Category Archives: Government

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

COVID-19 Booster Shot and Additional Primary Dose for Immunocompromised Children

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KDHE Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Booster Shot and Additional Primary Dose for Immunocompromised Children

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot and additional primary dose for immunocompromised children following authorization from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). KDHE has authorized the 2,000+ COVID-19 vaccine providers across Kansas to begin administering the booster shot and additional primary dose to eligible populations.

“It has been proven that that the COVID-19 vaccine is effective and is the best tool to protect you and your loved ones from serious illness, hospitalization and death. Our hospitals continue to report that the large majority of patients hospitalized with COVID, particularly those on ventilators, are not vaccinated,” Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary, said. “Today’s announcement to expand eligibility opens up the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot to an additional 36,000 children who received their primary series at least 5 months ago. The Pfizer booster shot is shown to increase the neutralizing antibodies by 25-fold compared to just two doses. Now is the best time to get the booster shot or get the primary series if you have not gotten it to protect yourself and your family.”

The following updates were made to COVID-19 booster shot eligibility.

  • Children ages 12-15 are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster. Today, the CDC authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shot for children ages 12-15 to be administered 5 months after completing their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series. 36,474 of the 68,476 children who have completed the Pfizer-BioNTech primary series are now eligible to receive the vaccine booster.
  • Shortened booster waiting period. People can now receive a booster shot 5 months after completing the Pfizer-BioNTech primary series. This change comes following the January 4 announcement by the CDC. The waiting period for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (2 months) or the Moderna vaccine (6 months) has not changed. The CDC has listed the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna as the preferred COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, the CDC allows for mix and match dosing for booster shots.

The following update was made to the additional primary dose eligibility for immunocompromised people.

Moderately or severely immunocompromised children ages 5-11 can now receive an additional primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine administered 28 days after their second shot. This change comes following the January 4 announcement by the CDC.

Click here to find the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility information for primary, additional and booster vaccines.

KDHE continues to urge Kansans to use the following tools to protect against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

  • Get vaccinated and boosted. Vaccines remain the best tool to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. The authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations, and death. The COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the United States are expected to protect against serious illness, hospitalizations, and death in people infected with the Omicron variant, especially for people who have received a booster. COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for people ages 5 and over. Moderately or severely immunocompromised people ages 5 and over should receive an additional primary dose of vaccine 28 days after their second shot. The COVID-19 booster shots are authorized for all people ages 12 and over. To find a vaccine near you, visit Vaccines.gov.
  • Wear a mask. Masks offer protection against all variants. It is recommended that people in Kansas wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor settings, where COVID-19 transmission remains high, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Get tested. If you are sick or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, it is recommended that you get tested for COVID-19. COVID-19 tests are available across Kansas. Go to KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com to find a free testing location near you.    At-home tests are available for purchase at grocery stores and pharmacies. If a positive result is received through an at-home test, people should follow up with a health care provider for a confirmation test.
  • Social distance. People should avoid large gatherings and stay at least 6 feet from others when in public settings, especially if you are at higher risk of getting sick.

Food, Government, Kansas

Emergency Food Assistance Benefits Extended for 63,000 Kansas households

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TOPEKA – In an effort to continue supporting Kansans as they manage the impacts of COVID-19 and the multiple variants of the virus, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announced the continuation of the emergency food assistance (SNAP) benefits to current participants.

The extension will increase the maximum monthly benefit for 63,000 households across the state and deliver an additional $14,591,000 per month to Kansas.

“Our goal at DCF is to protect children and strengthen families,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “The extension of the emergency food assistance benefits will help ensure Kansas families continue to have access to healthy groceries and basic necessities.”

The continuance of the emergency allotment is effective through July 31, 2022, or upon the termination of the federal declaration of a Public Health Emergency, whichever occurs sooner. This is the second instance the emergency food assistance benefit has been extended.

No application is necessary to receive the emergency food assistance funds. The distribution will continue to follow the standard alphabetical schedule.

Those who do not currently receive food assistance, but are interested in applying, are encouraged to visit the DCF website at www.dcf.ks.gov.

Secretary Howard issued the Declaration of Continuing Benefits due to COVID-19 — under K.S.A. 39-708c, et seq. — which directs the agency to continue taking all necessary actions to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the State of Kansas.

Bourbon County, Government, History

Bourbon County Tax Sale: 78 Properties Up For Auction

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The Bourbon County Courthouse, 2nd and National Avenue in Fort Scott.

Seventy-eight properties will go up for auction at the Bourbon County Tax sale next Thursday, January 13, 2022.

Forty-one are Fort Scott properties and 31 are from the Mapleton area, most of which are from Hidden Valley Lake, according to a spokesperson for the county.

Buyers must register for a bidding number at the Bourbon County Treasurer’s Office, 210 S. National Avenue.

Buyers can’t have delinquent taxes in Bourbon County.

Family members can’t buy property owned by another family member.

Properties in the city of Fort Scott will have an opening bid of the special assessment due on the property.

Any Fort Scott properties that don’t sell will go to the Fort Scott Landbank.

There is no redemption period for the current owner, properties transfer to the new owner at the auction.

Payment in full is required at the end of the auction.

There is an added fee for filing the deed above the auction bid price.

Announcements by the county will override any prior statements.

 

To view the tax sale properties:

 

BBCO Tax Sale 01 13 22 public

 

BOURBON COUNTY TAX AUCTION
JANUARY 13, 2022
PROPERTY LISTING
property address, City, OwnerName, OPENING BID, 2021 TAXES

1011 CLAY BRONSON ERICKSON, RICKY A 49.52
305 MAIN BRONSON BARTLETT, RICHARD L 146.19
307 CHARLEs BRONSON COMPTON, WILLIAM 73.78
1007 230TH ST FORT SCOTT HUTTON, GEORGIA N & PAMELA  500.73
104 N HOLBROOK FORT SCOTT HAWPE, AUBREY C  10.79
107 N CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT COWLISHAW, REBECCA  $ 6 46.32 6.41
110 S MAIN FORT SCOTT BENITIZ, SANTIAGO2 ,152.36
113 N HOLBROOK FORT SCOTT HAWPE, AUBREY C 558.74
113 S NATIONAL FORT SCOTT D J & A LLC  $ – 5 ,794.21
116 N CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT APRIL, HAROLD $ 6,852.85 608.61
12 N EDDY FORT SCOTT ISAACSON, JAMES  $ 8,988.58 1 ,031.97
1302 GRAND RD FORT SCOTT JAYHAWK ENERGY INC  59.71
1311 E 1ST ST FORT SCOTT SIMPSON, BETTY A $ 2 0,516.37 230.32
1403 E OAK FORT SCOTT HACKNER, NELSON D  $ 9 24.42 152.66
1498 212TH TER FORT SCOTT KENDRICK, JACK 142.32
1517 S MAIN FORT SCOTT HAGOOD, RAEANNE $ 1 79.32 203.43
1801 E WALL FORT SCOTT FOULK, JOHN D & ADDIE $ 7,521.70 752.59
201 S CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT APRIL, HAROLD $ 4,489.10 43.09
202 S BARBEE FORT SCOTT DECKER, MARY / FILES, CYNTHIA  $ 1 3,431.95 43.09
208 N CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT DUROSSETTE, CHRISTINE  $ 1 0,495.20 9.40
2144 MAPLE RD FORT SCOTT JUDY, ELMER JR & LEE ELLA 233.91
215 S OSBUN FORT SCOTT HAM, JACK D JR $ 6 9.83 9.40
216 S MARGRAVE FORT SCOTT FRIEND, MARGARET 111 341.35
219 S CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT DOUCET, STEVEN DAVID 510.08
312 S HEYLMAN FORT SCOTT COWLISHAW, JESSICA  $ 2 ,754.35 130.59
315 N SHUTE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL  $ 1,949.34 89.55
317 S LITTLE FORT SCOTT CLARK, RICHARD$ 1 3,498.17 43.09
323 W 2ND ST FORT SCOTT HIPPLE, PAMELA  $ 1 7,816.91 67.02
324 S BROADWAY FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL  $ 6,051.44 47.86
416 S CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT ALFARO, ARLENE/KELSCH, GEORGE$ 1 3,948.43 93.34
417 S MAIN FORT SCOTT IRELAND, MICHAEL T/NEEDHAM, TRAVIS/ COON, RYAN $ 4 ,052.86 93.34
517 S BURKE FORT SCOTT CARSON, JOHN H 504.92
517 S CLARK FORT SCOTT DUREN, JIMMIE D  $ 1 1,049.66 413.96
602 N SHUTE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL  $ 8 21.82 51.29
602 S ANDRICK FORT SCOTT CARSON, SHANE’313.73
612 S COUCH FORT SCOTT ADAMS, TYSON SR $ 4,329.60 9.40
615 S COUCH FORT SCOTT ADAMS, TYSON SR$ 2,985.12 9.40
616 S HORTON FORT SCOTT NEWBERRY, JAMES  $ 7,241.70 93.34
619 S HEYLMAN FORT SCOTT DAVENPORT, SAMUEL  $ 7 4.78 9.40
621 S BARBEE FORT SCOTT APRIL, HAROLD  $ 2,126.93 135.98
E SYCAMORE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL 20.34
N MARION FORT SCOTT BUCHFINK, TOMMY SUE  9.40
N SHUTE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL 26.14
N SHUTE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL 20.14
EAGLE ROAD GARLAND CULVER, ED  0.88
10 BITTERSWEET RD MAPLETON AFUALO, COLETTE  8.01
10 KANSAS DR MAPLETON DAVID, ANDREW R 185.40
11 BOURBON DR MAPLETON FREAR, INEZ G  6.75
127 OAK DR MAPLETON ADAMS, JAMES D JR & ADAMS, BRIAN 8.01
130 PERSIMMON RD MAPLETON HARN, LEVI/BRIGGS, JEFFREY  31.91
138 HIDDEN VALLEY RD MAPLETON HIGGINS, TRAVIS 2021-14.35
14 CLARK RD MAPLETON ANDRES, RICHARD 8.01
16 CLARK RD MAPLETON ANDRES, RICHARD 8.01
17 BITTERSWEET RD MAPLETON GLASS, LARRY  15.03
19 APPLE RD MAPLETON BRADFORD, DALE R 8.01
20 PECAN RD MAPLETON BOLIN, WALTER E TRUST 7.45
22 E EASTPORT RD MAPLETON GIER, JOHN A 8.01
22 WARE RD MAPLETON HAUN, CHRISTOPHER M 13.03
25 CHESTNUT DR MAPLETON DUNIVAN, MICHAEL P  8.01
27 CEDAR LN MAPLETON PARKER, BARRY / JARVI, STEVE  9.64
4 HACKBERRY RD MAPLETON SOWELL, SAMUEL D & DANIELLE D / COOPER, GARY 6.75
4 LOCUST RD MAPLETON BROWN, ANTHONY E  8.01
42 WARE RD MAPLETON HESS, DONALD G 9.48
48 HACKBERRY RD MAPLETON HARRIS, JESSIE R  8.01
48 WARE RD MAPLETON GILLESPIE, KENNETH C  21.60
BOURBON COUNTY TAX AUCTION

JANUARY 13, 2022
PROPERTY LISTING
5 APPLE RD MAPLETON HUNTER, JESSE W8.01
57 WARE RD MAPLETON GRIFFITHS, DALE15.99
58 WARE RD MAPLETON ADAMS, TYSON SR7.31
6 HACKBERRY RD MAPLETON SOWELL, SAMUEL D & DANIELLE D / COOPER, GARY  8.01
6 PECAN RD MAPLETON BOLIN, WALTER E TRUST 13.43
8 E LAKEVIEW RD MAPLETON BELT, AIMEE C16.98
80 WARE RD MAPLETON LINDBLOOM, VERNON L / GILLILAND, JOSEPH 6.75
98 CLARK RD MAPLETON FRIZZELL, ROBERT T 8.01
LIBERTY MAPLETON CULVER, INC1 1.95
MAIN MAPLETON CULVER, INC 10.85
20TH ST MORAN BURNS, WILLIAM34.71
402 N CEDAR REDFIELD CRAWFORD, HAZEL804.24
405 WASHINGTON UNIONTOWN CARPENTER, R A 57.14
41 FORT SCOTT
30 MAPLETON
1 GARLAND
1 REDFIELD
1 UNIONTOWN
3 BRONSON
1 MORAN
78
Sale date: 1/13/2022
Time: 10:00
Location: Bourbon County Courthouse
TERMS:
Buyers must register for a bidding number at the Treasurer’s office
Buyers cannot have delinquent taxes in Bourbon County.
Family members cannot buy property owned by another family member.
Properties in the City of Fort Scott will have an opening bid of the Special Assessment due on the property (if any)
Any properties in the City of Fort Scott that do not sell at this auction will go into the Fort Scott Land Bank
There is no redemption period for the current owner, properties transfer to the new owner after the auction.
Payment in full is required at the end of the auction
There will be an adidtional fee for filing the deed above the auction bid price.
Announcements by the County at the auction over ride any prior statemetns.

