Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Schools, Youth

Update on Uniontown Teacher Accused of Felony With A Student

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Breanna Hampton Taylor, taken from the USD235 website.

Breanna Janise Hampton Taylor was arrested on February 25, 2024, by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office for unlawful sexual relations of a teacher with a student 16 + years of age, according to Bourbon County District Court Documents.

This was Taylor’s first year of teaching.

The offense date was February 17 and was outside the school environment, according to a press release from the school.

Taylor, who in court documents is now using her maiden name, Hampton, was arrested on February 25, and a $10,000 bond was posted on February 29. The case is listed as pending.

Her first appearance hearing was February 29, and her next court date, a preliminary examination, is March 28.

In the State of Kansas VS Breanna Janise Hampton, the prosecuting attorney is Bourbon County Attorney Tiana McElroy and the defense attorney is Geoffrey Clark.

Mark Ward is the judicial officer.

Hampton is being charged a Level 5 Person Felony in violation of K.S.A. 21-5572 ((a)(9)) and (b)(2).

The penalty range is a minimum of 31 months to a maximum of 136 months in prison and/or fines of up to $300,000 and 24 months post-release supervision.

The presumption of innocence in a criminal case is considered a due process of the law:

To view the  USD 235 press release on February 25, about the arrest:

Uniontown Teacher Arrested for Allegation of Inappropriate Conduct Towards a Student

 

Bourbon County

Local Reservoir Is Dead In The Legislature, But A Community Discussion Meeting is March 22 in Mapleton

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The Kansas Senate Bill 497, to begin the long process of building a reservoir in northern Bourbon County, is dead.

Kansas Senator Tim Shallenberger introduced the bill to start a discussion on a new reservoir in northern Bourbon County on February 9, 2024. Shallenberger is the District 13 Republican from Baxter Springs.

Tim Shallenberger from the Kansas legislature website.https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/members/sen_shallenburger_tim_1/

The bill was to establish the Pike Reservoir Project District Act to provide for a lake and related commercial and residential development in Bourbon County and authorize a governing board and sales and property tax increment financing for such project, according to HTTPS://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb497/

To view the bill introduced on February 9, 2024: sb497_00_0000(3)

The bill was referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on February 12.

“There is a process, you introduce a bill, they have hearings, committees, then goes to the House and Senate,” Shallenberger said. “It’s a decades-long thing, the bill was just to kick it off.”

“The whole thing is dead, as best as I can tell,” Shallenberger said. “Unless someone locally wants to take it up again. The next thing that would  have to happen is a feasibility study.”

“By looking at the bill, it could give a framework for possible future plans,” he said. “Before you do anything you have to have a framework. That’s why the bill was drafted. There would have been a lot of public input in the years-long process.”

“There are no plans currently,” he said. “The bill is gone, the whole process would all have to start over again.”

“There was pushback from local people,” he said. “They were upset.”

Shallenberger said when he visited Fort Scott last year he met with local business and government representatives “People were talking about a new lake.”

Shane Walker, Bourbon County Director of Information Technology, “had a map of the proposed lake…(and) took me up through the area.”

“It was an interesting landscape, hills and valley, perfect for a lake,” Shallenberger said. “Water is needed in Kansas and there is federal money for it.”

“If someone wanted to do a feasibility study they would have the bill as a framework,” he said.

Shallenberger said “I am optimistic about Fort Scott, there is a lot of potential, even without a new lake. You are a net win on sales tax. People are coming to Fort Scott to buy things.”

 

 Community Members Facilitate Discussion On The Reservoir

 

There is a meeting this Friday,  March 22, in Mapleton, which was initiated by Joe Bisogno, property owner near the reservoir site.

 

A flyer was provided by Mike Hueston.

 

The meeting is scheduled to discuss the reservoir from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Mapleton Community Center tomorrow,  Friday, March 22.

“It was Joe Bisogno’s idea to get something together for information for citizens,” Mike Hueston, Mapleton City Councilman said. “Everybody I talked to, didn’t have a clue about this (reservoir).”

Landowners, community members, and political representatives are welcome to come.

Joe Bisogno owns Timber Hills Ranch in the proposed area.

