Category Archives: Fort Scott

Bourbon County, Exercise, Fort Scott

Downtown Walking Trail In The Works

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Rita Schroeder and J.T. Heckman make a presentation to the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team of Feb. 6 of the proposed downtown walking trail. Submitted photo.
A local leadership class has taken on a project of creating a walking trail downtown with funding from Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
Bourbon County Lead Class 2020 heard of the funding opportunity from Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison.
 
“Lindsay brought the opportunity up to the class of extra funds from Healthy Bourbon County Action Team that we could use for our class project and we came up with a healthy walk downtown with educational fun facts about downtown Fort Scott,” Rita Schoeder, LEAD Class member said. ” What it was and what it is now!”
Rita Schroeder and J.T. Heckman present to the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team on Feb. 6. Submitted photo.
“Our presentation proposed to Healthy Bourbon County Board for approval was held at the Empress Event Center, Thursday, February 6th,” Schoeder said.  “I and one other class member, J.T. (Heckman), presented to the board for approval of the design of the signs.”
Also included in the presentation was an example of a fun facts sign with QR code for younger audiences to use cell phones while approaching the sign, then scanning on the phone. It will then show images, reading material and recorded audio of the fun fact, Schroeder said.
“Some signs will show how many feet you have walked as well.,” she said. “At the Feb. 6 meeting, the budget and project were approved.”
 
The definitive location of the downtown trail is not final but the starting place will be at the Fort Scott Chamber, 231 E.Wall Street, Schroeder said.
There the walkers will receive a brochure of the walking trail, and the statistics of how many feet the walking trail is from start to finish.
The brochure will show the fun fact markers and highlights of the downtown walking trail.
What is the benefit of having a walking trail downtown?
According to Schroeder:
  • It’s a walk of downtown historic Fort Scott for people who work and live downtown, residents, and visitors of all ages.
  • The walk promotes retailers, restaurants, and points of interest.
  • Walkers will learn fun facts about Fort Scott’s history.
  • The hope is to challenge the next generation of opportunities to continue  Fort Scott’s growth. 
  • Small town hospitality will welcome visitors and share what Fort Scott represents and has to offer.

By mid-March/April, the project will be presented to the Fort Scott Design and Review Board and if approved will then go to the Fort Scott City Commission for final approval.

 The completion date for the project is in June, Schroeder said.
“Before Good Ol’ Days, fingers crossed,” Schroeder said.
Members of the LEAD Bourbon County 2020 group have been divided into subgroups with the following tasks:
Naming the trail and gathering historical facts
based on the number of mile marker signs along the trail:
Matthew Chaplin, Devin Tally, Tony Tirri, JT Heckman.
Marketing and design of brochures, flyers, and printed maps to be picked up at the Chamber and/or trailhead, designing a welcome sign and mile marker signs,  and getting quotes on pricing and installation:
Rita Schroeder, Ashley Keylon, Katie Allison.
Mapping the route, identifying sign placement and number of mile marker signs needed:
Traci Reed, Amy Budy, Kyla Probasco
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Business, Fort Scott

Gordmans Celebrates Those Born on Feb. 29

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On Feb. 29, Gordmans is throwing a birthday party for anyone with a Leap Year birthday. The fun festivities will include birthday hats, streamers, balloons plus cupcakes and a special gift for the Leap Year birthday gal or guy.

Gordmans is putting the fun back into shopping by having special events like celebrating Leap Year birthdays. Special in-store activities for those celebrating their birthday on February 29 include:

Special Gift – Guests and their friends celebrating a Leap Year birthday will receive a special gift on Feb. 29. Remember to bring a valid ID to the store to receive your gift.

Cupcakes & More – No birthday is complete without treats, hats, streamers and balloons.

Birthday Shout Outs – Gordmans associates will acknowledge guests with Leap Year birthdays over the PA system, wishing them a special day and thanking them for shopping at Gordmans.

Style Circle Rewards – For guests not celebrating a Leap Year birthday, there’s still something for you: sign up for Gordmans’ Style Circle Rewards program so you will receive a special gift on your birthday, in addition to perks and payback rewards every time you shop at Gordmans.

Gordmans, part of the Stage community of stores, is delivering a whole new shopping experience. Gordmans is an off-price retailer, which means Gordmans offers popular name brand apparel, on-trend home décor and other merchandise for the entire family at prices that are lower than department stores.

