Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Aug. 26

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August 26, 2020 Wednesday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioner Oharah and Ruhl present, Commissioner Fischer was present by telephone, also present were the County Counselor and the County Clerk.

Mark McCoy, Anne Dare, Lora Holdridge, Michael Hoyt and Kim Simons were also present.

Justin Meeks said he had reviewed Resolution 26-20 and said it met the guidelines for a resolution; Lynne read Resolution 26-20.
“RESOLUTION 26-20
BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

WHEREAS, K.S.A. 12-187 et seq., as amended, authorizes the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas, to submit to the qualified electors of the County the question of levying a one percent (1%) retailers’ sales tax, such tax to be collected by the State Department of Revenue with the revenue therefrom returned and distributed as provided by law within Bourbon County, and

WHEREAS, the voters of Bourbon County, Kansas, approved this sales tax on June 15, 2010, and it is set to expire on June 30, 2021, and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas, has determined that continuation of this revenue is needed to maintain and improve hard surface roads in the County and to fund public services in the cities of Bourbon County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS:

This question will be submitted to the qualified electors of Bourbon County on the November 3rd, 2020 ballot, the question of levying a countywide retailers’ sales tax in Bourbon County, Kansas, (1) to Bourbon County, for the purpose of maintenance and construction of hard surface roads, and (2) to each city located in Bourbon County, for the purpose of providing funding for public services, in the amount of once percent (1%), such tax to take effect on the 1st day of July 2021, and expire on the 30th day of June 2031, if approved by a majority of the electors voting thereon.

This resolution shall take effect on publication in the official County newspaper.”
Nick made a motion to approve Resolution 26-20, Jeff seconded and all approved.

Nick Ruhl, District #3 Commissioner provided Lynne and Kendell a resignation letter (effective immediately), Nick said he would send the letter to the Governor. Lynne said it had been a privilege working on issues together, Jeff said he appreciated all of the work Nick had done, especially the work Nick did with the ambulance service after the hospital closed.

Justin Meeks estimated it could take approximately 3 weeks before a replacement Commissioner would be appointed and be present for the meetings; there was a discussion over not having a meeting until September 15th, Jeff suggested that there could still be business that needed addressed at regular meetings. The Commissioners will meet again on September 1st at 9:00 am. Mark McCoy, Chairman of the Republican Party said that it was now the responsibility of the Republican Party to call an emergency caucus to select a replacement and said the name of the person they select will be sent to the Governor for the Governor to appoint.

At 9:43, 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
__________________, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
September 1, 2020, Approved Date

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Health Care

COVID 19 Update for Southeast Kansas

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

September 9, 2020

Allen County

Current Active Cases 13
Presumptive Cases 7
Positive Out of State-Staying in Allen County 4
Total Hospitalizations 3-1 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 37 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives )
Total Positives Since Testing 43 (Allen County + out of state)
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Active Cases 12
Total Hospitalizations 1
Current Recovered Cases 37
Total Positives Since Testing 49
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Active Cases 17
Presumptive Cases 14
Positive Out of State/County-staying in Bourbon 14
Total Hospitalizations 9-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 103 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives)
Total Positives Since Testing 108 (Bourbon County + out of state/county)
Deaths 2

Woodson County

Current Active Cases 0
Total Hospitalizations 1-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 12
Total Positives Since Testing 12
Deaths 0
Bourbon County, Health Care

CHC Mental Health In-Person Services Available October 2020

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Eric Thomason. Submitted photo.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) has been serving the citizens of Fort Scott and surrounding towns since early 2019.

 

Hoping to improve the overall health of Bourbon County,  the organization met with treatment providers, community leaders, and the citizens of Bourbon County, according to Eric Thomason, who is the director of CHC/SEK Behavioral Health and Addiction Treatment Services.

 

“The message was clear, there was an increased need for behavioral health and addiction treatment services,” said  Thomason.

 

“We are proud to announce that in October of 2020 we will begin offering in-person addiction treatment services,” Thomason said.  “As a part of our current addiction treatment services we offer Medication Assisted Therapy for the treatment of substance use disorders. CHC/SEK has a designated addiction treatment nurse, Mitzi Clarkson RN, who is available for patient and provider consultation.”

Mitzi Clarkson. Submitted photo.

 

In October of 2019 CHC/SEK launched psychiatry services to the Fort Scott clinic, primarily utilizing telehealth services.

 

“In March of 2020, we increased our psychiatry availability to include face to face services,” Thomason said. ” Psychiatry is offered by Tien Nguyen, PMHNP. Tien is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He offers treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders primarily utilizing medication.”

