Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Returns to Kansas

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — Fall has brought a resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) nationwide, and this week the Kansas Department of Agriculture identified HPAI in two Kansas counties: Johnson County and Neosho County.

Both new HPAI locations are in non-commercial mixed species flocks, and KDA is working closely with USDA–APHIS on a joint incident response. KDA officials quarantined the affected premises, and birds on both properties will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.

Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity on the KDA Division of Animal Health webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza. Going forward, any additional confirmed cases will be shared directly with local communities and announced on the KDA Avian Influenza webpage, rather than through a statewide news release.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. This outbreak has seen illness and mortality in a wider scope of bird species than past outbreaks, including wild and domestic waterfowl. Attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.

If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. Birds and eggs from the infected flock will not enter the food system. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, federal and state partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flocks. The United States has the strongest avian influenza surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations and live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.

For more information about HPAI, including current status of the confirmed cases in other states as well as more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza or call KDA at 833-765-2006.

Government, Kansas

Wildfire Task Force to Meet October 12

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Governor’s Wildfire Task Force will meet on Wednesday,
October 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Kansas Regional Training Institute, 2929
Scanlan Avenue in Salina.
The meeting is open to the public and will discuss recommendations for how federal, state,
and local officials, along with Kansas communities, can better prevent, respond to, and
recover from wildfires. A Zoom link can be available upon request. Due to space
limitations, guests are asked to RSVP to Brittney Grother at [email protected] or
785-564-6797 by Tuesday, October 11. Persons who require special accommodations must
make their needs known at least two days prior to the meeting.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for Oct. 11

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
OCTOBER 11, 2022
6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
I. Roll Call:
J. Jones T. Van Hoecke S. Walker M. Wells K. Harrington
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: T. Van Hoecke
IV. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 20th, 2022, and
Special Meeting minutes of September 21st, 2022, and September 22nd ,
2022.
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1321-A totaling $452,376.58.
C. Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – $53,540.57 – 17 th & Eddy Project.
D. Request to Pay – L. G. Barcus and Sons – $170,681.75 – Dam Improvements
E. Request to Pay – Circle C Paving & Construction – $230,165.50 – 2022 CapeSeal Program.
F. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc – $4,120.00 – City Engineer.
G. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $12,799.20 – System Designs.
H. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $3,540.00 – South Industrial Park Waterline, Final Design.
I. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $13,700.00 –
Sanitary Sewer Project.
J. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $2,849.00 – Cooper St. Inspection

K. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $5,850.00 – South Horton St. and W. 6 th St.
L. Request to Pay AMS Advanced Microbial Solutions – $55,000.00 – Set Up
Fee
M. Nuss & Farmer August Out of Contract Hours – $1,435.00
N. Approve August Financials
V. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
VI. Old Business:
VII. Appearances:
1. Lake Advisory Board Representative
VIII. Public Hearing: None
IX. New Business:
1. Consideration of Change Order #1 – L.G. Barcus and Sons, Inc. – $19,466.03
– River Intake Project
XII. Reports and Comments:
A. Interim City Manager Comments:
B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for
Executive Sessions)
IX. Adjournment:

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 10

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: October 10, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
SPECIAL MEETING TO BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 8:00AM. THE
COURTHOUSE WILL BE CLOSED FOR BUSINESS IN OBSERVANCE OF COLUMBUS DAY, BUT
THE NORTHEAST ENTRANCE OF THE COURTHOUSE WILL BE OPEN FOR ANYONE WHO
WISHES TO ATTEND THE MEETING.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Clifton Beth – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy


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.

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Agenda for Oct. 12

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The Uniontown City Council Agenda for Oct. 12

Council members:

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

UJHS East Coast Fundraiser, Blake & Ginger Ervin –

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of September 13, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Lead & Copper –

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Reminder that November meeting has been rescheduled for November 15.