Because consumers are responding positively to Gordmans’ off-price concept, Stage is converting its department stores to Gordmans off-price stores during 2020. In addition, for further convenience, customers can ship their Amazon orders to Gordmans’ in-store Amazon Counter for fast, flexible and secure package pick-up.

If you or someone you know is celebrating a Leap Year birthday, come on over to Gordmans on Feb. 29 and join the party!

Business, Fort Scott, Government

Fostering Fiscal and Economic Growth in the Community: Public Invited on Feb. 25 and Feb. 26

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The public is invited to be a part of planning for community economic and fiscal health on Feb. 25 from 6-7 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the River Room Event Center, located above Luther’s BBQ at National Avenue and Oak Stree.

“Tuesday evening is a presentation and the actual workshop is on Wednesday,” Fort Scott Community Development Director Robert Uhler said.

Smart Growth America is coming to Fort Scott.

Smart Growth America empowers communities through technical assistance, advocacy and thought leadership to create livable places, healthy people, and shared prosperity, according to its’ website:

https://smartgrowthamerica.org/

 

“We first met the Smart Growth people when we went on our first trip to DC in March of 2019, working with Strategic Implementation plan,” Uhler said.

 

“Smart growth policy can help communities save money now, reduce their liabilities for the future and use targeted investment to spur economic development,” Uhler noted.  “The ‘planning for economic and fiscal health’  workshop draws on successful private and public sector lessons to help local leaders foster smart growth communities that cost their taxpayers less to build, run and maintain.”

 

“This workshop first brings you the latest lessons in how smart growth saves money for local governments, makes money for businesses and is integral for the long-term fiscal and economic health of the community,” he said.   “Using an interactive and hands-on method, the workshop then shows how to apply these lessons in your community.”

 

The first half of the technical assistance workshop on Wednesday focuses on how approaches save the community money, including increasing tax revenues and reducing tax burdens,  attracting new businesses, increasing the efficiency of the labor market, providing greater stability in times of uncertainty and rising energy costs,  investing public funds to stimulate private investment, increasing local capital circulation and providing a foundation for long term fiscal and economic health and competitiveness, according to information provided by Uhler.

 

Participants also learn how to overcome barriers to starting community smart growth including a lack of understanding of the relationship between development and municipal costs and revenues, the importance of growing small and mid-size businesses and the role of nearness to value creation, according to info provided by Uhler.

 

In the second half of the day, the technical assistance team joins participating community members to look at the community’s economic development plans and projects to evaluate how the current situation compares to smart growth principles.

 

Working with the community, the team will create specific changes to strategy and identify next steps in planning for fiscal and economic health that makes sense for the community, which may include suggestions for changes to the capital budgeting process, permitting process, regulatory framework and direction of economic development incentives, according to the information provided.

 

A follow-up memo will measure progress and leave the community with further next steps.

 

Robert Uhler. Submitted photo.

 

 

The hoped outcome is better understanding of how we prepare and plan for growth in our community, Uhler said.

 

 

Rachel Pruitt, is the Fort Scott Economic Director.

 

The local people who have been involved in the presentation and workshop planning process are FS Economic Development Director Rachel Pruitt, FS Tourism Director Alley Turvey and Uhler.

 

Ally Turvey is the tourism director in Fort Scott. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott

DEADLINE FOR 2020 FLAG SUBSCRIPTIONS NEARS

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The deadline to sign up for the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s Fly the Flag Project is quickly approaching. Applications for new subscriptions must be mailed by March 2nd. Subscribers renewing for 2020 must submit a renewal application and payment by March 31st.

The project provides homeowners and businesses, within the city limits of Fort Scott, the opportunity to fly the Stars and Stripes, hassle-free, on five different flag holidays. For $35 annually, the Friends will install a 3’x5′ flag on a 12-foot staff at your home or business on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Veteran’s Day.

Application forms can be obtained at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce or can be requested by phone or text by calling Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484. Renewals notices have been mailed/emailed to all 2019 subscribers. Questions can be directed to Kelley or Martha Scott at 620-224-9924.

All proceeds support programs at Fort Scott National Historic Site. These include Symbols of Sacrifice, a Citizenship Ceremony, Candlelight Tour, Youth Engagement, and many others.

Show your patriotism and help our local National Park by lining the streets of Fort Scott with our nation’s symbol!

The Fly the Flag Project is a yearly project sponsored by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site. Once signed up, you will receive the option to renew annually.

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Area News, Ascension Via Christi, Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Takes Ownership of Former Mercy Hospital Building

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The Bourbon County Government has taken possession of the former Mercy Hospital.

