There may be a majority of City Commissioners present at the City of Fort Scott Christmas Dinner on Monday, December 6th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at Buck Run Community Center at 735 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott, Kansas. Even though a majority may be present, no City business will be conducted.
Category Archives: Government
FS City Commission Meets At 5 p.m. Dec. 7
The City Commission will meet at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7th, 2021 due to the downtown Christmas parade. The Commission may recess when the parade begins at 6:00 p.m. and then return to the open meeting after the parade, depending on the length of the meeting.
SEK Health Department: All Vaccines Available
The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department has all 3 COVID-19 vaccines available at their offices.
To get vaccinated, call for an appointment.
“Things are seeming to pick up with children getting vaccinated, but there are still more adults getting vaccinated than children,” Rebecca Johnson, administrator, said. “I’m glad for the increase in children’s vaccinations but wish we’d see more getting the shot. This will decrease quarantines and time missed from school and work, that is something encouraging for parents!”
“There’s quite a bit of information for parents online about safety of the vaccine for children. I recommend reviewing information from the CDC.”
“With any variant, there is always fear of the unknown, but we are monitoring this new variant (Omicron) and staying up to date with what information KDHE has to provide, the CDC, the other Health Departments in the state as well as information we get from our bordering states. I would recommend our residents stay vigilant in their mitigation against COVID-19, stay home if they’re aware they have been exposed to the virus and stay home if sick! ”
The department is located at 524 S. Lowman, Ft. Scott, KS 66701
Phone (620)223-4464, Fax (620)223-1686
From the Kansas Department of Health and Environment:
“No confirmed cases have been identified in Kansas or the United States to date. This variant is new, and it is still unknown how transmissible or contagious this variant is. It is unclear how quickly it will spread, but it has been found in 17 countries already and we should assume that it is only a matter of time before it will be found in the United States. KDHE will continue to sequence positive COVID-19 samples to look for the Omicron variant.
With over 64% of the eligible population fully vaccinated, Kansas is more prepared for Omicron than previous variants. Experts continue to believe that the COVID-19 vaccine will continue to protect those who are vaccinated against severe disease and death. The COVID-19 vaccine is available for all individuals aged five years and over. The vaccine booster dose is available for all adults aged 18 and over. Boosters increase the strength of your antibody response, so even if the virus mutates, a boost makes it more likely that your antibodies can prevent you from getting sick or seriously ill, even with the new variant. If you are six months past your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two months past your J&J vaccine, get boosted now.
As we continue to learn more about the Omicron variant, taking steps to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus remains the same. Kansans should receive the COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot, wear a mask in public indoor settings, wash their hands frequently, physically distance from others as much as possible, stay home if they feel sick, and get tested if they have been exposed to COVID-19 disease or have symptoms.”
Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Meets Dec. 9
The Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting is open to the public.
The meeting will be available on the City’s YouTube channel.
FS Street Advisory Board meets Dec. 9
The Street Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at the City Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street. This meeting is open to the public.
This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.
FS City Special Meeting Dec. 7
There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7th, 2021. It is anticipated the Commission will adjourn into Executive Session at this time.
This meeting will be held at the Landmark National Bank building on the 2nd floor, at 200 S. Main Street. This meeting is open to the public, but the Executive Session is not.
Emergency Water Assistance Program Starts Today
|
Kansas Common Sense Newsletter by Senator Jerry Moran
Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.
Recognizing This Season of Giving
Wishing You and Your Family a Safe Thanksgiving
Robba and I hope you and your family had a meaningful Thanksgiving, and that you found time to connect with friends and loved ones to give thanks.
I am especially grateful to our servicemembers, first responders and law enforcement officers who could not be with their families on Thursday. Please keep them in your prayers this holiday season as they work to defend our country and keep our communities safe.
Joining Topeka Rescue Mission Ahead of Thanksgiving
Topeka Rescue Mission provides shelter to more than 140 individuals every night and provides programs to help individuals receive the skills and training they need to find meaningful work. Their mission began in 1953, and on Monday I joined members and volunteers of Topeka Rescue Mission as they passed out hand warmers, sleeping bags and food to those living without permanent housing.
In Kansas, nearly 2,500 people experience homelessness on any given night. It is important to see firsthand what people are going through and begin to comprehend the challenges our homeless population face each and every day. Especially during this season of giving thanks, it is not only important to be grateful for the everyday comforts we take for granted, but to take stock of the many ways we can take action to lend a hand to those in need. To those who dedicate their time and purpose to helping those less fortunate, thank you.
