Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Forward Meeting on June 24 at 5:30 p.m.

Leave a comment

Fort Scott Forward is being moved to a new day and time. After surveying residents, the monthly meeting will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM at the River Room Event Center, 3 W. Oak St. Dave Lipe, proprietor of Sharky’s Pub & Grub, Luther’s BBQ, and the River Room Event Center has donated the use of the space for this event. All are welcome to attend, and refreshments will be provided.

The next Fort Scott Forward event will be held on Thursday, June 24th at 5:30 PM. The topics to be covered at this meeting will be a street improvement update, a City budget update and an overview of Codes processes.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 8

Leave a comment

June 8, 2021                                       Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

 

Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Susan Bancroft, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Mark McCoy, Angel Wilson, Anne Dare, Donnie Coffman, Ryan Coon, Robert Coon and John Coon.

 

Justin Meeks asked the Commissioners to amend the agenda for a 20 minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel to discuss a new hire.  Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to have a 20 minute executive session, Jim seconded and all approved.  Clifton made a motion to have a 20 minute executive session to discuss KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy (job performance), the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:23 am, Jim seconded and all approved.   At 9:23, Clifton made a motion to resume the meeting and said no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve last week’s minutes, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey presented a culvert application for 2485 Locust Road; Lynne made a motion to approve the culvert permit, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Eric said he had a few individuals approach him requesting dust control, he said they filled out the permit that is posted on the County website (which states there is a fee), but said they said they hadn’t been charged for the dust control previously.  The fee is $1.50/linear foot.  Jim Harris said they would have been charged, but said they didn’t charge for dust control on roads approaching or near quarries.  The Commissioners said people wanting dust control needed to fill out the permit and that Eric should proceed with charging for the dust control.

 

Eric said they needed to build the road salt inventory; the Commissioners were ok with this.

 

Eric said the new miner training had been completed (MSHAW training).

 

Eric said the pilot light had gone out on the oil burner for the asphalt; he said they have called an electrician to fix this and will then do work in Hiattville and then on 250th.

 

Eric said they would be going to Arkansas on Wednesday to pick up the truck they had recently purchased.

 

Windfarm update: Eric said Jayhawk Wind is still working on private access roads.  He said he had received a text message recently regarding rock spilled on Highway 3, he said the truck driver had turned and lost about 3 five-gallon buckets of rock; he said within 10 minutes Jayhawk Wind had swept the rock from the road.  Eric said that Jayhawk Wind didn’t know if they would have excess dirt until towards the end of the project.

 

Lynne said he would report to Eric of an individual that wants gravel and tree trimming done on a dead-end road.

 

Justin Meeks asked that a road closure from KDOT for Highway 7 & 180th street be placed on next Tuesday’s agenda.

 

Lynne made a motion to approve the 2021 firework permits in Fort Scott for the following locations: Jake’s Fireworks @ Wall and Goodlander, Jake’s Fireworks at 2221 S. Main St., Jubilee Fireworks, LLC @ 2420 S. Main and Hale Fireworks, LLC @ 2409 S. Main, Clifton seconded and all approved and Lynne signed the permits.

 

Emergency Manager William Wallis met with the Commissioners to present his 2022 budget requests; for the Emergency Management Performance grant he received $17,814 in 2021 and budgeted to receive $18,000 in 2022.  For Emergency Preparedness he requested $59,739 in 2022, compared to the $57,739 he received in 2021; he said the requested increase is due to training exercises, traveling and supplies.

 