Officials Introduce Innovative Healthcare Model

Mercy donates building and 1 million dollars toward a sustainable approach to rural healthcare.

Bourbon County and City of Fort Scott officials are committed to improving the quality of life for each member of the community, increasing access to affordable quality healthcare, and remaining vigilant stewards of taxpayer dollars. For years Fort Scott, KS was renowned for its healthcare. Mercy Hospital was an integral part of our health system from primary care to community benefit to leadership involvement.

 

What remains today are the caring professionals, ambitious leaders, beautiful hospital campus, and the ingrained culture of ensuring community health needs are addressed appropriately.

 

Bourbon County Commission will be partnering with our community healthcare partners, The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas and Ascension Via Christi, and higher education partner, Fort Scott Community College, in transforming our approach to rural healthcare. Bourbon County will be taking ownership of the previous Mercy Hospital Building.

 

With Ascension Via Christi and CHC/SEK occupying a portion of the facility, the county is working with other health service agencies to supplement the community’s health care needs by housing them in the remainder of the move-in ready space.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, 403 Woodland Hills Blvd., operates the clinic at the former Mercy Hospital building.

For the common good of the community, the building will be repurposed into a collaborative effort that will be here for decades to come.

Ascension Via Christi President, Randy Cason, states, “This is exciting news for Fort Scott and the surrounding communities. Ascension Via Christi is eager to continue working with our community partners here to help to find solutions for the healthcare needs of this more rural area.”

 

Ascension Via Christi operates the emergency department at the former Mercy Hospital building.

Mercy Health Southwest Missouri/Kansas Communities has submitted a draft donation agreement to donate the building and one million dollars to Bourbon County for use of building maintenance and operations. This donation allows healthcare entities to lease space in the healthcare mall at market-rate. A standardized market-rate lease has led to discussions with healthcare organizations to expand services not otherwise offered.

 

Administration from Bourbon County and The City of Fort Scott will work together, develop a regulatory board and long-term lease agreements moving forward.

 

“This project is much more than just saving a building,” Jody Hoener, Economic Development Director, “Preserving this asset allows our community to no longer be victims of circumstance, but to assume responsibility for our community’s healthcare destiny. It creates a sustainable healthcare model under one roof.” There is little doubt in the concept’s success with the right amount of support and will be used as a model shaping rural healthcare policy across the nation.

Contact information:

Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Development Director

[email protected]

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

New Tri-Valley CEO: Bill Fiscus

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Bill Fiscus. Submitted photo.

Bill Fiscus is the new Chief Executive Officer of Tri-Valley Developmental Services, since January 29, 2020.

 

He replaces long-term CEO, Tim Cunningham.

 

Fiscus has been employed by Tri-Valley for 34 years and has been involved in every department under the service’s umbrella, he said.

 

 

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Emporia State University.

 

 

“Tri-Valley was a good fit from the start for me,” Fiscus said.  “Once hired, I knew this was the place I wanted to be.  Working at Tri-Valley is very rewarding.  If you are having a bad day, just go spend some time with the individuals we provide services to and you will be reminded why you are here.”

 

 

“Tri-Valley empowers people with disabilities to realize their potential as full citizens in the community, through supporting them in working and living in the place they call home,” he said. “We help them belong.”

 

 

His office is in Tri-Valley’s Administration Offices, 521 W. 35 CH Parkway in Chanute.

 

 

Tri-Valley has 172 employees and serves 233 clients.

 

 

Fiscus is a member of Chanute Chamber of Commerce, SEKRS Board Member, is active in Communities in Schools,  and volunteers for numerous community functions, he said.

 

Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Fort Scott, is located in the city’s industrial park, south of the city, just off of 69 Hwy.

 

Fiscus was asked if there was anything new on the horizon for TVDS.

“Tri-Valley just merged with New Beginnings Enterprises out of Neodesha,” Fiscus said. ” We now serve Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, Woodson, Wilson, Elk, Greenwood and Chautauqua Counties.”

 

To learn more about  Tri-Valley, visit its website:  www.tvds.org

Fort Scott, Government

Planning For Economic and Fiscal Health Workshop: Public Invited Feb. 26 and 27

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The City of Fort Scott is hosting a Planning for Economic and Fiscal Health Workshop on Wednesday, February 26th, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

There will also be a public presentation held on Tuesday, February 25th, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Both of these events are in conjunction with Smart Growth America and will be held at The River Room, 3 West Oak Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

There may be a majority of City Commissioners present, but NO City business will be conducted. The public is welcome to attend this event.

