Category Archives: Government

Governor Signs 10 Bipartisan Bills

Governor Laura Kelly Signs Several Pieces of Bipartisan Legislation

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed several bipartisan bills that will implement meaningful changes for Kansans, communities, and businesses.

House Bill 2071

HB 2071, as amended, would amend the definition of the crime of stalking to include intentionally engaging in a course of conduct targeted at a specific child under the age of 14 that would cause a reasonable person in the circumstances of the targeted child, or a reasonable person in the circumstances of an immediate family member of such child, to fear for such child’s safety.

House Bill 2085

HB 2085 creates the Students’ Right to Know Act, which requires the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) to ensure the distribution, electronic or otherwise, of certain information to all students in grades 7 through 12. Information to be distributed will include:

  • The State Board of Regents degree prospectus information;
  • The placement and salary report of the Kansas Training Information Program;
    and
  • Any other information relevant to students’ understanding of potential earnings as determined by the Department of Labor and each branch of the armed services of the U.S. military.

The bill also authorizes KSDE to enter into memorandums of understanding and other agreements with state agencies or other entities as needed to accomplish this task.

House Bill 2101

HB 2101 extends the current transfer of the first $10.5 million credited to the Expanded Lottery Act Revenues Fund (ELARF) from ELARF to the Kan-grow Engineering Fund – KU, the Kan-grow Engineering Fund – KSU, and the Kan-grow Engineering Fund – WSU with each fund receiving equal amounts of $3.5 million in each fiscal year, for FY 2023 through FY 2032. The transfer first occurred in FY 2013 and is currently scheduled to end with the transfer in FY 2022.

House Bill 2165

HB 2165, as amended, would amend the definition of an antique vehicle for purposes of vehicle registration.

House Bill 2167

HB 2167, as amended, would add two exceptions to law requiring a license plate to be attached to the rear of a motor vehicle. The bill would allow concrete mixer trucks the option to display a license plate on the front of the vehicle rather than on the rear of the vehicle and would require a dump truck with a gross weight of 26,000 pounds or more to display a license plate on the front of the vehicle. The requirement for a dump truck to display a license plate on the front of the vehicle would not apply to a vehicle registered as a farm truck.

House Bill 2245

HB 2245, as amended, would add law authorizing the Division of Vehicles (Division), Department of Revenue, to collect emergency contact information and would provide for the use of such information by law enforcement agencies.

House Bill 2247

HB 2247, as amended, would designate portions of highway in Johnson, Marshall, and Norton counties as memorial highways and would designate certain bridges in Cowley, Riley, and Seward counties as memorial bridges.

House Bill 2379

HB 2379 enacts the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Vehicle Sharing Program Act.

Senate Bill 16

SB 16 would amend statutes to remove requirements that the following reports and certifications be provided to the Legislative Division of Post Audit (LPA), the Post Auditor, or the Legislative Post Audit Committee.

Senate Bill 89

SB 89, as amended, would amend law on securing loads on vehicles to create an exemption for trucks, trailers, or semitrailers when hauling agricultural forage commodities intrastate from the place of production to a market or place of storage or from a place of storage to a place of use. The bill would state this exemption would not apply to trucks, trailers, or semitrailers hauling hay bales or other packaged or bundled forage commodities. Continuing law requires securing a load on a vehicle so as to prevent any of this load from dropping, sifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping.

Governor Vetoes Senate Bill 50

Governor Laura Kelly Remains Committed to Fiscal Responsibility, Vetoes Senate Bill 50

TOPEKA – The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 50:

“Last year, despite COVID-19, Kansas experienced a record-setting $2.5 billion in new investment from businesses. These companies chose to make Kansas home in large part due to the state’s recent investments in our economic development tools, prioritizing funding for infrastructure improvements, and reinvesting in our students.

“As many of you with whom I served well remember, in order to provide sustainable funding for essential government services, we cannot return to the era of perennial, self-inflicted budget crises that undermine the very fabric and foundation of our state.”

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 50.”

