|
Category Archives: Government
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Weekly Newsletter
Celebrating This Season of Giving Thanks
Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving
Robba and I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving and that the holiday was a blessed one spent with your friends, family and loved ones.
We also want to express our gratitude for the servicemembers, law enforcement, first responders and many others who are serving their country and community this holiday season. We are grateful for their sacrifices and are praying for their safety.
Serving Thanksgiving Meals to Fort Riley Soldiers
This week, I had the honor of serving Thanksgiving meals to Fort Riley soldiers and their families. I am thankful for the men and women at Fort Riley and throughout our armed forces who are serving and sacrificing to protect our nation at home and abroad.
Special thanks to First Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General Niave Knell for inviting me to join her for this special occasion and thanks to chef leader SSG Rodrigo Espana who helped coordinate the Thanksgiving meal for 1,000 soldiers, families and community members.
Read more in the Manhattan Mercury here.
Helping Process Food Donations at Hays Community Center
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to help process food donations at the Hays Community Assistance Center. I appreciate Kansans who generously give groceries to food banks and community centers around the state to help make certain families had a meal on Thanksgiving Day. Thank you to all the volunteers, donors and Director Theresa Hill for giving back to the Hays community.
Thanking Volunteers Packaging Food at Northern Rice County Food Bank
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to thank volunteers helping package food at the Northern Rice County Food Bank in Lyons. The days before Thanksgiving are the busiest time of year for this food bank as they work hard to provide groceries and meals to families across the region.
I was encouraged and humbled by the people who gave their time and donated food to help feed their neighbors. Thank you to Director Robert Johnson for the work he does to organize the food bank and feed Kansas families.
Visiting Horse Solider Monument and 9/11 Memorial
Earlier this week, I visited the Mark Nutsch Horse Soldier Monument and 9/11 Memorial in downtown Washington to honor those who courageously risked their lives serving our country as a part of the Special Forces team known as the “Horse Soldiers” that fought alongside Afghanistan’s Northern Alliance. The newly-added monument recognizes the heroism of Washington native Mark Nutsch. Captain Nutsch was chosen to lead the first unit to go into Afghanistan in response to 9/11 – known as the Task Force Dagger mission.
Growing up on a cattle ranch in Kansas, Captain Mark Nutsch may have never expected he would use the skill of horseback riding during his time serving as a Green Beret in the United States military. However, on October 19, 2001, as part of a mission following the September 11 terrorist attacks, Nutsch and his team of 11 with the 5th Special Forces Group’s Operational Detachment Alpha 595 were ordered into Afghanistan to liberate the region from the Taliban. In this mission, they did not have tanks or trucks – only horses. Each of these soldiers embodied true courage, service and selflessness, playing a critical role in the fight against terrorism.
I want to thank everyone from the Washington area who joined me for this visit. Special thanks to organizer Ron Nutz for his work to coordinate this moving tribute to one of Washington’s finest and the team who rode with him.
Giving Keynote Address at Washington Rotary Club
While in Washington, I also visited the Rotary Club to give the keynote address for their meeting. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss a number of issues and to hear from local residents and community leaders. Civic organizations like the Washington Rotary Club play a vital role in maintaining thriving local communities, and I always enjoy the chance to visit these groups.
I want to thank Club President Ron Nutz for inviting me and for his leadership in these important efforts for the Washington Rotary Club. Thanks as well to all of the local residents from Washington who joined during the holiday week.
Visiting Linn High School
This week, I visited Linn High School to hear from students and faculty members about the opportunities this school provides and the resources offered to make certain young Kansans have a bright future.
The students I met with impressed me with their knowledge, talent and plans after graduation. Thank you to Principal Jeff Edwards for arranging this visit and to each of these students for an excellent tour.
Touring Textron eAviation in Wichita
On Tuesday, I was in Wichita to visit Textron’s recently created eAviation division which focuses on sustainable aircraft for urban air mobility, general aviation, cargo and special mission roles. I appreciated the opportunity to learn how Textron is utilizing assets across its aerospace and defense businesses to develop new opportunities and take advantage of its fixed-wing and rotorcraft expertise in emerging technologies.