Fort Scott

New Fire Trucks For Serving Fort Scott

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The new Fort Scott Fire Department fire truck, a 2019 Pierce Saber, sits in No.1 Station at 1604 S. National, ready for service.

A new truck and equipment has arrived and one more truck is on the way to add to the Fort Scott Fire Department’s arsenal for fire protection in the community.

 

The FSFD received a new 2019 Pierce Saber fire truck in December 2019.

 

“It will be our main attack truck,” FSFD Captain Jacob May said. “It came to us in December, we put it into service the first of the year, after training.”

 

At about the same time as receiving the truck, the department received air packs through a grant. Air packs are worn each time a firefighter enters a structure fire, to facilitate breathing, May said.

 

 

“The air packs were replaced with the award of an Assistance to Firefighters Grant,” FSFD Chief Dave Bruner said.

 

 

Fort Scott Fire Chief Dave Bruner. Submitted photo.

 

 

With the new truck they have a thermal imaging camera that aides searching inside structures that are on fire, which could help locate people, May said.

 

 

“I would also like to add that we were also fortunate to be able to replace our extrication tools with a donation by the Mercy Health Foundation,” Chief Bruner said.

 

 

“We have been training on (the new truck) a bunch,” May said. “It takes a lot of training to catch up on new stuff.”

 

“We are very fortunate,” May said. “We’ve been working with antiquated equipment for a long time.”

 

The truck is a 1000 gallon pumper, that can hold six firefighters.

 

The department has three pumper trucks, a ladder truck and a rescue truck, May said. Also housed is an ambulance if needed.

 

“The ambulance is staffed by our department as a third out unit for Bourbon County EMS,” Bruner said.

 

The fire department has two stations in Fort Scott,  No. 1 at 1604  National Avenue and No. 2  at 23 S. Franklin on the city’s east side.

 

The firefighters serve 24 hours on duty, then are off 48 hours.

 

“We run city-wide full coverage,” May said. “Our rescue truck will run county-wide. We do occasionally  assist the county fire departments as requested.”

 

“Including myself and Deputy Chief Michael Miles we have 14 fulltime staff and three reserve staff,” Bruner said.

New Aerial Platform Truck Coming

 

At the Feb. 18 Fort Scott City Commission meeting, a new aerial platform truck was approved for the fire department as well, Bruner said.

 

The city applied for a Community Development Block Grant and was notified in late January that they had been approved for the grant.

 

The City of Fort Scott recently accepted a $665,303 grant award to help purchase the new fire truck, Rachel Pruitt, Fort Scott’s Economic Development Director, said in a press release.

State and local officials hold the representative check for the Community Development Block Grant. Submitted photo.

 

“The grant awarded is for a 100’ aerial platform truck,” Bruner said. “This apparatus will replace our existing 1993 75’ aerial truck. By replacing this apparatus, it will not only maintain our ISO status but it also allows our department to continue to provide service to the community as well as safe and reliable equipment for our firefighters to be able to perform their duties.”

 

 

 