KDHE: Survey of Mothers Results

Kansas Department of Health and Environment Reports on Third Year of Statewide Survey of Mothers

Topeka – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has released its third annual report from the Kansas Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). The 2019 PRAMS Surveillance Report provides insight from women who were interviewed in the months following the birth of their infant, about their health and experiences around the time of pregnancy. Forty-seven states participate in the PRAMS survey, covering about 83% of all live births in the United States.

Kansas joined the PRAMS project in 2016 and began data collection in 2017. The PRAMS survey helps shed light on issues that affect the well-being of mothers and infants. Some of these issues, such as postpartum depression and stressors experienced around the time of pregnancy, had never been studied at the statewide level in Kansas before the PRAMS study.

Some notable findings from the 2019 Kansas PRAMS survey include:

  • Nearly 1 in 8 mothers who went for prenatal care (12.1%) reported not receiving prenatal care when they wanted it. Among those who either did not get prenatal care when they wanted it, or did not have any prenatal care, the most frequently reported barriers were that they couldn’t get an appointment when they wanted one (36.4%), and that they didn’t know they were pregnant (32.5%).
  • More than 1 in 6 mothers (16.9%) had smoked cigarettes in the 3 months before pregnancy. Among those who smoked 3 months before pregnancy and went for prenatal care, 79.4% reported that a healthcare worker had advised during a prenatal care visit that they quit smoking.
  • More than 1 in 8 mothers (13.8%) reported that there was a time after their infant was born that they thought they needed treatment or counseling for depression, but did not get it.
  • Nearly 3 in 4 mothers (72.1%) reported breastfeeding their infants for at least 8 weeks.
  • More than 1 in 17 women (6.1%) reported having at least “a lot” of difficulty with at least one of six tasks (seeing, hearing, walking, remembering or concentrating, self care, or communicating).

This report also includes information on trends and demographic disparities for some outcomes, from survey years 2017 through 2019. For instance, the prevalence of reporting that prenatal care started in the first trimester increased, from 85.7% among women with a live birth in 2017, to 90.0% among women with a live birth in 2019. However, racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities were observed. For instance, non-Hispanic Black women and Hispanic women with a live birth in 2017-2019 had a lower prevalence of self-reported first-trimester prenatal care, compared to non-Hispanic White women.

“This report reveals many gaps that still need to be addressed,” said Dr. Farah Ahmed, Environmental Health Officer and State Epidemiologist with KDHE. “For instance, we continue to see many women reporting needing counseling for depression after having a baby and not receiving it. We also see missed opportunities to advise all pregnant women who smoke to quit smoking during prenatal care visits.”

“Current data validates the collaborative work underway to support mothers in accessing the care they need at a time that’s right for them,” said Rachel Sisson, Director of the KDHE Bureau of Family Health. “Mothers reported they did not receive prenatal care when they wanted it. For some, a contributing factor to timely prenatal care was not knowing they were pregnant. It’s critical that community providers caring for women of childbearing age conduct comprehensive assessments at every visit to determine their goals and needs.”

The report is available online at:  www.kdheks.gov/prams/downloads/Kansas_PRAMS_2019_Surveillance_Report.pdf.  For more information about the PRAMS project in Kansas, visit: www.kdheks.gov/prams.

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Bills Signed to Aid Economic Recovery

Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bipartisan Legislation to Aid Kansas’s Economic Recovery

~Legislation prioritizes strategic growth, business recruitment, and innovation as the state recovers from COVID-19~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed four bipartisan bills into law to drive economic growth and strengthen Kansas’ economy. Senate Bills 65, 66, 90, and 124 are part of Governor Kelly’s Growth Agenda, a multifaceted legislative approach to improving Kansas’ ability to attract major businesses and strengthen our economy in accordance with the Framework for Growth strategic plan.

“As our state recovers from COVID-19, we have the opportunity to rebuild a stronger, healthier, more resilient workforce and economy in Kansas,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “These bipartisan bills will help us achieve this goal by improving our ability to recruit cutting-edge businesses, revitalize our rural communities, and address housing shortages statewide. I thank the Legislature and Department of Commerce for their work on this important legislation.”

Each bill strengthens a specific area of Kansas economic development:

SB 65 – New improvements and updates to the High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP). Companies will no longer need to go through the Kansas Industrial Training/Retraining (KIT/KIR) programs to qualify for HPIP, leaving vital training funds to be used in more strategic ways. In addition, the bill allows for up to 50% of tax credits earned through HPIP to be transferred, helping to ensure that companies can fully utilize earned credits.