Thank you to Topeka Rescue Mission Executive Director Barry Feaker, Director of MAP Haleigh Hipsher and Assistant Director of MAP Holton Witman for the commitment they provide to those seeking assistance, and to VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System Homeless Veterans Coordinator Katherine Rose for her work to improve the lives of the homeless veterans in Kansas.
Discussing Inflation and Soaring Gas Prices
President Biden’s decision to draw from the strategic reserve will not solve the current energy crisis and is merely a Band-Aid to the soaring gas prices Kansans are facing this holiday season. President Biden’s call for OPEC and Russia to increase oil production while seeking to hinder oil production here at home is nonsensical and severely diminishes American energy independence.
We need an all-of-the-above energy plan that bolsters domestic production, supports innovation and not more red tape and new taxes. We also must not rely on foreign imports, like Russia, for energy. Producing energy here at home is the best solution for lower gas prices. Watch more here from Fox News.
KU Clinical and Translational Science Institute Leading Medical Research
This week, I visited the University of Kansas Medical Center with Sen. Roy Blunt to discuss the importance of the medical research, education and training happening through the Frontiers program. I was pleased to welcome Garden City native and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Acting Director Dr. Joni Rutter back to Kansas. As part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NCATS focuses on providing more rapid medical research treatment discoveries to more patients.
As a recipient of the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program which provides support for the NCATS mission, Frontiers: University of Kansas Clinical and Translational Science Institute is at the forefront of turning research into real, medical treatments that can help people across the country.
Frontiers is among an elite group of institutions across the country that are focused on advancing clinical and translational science, and I appreciated the opportunity to co-host this discussion with Sen. Blunt and KU Chancellor Doug Girod. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that helps fund NIH and NCATS, I am committed to providing the necessary resources needed to advance our medical research and ultimately save lives because of more medical breakthroughs. In addition, the excellent work of KU Frontiers and their consortium of members across Kansas is leading the way in demonstrating the essential role regional partnerships hold in medical advancements.
Thank you to Dr. Rutter and Frontiers Director Dr. Mario Castro for their informative presentations and to everyone who joined us including Dr. Meredith Temple-O’Connor and Dr. Michael Kurilla from the NCATS team, KU’s Department of Internal Medicine Chair Dr. Matthias Salathe, Children’s Mercy Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Tom Curran and Deputy Director of the Children’s Mercy Research Institute Dr. Steve Leeder.
Announcing USDA Investment in Kansas Small and Midsized Meatpackers
On Tuesday, I announced an investment in eight Kansas small and midsized meatpackers through the Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) program. This program was created by my legislation, the Requiring Assistance to Meat Processers for Upgrading Plants (RAMP-UP) Act, for small and midsized meatpacking plants to make the necessary investments to become federally inspected. Currently, meatpacking facilities can only make sales across state lines if they are federally inspected.
Small meatpackers in Kansas are a vital component in our supply chain, providing new market opportunities for regional livestock producers and helping meet a growing, nationwide demand for quality meat and poultry. I introduced the RAMP-UP Act to equip small meatpackers with the necessary resources to adhere to federal standards, and I am pleased to see the resulting investment will help meatpackers across Kansas expand their businesses and reach a wider customer base with the ability to sell their products across state lines.
Supporting Our Law Enforcement
Highlighting the Regional De-Escalation Training Center at Fort Hays State
On Tuesday, I was pleased to take part in highlighting the National De-Escalation Training Center Grant Acceptance Ceremony at Fort Hays State University.
One of the first of its kind, the establishment of the Regional De-Escalation Training Center at Fort Hays with the help of this federal grant will provide comprehensive and advanced training to departments and agencies not only in Kansas but across the multi-state region. De-escalation training equips law enforcement with the knowledge and techniques needed to assess the level of danger and turn down the heat on volatile situations. It helps to provide the safest possible outcome for both the officer and the individuals they serve within their communities. Now more than ever, it takes a special kind of person to be a law enforcement officer, and I am committed to ensuring they have the tools they need to keep their communities safe.
Thank you to Fort Hays State President Tisa Mason, University Police Chief Ed Howell and Department of Criminal Justice Chair Dr. Tamara Lynn for inviting me to join you. And to all of the law enforcement professionals who I spoke with and who answer the call to serve, thank you.