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Fort Scott, Government

Senator Richard Hilderbrand Newsletter

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February 14, 2020 ∙ Week Five
HARD FACTS
Rural Broadband
·      Some estimates show that only 13% of Kansans have access to broadband internet.
·      Some counties, like Meade County, have NO access to broadband internet.
·      While multiple federal grants exist to help promote the expansion of broadband access across the country, the funds are often far too little to have a large-scale impact on improving broadband access.
Learn Online with Universal Class
Universal Class https://kslib.info/uclass is an online resource provided by the State Library of Kansas. Universal Class offers over 500 lifelong learning courses in more than 30 areas of study at no charge. Join a full course with instructors and readings or just watch the lecture videos to brush up on a topic. The wide range of courses offers something for everyone: from accounting to yoga, babysitting to parenting, cake decorating to computer training.
Easy registration and self-supplied password is necessary to use this resource and allows you to resume your work. If the page above asks for a Kansas Library eCard number, you may get one at any library in Kansas. Most people will be automatically recognized as being in Kansas and will not need this step.  Questions: contact the State Library at [email protected] or 785-296-3296.
FLOOR ACTION – February 12, 2020
The Senate considered the appointment of Laurel Searles, as a member of the Kansas Human Rights Commission on February 12. The appointment was confirmed 40-0. Laurel Searles is the Director of Unemployment Insurance with the Kansas Department of Labor and will serve in the Labor Representative seat on the commission.
Last week I had the chance to testify in support of SB310. This is a bill that I introduced to help insure the integrity of elections in Kansas, by requiring a voter-verified paper ballot for every vote.
GOVERNOR KELLY SIGNS FIRST BILL OF 2020 SESSION INTO LAW
It may be a sentimental note, but it is worth noting. Governor Kelly is expected to sign the first bill of the legislative session this afternoon. (Friday February 14, 2020). It is SB 155 and passed both chambers with only one House Representative opposed(I voted in favor of this bill).
The law essentially changes territory assignments in order to prevent some taxpayers in the city of Valley Center from being taxed twice because of cemetery district boundaries.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN VALUE THEM BOTH AND MEDICAID EXPANSION
Last Friday when the House failed to pass the Value Them Both Amendment, it became apparent that without constitutional protections, state funding of abortion in Kansas became a real possibility. In five other states where a high court has determined a fundamental right to abortion (this is what the Kansas Supreme Court determined last spring in its Hodes & Nauser ruling), later court orders required states to pay for Medicaid patient abortions.  That’s because federal Medicaid dollars cannot be used to fund abortion since the Hyde Amendment was enacted, which leaves the entire burden on an unprotected state with the inability to regulate the abortion industry.
Chuck Weber of the Kansas Catholic Conference pointed out, “abortion is currently a Medicaid-covered expense in 16 states,” including Connecticut where 75-percent of all abortions in 2018 were paid for by state tax dollars. He indicated that without the legislature’s ability to regulate abortion, Kansas could incur those costs as well.
TWO BILLS THAT I CO-SPONSORED ON PROPERTY TAXES GOES TO THE SENATE FLOOR
Click here to read Senate Bill 294 or paste this into your browser:
THE “SPILL BILL” FAVORABLY PASSES THROUGH THE AG COMMITTEE
A 2019 session bill that once caused controversy was amended, then passed favorably, through the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources this week. SB 153 is an act aiming to regulate (and penalize those who cause) spillage of water and soil pollutants. The bill authorizes the Department of Health and Environment to adopt rules and regulations to respond to and report the release of a pollutant.
Additionally, the bill establishes a 24-hour statewide hotline so that individuals can report spills to the KDHE and requires any individual who causes a spill to be responsible for cleaning up the spill.
The amendment that was added creates an exception for any animal or crop waste in the definition of “pollutant” and allows for exceptions for spills that happen during the course of normal agricultural activities.
The bill was sent to the committee of the whole, where it awaits the green light from the majority leader to be sent “above the line” for a vote on the Senate floor.
RAW MILK CAUSES RAW EMOTION IN SENATE HEARING
The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources heard two controversial bills on raw milk this week.  Essentially, SB 300 calls for a complete and total ban on the sale of unpasteurized, or “raw” milk, while SB 308 allows for the sale of raw milk (and advertising of raw milk) to be done however dairy farmers see fit, with the caveat that certain warning labels are placed on the product and in advertisements.
Proponents for a total ban on raw milk sales included several dairy producers, who spoke on behalf of the organizations they represent and are concerned with the health and safety of raw milk products. They say that if someone gets sick from the consumption of raw milk, the entire dairy industry is often penalized through lower sales and decreased consumer trust.
Opponents of a total ban included two lawyers, who say a ban on raw milk infringes on consumers’ right to choose what they buy, and producers rights to choose what they produce. Three farmers (two who raise and sell raw milk and one who sells goat meat but drinks raw milk) also testified in opposition of a total ban, saying they fully believe in the safety, and even potential health benefits, of raw milk.
SB 308 was heard the day after SB 300, and testimony was essentially the same. The Kansas Livestock Association, which represents a number of dairy farms across the state, offered three amendments: one technical amendment related to the definition of milk, one to create sanitary standards for raw milk dairies, and one to create a registry system within the Kansas Department of Agriculture for producers who sell raw milk to the public.
As of this publication, SB 308 is slated for final action next week, while SB 300 is not yet (and may never be) on the schedule for final action.