SB 66 – An extension of the Angel Investor Tax Credit program in Kansas for the next five years. Important updates have been made to the program, including changes to credit investment amounts, increasing budget appropriations and more. Strengthening the Angels program will allow our state to more effectively attract start-ups that will help create the technology of the future. In addition, an amendment to the bill provides for an increase in tax credits to be used to make homes accessible for people with disabilities.

SB 90 – This bill significantly expands the types of projects allowed in Kansas Rural Housing Incentive Districts (RHID) and enables the renovation into residential use (including vertical construction) of buildings and structures more than 25 years old on Kansas main streets and downtown districts. Any city with a population of less than 60,000 will be eligible for this program, regardless of county population. This program is essential in addressing housing shortages in rural Kansas in particular.

SB 124 – The STAR Bonds program in Kansas has been continued with major updates. This legislation establishes third-party feasibility studies to be engaged by Commerce, community engagement summary requirements, and other transparency measures. Updates also include measures to increase use of the program in rural areas. Finally, the program can now be used as a tool to recruit headquarters and major business facilities with the potential to attract sizable out-of-state visitation.

“Governor Kelly is known for her unwavering support of education, but measures like these prove she is also the Economic Development Governor,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “The Governor and our partners in the Legislature are responding to the needs of businesses and communities throughout our state, making rapid growth attainable in communities of all sizes. The pillars of our Framework for Growth, including forward-thinking policy, emphasis on talent and innovation and effective leveraging of community assets all are represented in this legislation. These new laws will be truly instrumental drivers of Kansas’ economic growth.”

This announcement comes during Governor Kelly’s “Back to School, Back to Work” tour through Kansas. April 12 through April 16 is “Economic Development Week,” with Governor Kelly and Lt. Governor/Secretary Toland visiting businesses and workforce centers across the state.

To learn more about the Kansas Framework for Growth, Kansas’ economic development North Star, click here.

Additional bills Governor Kelly signed:

HB 2178: Vacating certain blocks in the original town plat set aside for a college and a park in the city of Americus and vesting fee simple title in the city.

HB 2238: Eliminating the dollar limitation for acceptance of gifts by donors to school districts or cities, or both, for library purposes.

HB 2295: Exempting municipal motor grader vehicle operators from Kansas uniform commercial drivers’ license act requirements.

FS Planning Commissions Meets April 19

The Fort Scott Planning Commission will meet on Monday, April 19th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to consider a Conditional Use Permit for the property located at 10 N. National Avenue to allow first floor residential living.

This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.

The National Avenue Pavement Preservation Project Began Yesterday

With city street improvements, comes a little inconvenience.

And the City of Fort Scott has two projects on National Avenue in the works.

National from 13th to Wall

A pavement preservation project began on April 13 and will continue through next week.

National Avenue from 13th Street to Wall Street will be affected by this project, with one lane open at all times, according to a City of Fort Scott press release. Each day, specific sections of the street will be targeted in an effort to mitigate the impact on local businesses.

“This project is being performed…by Proseal Asphalt Preservation,” Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier said.

 

Jeremy Frazier. Submitted photo.

He said the contract for this work was awarded in November 2020, prior to his arrival as the city manager.

 

The first phase is completed, phase two started yesterday.

 

“Proseal is currently prepping the cracks in the pavement by blowing them out with extremely high-pressure air blowers to address heavily damaged and cracked street areas.”

 

 

“On Thursday they will be going back through those same cracks starting at the bridge near the Marmaton River… but this time they will be blowing the cracks and then filling them immediately thereafter street (with) crack filling solution,” he said.  “This will reduce further damage to the roads and extend the life of the streets. The debris will be blown to the side of the streets and the larger portions taken away.”

 

Friday, workers will finish what is needed from Thursday’s work.

 

“If the weather cooperates, it is expected that this process will conclude by Monday of next week,” Frazier said.

 

 

City employees will use the street sweeper to remove debris, Frazier said.