Speaking with Leadership and Faculty at Plainville USD 270
This week, I met with Plainville Board of Education President Nathan Grebowiec to see firsthand how the district is using federal funding at USD 270. Faculty shared their thoughts and concerns about how the pandemic has created new challenges in detecting at-risk students.
USD 270 has been recognized in several categories through the Kansas State Department of Education Kansans Can Star Recognition Program last week. USD 270 received the Kansas Education Commissioner’s Award with Highest Distinction, along with the Silver Award in Postsecondary Success and Bronze Award in High School Graduation. These awards serve as a testament to the dedication of the teachers and staff who work to teach and prepare the students who are the future of our communities.
I appreciate Senior Class President Ben Hansen and Sophomore Class President Kaydence Grebowiec for accompanying me on the tour. Thank you to Superintendent Lisa Gehring, Principal Jeremy Krob and Board Member Chris Hansen for speaking with me this week.
Addressing Hill City Rotary
It was great to speak with Hill City Rotarians this week, where we discussed the importance of small businesses to their communities, reaching out to veterans this holiday season and concerns about inflation. I appreciate their efforts to speak with me about the issues important to them before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thank you to Hill City Rotary members, including Melissa Atkins, Anna Waugh, Kylee Shaz, Julie Davis, Bryant Muir and Kelton Schuckman for the work they do each and every day to better their community. Civic clubs – and their mission to help others – embody what this week is about.
Checking In With Rural Kansas Communities
Visiting Palco
While I was in Palco this week, it was great to catch up with lifetime local Mary Keller and Anna Luna of Midland Marketing.
From the grocery store to the post office to the local businesses along Main Street, thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to speak with me.
Visiting Ellsworth
I also visited Ellsworth this week, and I appreciated those who spoke with me throughout town and as I visited the county courthouse. The conversations I have with Kansans inform my work in Washington.
Flipping the Coin at the 2A State Championship Game
On Saturday, it was great to perform the coin toss for the 2A State Football Championship between the Beloit Trojans and the Rossville Bulldogs.
Congratulations to both teams on your incredible seasons, and congrats to the Rossville Bulldogs on winning the state championship! Thank you to the Kansas State High School Activities Association for inviting me to be a part of the game in Salina.
Remembering Dan Lykins
Dan was a Kansan through and through and always fought for what he thought was best for our state. He put up a long, hard fight against cancer and continued working as an attorney throughout his treatments. I am grateful for Dan’s service to our state and always appreciated how he advocated for every-day Kansans.
Robba and I had the opportunity of getting to know Dan while he and Robba served together on the Kansas Board of Regents. We are saddened to hear of his passing, and our heartfelt condolences are with Dan’s family and friends.
Remembering Ulysses Lee “Rip” Gooch
Rip was a trailblazer who spent his entire life serving others. It was an honor to serve with Rip in the Kansas State Senate. He was highly respected on both sides of the aisle, and even after his retirement, Rip continued to be a strong advocate for the community. Rip’s passion for aviation and dedication to civil rights will leave a lasting legacy in our state.
Robba and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Rip’s family and loved ones.
Happy Hanukkah
Happy Hanukkah to everyone celebrating in Kansas and around the world!
Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C. office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
Special Session By Senator Caryn Tyson
2021 Special-Session
“Actions speak louder than words.” It was never more obvious than on the Senate floor, when conservatives defended our freedom against federal overreach of mandating COVID-19 vaccines. The legislature passed a bill that strengthens Kansas law regarding COVID-vaccines including religious and medical exemptions and unemployment. Employers are required to accept these religious exemptions to Kansans who seek them. Also, employers are required to accept requests for medical exemptions that include a doctor’s signature. Unemployment benefits were not available to employees who lost or will lose their job due to not receiving COVID-19 shots, but now they are.
The 25th Special Session in Kansas began November 22, 2021 and ended the same day. The day began with both the Senate and the House going directly to the floor to debate and work on legislation to block the federal vaccine mandates. Both chambers passed legislation and a conference committee was called to work out differences. The final legislation passed the Senate 24 to 11 and the House 77 to 34. I voted Yes. The Governor signed the bill into law.
It was the first time in Kansas history the Governor was forced to call a special session by a petition of 2/3 the legislators. It was reported in an online newspaper that the Governor requested Democrats not sign the petition for a special session. Thankfully, Republicans heard the cry of Kansans and stood together signing the petition, 29 senators and 84 representatives and the Governor signed the legislation into law.
