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Category Archives: Bourbon County
Starlite FCE Minutes of Feb. 25
Starlite FCE
February 25, 2021
The February meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager building at the Fairgrounds. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and Joyce Allen led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Nine members were in attendance, they reported that they had volunteered for four hours and had recycled sixty pounds of cardboard.
The minutes of the precious meeting were read and approved. Doris Ericson presented the treasurer report. Glenda Miller passed out the new membership roll and informed us Sekan will except cardboard on Mondays.
Jackie Warren reported that as of now we are planning to have an Open Class at the Fair this year and asked for a show of hands of those who would be able to help.
New Business consisted of planning an Easter party for Tri-Valley. It was decided to make bunny bags and fill with treats and to has an egg hunt. Everyone is to bring wrapped candy to place in eggs and bags.
Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Doris Ericson seconded the motion, motion carried, meeting adjourned. After the meeting Deb Lust presented a program on Character Counts- Responsibility. Doris Ericson and Deb Lust provided refreshments of cake, M&M and water, which were enjoyed by all.
Prepared by
Terri Williams
Jayhawk Wind Project Breaks Ground This Week
The Jayhawk Wind farm facility breaks ground this week and is expected to be operational later this year, according to a press release from Apex Clean Energy, the developer.
The project will consist of 70 General Electric wind turbines totaling an installed capacity of more than 190 MegaWatts. The project will provide more than 115 construction jobs and seven long-term operations positions—and will generate over $20 million in landowner payments and $27.2 million in tax revenue, according to the press release.
The following is an email interview with Patrick Chilton, Apex Public Engagement Manager.
Apex sold to WEC yet you will be doing the construction and operating of the windmills?
“Apex Clean Energy has not been sold to WEC Energy Group. Jayhawk Wind, the wind project developed by Apex in Bourbon and Crawford Counties, has been sold to WEC Energy Group and Invenergy.
“The power produced by the project will be injected into the Southwest Power Pool grid, the electric grid network that serves Bourbon and Crawford Counties.
To learn more about the Southwest Power Pool: https://spp.org/
“Facebook signed a contract to purchase the power from Jayhawk Wind after the previous power purchase agreement (PPA) was mutually dissolved. The tech company will buy that power to help support its operations in the region.”
Facebook is a valued Apex customer, according to a Bloomberg Business press release about the transaction:
Apex sold to WEC but will still construct and operate the farm?
“Apex Clean Energy will manage the construction of Jayhawk Wind on behalf of its new owners, and IEA Constructors will perform all of the engineering, procurement, and construction needs of the project.
“Under this contract, IEA will be responsible for working to hire subcontractors, vendors, and local personnel. Upon completion of construction, Invenergy will take over operations.
“IEA Constructors is a subsidiary of IEA that manages utility-scale renewable energy and heavy civil infrastructure projects. They will perform all of the engineering, procurement, and construction needs of the project,” according to Chilton.
A question was asked if Apex was planning on selling Jayhawk Wind from the beginning?
“Yes. Our plans to work with a financing counterparty on Jayhawk Wind have been a part of our discussions with the community since the beginning of this project. Apex is honored to help design and permit excellent projects like this one for companies that want to support and own renewable energy facilities. We believe WEC and Invenergy will be wonderful long-term partners for this community.”
You will be hiring locals, so where is the info if someone is interested in seeking a job with Jayhawk Wind.
“Jayhawk Wind has been running a local vendor program, which is ongoing.
“More information about this program is available at https://www.jayhawkwind.com/local_vendor_program.
“Through this program, local contractors and vendors have been signing up to let us know they are interested in supporting the construction of Jayhawk Wind.
“As promised, we have been preparing to share this information with the Balance of Plant contractor. We have continued to aggregate a locate vendor list throughout development and vendors are welcome to continue to submit their information on our website for consideration.