“I own property that would be flooded,” he said. “The meeting will be about the pros and cons and questions of a lake in the proposed area.”

“I don’t know enough about it to be ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but I know we need water,” Bisogno said. “If the landowners and the officials can work out the details, I think it’s a great project.”

 

 

Bourbon County

Core Community Events Community Calendar for April 2024

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April 16, 2024

Core Friend Training hosted by Core Community

If you are considering becoming a Core Friend (mentor) for Core Community, you are encouraged to attend this zoom training session. We will be matching Core Leaders (program participants) with Core Friends (mentors) in May of 2024.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 5:30-7:30 via Zoom

Please email Cinta Becker (Admin Assistant) to register for the training – [email protected]

For more information about becoming a Core Friend, please contact Janice Lamb at [email protected]  or 620-215-1703.

 

April 22, 2024

Core Community Graduation

6:30-7:30 PM, United Methodist Church, Fort Scott

Our first class of Core Leaders have met all the requirements to graduate from Phase one of our program and enter Phase Two.  The entire community is invited to attend to help us celebrate this monumental achievement!  Come and hear the stories of transformed lives!

For more information contact Cherri Walrod at [email protected]

Bourbon County, Government

The Agenda for the Special Meeting on March 25 of the Uniontown City Council

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There will be a special council meeting at 5:30 p.m. on March 25, 204.

CALL TO ORDER AT _________ by __________________________________________

ROLL CALL:

 ____ Jess Ervin ____ Danea Esslinger ____ Amber Kelly ­­____ Mary Pemberton  ____ Bradley Stewart

 

Motion by _____________, Second by  __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss offer of position of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Unofficial Minutes of the City of Uniontown Council Meeting on March 19

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The Special Council Meeting on March 19, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:15PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Ashley Endicott, Brooke Gilfert, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants for non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 6:45PM

 

Mary Pemberton out at 5:30.  Ashley Endicott in at 5:30, out at 5:57.  Mary Pemberton in at 5:57.  Brooke Gilfert in at 6:00, out at 6:19.  Open meeting resumed at 6:45.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:15PM

 

Sally Johnson in at 7:10, out at 7:15. Open meeting resumed at 7:15.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:05PM

 

Johnson in at 7:45, out at 7:56.  Open meeting resumed at 8:05.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to schedule a special meeting on March 25, 2024, 5:30PM for the purpose of entering into executive session to discuss offer for position of non-elected personnel

 

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:06PM

Bourbon County, Government

Unofficial Minutes of the City of Uniontown Council Meeting of March 12

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The Regular Council Meeting on March 12, 2024, at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Pond Project, Don George, KDWPT – Mr George was unable to attend.  Since the project is complete, he will get with Clerk Johnson soon to finish up paperwork and take for submission.  He will present a “big check” when paperwork is approved.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Dave Wehry sent an email, due to being unable to attend, regarding under-age, unlicensed drivers of golf carts on city streets.  After discussion, Clerk Johnson will send a reply as directed.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the February 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $293,383.58, Receipts $44,634.56, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $56,818.78, Checking Account Closing Balance $268,423.36. Bank Statement Balance $278,443.08, including Checking Account Interest of $57.98, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $10,019.72, Reconciled Balance $268,423.36.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,222.22, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,264.85, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,006.17, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $365,916.60. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $112.54, and Utility CDs $394.40 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $506.94.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  February Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Street $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00, and from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of February $24,960.22, Year-to-Date Net Income $32,944.16.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $15,896.7 (12.9%), Expenditures $18,850.79 (11.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,621.56 (15.2%), Expenditures $4,883.71 (11.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $37,211.40 (25.4%), Expenditures $26,734.81 (15.1%); General Fund YTD Revenue $53,528.28 (32.6%), Expenditures $19,242.89 (9.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,987.58 (27.4%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The March 2024 payables to date in the amount of $39,826.45 were presented.  The invoices from C2, KMGA, Homestead Tech, Phillips 66, and Ag Engineering have not been received at meeting time.

