. Lynne made a motion to approve Resolution 24-20, there was not a second for his motion. Jeff asked if they were trying to solve a problem with the current granting process, Lynne said yes, Justin said it was a procedural issue which caused problems that the resolution could resolve for future grants. Jeff said that the wellness grants didn’t have the Commissioners approval for the application and said that last year they considered (but didn’t follow through with) a cost share grant from the Department of Transportation for an iron bridge in Garland. Jeff questioned if the resolution would be another barrier for obtaining grants. Justin said it would be putting a layer of protection in the grant process. Jeff questioned if the resolution would be reacting to a situation and said he didn’t think that was the right thing to do. Jeff 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, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). After the session Lynne made a motion to table the resolution until a later date and Nick seconded.

Jeff 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, Bobby Reed and Kendell Mason). Lynne made a motion to go into a 3 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Bobby Reed and Kendell Mason). After the session Jeff made a motion authorizing an employee in the Correctional Center to use donated vacation time in the community pool for sick leave (an employee can donate vacation time to an employee to use for sick leave), Nick seconded and all approved.

Jeff said the deadline is in August for submitting an application for KDOT funding for off system bridges, he asked it was the intent of the Commissioners to explore funding for the Jefferson bridge, Lynne said they still need to determine if they want to repair or replace the bridge. Jeff questioned if he should get the authority to write a proposal to fix the bridge, Lynne said they could direct public works to get a proposal. Jeff questioned if the bridge north of Fort Scott could have an at-grade crossing installed to eliminate the need for a bridge. Jeff made a motion to direct public works to complete an application for the two fracture critical bridges (Jefferson bridge and the bridge north of Fort Scott on old 69 Highway), Nick seconded and all approved.

Lynne said they should be more involved in the application process so they weren’t blindsided.

The Commissioners reviewed the 1st draft of the 2021 budget. Jeff said the draft didn’t include a budget for the medical mall or the PILOT money. The current mill levy for Bourbon County is 66.613, the estimated mill levy on the 1st draft of the budget is 67.131. Lynne said in 2019 Road & Bridge had spent more than they thought they had due to deposits not being correct. Lora Holdridge questioned if the draft of the budget included raises for non-elected employees, Lynne said Terry was instructed to enter the amount the department head requested, Jeff questioned if it was possible to encourage all of the departments to save money for a carryover to help fund a raise.

The Commissioners will have a budget work session on July 28th at 9:00 am. Lynne said the Commissioners will work with the department heads regarding the budgets.

Jeff made a motion to adjourn at 3:12, 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
July 24, 2020, Approved Date

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Has Nine Current COVID-19 Cases

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

August 3, 2020

Allen County

Current Positive Cases 2
Total Hospitalizations 2
Current Recovered Cases 13
Total Positives Since Testing 15-1 removed-out of state and to remain there
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Positive Cases 3
Total Hospitalizations 0
Current Recovered Cases 26
Total Positives Since Testing 29
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Positive Cases 9
Presumptive Cases 4-1 listed on KDHE website, tested negative
Positive Out of State/County-staying in Bourbon 11
Total Hospitalizations 7-1 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 65-includes presumptive cases
Total Positives Since Testing 73
Deaths 1

Woodson County

Current Positive Cases 0
Total Hospitalizations 1-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 11
Total Positives Since Testing 11
Deaths 0

Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Grant Applications For Local Non-Profits Accepted Until August 31

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FORT SCOTT AREA
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
ANNOUNCES 2020 GRANT CYCLE
APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED
THROUGH 5PM AUGUST 31ST
Honoring the Past and Impacting the Future
The mission of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is to partner with and be a resource to organizations whose goal is to improve the quality of life in the Fort Scott, Kansas area. FSACF strives to create connections between donors and a variety of many worthwhile causes.
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce that the grant cycle for 2020 is here and they will be taking applications from now until 5pm on August 31st.
This year, the foundation will be awarding over $42,000.00 to local not-for-profits for projects to benefit our community.
A certain dollar amount of the awards is reserved for projects that benefit our youth.
Maximum grant to any one project is $5,000.00.
For a copy of the grant application, email
FSACF Board Member Gregg Motley at [email protected]
Please use Gregg’s same email address to submit any questions you might have. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 pm, August 31st.
Grant Application Guidelines
•       Program Oriented
Do the funds support a new or enhanced service to the community? Generally, Grants are not for the purpose of funding core budget items, capital improvements or the purchase of real estate.
•       Organizational capacity
Do you have confidence in the organization, as described in the application, to carry out the program?
•       Soundness of proposed strategies
Will the program adequately address the need as it was described in the application?
•       Resource efficiency
Is the program taking advantage of available resources? Are they collaborating?
•       Appropriateness of budget
Will the program use the funds effectively? Is the budget clear and accurate?
•       Plan for program evaluation
Does the program have the ability to evaluate its successes? How will they monitor the program?
Click HERE to learn more about the
Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Unsolicited Seeds: Report Receipt to KS Dept. of Agriculture