As co-chair of the Senate Aerospace Caucus and a member of the Commerce Committee which oversees civil aviation, I will work to make certain that Wichita and Kansas remain leaders in sustainable air mobility. Thanks to Textron eAviation Chief Executive Officer Rob Scholl and his team for an informative tour and conversation. Special thanks to Textron Chairman Scott Donnelly for bringing this important company mission to Wichita.
Courthouse Closed For Luncheon on Nov. 30
The Courthouse will be closed tomorrow, November 30th from 11 am to 1 pm for the annual Bourbon County Employee Holiday luncheon.
The Fort Scott Land Bank Will Meet December 1
|
|
CITY OF FORT SCOTT NEWS RELEASE November 28th , 2022 The Land Bank Advisory Board will hold a special meeting on Thursday, December 1st , 2022 at 4 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.
|
|
|||
Amended Agenda For Bourbon County Commission Meeting Today
The county clerk’s office released an amended agenda for Nov. 29, along with several attachments, which can be seen below.
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: November 29, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Ashley Shelton – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of
individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Terry Sercer – 2021 Audit
• Approval of Accounts Payable
• Ashley Shelton – Emergency Management Position
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Attachments:2021 Communications with Management Letter
2021 Draft Audited Financial statements
2021 Statement 1 and supporting schedules
From the auditor, an attachment:
BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
FORT SCOTT, KANSAS
November 14, 2022
Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs PA
PO Box 469
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
This representation letter is provided in in connection with your audit of the financial statement of Bourbon County, Kansas as of December 31, 2021 and for the year then ended, and the related notes to the financial statement, for the purpose of expressing an opinion as to whether the financial statement is presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with the regulatory basis of accounting as prescribed by the KMAAG (Kansas Municipal Audit and Accounting Guide).
Certain representations in this letter are described as being limited to matters that are material. Items are considered material, regardless of size, if they involve an omission or misstatement of accounting information that, in light of surrounding circumstances, makes it probable that the judgment of a reasonable person relying on the information would be changed or influenced by the omission or misstatement. An omission or misstatement that is monetarily small in amount could be considered material as a result of qualitative factors.
We confirm, to the best of our knowledge and belief, the following representations made to you during your audit.
Financial Statement
- We have fulfilled our responsibilities, as set out in the terms of the audit engagement letter dated May 5, 2022, including our responsibility for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statement and for preparation of the supplementary information in accordance with the applicable criteria.
- The financial statement referred to above is fairly presented in conformity with the regulatory basis of accounting and includes all properly classified funds and other financial information of the government and all related municipal entities required by the regulatory basis of accounting to be included in the financial reporting entity.
- We acknowledge our responsibility for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of a financial statement that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
- We acknowledge our responsibility for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control to prevent and detect fraud.
- Significant assumptions we used in making accounting estimates are reasonable.
- Related party relationships and transactions, including revenues, expenditures/expenses, loans, transfers, leasing arrangements, and guarantees, and amounts from or payable to related parties have been appropriately accounted for and disclosed in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory basis of accounting.
Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs PA Page 2
Fort Scott, Kansas
- Adjustments or disclosures have been made for all events, including instances of noncompliance, subsequent to the date of the financial statements that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the financial statements or in the schedule of findings and questioned costs.
- All events subsequent to the date of the financial statement and for which the regulatory basis of accounting requires adjustment or disclosure have been adjusted or disclosed. No events, including instances of noncompliance, have occurred subsequent to the financial statement date and through the date of this letter that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the aforementioned financial statement or in the schedule of findings and questioned costs.
- The effects of all known actual or possible litigation, claims, and assessments have been accounted for and disclosed in accordance with the regulatory basis of accounting.
- Guarantees, whether written or oral, under which the County is contingently liable, if any, have been properly recorded or disclosed.