 

Clerk Johnson gave Council copies of comparable reports from the new software.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of February 13, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and February 27, 2024 Special Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties and review applications of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:00PM

 

Doug Coyan called in at 7:16, out at 7:35.  Open meeting resumed at 8:00PM.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to call a Special Meeting to enter into executive session to interview City Clerk applicants on March 29, 2024 at 5:15PM.

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported that the water valve has been replaced and is working.  He also reported that KCC inspected the gas system on February 27 and no deficiencies were noted.

Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan will is back.  He will work spring through fall.

 

Clerk Johnson presented the Contract for Auditing Services from Diehl, Banwart, Bolton at a cost not to exceed $5,990.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to accept Contract for Auditing Services from Diehl, Banwat, Bolton

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilwoman Pemberton – has been asked when the public restrooms will be reopened.  April 1 was decided on.

Councilman Stewart – asked for a follow-up on the sewer issue at 100 Second St.  Owners have not contacted City about their plan to remedy.

Mayor Jurgensen – need to schedule spring clean-up and citywide yard sale.  Citywide yard sales will be April 20 and spring clean-up will be April 29-May 2 with three dumpsters that will be removed as filled.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – concrete work completed.  Someone did initial the wet concrete.  Someone has volunteered to seed when ground leveled.  It was suggested to also paint hopscotch and/or four square games also.  A portable net, paddles and balls have been donated.  Once court is painted it was suggested to host a Grand Opening.

 

Warehouse project – Mayor Jurgensen received a verbal quote to break up concrete scale and fill with concrete and millings, then top with 6” of packed rock.  A written quote was received by Clerk Johnson.  Mayor Jurgensen will ask for a written quote instead of verbal quote and we will request at least one more quote from recommended vendors.

It was suggested that we look into the process to sell the weed barn and use the proceeds to offset the cost of refurbishing the warehouse.  Clerk Johnson will contact attorney about the process to sell the property.

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:19PM

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Measles Are On The Rise: Vaccines Are Encouraged

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Submitted by Becky Johnson, BSN-RN
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer

Increase in Global and Domestic Measles Cases and Outbreaks: Ensure Children in the United States and Those Traveling Internationally 6 Months and Older are Current on MMR Vaccination

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Health Alert Network logo.
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Distributed via the CDC Health Alert Network
March 18, 2024, 12:30 PM ET
CDCHAN-00504

Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and public health officials of an increase in global and U.S. measles cases and to provide guidance on measles prevention for all international travelers aged ≥6 months and all children aged ≥12 months who do not plan to travel internationally. Measles (rubeola) is highly contagious; one person infected with measles can infect 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals with whom they come in close contact. From January 1 to March 14, 2024, CDC has been notified of 58 confirmed U.S. cases of measles across 17 jurisdictions, including seven outbreaks in seven jurisdictions compared to 58 total cases and four outbreaks reported the entire year in 2023. Among the 58 cases reported in 2024, 54 (93%) were linked to international travel. Most cases reported in 2024 have been among children aged 12 months and older who had not received measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Many countries, including travel destinations such as Austria, the Philippines, Romania, and the United Kingdom, are experiencing measles outbreaks. To prevent measles infection and reduce the risk of community transmission from importation, all U.S. residents traveling internationally, regardless of destination, should be current on their MMR vaccinations. Healthcare providers should ensure children are current on routine immunizations, including MMR. Given currently high population immunity against measles in most U.S. communities, the risk of widescale spread is low. However, pockets of low coverage leave some communities at higher risk for outbreaks.

Background
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness and can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death, especially in unvaccinated persons. Measles typically begins with a prodrome of fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (pink eye), lasting 2 to 4 days before rash onset. The incubation period for measles from exposure to fever is usually about 10 days (range 7 to 12 days), while rash onset is typically visible around 14 days (range 7 to 21 days) after initial exposure. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area. Individuals infected with measles are contagious from 4 days before the rash starts through 4 days afterward.

Declines in measles vaccination rates globally have increased the risk of measles outbreaks worldwide, including in the United States. Measles cases continue to be brought into the United States by travelers who are infected while in other countries. As a result, domestic measles outbreaks have been reported in most years, even following the declaration of U.S. measles elimination in 2000. Most importations come from unvaccinated U.S. residents.