GOVERNOR’S BUDGET DIRECTOR QUESTIONED ABOUT RE-AMORITIZATION
On Monday, the Ways and Means Committee held hearings on SB 321, which is the Governor’s plan to artificially boost her spending by spreading out payments on the Kansas employee pension fund (KPERS) at a $4.4 billion dollar price tag to taxpayers.
On average, KPERS would receive $223 million less each year, which would mean we would not reach our goal of having it 80% funded until 2036 instead of 2029.
Larry Campbell, the state’s Budget Director, supported the Governor’s proposal saying the legislature has missed payments in the past so re-amortizing makes sense because it lessens payments and makes it easier to goal to achieve.  Legislators pushed back saying just because past legislatures may have been irresponsible when making payments, there is no reason to believe it is a good decision when revenues now are exceeding expectations. One committee member asked Mr. Campbell about the possibility of a recession and its implications.  Campbell responded saying he couldn’t accurately predict the timing of a future recession but that if one did hit the plan would “put the state in deep trouble.”
UTILITY STUDY RESULTS ARE IN
The Senate Utilities Committee heard a full report on the Kansas Electric Rate Study from London Economics International, the firm chosen by the committee to complete an in-depth analysis of the causes of Kansans’ high electric bills. The firm completed Phase One of the rate study, focusing specifically on rate-making options and possible ways to improve the competitiveness of Kansas electricity. A.J. Goulding, LEI president, and Gabriel Roumy, managing consultant of the study, spoke for just under an hour about the firm’s process to study electric rates in Kansas.
Our state’s rates have made headlines in the last several months for being considerably higher than the regional average. The LEI study found the primary reasons for these unusually high rates to include high tax rates in the state, slowing consumer demands for electricity, investment by electric providers in complying to strict government standards related to the environment and increasing transmission costs.
FIREWORKS ALL YEAR-ROUND?
On Thursday, the Committee on Federal and State Affairs had a hearing regarding SB 362, which would allow year-round firework sales. According to the fiscal note, The Kansas Association of Counties says year-round sales increases the likelihood that people would set off fireworks when it’s prohibited, which would increase counties’ revenues in fines. On the flip side, some say it could add costs in law enforcement and the court system. The League of Municipalities is worried the bill could result in additional expenditures for local governments to enforce fireworks prohibitions because the public may believe since you can buy fireworks all year long, restrictions on discharging them have changed as well, which would not the case through this legislation.
COMING UP NEXT WEEK
Monday, February 17
Ø Happy Presidents’ Day!
Ø Hearing and adoption of: SCR 1614 — Supporting Kansas farmers in the Rattlesnake Creek sub-basin in their ongoing effort to protect their water rights and livelihood through a collaborative solution to the region’s water impairment issue. (8:30, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 159-S)
Ø Final action: SB 307 —Updating approved types of personal flotation devices. (8:30, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 159-S)
Ø Hearing:SB 366 — Expanding the expedited occupational licensure provisions for military servicemembers and spouses to all license applicants. (8:30, Commerce, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 371 — Requiring posting of a human trafficking awareness notice approved by the attorney general in certain businesses and public places. (10:30, Judiciary, 346-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 373 — Modifying the crimes of selling sexual relations, promoting the sale of sexual relations and buying sexual relations by changing terminology from “sexual relations” to “a sex act.” (10:30, Judiciary, 346-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2426: — Revising cross-references in the civil procedure codes. (10:30, Judiciary, 346-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 337 — Expanding the provision of the ACT college entrance exam and workkeys assessments to students enrolled in nonpublic schools. (1:30, Education, 144-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 353 — Requiring the allocation of sufficient school district moneys to improve academic performance of underachieving students. (1:30, Education, 144-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 354 — Amending the private and out-of-state postsecondary educational institution act clarify the state board of regents’ authority and provide additional student protections and institutional accountability. (1:30, Education, 144-S)
Tuesday, February 18
Ø Final action: SB 251 — Allow businesses to elect to file certain business reports with the secretary of state annually, biennially or triennially. (8:30, Commerce, 548-S)
Ø Update: SB 42 — Amending the meaning of the terms “rebate” and “interest” as used in the real estate brokers’ and salespersons’ license act. (8:30, Commerce, 548-S)
Ø Update: SB 168 — Enacting the Kansas home inspectors’ professional competence and financial responsibility act. (8:30, Commerce, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 383 — Providing for the American legion, knights of Columbus and proud educator distinctive license plates and providing for lowered license plate commitments and costs prior to production. (8:30, Transportation, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 390 — Allowing cement trucks to display license plates on front of vehicle. (8:30, Transportation, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 265 — Requiring the state board of tax appeals to serve orders and notices by electronic means if requested by the party. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 262 — State board of tax appeals; changing time to request full and complete opinion to be based on date of service. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 297 — Requiring appraisal directives to require compliance with uniform standards of professional appraisal practice in performance of property tax appraisals. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 548-S)