Information Provided
- We have provided you with:
- Access to all information, of which we are aware, that is relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statement, such as records, documentation, and other matters and all audit or relevant monitoring reports, if any, received from funding sources.
- Additional information that you have requested from us for the purpose of the audit.
- Unrestricted access to persons within the entity from whom you determined it necessary to obtain audit evidence.
- Minutes of the meetings of the County Commission or summaries of actions or recent meetings for which minutes have not yet been prepared.
- All material transactions have been recorded in the accounting records and are reflected in the financial statement and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards.
- We have disclosed to you the results of our assessment of the risk that the financial statement may be materially misstated as a result of fraud.
- We have no knowledge of any fraud or suspected fraud that affects the entity and involves:
- Management,
- Employees who have significant roles in internal control, or
- Others where the fraud could have a material effect on the financial statement.
- We have no knowledge of any allegations of fraud or suspected fraud affecting the entity’s financial statement communicated by employees, former employees, regulators, or others.
Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs PA Page 3
Fort Scott, Kansas
- We have no knowledge of instances of noncompliance or suspected noncompliance with provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, or grant agreements, or abuse, whose effects should be considered when preparing financial statements.
- We have disclosed to you all known actual or possible litigation, claims, and assessments whose effects should be considered when preparing the financial statement.
- We have disclosed to you the identity of the entity’s related parties and all the related party relationships and transactions of which we are aware.
Government—specific
- There have been no communications from regulatory agencies concerning noncompliance with, or deficiencies in, financial reporting practices.
- We have taken timely and appropriate steps to remedy fraud, noncompliance with provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements, or abuse that you have reported to us.
- We have a process to track the status of audit findings and recommendations.
- We have identified to you any previous audits, attestation engagements, and other studies related to the audit objectives and whether related recommendations have been implemented.
- We have provided our views on reported findings, conclusions, and recommendations, as well as our planned corrective actions, for the report.
- The County has no plans or intentions that may materially affect the carrying value or classification of the financial statement.
- We are responsible for compliance with the laws, regulations, and provisions of contracts and grant agreements applicable to us, including tax or debt limits and debt contracts; and we have identified and disclosed to you all laws, regulations and provisions of contracts and grant agreements that we believe have a direct and material effect on the determination of financial statement amounts or other financial data significant to the audit objectives, including legal and contractual provisions for reporting specific activities in separate funds.
- We have identified and disclosed to you all instances that have occurred or are likely to have occurred, of fraud and noncompliance with provisions of laws and regulations that we believe have a material effect on the financial statements or other financial data significant to the audit objectives, and any other instances that warrant the attention of those charged with governance.
- We have identified and disclosed to you all instances, which have occurred or are likely to have occurred, of noncompliance with provisions of contracts and grant agreements that we believe have a material effect on the determination of financial statement amounts or other financial data significant to the audit objectives.
Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs PA Page 4
Fort Scott, Kansas
- We have identified and disclosed to you all instances that have occurred or are likely to have occurred, of abuse that could be quantitatively or qualitatively material to the financial statements or other financial data significant to the audit objectives.
- There are no violations or possible violations of budget ordinances, laws and regulations (including those pertaining to adopting, approving, and amending budgets), provisions of contracts and grant agreements, tax or debt limits, and any related debt covenants whose effects should be considered for disclosure in the financial statements, or as a basis for recording a loss contingency, or for reporting on noncompliance.
- As part of your audit, you assisted with preparation of the financial statement and related notes and schedule of expenditures of federal awards. We have designated an individual with suitable skill, knowledge, or experience to oversee your services and have assumed all management responsibilities. We have reviewed, approved, and accepted responsibility for the financial statement and related notes and schedule of expenditures of federal awards.
- The County has satisfactory title to all owned assets, and there are no liens or encumbrances on such assets nor has any asset been pledged as collateral except as disclosed in the financial statements.
- The County has complied with all aspects of contractual agreements that would have a material effect on the financial statement in the event of noncompliance.
- We have followed all applicable laws and regulations in adopting, approving, and amending budgets.