Measles is almost entirely preventable through vaccination. MMR vaccines are safe and highly effective, with two doses being 97% effective against measles (one dose is 93% effective). When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated (coverage >95%) most people are protected through community immunity (herd immunity). However, vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners has decreased from 95.2% during the 2019–2020 school year to 93.1% in the 2022–2023 school year, leaving approximately 250,000 kindergartners susceptible to measles each year over the last three years. Thirty-six states plus the District of Columbia (DC) had less than 95% MMR coverage among kindergartners during the 2022–2023 school year. Of states with less than 95% MMR coverage, ten reported more than 5% of kindergartners had medical and nonmedical exemptions, highlighting the importance of targeted efforts at increasing vaccine confidence and access.

Recommendations for Healthcare Providers

  • Schools, early childhood education providers, and healthcare providers should work to ensure students are current with MMR vaccine.
    • Children who are not traveling internationally should receive their first dose of MMR at age 12 to 15 months and their second dose at 4 to 6 years.
  • All U.S. residents older than age 6 months without evidence of immunity who are planning to travel internationally should receive MMR vaccine prior to departure.
    • Infants aged 6 through 11 months should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before departure. Infants who receive a dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should receive two more doses of MMR vaccine, the first of which should be administered when the child is age 12 through 15 months and the second at least 28 days later.
    • Children aged 12 months or older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
    • Teenagers and adults without evidence of measles immunity should receive two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
  • At least one of the following is considered evidence of measles immunity for international travelers: 1) birth before 1957, 2) documented administration of two doses of live measles virus vaccine (MMR, MMRV, or other measles-containing vaccine), or 3) laboratory (serologic) proof of immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease.
  • Consider measles as a diagnosis in anyone with fever (≥101°F or 38.3°C) and a generalized maculopapular rash with cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis who has recently been abroad, especially in countries with ongoing outbreaks. When considering measles, then:
    • Isolate: Do not allow patients with suspected measles to remain in the waiting room or other common areas of a healthcare facility; isolate patients with suspected measles immediately, ideally in a single-patient airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) if available, or in a private room with a closed door until an AIIR is available. Healthcare providers should be adequately protected against measles and should adhere to standard and airborne precautions when evaluating suspect cases, regardless of their vaccination status. Healthcare providers without evidence of immunity should be excluded from work from day 5 after the first exposure until day 21 following their last exposure. Offer testing outside of facilities to avoid transmission in healthcare settings. Call ahead to ensure immediate isolation for patients referred to hospitals for a higher level of care.
    • Notify: Immediately notify state, tribal, local, or territorial health departments (24-hour Epi On Call contact list) about any suspected case of measles to ensure rapid testing and investigation. States report measles cases to CDC.
    • Test: Follow CDC’s testing recommendations and collect either a nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab, and/or urine for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and a blood specimen for serology from all patients with clinical features compatible with measles. RT-PCR is available at many state public health laboratories, through the APHL Vaccine Preventable Disease Reference Centers, and at CDC. Given potential shortages in IgM test kits, providers should be vigilant in contacting their state or local health department for guidance on testing.
    • Manage: In coordination with local or state health departments, provide appropriate measles post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as soon as possible after exposure to close contacts without evidence of immunity, either with MMR (within 72 hours) or immunoglobulin (within 6 days). The choice of PEP is based on elapsed time from exposure or medical contraindications to vaccination.

Recommendations for Health Departments

Measles is an immediately notifiable disease. State, tribal, local, and territorial health departments have the lead in disease investigations and should report measles cases and outbreaks within 24 hours through the state health department to CDC ([email protected]) and through NNDSS.

  • Establish measles case reporting from healthcare facilities, providers, and laboratories to public health authorities.
  • If measles is identified, conduct active surveillance for additional (secondary) cases and facilitate transportation of specimens immediately to confirm diagnosis.
  • Record and report details about cases of measles, including adherence to recommended precautions and facility location(s) of index and secondary cases.
  • Enhance outreach and communications to under-vaccinated communities through trusted messengers.

Recommendations for Parents and International Travelers

  • Even if not traveling, ensure that children receive all recommended doses of MMR vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine provide better protection (97%) against measles than one dose (93%). Getting MMR vaccine is much safer than getting measles, mumps, or rubella.
  • Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting infected when they travel internationally. Before international travel, check your destination and CDC’s Global Measles Travel Health Notice for more travel health advice, including where measles outbreaks have been reported.
  • Parents traveling internationally with children should consult with their child’s healthcare provider to ensure that they are current with their MMR vaccinations at least 2 weeks before travel. Infants aged 6 to 11 months should have one documented dose and children aged 12 months and older should have two documented doses of MMR vaccine before international travel. Depending on where you are going and what activities you plan, other vaccines may be recommended too.
  • After international travel, watch for signs and symptoms of measles for 3 weeks after returning to the United States. If you or your child gets sick with a rash and a high fever, call your healthcare provider. Tell them you traveled to another country and whether you or your child have received MMR vaccine.

For More Information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.

Department of Health and Human Services

HAN Message Types

  • Health Alert: Conveys the highest level of importance about a public health incident.
  • Health Advisory: Provides important information about a public health incident.
  • Health Update: Provides updated information about a public health incident.

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This message was distributed to state and local health officers, state and local epidemiologists, state and local laboratory directors, public information officers, HAN coordinators, and clinician organizations.
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Bourbon County

HBCAT Receives Sunflower Foundation Capacity Building Grant

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The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team located on North National Avenue.

Fort Scott, Kan. – The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team recently received a $23,212 capacity building grant from Sunflower Foundation through an initiative to support the core operating capacities of nonprofit organizations across the state that are working to meet the critical health needs of their communities. This Request for Proposals (RFP) process was one of the most competitive in the foundation’s history, attracting almost 300 applications.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team was one of 65 organizations to receive a Sunflower Foundation capacity-building grant. These grants are designed to provide nonprofits’ needed flexibility and the necessary time to determine how they might strengthen their internal capacity to realize their missions, better serve their communities, and bolster their impact. The grant program also provides The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team with opportunities to attend high-caliber learning collaboratives and skill-building workshops supported by Sunflower.

 

“This grant will allow us to hire accounting and grant administration assistance to expand both HBCAT efforts locally and Rural Community Partners regionally.” States HBCAT’s President and CEO, Jody Love.

 

This grant funding opportunity focused specifically on organizations serving diverse populations and those that provide a wide range of services, including health care, housing supports, community safety, economic development, education, food security, social cohesion, social justice, and transportation. Applicant organizations were prioritized to receive funds based on need, the organization’s focus on underserved communities, and those organizations with more limited access to resources.

 

“Nonprofits are the lifeline of our communities,” said Sunflower Foundation President and CEO Billie Hall. “We are honored to call these organizations partners in our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of all Kansans and look forward to working with them in the future.”

 

A diverse team of experts representing the fields of public health, mental health, economic and rural development, health care, health equity, and aging, among others, provided in-depth reviews of each application. To learn more about the capacity building program and see a full list of this year’s grantees, go to the Capacity Building Grants web page.

 

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ABOUT The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life and encourage economic growth. The problems of health inequity and social injustice are complex in nature and inextricably linked to key economic indicators. A healthy workforce is a prerequisite for economic success in any industry and in all cities. Our solution to building healthy communities is by transforming power, building trust, and encouraging community participation. Comprehensive strategy for change includes local organizing, strategic communication, community research, creating systems, and environmental changes.

Bourbon County

Spark Wheel Receives Kansas Dept. For Children and Families Grant

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DCF announces 2Gen Kansas program grantees

Kansas to invest nearly $11.5 million to reduce intergenerational poverty to stabilize and empower families

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) today announced a new approach to improving the health, social, and economic outcomes of the next generation. By utilizing $11.5 million of the agency’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding, DCF is launching 2Gen Kansas.

The two-generation (2Gen Approach), led by Ascend at the Aspen Institute, works to end intergenerational poverty by supporting children and their parents or care providers – as a family unit – to move the whole family forward. Ten organizations will receive funding.