The Balance of Plant (BoP) is a power engineering term that refers to the various supporting and auxiliary components of a power plant system required to produce energy, according to https://ifsolutions.com/what-is-balance-of-plant-in-power-plants/
“Now that IEA has been selected as the Balance of Plant contractor, we will be sharing our local vendor directory with them directly.”
K-State Extension Crop, Forage Management Agent Needed
K-State Extension has a Crop, and Forage Management career opportunity in Southwind District.
The primary office location is negotiable between Iola, Erie, Fort Scott and Yates Center.
See https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/jobs/current_openings/index.html for responsibilities, qualifications and application procedure.
The application deadline is March 17, 2021.
K-State Research Extension is an EOE of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
A background check is required.
From the website:
The Southwind District is comprised of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties in southeast Kansas. There are 2,314 farms and more than 112 million acres of pasture and crops growing primarily soybeans, corn, wheat, and a diverse selection of native and introduced forages. The population of the district is 46,048. The district is home to Neosho County Community College, Allen Community College, and Fort Scott Community College, as well as ten public school systems. Southwind staff are housed in four office locations and include eight agents, four specialized office professionals, and one 4-H program assistant.
Extension agents are community-based faculty of Kansas State University who make a difference by connecting community needs with university resources. Agents are administratively responsible to the local extension director and the local extension board.
This position will provide primary leadership for the development and implementation of research-based educational programs related to production, management, and marketing issues involved in crop production, especially forages. Programs will include but are not limited to tillage, planting, and variety selection; irrigation; weed, disease, and pest control; soil testing and fertilization; harvesting and post-harvest handling.
Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are administratively responsible to the Director of K-State Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.
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| What You’ll Need to Succeed: | Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Other Requirements:
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| Salary, Benefits, and Professional Development: |
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| How to Apply: | Please submit the following documents:
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| Screening of Applications Begins: | Applications will be accepted until March 17, 2021 |
| Equal Employment Opportunity: | Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and actively seeks diversity among its employees. |
| Background Screening Statement: | In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee. |
UHS BASKETBALL ROUND 1 SUBSTATE RESULTS 3/1 and 3/2
Uniontown hosted the first round of our 2-A Sub-State games on Monday and Tuesday this week. Both teams were victorious and will move on to the next round, hosted at Humboldt on Thursday and Friday.
The Lady Eagles once again defeated the Southeast Lancers with a score of 58-29. Karleigh Schoenberger scored 23 points and had 2 assists and 2 steals. Danielle Howard had 16 points, 4 assists, and 7 steals. Sammie Hampton had 5 rebounds and Gwenyth Fry had 3.
“The girls played hard and took care of business tonight. We will face Humboldt in the second round on Friday. We’ve got what it takes, but it will take all we’ve got,” said Coach Miller.
Point guard Danielle Howard said, “It was a good win for our last home game. We’re looking forward to another game against Humboldt.”
The boys played Jayhawk and won 50-44. Jake Harvey had 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. Luke Perry scored 10 points and had 4 assists. Clay Sutterby also scored 10 points and had 12 rebounds. Dawson Dreisbach had 5 rebounds.
“We’ve reached the point in the season where it’s win or go home,” Coach Hays said. “The boys played really well in spurts tonight against Jayhawk Linn. We turned the ball over too much and didn’t rebound very well, however. Those are both things we will need to get fixed heading into our matchup with Southeast on Thursday.”
Teen Transportation Safety Virtual Conference Offered
Here is an exciting opportunity for teens in your communities!
Please, share with your coalitions and communities, Thank you!
If you have any questions please contact Laura Moore
The Kansas Teen Transportation Safety Conference is virtual. https://www.ktsro.org/kansas-teen-transportation-safety-conference.
We encourage you to invite ALL of your middle and high school students to the Kansas Teen Transportation Safety Conference by sharing this link https://www.ktsro.org/kttsc-registration-form and allowing all students to register themselves.
All registered sponsors and students will receive a conference registration kit including a shirt and other goodies.
Session will be recorded so can be watched later.
Let us know if you have questions!
Thanks!