- The financial statement includes all related municipal entities, and properly disclose other related organizations.
- The financial statement properly classifies all funds and activities.
- Investments are properly valued.
- Expenses have been appropriately classified in the financial statement.
- Revenues are appropriately classified in the financial statement.
- Interfund, internal, and intra-entity activity and balances have been classified and reported.
- Deposits and investment securities are properly classified as to risk and are properly disclosed.
- We acknowledge our responsibility for the regulatory-required supplementary information (RRSI). The RRSI is measured and presented within prescribed guidelines and the methods of measurement and presentation have not changed from those used in the prior period. We have disclosed to you any significant assumptions and interpretations underlying the measurement and presentation of the RRSI.
Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs PA Page 5
Fort Scott, Kansas
- With respect to the Summary of Expenditures – Actual and Budget, Regulatory Basis, the Schedules of Receipts and Expenditures – Actual and Budget, Regulatory Basis, and the Schedule of Receipts and Disbursements, Agency Funds, Regulatory Basis (RRSI) and the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards:
- We acknowledge our responsibility for presenting the supplementary information in accordance with the regulatory basis of accounting, and we believe the Schedules are fairly presented in accordance with the regulatory basis of accounting. The methods of measurement and presentation of the Schedules have not changed from those used in the prior period, and we have disclosed to you any significant assumptions or interpretations underlying the measurement and presentation of the supplementary information.
- If the Regulatory-Required Supplemental Schedules are not presented with the audited financial statement, we will make the audited financial statement readily available to the intended users of the supplementary information no later than the date we issue the supplementary information and the auditor’s report thereon.
- With respect to federal award programs:
-
- We are responsible for understanding and complying with and have complied with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), including requirements relating to preparation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards.
- We acknowledge our responsibility for presenting the schedule of expenditures of federal awards (SEFA) and related notes in accordance with the requirements of Uniform Guidance, and we believe the SEFA, including its form and content, is fairly presented in accordance with Uniform Guidance. The methods of measurement or presentation of the SEFA have not changed from those used in the prior period and we have disclosed to you any significant assumptions and interpretations underlying the measurement or presentation of the SEFA.
- If the SEFA is not presented with the audited financial statement, we will make the audited financial statement readily available to the intended users of the SEFA no later than the date we issue the SEFA and the auditor’s report thereon.
- We have identified and disclosed to you all of our government programs and related activities subject to Uniform Guidance compliance audit, and have included in the SEFA, expenditures made during the audit period for all awards provided by federal agencies in the form of federal awards, , federal cost-reimbursement contracts, loans, loan guarantees, property (including donated surplus property), cooperative agreements, interest subsidies, insurance, food commodities, direct appropriations, and other direct assistance.
- We are responsible for understanding and complying with, and have complied with, the requirements of laws, regulations, and the provisions of contracts and grant agreements related to each of our federal programs and have identified and disclosed to you the requirements of laws, regulations, and the provisions of contracts and grant agreements that are considered to have a direct and material effect on each major program.
Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs PA Page 6
Fort Scott, Kansas
- We are responsible for establishing and maintaining, and have established and maintained, effective internal control over compliance requirements applicable to federal programs that provides reasonable assurance that we are managing our federal awards in compliance with laws, regulations, and the provisions of contracts and grant agreements that could have a material effect on our federal programs. We believe the internal control system is adequate and is functioning as intended.
- We have made available to you all contracts and grant agreements (including amendments, if any) and any other correspondence with federal agencies or pass-through entities relevant to federal programs and related activities.
- We have received no requests from a federal agency to audit one or more specific programs as a major program.
- We have complied with the direct and material compliance requirements (except for noncompliance disclosed to you), including when applicable, those set forth in the OMB Compliance Supplement, relating to federal awards and have identified and disclosed to you all amounts questioned and all known noncompliance with the direct and material compliance requirements of federal awards or confirm that there were no amounts questions and no known noncompliance with the direct and material compliance requirements of federal awards.