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KDA Asks Public to Report Receipt of any Unsolicited Packages of Seeds

 

Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin said he has been receiving questions on this and sent the following:

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has been notified that several Kansas residents have received unsolicited packages containing seeds that appear to have originated from China.

The types of seeds in the packages are unknown at this time.

The packages were sent by mail; some have been labeled as jewelry and they may have Chinese writing on them.

Unsolicited packages of seeds have been received by people in several other states across the United States over the last several days.

If you receive a package of this type, please contact KDA’s plant protection and weed control program at 785-564-6698, via email at [email protected], or at the complaint reporting portion of the KDA website: report a seed complaint.

Please DO NOT plant these seeds.

If they are in sealed packaging, don’t open the sealed package.

If the package has already been opened, place all materials (seeds and packaging) into a zip lock bag and seal it.

If the seeds have already been planted, leave the seeds/plants in the ground.

Unsolicited seeds could be invasive species, could introduce diseases to local plants, or could be harmful to livestock.

Invasive species wreak havoc on the environment, displace or destroy native plants and insects and severely damage crops.

KDA works to prevent the introduction of invasive species and protect Kansas agriculture.

Bourbon County, Schools

Beacon Clients: Shoe Voucher Available Starting Monday

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The Shoe Voucher Sign-up will begin On Monday, August 3 to August 28, 2020 for students in Grades K-12.

 

The voucher must be used at Fort Scott Wal-Mart.

This Voucher will expire on September 8th,2020. Voucher may be used for any pair of shoes (not flip flops) and can be used for underwear and sock, up to $20.

You must present voucher to the service desk with items.

This is for all Beacon Clients.

Thank you to Community Christian Church for the vouchers and to The Fort Scott Elks for each mask that will be included with the vouchers.

PLEASE CALL INTO THE BEACON TO RESERVE YOUR VOUCHER, 620-223-6869.

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Animal Virus Confirmed in Bourbon County

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KDA Update on Vesicular Stomatitis Virus 7-31-2020

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — Updated situation report on the ongoing outbreak of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) in Kansas:

  • Total premises which have tested positive for VSV in Kansas: 97
  • Premises currently under quarantine: 51
  • Premises that have been released from quarantine: 157
  • Total counties in Kansas that have had positive cases of VSV: 24
  • Counties: Allen, Bourbon, Butler, Chase, Cherokee, Coffey, Cowley, Crawford, Elk, Franklin, Greenwood, Labette, Linn, Lyon, Marion, Miami, Montgomery, Morris, Neosho, Riley, Sedgwick, Sumner, Wilson and Woodson counties.

 

KDA’s Division of Animal Health continues to respond to the outbreak that began in south central Kansas in mid-June and has now expanded its reach to the north and east. In addition, KDA is awaiting laboratory results from symptomatic animals in other counties as the outbreak continues to spread. All premises with confirmed cases of VSV in horses and cattle have been quarantined; in addition, any premises with animals showing clinical signs consistent with VSV are placed on quarantine. A quarantine for VSV lasts for at least 14 days from the onset of symptoms in the last animal on the premises. Quarantines are not lifted until a veterinarian has examined all susceptible animals on the premises.

 

What is VSV:

VSV is a viral disease which primarily affects horses, but can also affect cattle, sheep, goats, swine, llamas and alpacas. At this time, the vast majority of confirmed cases of VSV in Kansas have been horses, although some cattle have also been diagnosed. KDA has advised the beef industry to be vigilant in monitoring their cattle for symptoms.