Laura Moore
State SAFE Coordinator
DCCCA Inc, Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office
* 785-430-4026 * 2930 SW Wanamaker Drive * Topeka, KS 66614 * fax 785-233-1342
Bourbon County Coalition Minutes of March 3
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
March 3, 2021
- Welcome: Billie Jo welcomed fourteen members representing fifteen agencies to the meeting. She informed members that she is waiting on information from the City of Fort Scott in order to finalize the 2021 family swim pass application. Details will be forwarded as soon as possible.
Following the March 2 Board meeting, it was decided that we would continue to meet through Zoom for April, May, and June, not meet in July, and resume face-to-face meetings at the Scott View Apartments (High Rise) Community Room in August.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Allen Schelleck, Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army: Allen is still waiting on the budget for Salvation Army so does not yet know how much assistance will be available through that program. Although he had some trouble securing heaters, he now has heaters and blankets available for those in need; funds for this program were provided by the Fort Scott Community Foundation.
- Elizabeth Schafer, CASA, Next Steps, Feeding Families: Next Steps is on hold due to the pandemic; Feeding Families is serving 300-325 meals each week. Due to the numbers of meals and lack of adequate seating space, it is very likely that Feeding Families will remain a “to-go” meal even after the pandemic is over.
- Cinda Reynolds, American Red Cross: All assistance and trainings through Red Cross are being done virtually. Cinda will be helping with the Iola blood drive next week.
- Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: Patty has a one-bedroom apartment available with no waiting; she will have several others of varying sizes available soon. These are income based rentals subsidized through HUD.
- Alice Leonard, SEK-CAP Head Start: They are especially in need of applications for the home-based programs.
- J.J. Karlinger KVC: They are instituting projects to help foster children throughout the year rather than just at Christmas; for the month of March, they will be doing “Underwearness” where they will collect new underwear, socks, pajamas, etc. If anyone would like to help with this project, or obtain information on fostering, contact J. J. at [email protected].
- Christine Abbott, Southeast Kansas Works: Funds are available for job training and assistance. The Pittsburg office is open five days each week; the Fort Scott BWERK office is manned twice each week. Contact Christine at 620-779-3727 for specific office hours and appointments.
- Mandi H-Woods, Healthy Families: She is doing online group activities to educate about healthy eating! She is in the process of starting parent support groups.
- Michele Stevenson, Fort Scott Early Childhood Center, USD 234: Michele works with children from pre-natal through age 6; she does have some openings. She has been able to do home visits with masks and social distancing. She and Star McClellan, Parents as Teachers, were able to do a Family Event Drive Through activity where parents were provided many resources, wonderful freebies, and door prizes.
- Shana McClure, DCF: LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) applications continue to be accepted until the last day of March. These can be completed online or applications can be obtained at DCF.
- Andrea Scott, Principal, USD 234 PreSchool: The Four-Year-Old At-Risk program and Kansas PreSchool Pilot program are housed in the preschool building at Fourth and Judson where they serve one hundred children. She also has a classroom at New Generations. Andrea is also working on establishing and maintaining an Early Childhood Committee to help ensure that our preschools and daycares continue to prepare our students for kindergarten.
- Jody Hoener, Healthy Bourbon County: Jody was instrumental in creating Healthy Bourbon County in 2016. This organization has highlighted healthy eating and cultivating habits into our Bourbon County lifestyle with the overall goal of healthier people. Jody can also provide assistance for those persons who own or wish to start a small business.
- Sandra Haggard, RSVP: Sandy needs service ideas for our senior volunteers in Bourbon County. Her grant areas for volunteerism include opioid prevention, food distribution, veterans, blood drives, and K-12 support. Right now, Bourbon County RSVP has volunteers at The Beacon.
- Program (no programs for Zoom meetings)
- Open Forum: Dena Kemp was unable to attend today’s meeting; if anyone would like resources, training, or technical assistance surrounding substance use prevention, suicide prevention, or problem gambling, contact Dena.