BBCO REDI Visioning Session II rescheduled from 9/29 to 10/12, 5:30PM – RSVP by 10/10 to 620-644-7966

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

School Pond Project –

 

 

Placemaking Project –

 

 

American Rescue Plan Act update–

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 Attachments:

10-22 Informational items

2022 Financials – September

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on Sept. 13

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The Regular Council Meeting on September 13, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:46PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Raymond George (Uniontown Ruritan), City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing – no citizens had questions.  A roll call vote was taken to approve Resolution No. 2022-0913-1 a resolution of the City of Uniontown, Kansas to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved – Roll Call Vote:  Jess Ervin – absent, no vote; Danea Esslinger – Yea; Josh Hartman – Yea; Amber Kelly – absent, no vote; Bradley Stewart – Yea – to adopt Resolution No. 2022-0913-1 a resolution of the City of Uniontown, Kansas to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate

 

2023 Budget Hearing – no citizens had questions.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to approve the 2023 Budget as presented

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George asked for a recess to view the building.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to recess 5 minutes to view the progress of the project.

 

Open meeting resumed at 6:55PM.  Mr George stated that the locksmith would be here next week to train city staff on the operation of the automated locks and signs for the doors need to be ordered by the City.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the August 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $369,629.63, Receipts $39,795.82, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $32,790.86, Checking Account Closing Balance $363,858.59. Bank Statement Balance $372,642.97, including Checking Account Interest of $31.51, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,784.38, Reconciled Balance $363.858.59.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,127.37, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,621.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,406.10, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $441,013.32. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $239.53, and Utility CDs $253.30 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $492.83.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of August 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  August Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 and 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 $1,250.00, Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of August $5,771.04, Year-to-Date Net Income $40,115.09.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $75,584.05 (71.7%), Expenditures $72,465.47 (55.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $23,398.40 (65.5%), Expenditures $24,984.53 (60.9%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $99,257.20 (71.1%), Expenditures $104,020.67 (42.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $107,261.48 (83.5%), Expenditures $97,997.60 (59.3%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $5625.70 (82.1%), Expenditures $1,041.18 (9.8%).  The September 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $34,228.03 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of August 9, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich informed Council he would be taking vacation and has asked Eddie Tanner to cover for him.

 

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to have Eddie Tanner cover for Bobby Rich while on vacation and start on September 22, to review duties with Rich

 

Lead and Copper results have been received.  One had a high copper level.  Jeff Lamfers, KRWA, has been working with us on what is needed to correct this.  He has suggested a letter to KDHE to invalidate the sample as it was not taken from a source commonly used for human consumption.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approve 3-0 to send letter to KDHE requesting invalidation of the sample that included the high copper reading

 

John George, Ag Engineering, would like to purchase bulk cold patch from us for his drive.  After discussion, it was determined that we wouldn’t have any to sell.

Superintendent Rich was thanked for all hard work this summer.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported Smith Estate is in the process of demolition by the family.  103 Third Street has poured their ADA sidewalk.  Noticed the dog pen was gone from 204 Second St.  Dog owner moved out of town in June.  He will try again to connect with tenant at 301 Second #1 about yard debris.  Most yards looked good for Old Settlers weekend.

 

Clerk Johnson reported that the BBCO Health Department will hold a flu shot clinic on October 17, 2022, 9:30-10:30AM at the community center, flyer will be included with newsletter.  She reminded Council that the November regular council meeting has been rescheduled for November 15, 7PM due to election day on November 8.

Randy Rathbun and Mary Pemberton powerwashed the rock posts, shelters, and gazebo in the park before Old Settlers.  Randy said there were 12 rock posts that were not engraved and would like to sponsor three if not more than $225 each.  Mayor Jurgensen thought that the engraving was for “Old Settler” families and suggested we contact someone involved in the park improvement project to find out before checking into current cost of engraving.

Collection Bureau of Kansas is requesting permission to pursue legal action on our account 1078003.

 

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to allow Collection Bureau of Kansas to pursue legal action on our account 1078003

 

Bourbon County REDI is pursuing a Rural Champions grant for planning and technical assistance to improve affordable housing in the County.  They are requesting a letter of support from the City.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to send letter of support of Bourbon County REDI’s application for a Rural Champion grant to improve affordable housing in the County

 

Bourbon County REDI is hosting a Visioning Session II on September 29, 2022, 6PM, at Uniontown High School Commons Area.  RSVP by 9/26/22.  Jurgensen, Ervin, Esslinger, Stewart, and Johnson attended the first session.  Ervin and Johnson will be out of town for this one.  If any of the others plan to attend, they are to let Clerk Johnson know before 9/26 and she will RSVP.