 

In horses, VSV is typically characterized by lesions which appear as crusting scabs on the muzzle, lips, ears, coronary bands, or ventral abdomen. Other clinical signs of the disease include fever and the formation of blister-like lesions in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, ears, hooves and teats. Infected animals may refuse to eat and drink, which can lead to weight loss. Vesicular stomatitis can be painful for infected animals and costly to their owners. Although it is rare, humans can also become infected with the disease when handling affected animals and can develop flu-like symptoms. VSV is considered a reportable disease in Kansas. If you observe clinical signs among your animals, contact your veterinarian right away. Accredited veterinarians across Kansas have played a critical role by reporting and responding to animals affected by VSV.

 

Disease prevention:

The primary way the virus is transmitted is from biting insects like black flies, sand flies and midges. Owners should institute robust measures to reduce flies and other insects where animals are housed. VSV can also be spread by nose-to-nose contact between animals. The virus itself usually runs its course in five to seven days, and it can take up to an additional seven days for the infected animal to recover from the symptoms. There are no approved vaccines for VSV.

 

KDA has developed guidelines to assist organizations which are hosting shows and fairs across the state, and have worked with many of them to consider how they can protect the health and safety of animals attending their events.

 

VSV in the U.S.:

VSV has also been confirmed in Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Because of the confirmed cases in Kansas, other states and Canada are likely to increase restrictions on livestock imports. Animal health officials strongly encourage all livestock owners and veterinarians to call the animal health authority in the destination location for the most current import requirements prior to travel.

 

More information:

Information about VSV can be found by contacting the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601 or on the KDA website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/VSV, with info about:

  • Documents describing symptoms of VSV
  • Recommendations for fly control practices
  • Guidelines for shows and fairs
  • Informational webinars about VSV
  • Current state and national situation reports

 

Bourbon County, Business, Government

Wind Energy Project Is Advancing In Bourbon County

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Standing at the bottom of a wind turbine looking up at the clear Kansas sky.

The Bourbon County Commission voted on March 13, 2020,  to approve a wind energy project submitted by Apex Clean Energy, Charlottesville, Virginia. There was some community protest, but the commission moved forward with the project that will produce energy from wind turbines.

 

 

The development of the Jayhawk Wind Project continues to advance, according to Helen Humphreys, Public Engagement Manager for Apex Clean Energy, the parent company of Jayhawk Wind.
The land is currently being inspected on proposed sites.

“We are in process of conducting (and) completing micro siting efforts, a process which involves a physical inspection to verify that the site meets all requirements,” she said in an email interview. “Once micro siting is complete,  engineering studies will be conducted to further evaluate the sites on which facilities might be located.”

 

 

“Once this work is complete, we will share the locations of the planned facilities with landowners and collect their feedback, before a map is finalized,” she said.

 

 

“There are 74 participating landowners in the Jayhawk Wind Project,” Humphreys said. As things stand now, construction will begin in late 2020 and the project will be operational in 2021.

 

 

The Apex Clean Energy company has been building connections in Bourbon County, as well.

 

 

“Finally, and importantly, the Jayhawk team has continued to build connections in the community,” Humphrey’s said. “Guided by community leaders, Jayhawk has provided grants to a number of community organizations, including The Beacon food pantry and Feeding Families in His Name.”

 

 

Julianna Pianelli, Apex Development Manager, explained that “early in the pandemic response, Jayhawk connected with community non-profits and church leaders to identify the organizations positioned to meet community needs. We are humbled by the commitment of so many to their neighbors and community and are very pleased to support their work.”
For more background on Jayhawk Wind in Bourbon County:
Bourbon County, Elections

Candidates Meet Public July 28

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A candidate meet-and-greet event was organized for citizens to meet some candidates for the upcoming election.

The event was held on July 28 at The Boiler Room Brewhaus, at the corner of National Avenue and Wall Street in downtown Fort Scott.

Bob Hamilton, candidate for  US Senate; Clifton Beth, candidate for Bourbon County Commission District 3,  and Jim Harris, District 2 County Commissioner candidate met with the public.

Approximately 25 attended, according to Josh Jones, who submitted the photo and information.

From left to right are  Bob Hamilton, Josh Jones, Gil Beerbower, and Jim Harris.

 

 

Bourbon County

American Legion Post 25 Scuttlebutt

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Bourbon County Voting

Advance voting at the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue continues until noon, August 3.

The hours of the county clerk’s office are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 pm.  There is a plexiglass barrier between the voter and poll worker and employees are sanitizing after each voter, Bourbon County Clerk Kendell Mason said.

“Masks are not required, but we strongly encourage people to wear them to help keep everyone safe,” Mason said.” Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at all polling places.”