Ø Hearing continuation: SB 248 — Extraterritorial zoning, subdivision regulations; mailed notice to landowners of record. (9:30, Ethics, Elections and Local Government, 142-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 389 — Adding a definition of “purposes of sepulture” to the law dealing with cemetery corporation. (9:30, Ethics, Elections and Local Government, 142-S)
Ø Hearing: ERO 44 — Renaming the Kansas department for children and families the Kansas department of human services; abolishing the Kansas department for aging and disability services and transferring the functions to the Kansas department of human services; transferring the functions of the department of corrections regarding the juvenile services programs and juvenile facilities and institutions, excluding the Larned juvenile correctional facility, to the Kansas department of human services. (9:30, Public Health and Welfare, 118-N)
Ø Hearing: HB 2467 — Removing the spousal exception from sexual battery. (10:30, Judiciary, 346-S)
Ø Hearing:SB 375 — Providing for the FORWARD transportation program. (10:30, Ways and Means, 548-S)
Ø Hearing:SB 384 — Requiring the state department of education and the Kansas department for children and families to prepare an annual report on educational outcomes for foster care students. (1:30, Education, 144-S)
Ø Hearing:SB 410 — Requiring publication of school district bullying policies and requiring a report on bullying incidents at each school district attendance center. (1:30, Education, 144-S)
Ø Discussion and possible action: SB 230 — Clarifying the authority of the Kansas commission for the deaf and hard of hearing. (1:30, Education, 144-S)
Wednesday, February 19
Ø Hearing: SB 345 — Establishing requirements for the effective disposal of industrial hemp. (8:30, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 159-S)
Ø Final action: SB 366 —Expanding the expedited occupational licensure provisions for military servicemembers and spouses to all license applicants. (8:30, Commerce, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 374 — Allowing employees of salvage vehicle pools to perform vehicle identification number inspections. (8:30, Transportation, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 377 — Designating a portion of K-7 as the Senator Paul “Bud” Burke Memorial Highway. (8:30, Transportation, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 301 — Changing from annual valuation of property for ad valorem property tax purposes to triennial valuation. (This is a bill that I introduced)(9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 351 — Ensuring that the votes of voters whose names do not appear in the poll book and are otherwise eligible to vote are counted. (9:30, Ethics, Elections and Local Government, 142-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 323 — Altering the terms of an insurance policy not considered a denial of renewal of the policy if the insured is provided proper notice. (9:30, Financial Institutions and Insurance, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 402 — Updating producer licensing statutes pertaining to appointment, fees, licensing, renewal dates, continuing education, suspension, revocation and denial of licensure and reinstatement. (9:30, Financial Institutions and Insurance, 546-S)
Ø Hearing continuation: ERO 44 — Renaming the Kansas department for children and families the Kansas department of human services; abolishing the Kansas department for aging and disability services and transferring the functions to the Kansas department of human services; transferring the functions of the department of corrections regarding the juvenile services programs and juvenile facilities and institutions, excluding the Larned juvenile correctional facility, to the Kansas department of human services. (9:30, Public Health and Welfare, 118-N)
Ø Hearing: SB 355 — Prohibiting psychiatric or psychological examinations of victims of certain sex offenses in criminal cases. (10:30, Judiciary, 346-S)
Ø Hearing:SB 382 — Amending the capital improvement state aid schedule to exclude U.S.D. No. 207, Fort Leavenworth. (1:30, Education, 144-S)
Ø Discussion and possible action: SB 337 — Expanding the provision of the ACT college entrance exam and workkeys assessments to students enrolled in nonpublic schools. (1:30, Education, 144-S)
Thursday, February 20
Ø ONE WEEK LEFT UNTIL TURNAROUND DAY!
Ø Final action: SB 308 — Allowing the on-farm retail sale of raw, unpasteurized milk so long as certain labeling and advertising requirements are met. (8:30, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 159-S)
Ø Final action: SB 345 — Establishing requirements for the effective disposal of industrial hemp.  (8:30, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 159-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 247 — Prohibition by cities and counties on the use of photographic traffic signal enforcement system. (8:30, Transportation, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 196 — Expanding the expense deduction to all taxpayers in addition to corporate taxpayers. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 309 — Placing the burden of proof on the county appraiser in certain valuation and classification appeal hearings before the district court. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 412 — Permanent advance voting status extended to any registered voter but such status will end if two consecutive elections are missed. (9:30, Ethics, Elections and Local Government, 142-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 387 — Establishing a healthcare benefits package not covered or affiliated with a health insurer or health benefits plan, to be administered by Kansas state employees’ healthcare commission. (9:30, Financial Institutions and Insurance, 546-S)
Ø Discussion and possible action: SB 252 — Expanding medical assistance eligibility and implementing a health insurance plan reinsurance program. (9:30, Public Health and Welfare, 118-N)
Friday, February 21
Ø 8 AM Session
Ø Many committees will meet on call of the chair.
Thank You for Engaging
Thank you for all your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. Constituent correspondence helps inform my decision-making process and is taken into great consideration when I cast my vote in the Kansas Senate. I hope you’ll continue to engage with me on the issues that matter most to you, your family, and our community. If you are on Twitter or Facebook, I encourage you to follow along with the #ksleg hashtag for real-time updates on legislative happenings in Topeka.
Please know that I am fully committed to addressing the current issues in our state, and I am proud to be your voice in the Kansas Senate.
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