- We have disclosed any communications from grantors and pass-through entities concerning possible noncompliance with the direct and material compliance requirements, including communications received from the end of the period covered by the compliance audit to the date of the auditor’s report.
- We have disclosed to you the findings received and related corrective actions taken for previous audits, attestation engagements, and internal or external monitoring that directly related to the objectives of the compliance audit, including findings received and corrective actions taken from the end of the period covered by the compliance audit to the date of the auditor’s report.
- Amounts claimed or used for matching were determined in accordance with relevant guidelines in OMB’s Uniform Guidance (2 CFR part 200, subpart E) and OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments, if applicable.
- We have disclosed to you our interpretation of compliance requirements that may have varying interpretations.
- We have made available to you all documentation related to compliance with the direct material compliance requirements, including information related to federal program financial reports and claims for advances and reimbursements.
- We have disclosed to you the nature of any subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the end of the reporting period affecting noncompliance during the reporting period.
- There are no such known instances of noncompliance with direct and material compliance requirements that occurred subsequent to the period covered by the auditor’s report.
- No changes have been made in internal control over compliance or other factors that might significantly affect internal control, including any corrective action we have taken regarding significant deficiencies in internal control over compliance (including material weaknesses in internal control over compliance), have occurred subsequent to the date as of which compliance was audited.
- Federal program financial reports and claims for advances and reimbursements are supported by the books and records from which the financial statements have been prepared.
Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs P.A. Page 7
Fort Scott, Kansas
- The copies of federal program financial reports provided you are true copies of the reports submitted, or electronically transmitted, to the respective federal agency or pass-through entity, as applicable.
- We have charged costs to federal awards in accordance with applicable cost principles.
- We are responsible for and have accurately prepared the summary schedule of prior audit findings to include all findings required to be included by the Uniform Guidance, and we have provided you with all information on the status of the follow-up on prior audit findings by federal awarding agencies and pass-through entities, including all management decisions.
- We are responsible for and have accurately prepared the auditee section of the Data Collection Form as required by the Uniform Guidance.
- We are responsible for taking corrective action on each audit finding of the compliance audit and have developed a corrective action plan that meets the requirements of the Uniform Guidance.
Signed:
County Clerk
Signed:
County Treasurer
Signed:
Chairman – County Commission
The Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Nov. 15
The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Nov. 29
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: November 29, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Ashley Shelton – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of
individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Approval of Accounts Payable
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
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.
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Congratulating Kansas Suppliers for Historic Launch of NASA’s Artemis I
Early Wednesday morning, NASA’s Artemis I launched from the Kennedy Space Center. I want to congratulate NASA and the suppliers across Kansas that helped make this mission a success. As the top appropriator for NASA, I have spent the last several years traveling to NASA suppliers across Kansas and the nation that have spent years working to advance the Artemis Mission. I also had the opportunity to host then-NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in Kansas in 2018 and 2019. Earlier this summer, I hosted NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in Kansas. To see the successful launch from the Kennedy Space Center was humbling knowing the dedication and talent that was years in the making to reach this accomplishment. Sixteen suppliers across Kansas helped make this mission a success and many more will be involved in the years to come.
This week marked a new era for our nation’s space program. I look forward to continuing to support this important mission and to see firsthand the benefits that will stem from this new exciting era of space exploration.
For the full list of Kansas suppliers that contributed to the Artemis I mission, click here.
Meeting with Harvesters
On Thursday, I met with Karen Siebert, an advocacy and public policy advisor for Harvesters–The Community Food Network and Association of Kansas Food Banks. We discussed the increased need for food assistance as many individuals in our communities are facing food insecurity. As inflation continues to climb higher, the rising cost of food creates an increased burden on many Kansas families. As co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus and a member of the Senate Subcommittee on Agriculture Appropriations, I have supported investments in federal nutrition programs such as the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to provide food and basic commodities to help those in need.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to thank those who are volunteering or donating items to a local food bank. If you are able, I encourage Kansans to donate food to help those in need this Thanksgiving. To find a local food bank in Kansas, click here.