For more information on voting or to check your voting location, go to http://www.bourboncountyks.org/county-clerk-election/

Membership

The 2021 membership cards have arrived.  Any member desiring to pay their 2021 dues can pay them at our meeting on Monday or go online to www.legion.org and follow the prompts to renew. Dues are still $40 per year.

Members have also received renewal notifications in the mail. You can also mail in your renewals as well.

Upcoming Events

 

July 31 – August 2. Department Convention at the Ramada Hotel. The Department Convention is open to all Legionnaires. More information on the Department Convention can be found at https://ksamlegion.org/

August 3. American Legion Post 25 general membership meeting at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. Our regular Post meet and greet starts at 6:30 pm.  Sons of the American Legion (SONS) Squadron 25 members also meet concurrently with the American Legion.

August 4. Primary voting in Bourbon County.

August 13. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 meets at 600 pm in Memorial Hall.

August 13.  American Legion Post 25 Color Guard meets at 730 pm in Memorial Hall. All Post 25 Legion family members are invited to join the Post 25 Color Guard. This includes Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion Squadron members.

Do not hesitate to contact me or any Officer with any suggestions to improve Fort Scott American Legion Post 25.

Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.

620-215-1688/[email protected]

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Jeff Fischer: Candidate for Bourbon County Commissioner, Advance Voting Has Begun

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Jeff Fischer. Submitted photo.

Advance voting at the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue continues until noon, August 3.

The hours of the county clerk’s office are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 pm.  There is a plexiglass barrier between the voter and poll worker and employees are sanitizing after each voter, Bourbon County Clerk Kendell Mason said.

“Masks are not required, but we strongly encourage people to wear them to help keep everyone safe,” Mason said.” Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at all polling places.”

To view the Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum on July 20, click here: https://fortscott.biz/news/view-the-candidate-forum-last-night-here

 

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Name:

Jeff Fischer

What position you are running for:

County Commissioner 2nd District

Age:

59 Years

Education:

Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering

Masters of Science Civil Engineering

Post Graduate Studies Civil Engineering

Experience:

3.5 years of experience in the role of Commissioner

10 years of leading corporate and collegiate learning experiences

20 years of construction engineering experience

What skills do you bring to the position if elected or re-elected?

If my constituents re-elect me to serve again as their commissioner I bring the skills from the past as outlined in my educational background: Professional Civil Engineer, Experience with heavy construction, Experience speaking to large audiences on a wide range of topics from the medical service sector to roads and bridge rehabilitation. I am a skilled researcher and seek to understand complex issues by drawing from a broad band of knowledge, before narrowing down to reaching a decision for the good of the present with a look to future growth and development. I have the skills of a pastor who nurtures the flock in my pastoral duties in my church. As a leader in the ministerial community I have gained the skill of listening and the skill of humbling myself. I learn from my mistakes. I seek input from others and try to make amends for wrongs foolishly committed. I have a genuine love for the future growth of Fort Scott and Bourbon County. My public speaking skills at local, regional, state and national levels are a valued asset to our community. I can represent Bourbon County in the Committee meetings across the globe, if necessary, to gain access to outsiders planning to locate their businesses in rural America. I am skilled at financial planning and can assist in helping department heads when they seek guidance in yearly budgets. I have a unique skill in historical memories of Fort Scott, remembering what our great-grand parents envisioned for us and dreamed for our children. My skills are varied, yes, through years of formal education and also life experiences. My constituents afforded me an opportunity to serve Bourbon County four years ago. Thank you for your vote of confidence in 2016. Please review what the commission as a body has accomplished. I humbly ask your forgiveness for my stumbles. I seek the chance to continue in service to the community we all love.

What is your priority on day one?

  1. Listen carefully.
  2. Secure additional anchor tenants to realize the capacity and benefits of the Medical Mall concept.
  3. Develop and implement a strategic plan for county infrastructure.

 

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

Chamber Coffee At Empress Center, 7 N. Main July 30

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The July 30th Chamber Coffee
will be hosted by
The Fort Scott Chamber
of Commerce!
7 N. Main Street in the
Downtown Historic District held at the Empress Event Center
Attendees may wear mask at their own Discretion
Let’s talk about: SPARK FUNDING
The Bourbon County Commission received $2.9M in CARES Act funds through the State of Kansas SPARK funding. This funding is designed to help the county with the health and economic emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information about the funding, visit https://www.bourboncountyks.org/spark/.