Reminded all that League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Conference is coming up.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – absent

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilman Stewart – asked to have First Missionary Baptist Church revival information put in the next newsletter.  Starts October 9, three evenings.

Mayor Jurgensen – asked for a quote from Knight’s Tree Service (a new business in town) to take down and remove debris from tree in easement at Second and Fulton Sts.  The quote was for $1,000.  He has insurance and if hired his insurance requires a copy of the contract for services before releasing certificate of insurance.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to hire Knight’s Tree Service to remove tree and clean up debris from tree in easement at Second and Fulton Sts, stump will not be ground, for $1,000

 

Bus drivers are also complaining about the number of limbs hanging low over street, predominantly Washington Street.  We will request quotes to have trees trimmed.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking Survey – only three responses to the survey.  Mayor Jurgensen had two responses given to him.  All three stated they wanted both, a pickleball court and outdoor exercise equipment, but none of them specified specific equipment.  Mayor Jurgensen asked why the students never completed the cornhole area.  We were never informed as to why the project based learning project wasn’t completed.  Mayor Jurgensen will convene a committee of 5-6 community members to determine which exercise equipment to get quotes.  There was discussion as to whether to concrete the whole area or just the pickleball court.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – one quote has been received for the ADA upgrade of city hall bathrooms.  Another plumber has viewed the site and taken information to prepare a quote.  Another contractor has indicated to Coyan that they will be in to view and prepare a quote.  We may have to request sealed bids for this project

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Moved by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 8:28PM

Fort Scott, Government, History, Housing

521 S. Judson Now On National Register of Historic Places

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Ronda and Rob Hassig with one of their adopted sons, Harvey Crowder in the room with the Mark Twain fireplace .

The Thomas and Anna Herbert House, now owned by Rob and Ronda Hassig, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The house is located at 512 South Judson St.
Fort Scott.

The heavy plaque noting the registration sits inside the Hassig home, waiting for a pole to be built to attach it to, since it is very heavy.

“Having the house on the National Register of Historic places means the Herbert House gets the recognition it so richly deserves,” Ronda Hassig said.  “Rob and I both feel strongly that this designation will also keep our beautiful home safe even after we are gone. We love the Herbert House and are hoping that the Heritage Trust Fund Grant from the state of Kansas will come through and we can do some much-needed repairs on the exterior of the house!”

“The reason the Herbert House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places is because of the Queen Anne architecture and style,” Ronda said. “When the historical architect first visited us to help with the National Register application, she literally walked through the front door and said ‘This is a slam dunk!’ The Queen Anne style was based on the premise of ‘decorative excess” and that is exactly what the Herberts did!”

About  Thomas Herbert

Thomas Herbert. Submitted photo.

“Thomas Herbert worked for the government and happened through Fort Scott on one of his business trips after the Civil War and fell in love with the town,” she said. “He  bought the lots on Judson in the early 1870s but didn’t build until 1887/88. He married his wife Anna in 1873 at the Episcopalian church.”

“Mr. Herbert owned a store at Second and Wall Street that had paint, wallpaper, and home decor items from all over the world, kind of a mini-Home Depot,” she said. “He was from Canada and learned painting as an apprentice in Buffalo, NY.”

“He…decorated some of the most beautiful houses in Fort Scott so he was quite the artist,” Ronda said. “When the town renovated the Opera House, Mr. Herbert painted all of the Egyptian figures on the walls and ceiling of the theatre! He would definitely be considered one of the founding fathers of Fort Scott.”

 

Anna Herbert. Submitted photo.

Herbert was a Mason of the 33rd Degree, so he spent time at the Scottish Rites Temple, she said.