Michael Braim met with the Commissioners regarding Bourbon County Attorney, Jacqie Spradling; he said that Jacqie is liability to our County and said when prosecutors create misconduct and lets criminals walk free it is a liability for our safety and our town.  He said there is no insurance policy to cover when these lawsuits happen, but said it comes out of taxpayer’s dollars.  He said he had consulted lawyers; one of which directed him to the Beatrice 5, in Beatrice, Nebraska.  He said there was prosecutor misconduct which caused 5 people to get off and they sued which cost Beatrice $23 million.  He said that every case that comes through here now while she is prosecuting is suspect.  He said she is an elected official and there isn’t a lot the Commissioners can do.  He asked the Commissioners to have a vote of no confidence.  He said they can ask for a resignation.  He questioned why we are paying her a lot of money to possibly screw this up, he said they could possibly reduce her pay to encourage this to move along. He said there is a lot of public out-cry for this woman to be gone.  He said she was first appointed to this position and then ran unopposed the next time.  He asked why she is hiring special prosecutors.  He said she resigned in Allen County.  He questioned her picking James Braun, (Justin said they couldn’t discuss non-elected personnel.  Mr. Braim said we can’t afford this and hoped the Commissioners did the right thing.  Justin said he was instructed yesterday to follow up on this; he said there are 54 jury trials pending in Bourbon County, he said there should be some comfort that they haven’t happened yet.  Justin suggested that the Commissioners pend any action for a week.  The Commissioners asked that this be scheduled again on the June 15th agenda.  Justin warned the Commissioners to not string meeting (talking to more than one Commissioner in private about the same issue).  Justin said that if Jacqie were to no longer be the County Attorney the Republican party would select her replacement to fill the unexpired term.  Justin said an elected official can run their department as they see fit.  Anne Dare questioned her position being salaried and only being in Bourbon County a few times a month; Justin said the Bourbon County Attorney makes $51,000 yearly and the average salary for an attorney is $65-$70/hour, he said the Bourbon County Attorney is paid well under the average.  Anne Dare said when you look at the court docket the Assistant County Attorney is listed more often than the County Attorney for coming to court.  Justin said there is a high probability that we will have a new County Attorney in the future.  Mr. Walker said that Kansas Statute doesn’t require the County Attorney to be resident of the County they are elected in.  Mr. Braim questioned the cost to have a recall election, but others felt it would be better to just ride this out.  Justin said that Jacqie still has a license to practice law in Kansas.  Robert Coon said the panel has given the opinion of misconduct.  Clifton said the Commissioners hands are tied.  The Commissioners were reluctant to do anything and said by doing anything this could add more liability.

 

Lynne made a motion to sign the sewer bond documents, (tax certificate & Exhibit B -receipt for purchase price), Jim Seconded and all approved.  Jim made a motion to allow Lynne to sign the documents, Clifton seconded and all approved and Lynne signed the documents.

 

County Counselor Comment: Justin said they have stopped filing any new tax sale cases, he said there would be 100 cases for the first tax sale.  Justin said social media can be a problem when it comes to getting the truth of a matter, he said that opinions are great, but suggested maybe having someone as a fact checker on Facebook to say what has happened; the Commissioners asked that this be placed on the agenda next week for discussion.

 

Jim Harris asked Justin if they were making progress with the tower, Justin said they were going to use trucks to get the dishes off the tower to use the tower for internet.

 

Justin said he was meeting with Mr. Farmer this week regarding KDOT road issues south of town, he said they would also be talking about the sewer district.

 

Justin said he is dealing with the Secretary of State’s office regarding petition signatures required on a petition.

 

Justin said he has a cemetery issue he is working on and is dealing with old law, he said there are questions on how the boards are set up and how the budgets are done.  He said Susan Bancroft had volunteered to help with this cemetery issue.

 

Clifton made a motion to allow Jim to help Eric with soybean issues at the Landfill, Lynne seconded and all approved.

 

Justin said since they had an executive session, he will be talking with the chairman to make sure he has everything he needs.

 

Public Comment: Denise Duncan met with the Commissioners.  She presented a farm winery permit for the Kansas Department of Revenue Alcoholic Beverage Control for Vinedo del Alamo at 2304 Poplar Road.  She asked that the Commissioners approve Kendell Mason to sign the permit.  They have had a permit, but have expanded the winery plan to the next barn.  She said they first planted the vines in 2011 and opened in 2015.  She discussed the traffic in the area and said that Poplar Road is the only feeder road that isn’t a paved road, and said she thought it would be a good road to pave.  Lynne made a motion to allow Kendell to sign the permit, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Susan Bancroft met with the Commissioners: she said Clifton had asked for a wage schedule, so she provided this.