It is a victory for protecting Kansans liberties.
Contact Tracing
The Governor Kelly administration has been contact tracing, collecting data on a person who may have been in contact with an infected person. Last year, they went as far as tracking Kansans movement of cellphones. This is invasive and is another form of government overreach.
Because of the time constraints on special session, Contact Tracing and other topics were not discussed. In fact, it was requested that we hold amendments to the COVID-19 mandates until regular session beginning January 10, 2022. Myself and others respected the request and have legislation ready for next session.
There will be many important topics in the 2022 session. Blocking overreaching government mandates, stopping Critical Race Theory (CRT) from being taught in our schools, government transparency, removing sales tax on food, elections, and many other topics will be worked during next session. You may follow the bills and watch meetings online at www.KSLegislature.org.
I hope that you are able to enjoy the holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
KDHE Statement on the Omicron Variant
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 variant Omicron. No confirmed cases have been identified in Kansas or the United States to date. This variant is new, and it is still unknown how transmissible or contagious this variant is. It is unclear how quickly it will spread, but it has been found in 17 countries already and we should assume that it is only a matter of time before it will be found in the United States. KDHE will continue to sequence positive COVID-19 samples to look for the Omicron variant.
With over 64% of the eligible population fully vaccinated, Kansas is more prepared for Omicron than previous variants. Experts continue to believe that the COVID-19 vaccine will continue to protect those who are vaccinated against severe disease and death. The COVID-19 vaccine is available for all individuals aged five years and over. The vaccine booster dose is available for all adults aged 18 and over. Boosters increase the strength of your antibody response, so even if the virus mutates, a boost makes it more likely that your antibodies can prevent you from getting sick or seriously ill, even with the new variant. If you are six months past your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two months past your J&J vaccine, get boosted now.
As we continue to learn more about the Omicron variant, taking steps to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus remains the same. Kansans should receive the COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot, wear a mask in public indoor settings, wash their hands frequently, physically distance from others as much as possible, stay home if they feel sick, and get tested if they have been exposed to COVID-19 disease or have symptoms.
Find the nearest vaccination clinic by visiting Vaccines.gov.
###
Bourbon County Commission Agenda For Nov. 30
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: November 30, 2021
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
- Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
- Jody Hoener – BBCO Pathways Sign Placement
- Sheriff’s Office – HVAC Bids
- Kelly Sartorious – National Heritage Area
- 30 X 30 Resolutions
- December 28 Commission Meeting
- County Counselor Comment
Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
- Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
-
- Public Comment
- Elected Officials Comment
- Commission Comment
There will be a joint meeting with City and County Commissioners at the Empress Event Center at 12:00 noon. This meeting is open to the public but will not be viewable on YouTube.
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
New KDHE Acting Secretary Announced
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Janet Stanek as Secretary for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced Janet Stanek as the new Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Stanek will serve in an acting capacity until the Kansas Senate confirms her as the new head of the agency. She had previously served as the Director of the State Employee Health Benefits Program (SEHBP).
“As we move to this next phase of the pandemic, from emergency response to steady state, it was important that we find a Secretary to oversee both the state’s COVID response and the many other services performed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment,” Governor Kelly said. “With Janet’s decades of experience as well as the relationships she has built across the medical community in Kansas, I have no doubt that she will be able to step into this role immediately and continue the agency’s critical work.”
Prior to her role at SEHBP, Stanek spent more than 35 years in various healthcare leadership positions in Pennsylvania, western New York and Kansas, including 21 years of her career at Stormont Vail Health Topeka where she last served as chief operating officer and senior vice president. While with Stormont Vail, she oversaw a wide array of clinical and non-clinical functions and departments, as well as the strategic selection and rollout of a sophisticated electronic health record system across the region. Her most recent work involved focusing on population health, accountable care organization development and the transition to value-based care delivery.
“I’m honored to be selected by Governor Kelly to serve as the next Secretary for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment,” Stanek said. “Since the start of the pandemic, the agency has done a remarkable job helping lead the state’s response to this once-in-a-century crisis. I look forward to working with the entire KDHE team to build on their outstanding work.”
Stanek holds a graduate certificate in population health from Thomas Jefferson University, an MBA from Alfred University (NY) and a Bachelor of Science degree in health information management from the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, Utica, New York. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, and is a Registered Health Information Administrator. Additionally, Stanek currently serves as the Chair of the Kansas Health Institute Board of Directors.