 

Description of the Herbert House

“We have lived in the house for almost four years and we still find little decorations inside and out that we haven’t noticed before,” she said. “The hand carved woodwork would have been done back East, and then would have been shipped by train. A builder would have built the house to suit the Herberts. We don’t know who the builder was but whoever it was they did a really nice job!”

The house is 6000 square feet including a full attic, dry basement and coal shoot, and 4000 square feet of living space  with 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, music room, living room, dining room, modern kitchen and library/den.

“My favorite room is probably the dining room because of the Czechoslovakian chandelier and the Mark Twain fireplace,” Ronda said. “Mark Twain liked to watch the snow fall and the fire blaze at the same time so there are two flues and a window above the fire box!”

“The library/den, half bath, and 5th bedroom were added to the house in 1930 by Dr. Wilkening who lived in the house longer than anyone else,” she said. “The music room was actually his office.”

 

A photo of Dr. William Wilkening’s medical class. Hassig is unsure which one is Dr. Wilkening. Submitted photo.

Renown photographer Gordon Parks was friends with one of the more recent owners of the house, Ken and Charlotte Lunt.

“Gordon Parks was very good friends with the Lunts and he visited the house often in his later years,” she said. “He held court in the front burgundy velvet antique chairs by the round window whenever he visited. We’ve hosted the Gordon Parks Celebration VIPS that last two years so that David Parks (Gordon’s son) can see the house again every year.”

“The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.”

According to https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/features.htm

 

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Bourbon County Is In a Drought Emergency

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Governor Updates Declaration of Drought Emergency, Warnings and Watches for Kansas Counties

The Governor’s Drought Response Team examines conditions; and recommends updates to the Governor

 

Governor Laura Kelly has approved updated drought declarations for Kansas counties with Executive Order #22-08. This drought declaration continues to keep all 105 Kansas counties either in watch, warning or emergency status.

 

“Much of Kansas continues to experience severe drought conditions which have impacted the daily lives of Kansans through our hot and dry summer months,” said Governor Kelly. “As these conditions are forecast to persist or worsen over the foreseeable future, I strongly encourage all Kansans to be mindful of ways we can conserve water and minimize fire hazards.”

 

The drought declaration placed 67 counties into an emergency status, 11 counties in a warning status and 27 into a watch status. This action was recommended by Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. Much of Kansas has experienced above normal temperatures dating back to the previous April, with precipitation averaging well below normal for many of those same locations over that same timeframe. In some parts of Kansas these precipitation deficit conditions have existed since the latter part of 2021. The outlooks from now through December favor above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation for nearly all portions of Kansas, meaning drought conditions could persist and expand over the next several months.

 

“The current drought conditions impacting much of Kansas have stressed surface and groundwater supplies, negatively impacted crop production, and led to elevated wildfire risk in many areas,” said Owen. “The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to be diligent in the monitoring of drought conditions across Kansas and make future drought recommendations to Governor Kelly as conditions change. With outlooks continuing to call for challenging conditions into the winter months, the need for continued drought awareness and action across Kansas is essential.”

 

Through an interagency agreement between the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and Kansas Division of Emergency Management, counties in emergency stage are eligible for emergency use of water from certain state fishing lakes. These counties also become eligible for water in some federal reservoirs.

 

Individuals and communities need to contact the Kansas Water Office for a water supply request prior to any withdrawals from lakes. These requests will in turn be referred to the appropriate office to obtain necessary permits to withdraw requested water.

 

This Executive Order shall remain in effect for those counties so identified until rescinded by Executive Order ending the declaration or revising the drought stage status of the affected counties.

 

Effective immediately, Executive Order #22-08:

  • Declares a Drought Emergency, Warning or Watch for the counties as identified below;
  • Authorizes and directs all agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor to implement the appropriate watch, warning or emergency level drought response actions assigned in the Operations Plan of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.

 

The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the negative drought-induced effects on Kansans.

 

For more detailed information about current conditions, visit the Climate and Drought webpage on the Kansas Water Office website at kwo.ks.gov.

 

County Drought Stage Declarations:

 

Drought Emergency: Allen, Barber, Barton, Bourbon, Butler, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Cheyenne, Clark, Comanche, Cowley, Crawford, Decatur, Edwards, Elk, Ellis, Ellsworth, Finney, Ford, Gove, Graham, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Greenwood, Hamilton, Harper, Harvey, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Kingman, Kiowa, Labette, Lane, Logan, McPherson, Meade, Montgomery, Morton, Neosho, Ness, Norton, Pawnee, Phillips, Pratt, Rawlins, Reno, Rice, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Scott, Sedgwick, Seward, Sheridan, Sherman, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Sumner, Thomas, Trego, Wallace, Wichita, Wilson, and Woodson.

 

Drought Warning: Anderson, Chase, Coffey, Lincoln, Linn, Lyon, Marion, Morris, Osborne, Saline and Smith.

 

Drought Watch: Atchison, Brown, Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Franklin, Geary, Jackson, Jefferson, Jewell, Johnson, Leavenworth, Marshall, Miami, Mitchell, Nemaha, Osage, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Republic, Riley, Shawnee, Wabaunsee, Washington, and Wyandotte.

 

# # #

 

Bourbon County, Government, Housing

Bourbon County Tax-Delinquent Sale Is Oct. 13, 68 Properties For Sale

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The Bourbon County Courthouse.

Bourbon County is set for a tax sale on  October 13, 2022 at 10 a.m. in the lobby of the Bourbon County Courthouse at 210 S National Avenue, Fort Scott, Kansas.

“The purpose of the tax sales is to get the properties into the hands of taxpayers that will pay the (property) taxes,” Bourbon County Treasurer Patty Love, said.

Patty Love. Submitted photo.

“There are a total of 68 properties on the list at this time,”  she said.

There is a process to hold the tax sale.

“The Bourbon County Counselor, Justin Meeks, files the tax sale in court, Love said   “Justin works with the County Appraiser, Matt Quick, to provide the maps and pictures the day of the tax sale to show property for sale.  The treasurer collects the revenue from the tax sale and applies it to the property taxes.  The Register of Deeds Lora Holdridge’s office, will type the new deeds.”

Justin Meeks, Bourbon County Counselor. Submitted photo.
Matt Quick. Taken from LinkedIn. Quick is the county appraiser.
Lora Holdridge, register of deeds.

 

“At the prior tax sale held in January 2022, there were 50 properties that sold for a total of $129,408.40,” Love said.  “The 14 properties that didn’t sell were properties inside the city of Fort Scott that had a minimum bid which was a total of the Special Assessment levied against the property by the City for mowing and demolition.  Those properties that didn’t sell have now been transferred to the Fort Scott City  Land Bank.”

The following is a description of the Fort Scott Land Bank from a prior news release:

“The Fort Scott Land Bank focuses on the conversion of vacant, abandoned, tax-delinquent, or otherwise underused properties into productive use.

Vacant, abandoned, tax-delinquent, or otherwise underused properties are often grouped together as “problem properties” because they destabilize neighborhoods, create fire and safety hazards, drive down property values, and drain local tax dollars.

The Fort Scott Land Bank was created to strategically
acquire problem properties, eliminate the liabilities, and transfer the properties to new, responsible owners in a transparent manner that results in outcomes consistent with community-based plans.

These opportunities are a collection of parcels owned by the Fort Scott Land Bank.

Every transfer of property from the Fort Scott Land Bank will be accompanied by a development agreement, outlining the final use of the property as well as accompanying timelines. The purchase price
for Land Bank properties will be negotiated based on the cost to acquire the property as well as the details in the development agreement. The Fort Scott Land Bank Board of Trustees will approve the final agreement and purchase offer.”

 

“The money from the Land Bank is distributed to the various taxing entities at the time of the next distribution,” she said.  “County Distributions take place in January, March, June, September and October.”

Here is a list of the properties and their owners that will be sold at the tax sale:

TAX SALE OCT2022

 

More info can also be obtained on the Bourbon County Facebook page, or by contacting the Bourbon County Treasurers Office, 620.223.3800.

Government, Kansas

Scholarships Available for KS Students Enrolled in Transportation Classes

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National award-winning KDOT project fuels

transportation scholarships for Kansas students
TOPEKA – A national award won by a Kansas Department of Transportation project will result in scholarships for Kansas students enrolled in a transportation-related program at one of the state’s public higher education institutions.

The Turner Diagonal interchange project on I-70 in Wyandotte County won the People’s Choice Award in the 2021 America’s Transportation Awards (ATA) competition. The award came with a $10,000 cash prize. Pledges from KDOT transportation-industry partners boosted that amount to more than $25,000.

Now, KDOT is directing the funds towards transportation-related scholarships at two- or four-year Kansas public colleges and universities. Applications for the scholarships are being accepted now for the 2023 spring semester.

“There has never been a better time to be in transportation in Kansas,” said Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz. “KDOT wants to encourage and assist students as they find their path in infrastructure-oriented professions at a time when resources and commitment are strong.”

The ATA People’s Choice award winner as presented by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AAHSTO) was determined through online votes from the public. The Turner Diagonal Project was among 12 state finalist projects selected from 80 nominations from 35 states. Finalist states included Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Oregon, South Carolina and Utah.

Partnering organizations agreed to provide matching scholarship funds to promote online voting. They include Venture Corporation, Clarkson Construction Company, Wildcat Construction, Hamm Inc., TranSystems Corporation, Kansas Contractors Association, HNTB and Heavy Constructors Association of Greater Kansas City.

“While winners in the past have donated their winnings to scholarship funds, we have never before seen a state leverage their America’s Transportation Awards prize money to get matching contributions at this level,” said Maggie Kasperski, AASHTO Director of Communications and Marketing. “It is an innovative and really smart way to inspire and engage the next generation of transportation leaders. AASHTO is excited to be a part of that good news.”

To be eligible, students must –

  • Be a Kansas resident attending a two- or four-year Kansas public higher education institution;
  • Have a college GPA of 3.0 or higher;
  • Be enrolled full-time in a transportation-related program in the spring 2023 semester.

Scholarships for $5,000 are available for juniors or seniors in a four-year program; $2,500 scholarships are available for those in the final year of an associate degree program.

The scholarship application can be downloaded at kansasregents.org/KDOTscholarship and also requires a resume and essay. Deadline for submission is Dec. 1. Email the completed information packet to [email protected] or contact her for more information.

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Government, Kansas

Evergy To Explain Dramatic Increase in Spending Plan on Dec. 13

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KCC schedules public workshop for Evergy to explain dramatic increase in capital spending plan

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has scheduled a workshop on December 13 at 9:30 a.m. to give Evergy officials an opportunity to explain a dramatic increase in the company’s capital expenditure projections. The plan, filed earlier this year, showed an increase of $1.2 billion compared to projections shared when the company presented its Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP) last year.

In an order issued on September 15, the Commission directed Evergy to work with KCC staff and the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB) to schedule the workshop, which will be conducted by Zoom and available for public viewing on the Commission’s YouTube channel. The workshop will also be recorded for later viewing.

During the workshop, Evergy will be asked to explain the necessity and impact of the proposed capital spending and answer questions from KCC Commissioners, Commission Staff and CURB. Prior to the workshop, Evergy is required to file updated and comprehensive financial modeling showing expected retail rate changes resulting from continued increases in capital expenditures. That information must be submitted by December 2.

Evergy is required to file a Capital Investment Plan with the KCC annually. A report filed by Commission Staff in response to the 2022 report expressed concern that the expenditures outlined exceeded those reported in the STP by 21.82%. The 2022 five-year Capital Investment plan was $1 billion higher than the 2021 five-year plan, and this increased spending projection was on top of a previously announced $1 billion increase between Evergy’s 2020 and 2021 five-year plan.

The order is available here.

A recording of the Business Meeting is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Meets To Discuss Wastewater Treatment Plant on Oct. 6

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The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 4:00 p.m.
on Thursday, October 6th, 2022, at City Hall in the City
Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott,
Kansas. This meeting will be held to discuss improvements at the
Wastewater Treatment Plant.
This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel.
This meeting is open to the public.

To view attachement:

specialcommissionmeeting1062022