“We believe this approach will build family well-being by intentionally and simultaneously working with children and the adults in their lives,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “This support will increase opportunities for families to become stable, connected and empower them to progress towards their personal, educational and career goals.”

The agencies will serve as an access point by assisting families in applying for programs such as Food Assistance, also known as SNAP, USDA Commodity Programs, Child Care Assistance, Low Income Energy Assistance Program, and Vocational Rehabilitation Services. They will be required to participate in ongoing training and collaborative meetings and recommend one parent being served by their organizations to serve on a statewide 2Gen parent advisory council.

“It will result in coordinated access to systems and structures that are necessary for families to thrive economically and socially,” she continued.

“Kansas DCF joins a growing number of state agencies implementing 2Gen approaches to unlock the potential of children and their families together,” said Marjorie Sims, Managing Director of Ascend at the Aspen Institute. “Adopting this family-centered mindset not only boosts the well-being of children and their parents, but it also offers a model to better integrate the systems of support for these communities. We are energized by DCF’s investment in families, which is a culmination of years of work from family-serving organizations across the state and country.”

The 10 contracts will be in place from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, with an optional renewal of one additional two-year grant. DCF received 24 proposals and has awarded the grants to the following community partners:

Recommended Agency

Counties Served

Award Amount

International Rescue Committee

Sedgwick

$543,770.30

Mental Health Association of South-Central Kansas, Inc.

Barber, Butler, Cowley, Elf, Greenwood, Harper, Kingman, Pratt, Sedgwick, Sumner

$409,053.04

Kansas Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs

Atchison, Brown, Douglas, Geary, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Montgomery, Pottawatomie, Reno, Riley, Sedgwick, Shawnee

$3,487,725.00

FosterAdopt Connect

Johnson, Wyandotte, Cherokee, Bourbon

$295,396.00

Mirror, Inc.

Shawnee, Jackson, Jefferson, Osage, Douglas, Wabaunsee, Pottawatomie

$350,000.00

KVC Behavioral Healthcare, Inc

Chautauqua, Montgomery, Labette, Cherokee, Crawford, Neosho, Wilson, Woodson, Allen, Bourbon, Linn, Anderson, Coffey, Osage, Franklin, Miami, Douglas, Shawnee, Wabaunsee, Pottawatomie, Jackson, Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, Doniphan, Atchison, Jefferson

$1,891,435.17

Connections to Success

Wyandotte, Leavenworth, Johnson

$878,190.82

Children First

Sedgwick

$300,000.00

O’Connell Children’s Shelter

Douglas

$609,447.84

SparkWheel (formerly known as Communities in Schools)

Bourbon, Butler, Crawford, Douglas, Finney, Ford, Franklin, Labette, Lyon, Marshall, Montgomery, Neosho, Shawnee, Wilson, Wyandotte

$2,726,941.91

Total

$11,491,960.08

International Rescue Committee, Community Connections: The goal of Community Connections is to help close the gap in accessible, sustainable poverty reduction services by providing primary prevention and early intervention services to 120 families with children under the age of 18 in Sedgwick County within a two-year period. While the program serves all families who meet eligibility criteria, it specializes in serving families who have experienced forced displacement and trauma and who may not be able to be served by other organizations due to low or no English language literacy. Community Connections uses 2Gen approaches that provide child-centered, family-based programming that meets the needs of all family members and that is coordinated and complementary to existing resources in the community. The program will use specific trauma-informed strategies to increase stability, grow social connections, decrease maltreatment risk, and move families toward personal and family goals.

Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas, Inc: Service provisions will include familial case management, family mentoring, parental and familial education utilizing the Strengthening Families curriculum, and access to mental health/or substance use treatment. The organization will track outcomes for children and caregivers simultaneously, as well as goals focusing on the entire family; to offer comprehensive wrap-around services designed to empower families to make progress towards eliminating the cycle of poverty. Youth will receive mentoring and leadership skills training to propel them forward, while parents will receive parent training, prosocial skills, and assistance with job seeking. The entire family will receive mental health services, education in communication and boundaries, and mentoring support.