Fort Scott High School Thespians Perform Radium Girls

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Inspired by the real-life story of the luminous watch dial painters of the 1920s, Radium Girls marks the journey of three women’s struggle with radium poisoning and their fight for justice from the U.S. Radium Corporation.

The Fort Scott High School Thespians perform the play, written by D.W. Gregory, at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27, 28, and 29 at the FSHS Auditorium, 1005 S. Main, in Fort Scott.

Although Radium Girls is historical fiction, most of the characters were real people in history. Others are a conglomeration of various people involved in the plight of the Radium Girls.

“Students have invested a lot of time and research into their characters for this performance,” said FSHS Thespian Director Angie Bin. “They have studied their real-life counterparts and noted character traits and personalities that make their character historically accurate.”

The production, set in the 1920s, relays how radium, then known as a miracle cure and beauty product, was used to create a glow in the dark paint that illuminated watches and clocks especially during WWI. The young women employed to paint the tiny numerals were instructed to point their brushes using their mouths. Years later, most of the women began developing horrific health issues which were dismissed by their employers. Eventually, several women were able to find legal defense and had their voices heard, and radium poisoning proven. Their bravery eventually led to landmark changes in working conditions for employees.

“Called a ‘powerful’ and ‘engrossing’ drama by critics, Radium Girls offers a wry, unflinching look at the peculiarly American obsessions with health, wealth, and the commercialization of science,” according to Dramatic Publishing.

The production involves a 12-member ensemble of students who all play up to four characters each. Actors include seniors Levi Bin, Madi Toth, Carlee Studyvin, Dominic Cannon, Jo Goodbody and Wendy Monahan; juniors Ashanti Green, Tailynn Harding, and Sage Hill; sophomore Jacob Ham; and freshmen Bareigh Farrell and Israel Carreno.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children and available at the Fort Scott High School office and at Common Ground Coffee, 116 S. Main. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. The lobby will have on display a number of educational projects created by students at FSHS.

“Students in Drama classes have created the design details for the show that will be on display for the public. I am so proud of the model sets they have built with set design suggestions, make-up and costuming sketches and research, and the sound and lighting design suggestions they have presented,” said Bin. “Additionally, we have several graphic design posters that our students in Dr. Michelle Laubenstein’s classes created, including the winning design created by junior Amber Russo.”

Upon conclusion of Radium Girls, the FSHS Thespians will celebrate March as Theatre in Our Schools Month and host the all-school Talent Show and Miss(ter) FSHS Pageant at 7 p.m. on March 27 in the Auditorium. Other upcoming events include the annual Thespian Rummage Sale on April 10-11 and Tiger Drama Camp held May 18-29.

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Minutes of Special Meeting on Feb. 14

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

The minutes are unapproved until Feb. 18

Minutes of February 14, 2020 Special Meeting #1

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A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held February 14th, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Lindsey Watts and Mayor JoLynne Mitchell were present. Randy Nichols was absent.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: None

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Kevin Allen moved to recess into a 60 minute Executive Session to include just the City Commission. This Executive Session is to discuss non-elected personnel. There is no action anticipated after the Executive Session. Pete Allen seconded. All voted aye.

RECESSED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 3:01 P.M.

COMMISSIONERS ENDED THE RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 4:01 P.M.

ADJOURNMENT:

Lindsey Watts moved to adjourn the special meeting at 4:01 p.m. Pete Allen seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 4:01 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on February 18th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

_____________________________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK