Category Archives: Government

Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter May 23

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Reaching an Agreement on Historic Legislation for Veterans

For far too long, veterans exposed to toxic substances while serving our nation have been denied access to health care and benefits through the VA. This includes many of the 3.5 million post-9/11 veterans who have potentially encountered toxic exposures from burn pits – areas near military bases used to burn chemicals, rubber, medical waste, plastics, and other waste that would emit toxic smoke. As leaders of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Senator Jon Tester and I are committed to passing legislation to provide these veterans – and future generations of veterans – with the health care and benefits they deserve.

This past week, Sen. Tester and I reached a bipartisan agreement for the most comprehensive toxic exposure package the Senate has ever delivered to veterans in this country’s history. For months I worked with Sen. Tester, the VA and veteran service organizations to craft legislation to provide relief to all generations of veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. Together, we will continue working until Congress delivers on its commitment to passing long-lasting solutions and comprehensive toxic exposure reforms for those who served our country.

Read more about the impact of the legislation in the Military Times.

 

Demanding Answers from FDA on the Baby Formula Shortage

As Kansas parents continue to struggle to find baby formula in stores, I joined several of my Senate colleagues in asking Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf about the agency’s plans to address the shortage. The shortage comes in the aftermath of Abbott Nutrition’s voluntary recall of formula possibly connected to infant death and sickness, prompting an FDA safety investigation that temporarily closed Abbott’s Michigan formula manufacturing plant. The FDA is only now allowing Abbott’s plant to restart production of formula. Both the voluntary recall and the FDA investigation exasperated the shortage. I am awaiting Commissioner Califf’s response on the FDA’s failure to mitigate the nationwide baby formula shortage and the steps available to limit the harmful impact on families and their newborns.

Read the full letter to the FDA here.

Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter May 23 →

Bourbon County, Government, Schools

Vance Eden: New U235 Super In The District

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Scout, Vance, and Rhuey Eden. Submitted photo.
Vance Eden, 37, is the new associate superintendent of schools for USD 235, Uniontown.
Following completion of his education programming, he will assume the title of superintendent.
Process

“As I still haven’t completed my programming at this point, for the next year Mr. (Bret)Howard will work on a consultation basis to help with any needs that I may have,” Eden said.

Howard is the current superintendent who ends his tenure from the district on June 30.

“This provision is necessary under the current leadership license that I have,” Eden said. “Once I complete the coursework and receive the Kansas Department of Education licensure credential next spring, my title would then transition to superintendent.”

“We have tried to be open and transparent about this  process,”he said. “I had sent a letter to parents when I was hired that explained this information, but understand that many in the community would not have received such communication.”

“I will officially assume the role July 1st,” he said. “But I have been working in transition over the course of the past 6-8 weeks to make plans for the coming school year.”

His office will be located inside Uniontown Junior High/High School building.
Uniontown Junior/Senioer High School.
Education
Eden received his Bachelor’s of Education in Elementary Education and  a Master’s in Educational Leader from Pittsburg State University.  
“I’m currently working on a Specialist in Education Degree with a Major in Advanced Studies in Leadership from Pittsburg State that will be completed in the Spring of 2023,” he said.
Experience
Just out of college Eden taught math at Webb City Middle School before transitioning to be the assistant principal of that same building.  
“I then served as a Title I Reading and Math Interventionist at West Bourbon for three years before assuming the role of the principal for the past four years,” he said.
Ms. Tema Gilion will become the WBE principal in the next school year.
Background
Eden was raised in Bourbon County on the Eden family farm that is located on Hwy. 54 near Bethel Church, and attended Uniontown schools from kindergarten through 12th grade.
His family is made up of “my amazing wife, Rachel, and two great kids, Scout and Rhuey,” he said. 
Scout, Vance,  Rachel and Rhuey Eden. Submitted photo.

In their leisure time, the Edens can be found outdoors.

“Our family enjoys all kinds out outdoor activities,” he said.  “Riding dirt bikes and spending time on the lake would top the list for this summer.”
While in college, Eden changed careers to enter education.
“While in college pursuing a different major, the idea of becoming an elementary teacher really started to intrigue me,” he said.  “I had always enjoyed kids and seemed to have a pretty natural rapport with them. Once I made the switch in majors, things seemed to fall into place pretty naturally.” 
Many people inspired him to pursue education.
“I’ve been impacted by too many people to list just one,” he said.  From my supportive parents and extended family, to remarkable teachers, to current friends and co-workers.”
The best part of being an educator for Eden is giving students the tools they need to pursue their passions.
There are a few challenges in education.
“Kids don’t all start from the same place,” Eden said.  “They haven’t all had the same support, opportunities, and care.  Schools have to find a balance in supporting social, emotional, and academic needs so that by the time they leave us as 18 year-olds they are ready to thrive in adulthood.” 
Advertisements, Government, Jobs

AD: Farm Service Agency Seeks Program Technician

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The Bourbon County Farm Service Agency has a permanent full-time Program Technician position available.  Salary ranges from $32,570 to $58,158 (CO-3 to CO-7), depending on experience/education.

Benefits include health, life, retirement, annual and sick leave.

Must be a US citizen.

High school graduate or GED.

See full vacancy announcement at: http://www.usajobs.gov (type Farm Service Agency in the “what” box and Kansas in the “where” box) for details and instructions to apply on-line or by fax.

Complete application packages must be submitted online or fax by 11:59 pm EDT, June 1, 2022.

PLEASE CAREFULLY READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS ON “HOW TO APPLY” and “REQUIRED DOCUMENTS”!

Person selected will be subject to background investigation.

For questions, please call the Bourbon County FSA Office at 620-223-1880.

USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider,

Employer, and Lender.

Fort Scott, Government

City Admin Offices Closed For Memorial Day

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The City of Fort Scott City Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, May 30th, 2022 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.  The offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 31st, 2021.

 

The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, May 28th, 2022 for the Memorial Day holiday.  It will be open again on Tuesday, May 31st, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For May 24

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: May 24, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton


MEETING HELD AT THE COMMUNITY BUILDING IN GARLAND AT 6:00PM


Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Tri–Valley Budget Request – Bill Fiscus
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
The three commissioners may be attending the funeral of Allen Warren, previous County Commissioner, on
Tuesday, May 24th at 10am.
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.

Additional funding request:

 

Government, Kansas

KS Driver’s Can Now Update Address Change Online

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Kansas Department of Revenue Announces Expansion of Online Renewal System to Include Address Change

TOPEKA – Kansas driver’s license holders can now quickly and conveniently update their address on their current credentials. Kansas licensees can update their address by downloading the iKan app from the Apple App or Google Play store or visiting ikan.ks.gov.

“The addition of address change to the iKan app will benefit all Kansas driver’s license holders,” Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart said. “This expansion of service creates efficiency while shortening wait times for Kansans who must visit one of our driver’s license stations by allowing Kansans to update their address of record from anywhere.”

“We are excited to provide the option for Kansas drivers to update their address through the iKan service,”  David Harper, Division of Vehicles Director said. “This is the latest development in our commitment to expand service options for our customers.”

To update an address using iKan, the Kansas Department of Revenue’s official renewal app, customers must submit proof of a valid address with a copy of their current license. Once their address is updated, the licensee will receive an updated credential in the mail.

Government, Kansas

Wildlife and Parks Launches New Licensing System

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KDWP Launches New Licensing System:

Go Outdoors Kansas

PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is proud to announce the launch of Go Outdoors Kansas – KDWP’s all-new licensing and boat registration system designed to provide outdoor recreationalist with an improved customer service experience. More than 500 license and boat vendor locations are now processing transactions through the online system.

Outdoor-goers can access the new system at GoOutdoorsKansas.com and download the mobile app for IOS and Android devices. Some customers may need to first delete the HuntFishKS mobile app, as it is no longer operational; customer information will not be deleted when removing the mobile app.

KDWP’s new mobile app – Go Outdoors KS – allows users to quickly view all purchased licenses on-the-go, regulations and sunrise/sunset times in the field, and report harvests immediately after hunting. Customers may also conveniently register and renew water vessels through the new system.

In addition to traditional and electronic licenses, hunters, anglers and boaters will also have the option to purchase collectible, durable hard cards. The front side of KDWP’s all-new hard cards feature handcrafted artwork by Kansas artist Dustin Teasley, while the back side lists a customer’s current license information. Find out more at GoOutdoorsKansas.com or ksoutdoors.com today.

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Fort Scott, Government

Kevin Allen Resigns As Fort Scott City Commissioner

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Kevin “Skitch” Allen. Taken from Facebook.

Kevin K. Allen resigned his position as Fort Scott City Commissioner on April 17,  at the Fort Scott City Commission meeting.

Allen stated the reason he is resigning:  he is in the process of moving into his home at 507 Brown Street on the city’s east side, which is just outside the city limits.

Kevin Allen has served on the commission for two years and as mayor for five months, he said.

The current commissioners are Josh Jones, Tim Van Hoecke, Shane Walker and Matthew Wells.

He gave his opinion on the commission’s accomplishments in the last two years:

The city meetings are now recorded on YouTube for transparency and accountability to the citizens.

There are no time limits now when a citizen wants to speak to the commission at the meeting.

The streets department is now 10 employees, up from four, and has a budget of $1 million, up from $200,000.

The county and city governments are sharing services, which saves the taxpayers money.

Sunday liquor sales were approved, to gain tax revenue.

Several stop signs were removed, that were not needed.

Unused properties in Fort Scott and Lake Fort Scott were sold, and money put towards amenities at the lake.

A Land Bank was created.

A local city attorney was hired, replacing a Kansas City area one, saving the city $150,000 a year.

The city government now buys local services and insurance.

The commission has “focused more on infrastructure” and is “fixing up parks.”

“It’s been a great pleasure to serve as commissioner,” Allen said. “It’s time for me to mount up and ride.”

The commissioners expressed appreciation for Allen’s service.

In an interview on April 18 with Josh Jones, who is the president of the commission,  said he assumes the commission will interview the candidates for the vacant position and if there are an abundance of letters of interest, they will narrow it down, then interview.

The following is a press release from the City of Fort Scott:

“Persons interested in applying to fill the position vacated by Commissioner Kevin Allen are asked to submit a letter of interest to:  City Clerk, Diane Clay at 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas  66701 or by email at [email protected].  Letters of interest must be received by the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31st, 2022. Only individuals who reside in the City limits of Fort Scott are eligible to apply.   Once the appointment has been made, it will become effective at the next scheduled City Commission meeting and the term will expire in December of 2023.

        Any additional information or questions may be obtained by contacting Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550.”

A later phone call from Fort Scott City Attorney Bob Farmer stated the state law that requires residency within the city limits can be found in the Kansas Government Handbook, page 27, regarding qualifications.

 

Food, Government, Kansas

Infant Formula Shortage Recommendations

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Actions to Assist Kansans Affected by Infant Formula Shortage

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced actions her administration has taken to ease the burden on Kansas families affected by the nationwide infant formula shortage. Since February, the Kelly Administration has been working with state agencies and federal partners to address the issue.

“I have directed all state agencies to do everything in their power to help Kansans access vital infant formula,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “From increasing flexibility to helping eliminate barriers at check-out, my Administration is doing what is within our power to ease the impact of the national infant formula shortage on Kansas Families.”

Governor Kelly has instructed agencies to work with their federal counterparts to expedite relief. To that end, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has taken a leading role in working with the White House, the National Governors Association, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Association, and private industry to help coordinate efforts and eliminate red tape.

KDHE has implemented a series of waivers to provide the maximum flexibility in making more infant formula products – including Ready to Feed (RTF) formulas – available to Kansans and has approved additional formula products for use by Kansas WIC families. The agency is also working with the Kansas Department for Children and Families on increased communication efforts to inform the public of possible alternatives.

The Kelly Administration, including KDHE, recommends the following to families struggling to find the formula they need to feed their child:

  • Call your OBGYN or pediatrician to see if they can provide any resources to access formula or for suggestions on an alternative formula to meet their infant’s health needs.
  • Switch to another brand or type of formula that is available if recommended by the infant’s physician.
  • Contact their local WIC agency to see if the infant is eligible for WIC benefits.