Tien Nguyen. Submitted photo.

As part of the CHC COVID-19 response, they increased access to behavioral health and addiction treatment therapy staff via telehealth and e-visit appointments.

“Due to the overwhelming utilization these alternative service platforms will remain in place,” Thomason said.

CHC/SEK works to meet the needs of the community regardless of a person’s ability to pay for service, he said.

“We will continue to strive to make ‘healthcare the way it should be,'” Thomason said.

Any person interested in enrolling in mental health or addiction care, contact 620.223.8040, or talk with your CHC health care provider about a referral.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Sept. 9

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: September 9, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District- 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.

9:00 Executive Session, Non-elected Personnel (Interviews)

Bourbon County

American Legion Scuttlebutt

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Any Veteran who served one day of active duty since December 7, 1941 can now join the American Legion. There are approximately 1,000 eligible Veterans in Bourbon County. Invite an eligible relative, friend or neighbor to join the American Legion. Call me at 620-215-1688 if you need membership applications. I’ll deliver the membership applications to you or provide me with their contact information and I’ll complete the membership process for you.
Our membership is currently at 61 new or renewed members for the 2021 Legon year.  Our new membership goal is 92 and we are at 66.3% of our goal.
We are EIGHT members short of making the Early Bird award deadline on September 15. If you have not yet renewed, please consider doing so now! Help your Post earn this membership award.
You can renew online at www.legion.org. Just follow the prompts to renew. Have your membership card handy as you will need your membership number to renew. It’s quick, safe and secure. Your new membership card will be mailed out to you as soon as the Post Adjutant receives confirmation of your renewal, usually within 24 hours.
You can also mail in your dues to Fort Scott American Legion Post 25. PO Box 25. Fort Scott. 66701.
If you call me at 620.215.1688 , I’ll meet with you to pick up your dues.
New members also count towards our membership goal.
Membership is the first benchmark that must be met to earn other American Legion awards such as the Post Excellence Awards. Please help your Post by renewing your membership.
SEPTEMBER MEETING DATES
Thursday. September 10.  American Legion Unit 25 Auxiliary meets in Memorial Hall at 6 PM.
Thursday. September 10.  Post 25 Combined Color Guard meets in Memorial Hall at 7 PM. Membership in the Color Guard is open to any current member of the American Legion, Auxiliary or Sons of American Legion. Call Darrell Spencer at 620-224-6720 for more information on joining the Post 25 Color Guard or just show up at the meeting.
Monday. September 14.  American Legion Post 25  and Sons Squadron 25 meets in Memorial Hall at 7 PM, with a meet and greet starting at 6:30 pm.
Saturday. September 26.  American Legion Riders Chapter 25  meets in Memorial Hall at 10 AM.
Remember that Post 25 is member driven. Please share any suggestions with me or any Executive Committee member.
Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander
For more info:
Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Fescue Lawns Need a Boost in September

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

September is here and that means it is prime time to fertilize your fescue lawns. Even if you faithfully fertilize in the spring, by September fescue plants are literally starving to death.

Fescue is entering into its fall growth cycle as days shorten and temperatures moderate. Fall is the time that cool-season grasses naturally thicken up by tillering. Tillering is the term used to describe how the plant forms new shoots at the base of existing plants. Plants also build their root system for the following year in the fall. An application of fertilizer in September is put to immediate use by the plants.

However, before applying any fertilizer, I recommend that you have a soil test done. Lawn soils vary widely in pH, available phosphorus and potassium. It is very difficult to just “guess” about which nutrients are lacking and how much of each is needed. Soil testing can be done through the Extension office with a fee of $12 per sample. You will receive a detailed report that outlines your soil needs and how to fertilize accordingly. It is recommended to have a soil test every five years.

The procedure for soil testing is simple. Use a sharp shooter shovel and go straight down into the soil about four inches. Pull the soil clump up (grass and all) and knock the soil off into a bucket. Do this in about five to six locations in the lawn. In the bucket, mix the soil samples well and then randomly pull out about two cups of soil and place in a zip-lock bag and bring to one of our office locations in Erie, Iola, Yates Center or Fort Scott. For those living in or near Chanute, you can drop soil samples off at Breiner’s Feed Store for pick-up.