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be April 7, 2021 by Zoom.
Schedule An Appointment With CHC For COVID-19 Vaccine
Vaccine has arrived! Please note the time, date and location of vaccine clinics.
Reminder: people must schedule an appointment for the vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccinations clinics open Wednesday, Saturday
A shipment of 4,000 doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine has arrived at Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas clinics as part of a national effort to ensure underserved communities are equitably vaccinated.
CHC/SEK continues to focus on vaccinating people age 65 and older however, the health center has expanded to the remaining categories within Phase 2 of the Kansas Vaccination Prioritization Plan. Any individual from Phase 1 that still needs a vaccine may also call.
Phase 2 includes people aged 65 and up, high-contact critical workers and congregate settings. High-contact critical workers include: higher education staff; first responders; judicial/court system participants; childcare workers; food processing including meat processing; grocery stores; food service to include restaurants; transportation organizations/suppliers; city/county public works; Dept. Motor Vehicles; U.S. Postal Service, home care providers, and supplier of critical infrastructure service/supplies.
Vaccines are already going into arms. On Wednesday, vaccines will be distributed from 1 to 4 PM at 924 N. Broadway, Pittsburg.
CHC/SEK-Fort Scott will be hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at 9 AM- 3 PM on Saturday, March 6 at the clinic located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott.
The vaccine appointment telephone number to call is 866-888-8650, which will be answered 7 AM -7 PM seven days a week. There is an additional line for Spanish speakers, available at 620-240-8940, answered from 7 AM – 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
Anyone listed under Phase 2 of the Kansas Vaccine Prioritization Plan is eligible to participate. Those guidelines are available at https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=111.
There is no out-of-pocket cost to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine recipients will not be restricted by county residency, nor do they have to be a patient of CHC/SEK.
Sales Tax Renews By 312-205 Vote
https://www.bourboncountyks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Final-Unofficial-Results-3-2-21-Election.pdf
Bourbon County Coalition Meets March 3 Via Zoom
Topic: Bourbon County Coalition Meeting
Time: Mar 3, 2021 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Every month on the First Wed, until Jun 2, 2021, 4 occurrence(s)
Mar 3, 2021 12:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99538334991
Meeting ID: 995 3833 4991
Jayhawk Wind Sold to WEC Energy Group
| Apex Sells Jayhawk Wind, with Facebook PPA, to WEC Energy Group and Invenergy
Contact: Cat Strumlauf | Director, Corporate Communications |
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PPA for Full Capacity Represents Facebook’s Fourth Power Purchase from Apex
Apex Clean Energy today announced that WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC) and Invenergy purchased the Jayhawk Wind project, including a renewable power purchase agreement with Facebook. The more than 190 MW project, located in Crawford and Bourbon Counties, Kansas, will help support the tech company’s operations in the region.
“Establishing and growing strong relationships with the nation’s pre-eminent clean energy investors and power purchasers is fundamental to Apex’s core mission and to our ability to bring best-in-class renewable energy assets like Jayhawk Wind to life,” said Mark Goodwin, Apex Clean Energy president and CEO. “Because of these agreements with Facebook—a valued Apex customer—and new partners WEC Energy Group and Invenergy, Jayhawk Wind will advance the new energy economy in Kansas and generate significant long-term economic benefits for the local community.”
The deal marks Apex’s fourth renewable transaction with Facebook, following a 61.6 MW PPA with Altavista Solar; a 200 MW PPA with Aviator Wind East, part of the largest single-phase, single-site wind project in the United States; and, most recently, a 175 MW PPA with Lincoln Land Wind in Illinois.
“We are excited to help bring this new wind project—our first in Kansas—to the grid in support of our operations in the region,” said Urvi Parekh, head of renewable energy at Facebook. “At Facebook, we are committed to supporting our global operations with 100% renewable energy and helping accelerate the transition to renewable energy around the world.”