 

 

“City staff has reached out to the affected businesses along National to provide notices of the work to be performed,” Frazier said.

 

 

The cost of the second phase work was quoted to be roughly $38,000, Frazier said.

 

National From Hwy. 69 to 13th

 

A second project will begin in late spring 2021 for a mill and overlay project on National between 13th Street and Hwy 69, Frazier said.

 

“We received heavy rains a few weeks ago that resulted in the drastic deterioration of National (Avenue) near Hwy. 69,” Frazier said.

 

At an unrelated meeting with KDOT, Frazier mentioned this deterioration.

 

 

KDOT informed Frazier that there was a possibility of piggybacking on the mill and overlay work that was soon to begin on Hwy. 69 by Bettis Asphalt.

 

 

The news couldn’t have come at a better time, he said.

 

 

“After checking with the city attorney, and given the water-related damage that had occurred on National, coupled with the possibility of adding to a project currently underway, I felt that it was necessary to address the damage as quickly as possible,” Frazier said.

 

 

 

 

The city staff requested a bid from contractor Bettis Asphalt,  to add National Avenue up to 13th Street from Hwy. 69 onto the existing project, he said.

 

 

The company was already going to pave a small portion of the entrance from Hwy. 69 onto National Avenue.

 

 

“It made sense to take advantage of this contractor’s presence for a few additional and recently damaged blocks,” Frazier said.

 

 

The quote was received on April 6, 2021, in the amount of $116,350.50 and presented to the Fort Scott City Commission for consideration and possible approval.

 

 

They approved the project and it is estimated that the project begins in late May or early June after the completion of the US-69 project, Frazier said.

 

 

“This project will consist of milling the existing asphalt over the bricks and the replacement of a 1.5” overlay on top of those bricks,” he said. “There is a possibility that in an effort to save or reduce project costs that the city may offer street sweeping services for cleanup during the project. Otherwise, this project would be completely executed by Bettis Asphalt.”

 

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Please contact City Hall at 620-223-0550 for questions.

USD234 News Release

NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, April 12, 2021

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, April 12, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – March 11, 2021 – $1,410,272.92

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity fund accounts

F.     Parent/Teacher Conference statistics

G.    KASB Membership Renewal with Season Pass and Legal Assistance Fund Contract Renewal for 2021-22

H.    Employee Recognition Reception – May 10 – 5:00 p.m. – Fort Scott Middle School Commons

 

Students from the Fort High School Drama and Thespians Department gave a presentation.

Patrons spoke during the public forum section.

Reports were given by the following:

 

·       Brenda Hill, KNEA President

·       Administrators’ written reports

·       Dalaina Smith, Academic Director

·       Ted Hessong, Superintendent

·       Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk

 

The board acknowledged receipt of negotiations lists for 2021-22.  There was a Return-to

School Plan discussion.  Board members received a Roof Inspection Report.  In addition, the board heard a Summer Projects Report from Daniel Koppa, Facilities Director.

Board members approved the following:

 

·       Community in Schools Renewal for 2021-22

·       Southeast Kansas Gear Up Program

·       Technology purchase

·       Concrete bids – RII Concrete Construction

·       Early retirement payout

·       Purchase of two smaller buses

·       Health insurance waivers of $456.96 for the entire 2020-21 school year

·       Federal Fiscal Procedures and Policy

·       Contract for Provision of Educational Services Specialized Learning

·       Summit Truck Group estimate on bus repair

 

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.

The board approved the following employment matters:

 

A.    Retirement of Pam Williams, Winfield Scott teacher aide, effective June 1, 2021

B.    Retirement of Tom Lancaster, bus driver, effective April 1, 2021

C.    Resignation of J. P. “Phil” Hammons as USD 234 Treasurer, effective March 5, 2021

D.    Resignation of Joy McGhee, Winfield Scott Principal, effective at the end of the 2020-21 contract year

E.     Resignation of Tammy Grimes, Eugene Ware speech paraprofessional, effective April 3, 2021

F.     Resignation of Dillon Duffy, middle school four-hour paraprofessional, effective March 29, 2021

G.    Termination of Gary Floyd, middle school paraprofessional, effective March 29, 2021

H.    Transfer of Clint Heffern, high school social studies/physical education teacher, to the additional high school physical education teacher position for the 2021-22 school year