“KDHE is committed to ensuring infants in Kansas have access to formula,” Secretary Janet Stanek said. “Since February, we have been working to do what is possible, within our authority, to provide relief for Kansans. We urge all impacted families to follow these recommendations and stay up-to-date with information to care for their family’s needs.”

Families are strongly encouraged not to unnecessarily stockpile formula in such a way that would cause further strain on the supply chain.

KDHE strongly discourages the use of toddler formula to feed infants or watering down formula or trying to make infant formula at home.

The Kelly Administration will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as they become available. For more information about WIC eligibility, visit the KDHE WIC website. Find the approved substitution formula list for WIC families here.

Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of May 10

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May 10, 2022, Tuesday at 9 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Harris, Commissioner Oharah, Commissioner Beth and the County Clerk were all present.
Matt Quick, Shane Walker, Susan Bancroft, Matt Crystal, and Rob Harrington were also present for all or a portion of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from last weeks meeting as well as yesterday’s meeting. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Eric Baily reported that they had one permit completion for Don Garrett at 35th North of the old bridge.

Eric informed the commission that it was time for the annual review of the solid waste management plan. He said that they have a plan to submit, but it will need to be signed by the
chairman and attested by the clerk, no changes were made in the renewed plan. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign and the Clerk to attest the plan for solid waste
management. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Eric said that the rain caused some issues last week
with the trees down and washouts on roads, but they are taken care of and back to normal road maintenance.

Eric said that Keith Browning will be here today to go over and discuss pavement plans. Next week Eric and Dustin will be attending the Kansas County Highway Conference in Dodge City. They will be leaving Sunday and will be back Wednesday and that if anyone needs anything while they are gone to contact Chad Brown.

Eric asked if they felt a work session would be a good idea for the Elm Creek issues. He said that there is a group of people talking to
Todd, but he isn’t sure what the commission is wanting to do out there. Justin said that he was done some more research on public-private partnerships and that he will be working with Susan
next week to get out RFP’s. Jim said that he would like the RFPs to be included in the work session.

Eric stated that if they are going to move forward with repairing the building at Elm Creek that they also need to address the two leaks that are there as well.

Eric informed that the new crusher will be delivered Wednesday at noon, and they will be at training on Thursday.

Eric said he spoke with Jeff Spangler; they have been reseeding the roadway where the windmills are but it is getting late in the season and some may not take so they will be back in the fall to reseed
anything that is needed.

Clifton said he had someone ask what the flags at Tomahawk, east of the blacktop at Hammond were for. Eric said that he wasn’t sure but would look into it and let him know.


Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual
proprietorships regarding the hospital. It will be for 10 minutes and include the threeCommissioners. They will meet in another location and reconvene in the commission room at 9:20 am. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:20 am with action. Lynne seconded. All approved.


Clifton made a motion to move forward with a negotiation of contract with Via Christi Hospital to add specialist to our building on a month to month basis. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Justin Meeks stated that a KORA request from a patron came in last week. He commended Susan and Ashley for doing their due diligence with regards to it. I spoke with Ashley yesterday
and she has procedures in place that she didn’t have before. Hopefully, in the future this situation won’t be so time consuming.

Justin stated that the 2017 demand letters have gone out.
There were around 180 to 200 demand letters sent. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the contract with the title company for the 2017-2018 tax sale. Lynne seconded.
All approved. Hope to schedule the sale for the end of July or early part of August.

Justin stated that Patty said collections are up so the letters are doing what they are supposed to be doing.
Lynne asked about parcels at Hidden Valley Lake. Justin stated there isn’t much you can do.
Justin stated that Patty and I talked about going and testifying about having a minimum collection amount. For example, if you owe $100.00 or less, (imaginary number) those parcels
would stay dormant for 50 years almost. Lynne stated they tried to get the Lake Association to take over the parcels themselves but they didn’t want to do it. Justin stated with so many lots
they wouldn’t be able to afford to do that. Jim asked about the county taking ownership and getting it off the tax roll and give it to folks like the land bank does. Justin said there would be a
lot of due diligence to be made. That would be a big undertaking and a cost associated with that including road maintenance. He also said the covenant of the Lake Association is iron-clad. It would take the entire association to agree and that probably won’t happen.