Veterans’ Affairs Hearing on PACT Act Implementation
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held an oversight hearing with witnesses from the Department of Veterans Affairs on the implementation of the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act. The PACT Act is the largest expansion of veterans’ health care and benefits in the VA’s history. As the VA works to fulfill this legislation’s promise to deliver long-overdue care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans, from those exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam to those exposed to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is essential that Congress makes certain the VA is following the law and connecting the right veterans with the right care and benefits at the right time.
I remain concerned about the operational impact this legislation could have on the VA and will continue to work with the department, and my colleagues in Congress, to make certain that the VA is making full use of all the tools at its disposal to best serve veterans – both those enrolling for care or applying for benefits for the first time and those already in the system, as well as their survivors.
I encourage veterans and survivors in Kansas who think they may be eligible for care or benefits to call 1-800MyVA411 or visit www.va.gov/PACT to connect with people who can provide assistance in enrolling in VA care or filing a claim for benefits.
Meeting with General Rainey
This week, I met with General Joseph Rainey, the new commander of Army Futures Command. General Rainey was previously the Commanding General of the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, and I appreciated the opportunity to see him again and speak with him about this new role. We discussed his new position at Army Futures Command – a command with the mission of helping the Army modernize and field the Army of 2030. We also spoke about how Kansas can continue to help the Army meet its modernization priorities.
I look forward to working with General Rainey in this mission. I also look forward to him joining me in Kansas to witness firsthand the collaboration that exists between industry, academic and the Department of Defense to highlight the opportunities for innovation and partnership in our great state. Thank you to General Rainey for his work in this important mission.
Making Certain Kansans Have Access to Broadband Services
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a draft of new broadband deployment maps that show where broadband coverage exists in the U.S. and where it does not. This is an important first step to identifying where federal resources are most needed and is the result of years of work between Congress and the FCC. In 2019, I sponsored the Broadband DATA Act, which required the FCC to create accurate maps using data from broadband providers and required the FCC to implement a process by which consumers and other stakeholders could challenge the accuracy of the maps.
Many areas of Kansas still do not have access to basic broadband services, a modern necessity for business, education and health care. Next year, the final version of these maps will be used to allocate broadband deployment funding, so it is critical these maps are accurate. I encourage Kansans to review their home and business locations to ensure accurate information is displayed, to make certain the federal government is efficiently and effectively providing resources to connect people in our state.
Meeting with Kansas Soybean Commission
Thank you to members of the Kansas Soybean Commission for meeting with me this week to discuss issues impacting Kansas agriculture and the renewable fuels industry. During our meeting we spoke about the importance of the biodiesel tax credit for the soybean industry as well as the Renewable Fuel Standard and the importance of continuing to support sustainable growth in clean fuels.
I want to thank Kansas Soybean Association CEO Kaleb Little of Topeka, Kansas Soybean Association Director of Field Services Dennis Hupe of Topeka, Dennis Gruenbacher of Andale and Bob Haselwood of Berryton for meeting with me and for their updates regarding this vital industry for our state.
Finland Foreign Affairs Committee Meeting
On Thursday, I met with members of the Finland Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss shared concerns regarding European security, focusing on Russian aggression in Ukraine. They were grateful for America’s ongoing support, and I appreciated knowing their belief that Europeans can and should be doing more to contribute to Ukraine’s defense. It is important for our allies to turn that belief into reality. It also is important for Finland to be approved by Hungary and Turkey to join NATO. The Senate voted overwhelmingly this past summer to welcome Finland and Sweden into the alliance. The Finnish people have long been reliable partners to the United States, and bringing them into the NATO alliance will serve to deter further Russian aggression. I want to thank my colleagues Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Senator Jon Tester of Montana for their work to make this conversation possible.