Kansas Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, BGC Statewide 2Gen Project: The Alliance will provide subgrants to 13 partner Boys & Girls Clubs who will, together with 27 partner organizations, expand opportunities for low-income children and families to increase their economic stability, make progress on their educational goals, deepen their social connections, and improve their health and well-being. The Alliance will focus on the Child-Parent approach. Performance measures for youth include on-time grade progression, career exploration, financial literacy, improved social adjustment, and social-emotional skills. Performance measures for adults include increased knowledge of strategies to support their children’s learning, increased economic stability, increased confidence in raising healthy children, and increased knowledge of how to access health insurance for themselves and their children.

FosterAdopt Connect, Kinship Navigator Program: The program will combat intergenerational poverty by supporting relatives and kin taking placement of children who would otherwise be placed in non-kin foster homes. The proposed project aims to take advantage of the surging population of relatives and kin providing care to non-biological children (including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other kin) in Kansas and maintain the placement of children in these households by providing Kinship Navigator services and financial assistance.

Mirror, Inc., Work for Success Program: Work for Success will support the formation and maintenance of two-parent families through healthy relationship skills training, parenting connections training, prosocial leisure, and educational activities for families, as well as Personal and Professional Development (PPD) courses. PPD will assist unemployed or underemployed parents with employment, achieving financial independence, and providing stable homes for their children.

KVC Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., 2Gen Program: KVC will provide one-on-one, in-home, virtual, and group interventions to families with essential resources and referrals, ultimately addressing the underlying risk factors contributing to poverty. A Family Navigator will assess the entire family and provide or connect with various services that meet the family’s needs. In conjunction with the family, the Family Navigator will create an individualized service plan to assist the family in reducing risks associated with poverty, improving overall stability, and strengthening protective factors.

Connections to Success 2Gen Program: Connections to Success offers a range of services that align with the 2Gen model. Services include evidence-based Personal and Professional Development Training for parents/caregivers (accompanied by individualized coaching/case management from Life Transformation Coaches, linkages to career training and education, and placements in jobs paying above the minimum wage); best practices in building social capital (through community connections, mentoring, and peer support activities); the evidence-based Strengthening Families program, plus academic enrichment programming, and social-emotional skill-building provided by Heartland 180; resources and services (by referral) for housing, transportation, child support, legal assistance, health care, and behavioral health services, and opportunities for parents/caregivers and adolescents to participate in human trafficking prevention education.

Children First: The program will impact both parents and children who are living in poverty through a three-generation approach and a combination of services using activities that are evidence-based or evidence-informed and other supports. Senior citizens serving in a “grandparent role” will mentor, encourage, and follow families through their journey out of poverty. Priority will be given to families experiencing or in danger of experiencing a housing crisis and families experiencing poverty.

O’Connell Children’s Shelter, Generations Program. The program will function as One Complete Solution for Douglas County families at risk of encountering the child welfare and juvenile justice systems by providing whole-family services aligned with the evidence-based Homebuilders program model. Homebuilders is a home- and community-based intensive family preservation services treatment program designed to avoid unnecessary placement of children and youth into foster care, group care, psychiatric hospitals, or juvenile justice facilities.

SparkWheel (formerly Communities in Schools): SparkWheel strives to break the cycle of generational poverty by placing staff to work full-time daily inside schools to partner with teachers, mobilize the community, and offer extra help for students to thrive. The program will target family members and students in pre-K through college attending 43 schools in 15 geographically diverse counties across Kansas in both rural and urban settings.

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The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) mission is to protect children, strengthen families, and promote adult self-sufficiency. DCF’s more than 35 service centers across the state offer a wide range of support services, including food, utility, child care assistance, child support services, and employment education and training. DCF also partners with grantees to provide foster care services to children, including case planning, placement, life skills, and foster parent recruitment and training. DCF works in partnership with organizations, communities, and other agencies to support families, children, and vulnerable adults, connecting them with resources, supports, and networks in their home communities.
Bourbon County, Government

City of Uniontown Council Special Meeting Agenda for March 19

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CALL TO ORDER AT _________ by __________________________________________

ROLL CALL:

 ____ Jess Ervin ____ Danea Esslinger ____ Amber Kelly ­­____ Mary Pemberton  ____ Bradley Stewart

 

Motion by _____________, Second by  __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

Bourbon County, Church news

Catholic Convent Coming to Rural Bourbon County In April

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The interior of the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception.
After Easter, in April 2024, a group of 17 Catholic Sisters will be moving to a rural Bourbon County property to make their home.
“We Sisters were invited to make our home on a piece of property near St. Martin’s Academy, by Dan Kerr and by the organization Ave Philomena,” said Mother Maria Regina, a spokeswoman for the Sisters “We have obtained the property we will live on to serve as a place to support the spiritual life of the students, faculty, and families at St. Martin’s Academy. If all goes well, we hope to come very soon after Easter.”
Submitted photo.
“Our present convent home is in Minneapolis, Minnesota,” she said.  “While we have been grateful to live in Minnesota, we needed a larger place, as we had outgrown our home there.  Also, we have longed to live in a more rural area, which is more conducive to our lifestyle.”
The name of the new Catholic establishment is St. Joseph Convent on Hackberry Road, southwest of Fort Scott.
Submitted photo. This photo is the housing for the Sisters, located at St. Joseph Convent, rural  Bourbon County. Each cottage is 16 ‘ by 20 ‘ with two sleeping quarters and a shared bathroom in between.
The name of this group of Sisters is Filiae Laboris Mariae, which means “Daughters of the Work of Mary.”
“We are a group of Catholic religious Sisters, who dedicate our lives to prayer and to service,” she said.  “We are a rather new community.  We were founded in 2017, and most of our Sisters are still rather young–the large majority in their 20s and 30s.”
The 5,300 square-foot chapel is flanked by the Sisters’s cottages on the left in this photo.
“Our primary purpose is to dedicate our lives to prayer and that is the reason that the largest building for our new convent is the chapel,” she said.  “We Sisters give our lives entirely to God and live in community: praying together, working together, recreating together each day.  In addition to our life of prayer, we also intend to serve the community by organizing events that will foster the spiritual life for various groups of persons.  We have heard that there are nursing homes in Fort Scott and would very much like to make regular visits to the residents of the nursing homes.”
Submitted photo of the Sisters.
They are a community of 17 Sisters.
  “Nuns is the term for those Sisters who serve the world exclusively by their prayer and sacrifice.  Since we also have some external service to others, we are called Sisters,” she said.
“For those who become Sisters, there are stages of formation,” she said.  “The first stage is called the postulant and we have one postulant.  The next stage is that of the novice (you can tell a novice because she wears a white veil), and we have eight novices.  The last stage is that of a Sister who has professed the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and total consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The professed Sisters wear a blue veil, and there are eight professed Sisters. “
Submitted photo. The  Novice wears a white veil.
Submitted photo. A blue veil is worn by a Sister.
About the build
Steve McTavish, Olathe, is the project manager for Ave Philomena, the owner of the project. The 160-acreage was purchased from Delbert and Darla Crays.
“We started last August,” he said. “April 2 is the scheduled move-in.”
The current phase of the build is the 5,300 sq. ft. chapel,  16′ by 20 ‘ residence cottages, a 2,000 sq. ft. community center, a 4,000 sq. ft. dining, kitchen, sewing laundry center,  and a small cottage for meetings.
The future phase is for three other buildings for community and additional lodging, and a replica of the House of Loreto with courtyards,  McTavish said.
Almost all of the work on the St. Joseph Convent project has been done by local tradesmen.
The people who have helped with the build are Advantage Building and Remodeling-Fort Scott; R2 Construction-Fort Scott; Geiger Plumbing-Fort Scott, H2 Painting-Fort Scott; Wes Davis Drywall, Kelly Electric-Uniontown,  5M Restoration, LLC-Prescot; George Collinge (road and land clearing work); Bar/Rose Custom Wood Designs-Fort Scott; C.D. L. (HVAC); Aegis (fire protection); Rural Water District #2; Heartland Electric Coop; Harris Propane, Invictus Roofing, Mike the Carpet Man (flooring) and Winvent/Extrusions (windows).