If you have not had a soil test, here is a general fescue lawn fertilizer recommendation. With a fall application, it is best to use a “quick-release” source of nitrogen. Apply 1 to 1 ½ pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn. If the fertilizer analysis is 10-10-10, it is declaring that it contains 10 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorus, and 10 percent potassium. So, to get the 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet using a 10-10-10 blend, you would need to apply 10 pounds of the fertilizer.

Another application of fertilizer in November should be applied to help the plants build up their food reserves for use when the grass greens up in the spring. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can get the same results if you just waited and only fertilized in the spring. Spring only fertilizing leads to fast growth, which means more mowing. This can also promote shallow root growth and possible summer die out.

Fall is the ideal time to renovate poor doing lawns. If you have an overabundance of weeds, crabgrass, etc. then you may want to consider reseeding. New lawns should also be planted in the fall.

If you would like more information on lawn fertilization, seeding or soil testing, please contact me at the Extension office.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural 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.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Explanation of 4-H Club Communications Project

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Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent

4-H Communications

In the communications project, Youth will learn to interpret verbal and nonverbal information, develop effective public speaking skills, enhance written and spoken communication, defend a point, design a presentation and much more!

There is 4-H Curriculum that can be purchased for anyone interested in the communications project. Here is a breakdown of what youth can learn at different levels:

Ages 7-8:

  • Learn responses to bullying

  • Decode a message

  • Write a letter

  • Give a project talk

Ages 9-11:

  • Give and receive directions using directional and transitional words

  • Write a speech and critique it

  • Write a press release 

  • Create and give a demonstration or illustrated talk

Ages 14-18:

  • Discover what causes a communication gap

  • Create and give a demonstration or illustrated talk

  • Plan, research, outline and present a speech

  • Debate an issue

  • Prepare a resume and interview for a job or office

In addition to the curriculum, youth are also offered the opportunity to attend project meetings held by volunteers. Each year, youth are able to demonstrate their hard work locally at club meetings, 4-H Day, the county fair and depending on age and placing, the Kansas State Fair.

The communications project is a great opportunity for youth to learn important life skills. For more information about this project or the workshop, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, 4-H Youth Development for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Laura Felt Celebrates 80th Birthday, Card Shower Requested

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Laura Felt. Submitted photo.
Laura Felt will celebrate her 80th birthday on September 16.
Her family is requesting cards be sent to her in celebration of the day.
Please send cards to 1440 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Laura Felt is the mother of Rick Felt, Troy Felt and Rhonda Kellstadt; grandmother of Kathy and Kenny (Rick), Scott, Tyler and Haley (Troy) & Clayton and Cade (Rhonda) and great-grandmother of Blair, Smith, Carver, Waylon, Easton and Knox.
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Sept. 8

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: September 8, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl 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.

9:00 – 9:30 Jim Harris

9:30 – 10:00 Executive Session, Non-elected Personnel (Interview)

10:00 – 10:30 Executive Session, Non-elected Personnel (Interview)

10:30 – 11:00 Executive Session, Non-elected Personnel (Interview)

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

CHC Fort Scott Reno Plans

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Residents who use the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas for health care in Fort Scott, will see a reconfiguration of the spaces in the future.

CHC/SEK  is located at 405 Woodland Hills, in the former Mercy Hospital building.

“We will be adding retail pharmacy space where the gift shop was (near the east entrance of the facility),” CHC/SEK President and CEO Krista Postai, said. “X-ray will be to the right as you walk in the clinic. We’ll also be adding new x-ray equipment into the main clinic…(There will also be) a break room and small meeting room created for staff. We will be creating a ‘women’s center’ within the clinic and moving the mammography equipment into the clinic to save women the long walk down the former Diagnostic Imaging Hallway.  ”

Krista Postai. Submitted photo.

The move is designed to be more convenient for patients, she said.

“We’re still involved in several other construction projects right now, but are working on final designs and talking with plumbers, electricians, etc. about the renovation,” Postai said.

“This is the new layout for our clinic only,” she said. “I have not seen a floor plan for the entire medical mall.”

The timeline for the reno will be made in the next few weeks, Postai said.

Also currently at the former Mercy building is the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department, located on the south side.

This fall, Fort Scott Community College leased 30 rooms at the west end of the building for student housing, as part of their plan during the COVID-19 Pandemic. They have made rooms for students at the main campus at 2108 S. Horton, should students need to be quarantined.

On the north side of the building is I Am Rehab LLC a physical therapy clinic.

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Schools

Bourbon County Strong Campaign Starts

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A group of concerned citizens has formed a committee to provide awareness to the community about the importance of wearing a mask in public during the COVID-19 Pandemic, according to Kayla Stewart, a spokesman. And they are starting a campaign to purchase masks for students and staff at the Bourbon County school districts.