Banking Committee Hearing
During a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Tuesday, I questioned the Federal Insurance Deposit Commission (FDIC) Acting Chairman Marty Gruenberg regarding his decision to roll back banks’ supervisory appeals process without public notice or comment. Providing a fair and effective supervisory examination process for banks is essential to maintaining a healthy and transparent financial system. I also questioned him on certain regulatory conditions that hurt community banks’ ability to access funding from Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs), which provide crucial liquidity for the housing market. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, I will continue to work towards the fair supervision of banks and sustaining the liquidity of the FHLBs.
|
||||||||||
|
Bourbon County Commission Meets At Noon Today at the Empress Event Center
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: November 22, 2022
1st District-Nelson Blythe
2nd District-Jim Harris
3rd District-Clifton Beth
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
A work session with the county and city commissioners will be held at noon today at the Empress Event Center. Multiple topics will be discussed but no action will be taken. This meeting is open to the public.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Nov. 22
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: November 22, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Approval of Accounts Payable
• Courtney Goucher – Itemized Receipts
• Section 1 Handbook – Discussion of Approval
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
The attachment is the handbook:
Section 1 Handbook
FSCC Board of Trustees Agenda For Nov. 21
Please note that the location is different than usual. Nurse pinning is being held in Ellis right before when we would usually meet, so we’ll have dinner and the meeting in the Fine Arts Center meeting rooms directly after pinning.
November 21, 2022
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on
Monday, November 21, 2022. The meeting will be held in Ellis Fine Arts Center meeting
rooms at Fort Scott Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in Ellis Fine Arts Center meeting rooms at the conclusion of Nurse
Pinning, followed by regular board meeting at approximately, but not before,
5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Audit Report – Terry Sercer
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on October 17, 2022, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 9
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 67
REPORTS, 70
A. Administrative Updates, 71
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 88
ADJOURNMENT, 891
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• November 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• November 23-25, 2022: Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• December 12, 2022: Board Meeting
• December 15, 2022 – January 4, 2023: Christmas Break, Campus Closed
• January 16, 2023: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Campus Closed
• January 23, 2023: Board Meeting
• February 20, 2023: Board Meeting
• March 13 – 17, 2023: Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 20, 2023: Board Meeting
• March 24, 2023: Aggie Day
• April 7, 2023: Good Friday, Campus Closed
• April 17, 2023: Board Meeting
• May 13, 2023: Graduation
• May 15, 2023: Board Meeting
• June 19, 2023: Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2
ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Robert Nelson3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. AUDIT REPORT – TERRY SERCER4
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on October
17, 2022.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Separations
a) Janet Fancher, VP of Student Services, effective December 31, 2022
b) Lillie Grubb, Director of Financial Aid, effective December 31, 2022
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson5
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
October 17, 2022
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was
opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
NEW EMPLOYEE INTRODUCTIONS: New employees Cali Griffin, Kaylena Andersen, Jaelen Milus, Tyler
Long, Shane Kern, Michael Clark, Tommy Myers, Deborah Hyland, Kaley Binford, and Jared Dorsey introduced
themselves.
ASSESSMENT UPDATE: Sonia Gugnani and Adam Borth updated the Board on FSCC’s assessment practices.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was by made by Elliott, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the
esthetician program and support submission of the program to the Kansas Board of Regents.
B. A motion was by made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the bid
from Rouse Sheet Metal, Inc. for the Arnold Arena HVAC project with the stipulation that once the
electrical expenses are added, the total project does not exceed $200,000.
C. A motion was by made by Holt, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the
purchase of a replacement network switch and additional expansion modules from CDW-G.
A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to rescind the previous
motion and approval for CDW bid.
D. A motion was by made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by a 4-0 vote to appoint Bryan Holt as
FSCC’s representative to Bourbon County REDI. Holt abstained.
REPORTS:
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from Workforce Development,
Instruction, Finance and Operations, Athletics, Student Affairs, Student Services, and the President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
7:20 p.m. by Nelson, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk6
7
City/County Commission Meet on Nov. 22 At Empress Center
There will be a meeting of the City Commission and County Commission on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 12:00 PM. It will be held at the Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701. This meeting is open to the public.