I.      Leave of absence for Carrie Southwell, Eugene Ware third grade teacher, for the 2021-22 school year

J.      Clarification of contract for Stephanie Flanner, elementary behavior specialist

K.    Employment of Scott Kimble as high school principal for the 2021-22 school year

L.     Employment of Sarah Dunivan as the Winfield Scott music teacher for the 2021-22 school year

M.   Employment of Michael Casner as high school industrial technology teacher for the 2021-22 school year

N.    Employment of Ashley Wilcox as Winfield Scott technology teacher for the 2021-22 school year

O.    Employment of Susan Carnes as Eugene Ware speech paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

P.     Employment of Sabrina Cady as a middle school four-hour paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

Q.    Employment of Nina Merriman-Reed as a middle school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

R.    Employment of Rhonda Dawson as USD 234 Treasurer

S.     Employment of Fort Scott High School licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year

T.     Employment of Fort Scott Middle School licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year

U.    Employment of Eugene Ware Elementary licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year

V.    Employment of Winfield Scott Elementary licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year

W.  Employment of Fort Scott Preschool Center licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year

X.    Employment of special services/technology licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year

Y.    Resignation of Allison Gorman as high school head girls’ tennis coach, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

Z.     Employment of Terra Kegler as high school head volleyball coach for the 2021-22  school year

AA.   Resignation of Courtenay Slinkard, high school English teacher, effective at end of the 2020-21 school year

AB.  Addition of a full-time high school agriculture education teacher position for the 2021-22 school year

AC.  Employment of Margaret Marino as a Winfield Scott special education teacher for the  2021-22 school year

 

The board adjourned.

 

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 6

April 6, 2021                                                 Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Oharah and Harris present, (Commissioner Beth arrived at 9:20) 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), Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Jeremy Frazier, Susan Bancroft and Nancy Van Etten.

 

Lynne made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, Jim seconded and all approved and signed the minutes.

 

Eric Bailey previously received a request to move an oversized load on the County roads; he said he has the insurance paperwork from this requestor and that Justin Meeks had reviewed and approved it.  Lynne made a motion to approve the moving permit, Jim seconded and the motion passed.

 

Eric Bailey reported that they have finished capping the C&D at the Landfill.

 

Eric reported three trees had fallen across the road last week, which they have pushed off of the side of the road.

 

Eric said they hope to be crushing at the Beth Quarry by the last part of the week.

 

Eric reported that the burner on the oil tank quit, but the part has been ordered for repairs.  He said they are working on repairs to the laydown machine.

 

Eric reported the low water crossing at 60th & Grand had given out, he said engineer Frank Young is involved and they are putting in temporary culverts there.

 

Eric asked Jim Harris about the crossing at 115th & Range to the north; Jim suggesting asking Frank Young to pull the review of this crossing.

 

Eric briefly discussed the windfarm project; he said the contractors are 13% complete on capping the roads and said they are working on 40th & 50th and at 39 & Cavalry Road.  He said weight limit signs have been put up at a few crossings.

Continue reading Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 6

Kansas Workforce Development Improvement Begins

Governor Kelly’s Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council Holds First Meeting on Improving Workforce Development in Kansas

TOPEKA – The Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council held its first meeting Monday, officially beginning its work to implement Governor Laura Kelly’s vision of Kansas having the best educated, most skilled workforce in the Midwest.

The Governor signed an Executive Order in March establishing the Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council, which creates a statewide forum for crafting policy and legislative proposals aimed at workforce development.

“This council will align our education system with the needs of business and industry to build the robust pipeline of skilled workers needed to ensure we don’t fall behind in a constantly-evolving economy,” Governor Kelly said. “We must invest in our children and our businesses to create opportunities for all Kansans.”

During Tuesday’s meeting, the Council committed itself to the Governor’s 5-year vision of being the best in the Midwest in three key areas:

  1. Post-secondary readiness and success;
  2. Preparation for high-wage, high-demand, high-skilled, critical need occupations and;
  3. Business expansion, attraction, and retention.