 

Lynne said that Eric Bailey was losing some key employees and said they had discussions over having progressive wages, Lynne said Eric was willing to give up a position to do this.  Justin gave the Commissioners salary comparisons from other Counties (from 2017) and gave them data on the declining population.  He said the valuation is going up.

 

Justin complimented KDOT on their road project (Highway 69).

 

There was a brief discussion regarding the County budget timeline and the new RNR enacted.

 

Commissioner Comment: Regarding the budget and mill levy- Clifton said they had talked about having townhall meetings to find out what people want and what they want to fund and said they need to start this process.  Susan volunteered to be a facilitator for these meetings and will get the meetings set up.

 

At 10:44, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

June 15, 2021, Approved Date

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for June 22

Leave a comment

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: June 22, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

    MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM.

 

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
  • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
  • Bourbon County Soil Conservation District 2022 Budget Review
  • Wallstreet Group Insurance – Cassie Laemmli, Health Insurance Presentation
  • Assured Partners – Health Insurance Presentation
  • Commission to Review Fireworks Permits
  • Kendell Mason – Annual Statements
  • Michael Clancy – Reodry USA – Inspection of Courthouse Foundation for Free
  • Will Wallis – Termination of County Declaration
  • Bill Martin – Sheriff’s 2022 Budget Review
  • Elected Officials Comment
  • County Counselor Comment
  • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
  • Donation to Kansas Road Trip
    • 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.

Government, Kansas

Child Tax Credit: American Rescue Plan

Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly Encourages Families to Register for Monthly Child Tax Credit with New Online Tool

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today encouraged Kansas families who normally aren’t required to file an income tax return to use a new online tool to quickly register for the expanded Child Tax Credit under the American Rescue Plan.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service announced this week that the new Non-filer Sign-up Tool for people who did not file an income tax return for 2019 or 2020 and did not use the IRS Non-filers tool last year to register for Economic Impact Payments is now available through IRS.gov.

“Businesses are open, unemployment is back to pre-pandemic lows, and Kansas’ economy gets stronger every day – but we know that many families still need support,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I encourage all Kansans who qualify to use this new online tool to quickly and easily register for Child Tax Credit payments – and to spread the word about the new tool in their communities.”

This tool, an update of last year’s IRS Non-filers tool, is also designed to help eligible individuals who don’t normally file income tax returns register for the $1,400 third round of Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of Economic Impact Payments they may have missed.

Learn more about the Non-filer Sign-up Tool here.

Government, Kansas

Noxious Weeds: Permanent Quarantine Hearing June 30

Leave a comment

Hearing for Proposed Permanent Quarantine of Federal Noxious Weeds

MANHATTAN, Kansas — A public hearing will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at the Kansas Department of Agriculture, 1320 Research Park Dr. in Manhattan, regarding the issuance of a permanent statewide quarantine of weed species that have been designated noxious by federal regulation. The proposed quarantine would replace KDA’s existing Federal Noxious Weed Quarantine, which is expiring, and would prohibit all movement of items regulated pursuant to the quarantine into or within the state of Kansas.

All interested persons may attend the hearing in person or appear by counsel and will have the opportunity to express comments orally, in writing, or both. A copy of the proposed quarantine may be accessed on KDA’s website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment. Written comments and requests for information concerning the proposed quarantine can be shared on that website, or sent to Jeff Vogel, KDA plant protection and weed control program manager, at [email protected] or 1320 Research Park Dr., Manhattan, KS  66502.

Any individual with a disability may request accommodations in order to participate in the public hearing and may request a copy of the quarantine in an accessible format. Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least five working days prior to the hearing. For more information, including special accommodations or a copy of the regulations, please contact Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or [email protected].

###

WHAT:          Public hearing on proposed permanent quarantine

WHEN:         10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021

WHERE:       Kansas Department of Agriculture

1320 Research Park Dr., Manhattan, Kansas

Hearing for Proposed Permanent Quarantine of Federal Noxious Weeds.pdf

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

COVID Testing in Adult Care Facilities Ordered

1 Comment

Governor Laura Kelly Directs Kansas Department of Health and Environment to Require COVID-19 Testing in Adult Care Facilities

~Order introduced to prevent future spread of COVID-19 in adult care facilities~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly directed the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Dr. Lee Norman, to issue an order requiring COVID-19 testing in all adult care facilities statewide beginning today, June 18. State-licensed adult care facilities were no longer required to continue COVID-19 testing for staff or residents following the expiration of the state’s disaster declaration.

“We have a responsibility to protect Kansans most vulnerable to COVID-19 – and that includes those working and living in adult care homes, which have been some of the hardest-hit populations,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While we work to get Kansans vaccinated – we’ll continue to take these commonsense measures to keep our communities safe and healthy.”

The State Health Officer has the authority to issue health orders as medically necessary under K.S.A. 65-101 and 65-128. Under this order, vaccinated staff members at adult care facilities will not be required to get tested. The state strongly encourages all employees to get vaccinated to ensure the health and safety of all individuals.

“This order ensures that vulnerable populations in Kansas’ adult care facilities continue to receive the testing needed to continue combatting COVID-19,” KDHE Secretary Norman said.

The health order will align testing protocols for adult care facilities that fall under state jurisdiction with facilities regulated by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines. This order has no effect on facility visitation policies.

“Screening, testing, vaccination and good infection control all remain critical to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “Dr. Norman’s order is important to maintain the health and wellbeing of residents and other staff members who work in long-term care and the tremendous progress we’ve made in reducing the number of people sick with COVID-19 and the number of facilities with active outbreaks.”

The order will be effective immediately and will remain in effect until otherwise modified or rescinded. Read the full order here.

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Board Agenda for June 21

Leave a comment

June 21, 2021
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,
June 21, 2021.

The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott Community College.

5:30 p.m. Dinner at 5:00 followed by regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.

THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on May 17, 2021,
6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 7
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 54
A. Approval of Property/Casualty/Auto/Excess Liability Insurance, 54
B. Consideration of 2021-22 Meeting Dates, 57
C. Approval of Tentative Memorandum of Agreement with FSCAPE, 58
D. Consideration of KASB Worker’s Compensation Member Participation Premium
Agreement and Loyalty Credit Program Agreement, 60
E. Consideration of Mercy Amended Lease for Student Housing, 66
F. Consideration of Proposed Continuation Agreement Between Iowa Department of Education and Fort Scott Community College, 69
G. Discussion of Fort Lincoln School Rock Fossils, 70
H. Consideration of Apartment Flooring Bids, 71
I. Consideration of Apartment Painting Bids, 76
J. Approval of CAMP Laptop Purchase, 81
K. Approval of Consortium Memberships and Dues, 82

ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 84

REPORTS, 85A. Administrative Updates,

86
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 94
ADJOURNMENT, 95
1
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• June 21, 2021: Board Meeting
• August 9-11, 2021: In-Service
• August 12, 2021: Fall Semester Begins
• September 6, 2021: Labor Day, Campus Closed
• October 18, 2021: Math Relays
• November 22 – 26, 2021: Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• November 30, 2021: Graduate Assessment Exam
• December 7 – 10, 2021: Finals
• December 17, 2021 – January 4, 2022 Christmas Break, Campus Closed
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
_____ Bill Meyer
_____ Robert Nelson
3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
4
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA CONSENT AGENDA

B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on May 17,
2021.

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) Additions
a) Jason Middleton, Assistant Baseball Coach, effective May 26, 2021
b) Sean Moore, Assistant Baseball Coach, effective June 1, 2021
c) Richard Embry, Resident Assistant, effective June 1, 2021
d) Keith Willis-Auger, Resident Assistant, effective June 1, 2021
e) Dalton Brown, Resident Assistant, effective June 1, 2021
f) Kyle Pugh, Resident Assistant, effective June 2, 2021
g) John Horton, Assistant Track Coach, effective June 15, 2021
h) Gunnard Twyner, Assistant Football Coach, effective June 1, 2021
i) Chris Larsen, Lead IT Technician, effective June 7, 2021
j) Kelly Davis, Assistant Football Coach, effective July 1, 2021
k) Marivel Chavez, MEP OSY/K12 Advocate, effective July 1, 2021
l) Adriana Holguin, MEP OSY/K12 Advocate, effective July 1, 2021
m) Magdalena Rosales, MEP OSY/K12 Advocate, effective July 1, 2021
n) Tino Rosales, MEP OSY/K12 Recruiter/Advocate, effective July 1, 2021