The name of the group is Bourbon County Strong. It is comprised of Stewart, Gina Shelton, Stephanie Witt, Kelley Barrows, Jody Hoener, Lindsey Madison, Jackie Hall, and several others from USD 234 and USD 235, she said.

“Many people do not believe in the virus or do not think that it will affect anyone in their area, so they have decided not to wear masks,” Stewart,  Ascension Via Christ’s Emergency Department RN Coordinator, said. “If the community members do not wear masks, then children will follow in their footsteps. The campaign will provide awareness to all community members about the importance of wearing their masks in public, social distance, and have good hand hygiene.”

Ascension Via Christ Registered Nurse Kayla Steward. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County Strong is beginning to raise funds to provide masks to the school systems in Bourbon County.

 The group’s goal is to raise enough money to provide all students and staff members of the Fort Scott and Uniontown School Districts with enough masks that will last them until the end of the school year, she said.

 

“We live in a community where we have a high poverty level, and many families can’t afford to provide their children with masks,” Stewart said.

 

“We want to give students masks that fit appropriately and provide the best protection possible,” Stewart said.

 

Experts are still learning about the virus.

“Many people are not worried about their children getting COVID, but they need to be concerned about who they bring the virus home to,” Stewart said. “The statistics currently show that the virus is not as severe on younger children, but children are carriers of viruses and bring it home to your loved ones. These older loved ones have comorbidities or have weakened immune systems due to cancer or an autoimmune disease, and they are more likely to get the virus.”

 

“Being an emergency room nurse, I have taken care of the critically ill, and this virus is nothing to mess with,” Stewart said. ” We are still learning about what the virus is, what damage it is causing to our bodies, and what the long term effects will be.”

 

Stewart shared two personal stories of the virus.

“I have a close friend that had the virus a couple of months ago and is still recovering. They have long-term shortness of breath, where any activity that they do causes them to become short of air. This issue did not occur before they obtained the virus,” she said.

“Also, my uncle has the coronavirus,” Stewart said. “He has been on the vent for over four weeks. Last week, they put a trach in because of the endotracheal tube’s long-term use. They have tried to wean him off the vent, but every time they try to wean him, his blood pressure tanks, and he becomes unstable. It is hard seeing someone you love suffer from the virus, and people in the community don’t think it is real.”

The group has a desire to positively impact the community and help prevent the spreading of COVID through education and providing reliable sources about the coronavirus, she said.

 

 

When was the group started?

The beginning of August.

“We discussed the idea with (USD 234 Superintendent)Ted Hessong and (USD 235 Superintendent)Bret Howard,” she said.

Once approved, the idea went to the school boards, and got final approval.

“Once the campaign was approved, we started designing our plans.,” Steward said. “It has taken a lot of hard work from all committee members, plus USD 234 and USD 235 staff. We will be kicking the campaign off on Sept. 8, 2020 with our t-shirt sale, that will run through September 30th. Throughout September and October, businesses around town will have our posters, flyers, and table toppers posted about the campaign. These flyers will not only provide information about the campaign, but will also have information about mask-wearing.”

To support the campaign, there are several fundraising events planned:

A Bourbon County Strong Golf Tournament on

October 10th, to register: bourboncountystrong.com

 

Operation Mask Up T-Shirt Sale starts September 8th-September 30th.

T-shirts can be purchased at bourboncountystrong.com

Donations can be made at bourboncountystrong.com or

https://usd234.revtrak.net/donations-and-gifts/#/v/mask-campaign

 

Other ways to keep abreast of the group:

Facebook page: Bourbon County Strong (@bourboncountystrong)

Instagram: @bourboncountystrong

Email: [email protected]

 

COVID-19 Update

The last update that was provided by SEK Multi-County Health Department: 11 active COVID cases, 14 presumptive cases, and 97 current recovered cases in Bourbon County.

Crawford County Health Department’s last update: last week there are a total of 599 positive COVID cases. Two hundred sixty-five individuals that are in isolation, and 970 individuals that are quarantined, Stewart said.

 

Have you seen many cases at the ER? 
“We have seen several COVID positive patients and PUI (Person Under Investigation),” Stewart said. “Currently, our COVID numbers are lower, but we are taking all precautions to prevent the spread of COVID. Also, USD 234 and USD 235 are working closely with the SEK Muli-county health department to make the start of the school year 2020-2021 a smooth process and take all precautions to provide a safe environment for the staff students.”