The Council reviewed findings surrounding Kansas’s economic competitiveness from the state’s new economic development strategy, the Framework for Growth. After assessing the state’s existing advantages and areas for growth, the Council delved into educational attainment data in Kansas, identifying information gaps and metrics to assess growth in workforce development opportunities like apprenticeships, certifications, and more. The group concluded the meeting by organizing itself into three workgroups, each focused on one of three priority areas identified by the Governor:

  • The Jump Start Kansas team will work on post-secondary readiness and success, helping to improve work based and applied learning opportunities in the state;
  • The Talent Ready Kansas team will focus on preparation for high-wage, high-demand,, high-skilled, critical need occupations in Kansas, working to expand apprenticeship programs and increasing industry preparation in higher-education;
  • The Opportunity Kansas team will center its work on business expansion, attraction, and retention, helping to make Kansas the best place to live, invest, and grow.

The Advantage Kansas Council will meet monthly, with the next full-council meeting scheduled for May 12th. All meetings will be streamed live and notice will be posted via Public Square. Members of the public can view the meeting on the Board of Regent’s YouTube page here and access the meeting documents here.

Governor Kelly appointed the following members:

  • Alan Cobb, Topeka, Co-Chair
  • Shelly Kiblinger, Cherryvale, Co-Chair
  • Vijay Ramasamy, Topeka, Governor’s Office Representative
  • Dr. Cindy Lane, Kansas City, Governor’s Office Representative
  • Ann Mah, Topeka, State Board of Education Representative
  • Jean Clifford, Garden City, State Board of Education Representative
  • Dr. Randy Watson, McPherson, KS Commissioner of Education
  • Dr. Blake Flanders, Topeka, President and CEO of KBOR
  • Trent Armbrust, Manhattan, KS Department of Commerce
  • Matt Lindsey, Lawrence, Kansas Independent Colleges Association
  • Becky Wolfe, Augusta, Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas
  • Bob Hale, Kansas City, Organized Labor Association Representative

COVID 19 Brazilian Variant Identified in Sedgwick County

 

TOPEKA – A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emerging Variant known as the Brazilian or P.1 variant has been identified in an individual in Sedgwick County. A case investigation is being conducted to determine how the person became infected with this particular variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as, if others may have been exposed. No further details will be released concerning the patient, including demographics.

The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

The P.1 variant was originally identified in four travelers from Brazil, who were tested during routine screening at Haneda airport outside Tokyo, Japan. This variant was detected in the U.S. at the end of January 2021 and has been found in 31 states and territories in the U.S. At this point, there is still much to learn about the transmission characteristics and potential severity of the P.1 variant. Although this strain can reduce the effectiveness of some vaccines, vaccines still provide strong protection against severe illness and death.

“We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions. This includes wearing a mask that fits snuggly around the nose and face and has multiple layers of fabric or layering thinner masks with an additional cloth face mask to improve the fit,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Kansans should also follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to.”

Two other variants of concern have been identified in Kansas, including the UK variant, B.1.1.7, and the South African variant, B.1.351. Variant information in Kansas can be found on the COVID-19 dashboard under the “Variants” tab.

“In addition to following these healthy behaviors, this finding also shows the importance of getting tested for COVID-19,” Adrienne Byrne, Sedgwick County Health Director, adds.

Testing is available and free for all Kansans. To find a location near you, visit: www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing.

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 16 Special Meeting

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: April 16, 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.  ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING         WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK.  MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

 

SPECIAL MEETING BEGINS AT 8:30AM

 

Call to Order

   

  • Flag Salute
  • Executive Session – BWERKS

 

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.

K-3 surface recycle to begin April 19

 

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to begin work on a K-3 resurfacing project on Monday, April 19. The project starts at the west K-3/K-39 junction and continues north to U.S. 54.

 

Project activity includes a one-inch surface recycle, followed by a chip seal. KDOT awarded the $868,508 construction contract to Dustrol Inc. of Towanda. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone; expect delays of 15 minutes or less. A 10-foot driving lane width restriction will also be in effect.

 

The road work should be completed in one month, weather permitting. Persons with questions may contact Iola Area Engineer Troy Howard, (620) 901-6557, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.

 

Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details. KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a work zone.