Jayhawk Wind will help Facebook meet its goal to support its operations in the region with 100% renewable energy and reach net-zero carbon emissions. The tech company stepped in as the project’s offtaker after a previous power purchase agreement was mutually dissolved.
The purchase of the Jayhawk Wind project is part of WEC Energy Group’s $16 billion ESG Progress Plan—the largest five-year capital plan in the company’s history.
“Our commitment to the Jayhawk project is the next step forward in our comprehensive plan to build a bright, sustainable future, serve strong vibrant customers, and continue to grow earnings from our portfolio of renewable energy assets,” said Gale Klappa, WEC Energy Group executive chairman.
The Jayhawk facility, which breaks ground this week and is expected to be operational later this year, will consist of 70 GE wind turbines totaling an installed capacity of more than 190 MW. The project will provide significant economic benefits for the local and state economies—including the creation of more than 115 construction jobs and 7 long-term operations positions—and will generate over $20 million in landowner payments and $27.2 million in tax revenue.
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About Apex Clean Energy Apex Clean Energy develops, constructs, and operates utility-scale wind and solar power facilities across North America. Our mission-driven team of more than 200 renewable energy experts uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information on how Apex is leading the transition to a clean energy future, visit apexcleanenergy.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.About WEC Energy Group WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC), based in Milwaukee, is one of the nation’s premier energy companies, serving 4.6 million customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota.The company’s principal utilities are We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, Michigan Gas Utilities, Minnesota Energy Resources and Upper Michigan Energy Resources. Another major subsidiary, We Power, designs, builds and owns electric generating plants. In addition, WEC Infrastructure LLC owns a growing fleet of renewable generation facilities in the Midwest. WEC Energy Group is a Fortune 500 company and a component of the S&P 500. The company has approximately 42,000 stockholders of record, 7,300 employees and $37 billion of assets. |
COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments At CHC
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is now offering COVID-19 vaccine appointments as part of Phase 2 of the Kansas Vaccine Prioritization Plan.
The list can be found on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website:
There is no out-of-pocket cost to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinations will be available at all CHC/SEK clinic locations.
The vaccine appointment telephone number to call is 866-888-8650, which will be answered 7 a.m. -7 p.m. seven days a week. There is an additional line for Spanish speakers, available at 620-240-8940, answered from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
CHC/SEK is one of 250 health centers nationally selected to receive a direct supply of COVID-19 vaccine to ensure underserved communities are equitably vaccinated, according to a recent announcement from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and CDC. A shipment of 4,000 doses of Moderna vaccine is expected to arrive the week of March 1.
CHC/SEK will follow the state priorities for what populations are eligible to receive the vaccine, however vaccine recipients will not be restricted by county residency, nor do they have to be a patient of CHC/SEK.
“This is a gift to the people of Southeast Kansas, the least healthy and most economically challenged region of the state,” said Krista Postai, President & CEO of CHC/SEK. “With almost 20 percent of our population over 65, the ability to reach out to provide this potentially life-saving vaccine is probably one of the most important initiatives in our history.”
Vaccine appointments will be available at CHC/SEK locations.
In Pittsburg, CHC/SEK has established a vaccine center at 924 N. Broadway, with extended and weekend hours to make receiving a COVID-19 vaccination as convenient as possible. The health center has also formed special vaccination outreach teams to target special populations by taking the vaccine to them.
“Based on the calls we’ve been receiving, we know many people are eager to get vaccinated and so afraid they’ll be overlooked because they live in rural Kansas,” Postai said. “It is so wonderful to tell them they’ve actually been prioritized nationally.”
CHC/SEK and Grace Med Topeka/Wichita were the two Kansas health centers chosen for this program. Both serve a large population of individuals experiencing homelessness, public housing residents, migratory and seasonal agricultural workers, patients with limited English proficiency and serve a significant population of patients age 65 years and older.
“We know these vaccines are safe and highly effective against a very serious disease,” Postai said. “Now that they have become available to us, CHC/SEK is ready to get them delivered into the arms of our communities.”