Susan Bancroft requested an executive session to discuss personnel matters including 3 commissioners, Justin. Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual, non-elected personnel to protect their privacy for 10minutes including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft and Justin Meeks returning at 9:42am.
Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 9:42am.
Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75- 4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their
privacy for 15 minutes returning at 9:58am including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft and Justin Meeks. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal
session at 9:58am with action. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Lynne made a motion to give Susan Bancroft permission to handle all HR issues. Clifton seconded. All approved. Clifton
made a motion to make Mark McCoy an interim Medical Building Director. Lynne seconded.
All approved. Clifton amended the motion to allow Susan Bancroft, Chief Financial Officer to negotiate pay with Mr. McCoy. Lynne seconded. All approved.


Shane Walker, CIO, stated that the medical building has to have a fire system inspection to comply. Johnson Controls and Simplex handles this. The cost will be $12,000.00. Shane also
stated that the parking lot deal. Frank is coming this morning and will finish that. Starting next week are going to start redoing the website. Ashley, Courtney and I are going through it and will
make some changes. Adding new information for different departments and removing some information no longer needed.
Public Comment: No Comment
Elected Official Comment: Bill Martin asked for clarification on what HR is and what Susan will be handling when all elected officials are responsible for their own employees.

Justin Meeks stated he was not comfortable with answering in regards to any legal questions as Sheriff Martin
is represented by council. I need a waiver from his attorney stating that I can talk to him and answer questions. Bill Martin stated that he does not have legal counsel. He sought advice for
some issues that have come up. Justin answered the question regarding Susan Bancroft and HR
issues. Susan would have no authority over the sheriff’s department. Clarification of the motion should have been this would only be for employees directly monitored by the commission which
would be Road & Bridge, any department of nonelected directors. Hopefully, elected officials will use Susan as a resource to help with HR issues. Justin also stated that all claims need to
come through Ashley’s office. KCAMP wants claims coming from Ashley. Ashley is the elected official and statutorily needs to know what’s going on.


Bill Martin stated that he has a standing order with his employees that no county officials talks with them unless I am present or they have permission from me. Bill stated that he enters any
claims information in the KCAMP portal and then Ashley receives a notice of the claim. The system works well. Ashley stated that she is the only person with login capability. Department
heads can go in and make a claim. Justin stated that we can’t make an elected official do anything, but the procedures that were in place in the past worked well. The KORA request we had last week took way more time than it should have.


Commission Comment: Clifton stated that we are expecting the feasibility study next week.
Discussion was had regarding the time of the meeting. Plans had been made to have the meeting at 6pm at the courthouse for the May 17th meeting. It was determined the meeting would be held
at regular scheduled time of 9am. Clifton stated that there would be KORA requests for a copy of the study. Ashley stated copies are .35 cents per page. Clifton said this study could be
approximately 600 pages. Justin stated that the KORA request discussed previously was not charged for as there were procedural issues discovered. So we didn’t charge what we actually
spent because it shouldn’t have taken that long. Discussion continued regarding the feasibility study and the possibility of putting it on the website. Justin stated he wanted time to review the
report as there may be proprietary information. We can redact confidential information from the report that could have direct impact.


Lynne made a motion to allow Susan Bancroft, HR Director, to handle all HR and employment matters that report to the commission. If the elected officials wish to visit with Susan regarding
issues in their department they may certainly do so. If an employee under an elected official wishes to make a complaint they should be able to go to Susan. Susan stated that we are about
12 months away from having a revised handbook. Clifton seconded. All approved.


Clifton made a motion that the meeting for May 17th will be held in the Commission Room at the Courthouse at 9am and the meeting for May 24th be at Garland Community Building at 6pm.
Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn at 10:22am. Lynne seconded. All approved.