2) Transfers
a) Jake Harvey, from Assistant Baseball Coach to Financial Aid Coordinator, effective July 1, 2021

3) Separations
a) Mark Emerson, Assistant Track Coach, effective May 15, 2021
b) Caitlyn Wiswell, Assistant Rodeo Coach, effective May 15, 2021
c) Gonzalo Gonzalez, Assistant Baseball Coach, effective May 31, 2021
d) Sean Davidson, Assistant Football Coach, effective June 4, 2021
e) Michael Page, Custodian, effective June 4, 2021

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved
as presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Meyer Nelson
5

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Board Minutes of May 17

Leave a comment

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
May 17, 2021
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Dave Elliott, Kirk Hart, Bill Meyer, and Robert Nelson (via Zoom)
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, and staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was opened
with the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Bartelsmeyer praised the maintenance and custodial crews at FSCC,
noting they are often behind the scenes but big contributors to the success of FSCC. “They’re not mentioned enough.
Thank you.”

CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve
the consent agenda.

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the COVID\ mitigation recommendation of FSCC’s COVID committee with the intent to amend for a provision for students and/or employees in settings that require a mask.
B. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of Zoom Room equipment from SKC for $114,391.46.
C. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of a mini excavator from OT Truck & Tractor Sales for $30,900.

ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of correspondence.

REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Miami County Campus,
Student Services, Athletics, Instruction, Finance and Operations, and the President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:28
p.m. by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.

Government, Kansas

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lake Due to Blue-Green Algae

Leave a comment

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

 

Active Advisories

Warning

Marion County Lake, Marion County (upgraded 6/17)

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (new)

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Lake, Saline County

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (new)

 

Watch

Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County

South Lake, Johnson County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County (new)

 

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

 

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid

direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.

  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

If you observe a scum, a paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments, or the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

Government, K-State Extension

Reunification Month For Families

1 Comment

Governor Laura Kelly Signs Proclamation Recognizing Reunification Month

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that, to recognize Kansans’ continuous efforts to strengthen families and communities, she has proclaimed June as Reunification Month in Kansas.

“All Kansas kids deserve a permanent, loving home,” Governor Kelly said. “This Reunification Month, I ask Kansans to join me in thanking our welfare agencies, courts, schools, businesses, individuals, and all those who put in the work to reunite the children in our foster care systems with their families.”

The proclamation states that reunification with their family is the preferred outcome for children placed in foster care. The care, love, security, and stability of a family unity provides a solid foundation for personal growth, development, and maturity.

From July 2020 to April 2021, 1,516 children were successfully reunified with their families in Kansas.

The proclamation reads:

“TO THE PEOPLE OF KANSAS, GREETINGS:

WHEREAS, reunification with family is the preferred outcome for children removed from their homes and placed in foster care; and

WHEREAS, for most children in foster care, reunification with their family is their best option for a permanent and loving home; and

WHEREAS, from July 2020 to April 2021, 1,516 children were successfully reunified with their families in Kansas; and

WHEREAS, all children need the care, love, security, and stability of family unity – including parents or guardians, siblings, grandparents, and/or other extended family members – to provide a solid foundation for personal growth, development, and maturity; and

WHEREAS, reunification takes work, commitment, and investment of time and resources by parents, family members, social workers, foster parents, service providers, attorneys, courts, and the community; and

WHEREAS, Kansas has been a leader and example in celebrating the accomplishments of families who overcome an array of challenges to reunify safely and successfully; and

WHEREAS, the State of Kansas encourages service, civic, and religious organizations as well as child welfare agencies, courts, schools, businesses, and individuals to join in commemorating Reunification Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities that recognize the importance of supporting our families and communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Laura Kelly, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF KANSAS, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as Reunification Month in Kansas and I urge all citizens to join in this observation.”

View the proclamation here.