Fort Scott, Government

Christmas Tree Free Pick Up Available

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The City of Fort Scott Public Works Department will be picking up discarded Christmas trees at no charge for City residents again this year. The pickup dates will occur on Friday, January 7th, 2022, Friday, January 14th, 2022, Friday, January 21st, 2022, and Friday, January 28th, 2022.

The Public Works Department asks that you place the tree at the curbside off the street and call City Hall at 223-0550 with your address and name to schedule the pickup.

The discarded trees will be used to enhance fish and wildlife habitat in the City-owned water structure properties.

Government, Kansas

Ks Cybersecurity Task Force Report Released

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces the Release of the Cybersecurity Task Force Final Report

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today the release of the Cybersecurity Task Force’s final report. In the Task Force’s report of forty-one recommendations, they identified seventeen as critical. These critical recommendations are essential to the implementation of other recommendations, or in the absence of resources, these critical recommendations should be implemented for greatest impact.

“These cyber security recommendations put Kansas on a path to be proactive in securing our data while also growing our workforce,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to the Task Force for your hard work and diligence these last five months. It’s never been more important to strengthen our cybersecurity.”

The Task Force began meeting regularly in August and delivered its first report, an interim report, in early October. The final report, submitted in early December, is the result of several more months of meeting with stakeholders from across and outside of Kansas to help identify both the gaps and capabilities in Kansas’ cybersecurity posture.

“Important to us was to provide the Governor with actionable recommendations that can increase the cybersecurity posture of Kansas and grow its cybersecurity workforce,” said co-chairs Mike Mayta and Jeff Maxon. “After meeting with stakeholders, we feel confident in the potential that Kansas possesses. Countless efforts are happening locally and at a regional level, and our recommendations aim to bring those efforts together and scale them so they can strengthen Kansas as a whole.”

In addition to meeting with stakeholders, the Task Force solicited public feedback to help determine new recommendations for inclusion in the final report as well as any refining of the recommendations first published in the interim report.

The final report includes five new recommendations while consolidating and streamlining others, taking the report from forty-five to forty-one recommendations. Recommendations are organized by subject areas such as Cybersecurity Governance and Strategy and Incident Response Exercises and Training while also giving some recommendations priority distinction of critical or high. The Task Force identified these critical and high priority recommendations as ones that are critical to the implementation of others while also having significant impacts on cybersecurity.

The Task Force’s final report can be found here.

The Task Force’s interim report can be found here.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Jan. 4

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Agenda 

Bourbon County Commission Room 

1st Floor, County Courthouse 

210 S. National Avenue 

Fort Scott, KS 66701 

Tuesdays starting at 9:00 

 

Date: January 4, 2022 

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________ 

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________ 

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________ 

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton 

 

 

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM 

 

Call to Order 

 

  • Flag Salute 
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting 
  • Reorganization of Board 
  • Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report 
  • Bobby Reed – Heating & Air Units – Possible Power Surge 
  • Susan Bancroft – Employee Landfill Dumping 
  • Lora Holdridge – Year End Review 
  • Lynne Oharah – Landowner Rights Resolution Discussion 
  • Ashley Shelton – 2022 Resolutions 
  • Ashley Shelton – Personnel Matters 
  • Justin Meeks – Executive Session: KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy 
  • County Counselor Comment 
  • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment 
  • Public Comment 
  • Commission Comment 
Government, Kansas

Tax Collections Surpass the Estimate by $64.5 Million

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December Total Tax Collections Surpass the Estimate by $64.5 Million

 TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that total tax collections for December were $890.3 million. That is $64.5 million, or 7.8%, more than the monthly estimate. That is also a 15.6%, or $120.0 million, growth over December 2020.

“Over the past three years my administration has taken steps to restore the Kansas economy, and that fiscal responsibility has paved the way to provide direct tax relief to Kansas taxpayers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That relief will come specifically through proposals like axing the food tax and offering a one-time $250 tax rebate for Kansas families.”

Individual income tax collections were $355.2 million. That is $35.2 million more than the estimate and $48.5 million, or 15.8%, more than the previous December. Corporate income tax collections were $132.0 million, which is $22.0 million more than the estimate. That is 33.1%, or $32.8 million, more than the same month of the previous year.

Retail sales tax collections were $224.3 million for December. That is $4.3 million, or 2.0%, more than the estimate and 11.1%, or $22.4 million, more than December 2020. Compensating use tax collections were $69.2 million. That is $2.2 million, or 3.3%, more than the estimate. Those collections are also $17.0 million, or 32.7%, more than the previous December.

View the tax receipts here.

Food, Government, Kansas

Kansas Issues Fish Consumption Advisories for 2022

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TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) are issuing fish consumption advisories for 2022. The advisories identify types of fish or other aquatic animals that should be eaten in limited quantities or, in some cases, avoided altogether because of contamination. General advice and internet resources are provided to aid the public in making informed decisions regarding the benefits and the risks associated with eating locally caught fish from Kansas waters.

Definitions:

Bottom-feeding fish: buffaloes, carps, catfishes, sturgeons and suckers.

Shellfish: mussels, clams and crayfish.

Serving size (skinless fish fillets before cooking):

  • Adults and children age 13 and older = 8 ounces
  • Children age 6 to 12 = 4 ounces
  • Children younger than 6 = 2 ounces

Statewide Mercury Advisories for Fish:

Getting outside to catch fish and eating fish has many health benefits, but all fish contain some amount of mercury. Anyone who routinely eats fish or serves fish to their children should carefully consider the types and amounts they eat, including store-bought fish. Too much dietary mercury can harm the development of fetuses, nursing babies and growing children. Therefore, mercury-sensitive individuals (women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant, and children younger than 17 years old) should follow the guidelines presented below for eating fish caught in Kansas.

Fishing and Eating Guidelines:

  • Eat smaller portions – a fillet about the size of your palm.
  • Eat types of fish with less mercury (Preferred Choice Fish in the chart below).
  • If you don’t know the type or size of fish you are eating, wait at least a week before eating fish again.
  • When fishing, keep fish shorter than your forearm (fingertips to elbow) or less than 20 inches as regulations allow.

 

Preferred Choice Fish Servings
Blue and Channel Catfish

Common Carp

Crappies

White Bass, White Perch, Wiper, Striped Bass

Walleye, Sauger, Saugeye

Bullhead Catfish

Drum

Sunfish (Bluegill, Green, Redear, etc.)

 1 or 2

per week

 

Second Choice Fish Servings
Buffaloes (Black, Bigmouth, Smallmouth)

Flathead Catfish

Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted)

 1 or 2

per month

Reduce the recommendations above if you tend to keep fish larger than about 20 inches to:

 

  • Preferred Choice Fish – not more than 1 serving per week
  • Second Choice Fish – not more than 1 serving per month

For specific questions or concerns about mercury in Kansas fish, please contact KDHE. For information about mercury in fish caught in other states, in store bought fish, and in other types seafood please visit the U.S. EPA and U.S. FDA websites.

Waterbody specific advisories for all consumers:

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish and catfishes to 1 serving per week from the following locations because of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs):

  • Cow Creek in Hutchinson and downstream to the confluence with the Arkansas River (Reno County).
  • Kansas River from Lawrence (below Bowersock Dam) downstream to Eudora at the confluence of the Wakarusa River (Douglas and Leavenworth counties).
  • Little Arkansas River from the Main Street Bridge immediately west of Valley Center to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Wichita (Sedgwick County).

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish and catfishes to 1 serving per month from the following location because of PCBs:

  • K-96 Lake in Wichita (Sedgwick County).

Kansas recommends not eating specified fish or aquatic life from the following locations:

  • Arkansas River from the Lincoln Street dam in Wichita downstream to the confluence with Cowskin Creek near Belle Plaine (Sedgwick and Sumner counties); bottom-feeding fish and catfishes due to PCBs.
  • Shoal Creek from the Missouri/Kansas border to Empire Lake (Cherokee County); shellfish due to lead and cadmium.
  • Spring River from the confluence of Center Creek to the Kansas/Oklahoma border (Cherokee County); shellfish due to lead and cadmium.
  • Antioch Park Lake South in Antioch Park, Overland Park (Johnson County); all fish due to pesticides dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane and dichlorophenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs).
  • Arkalon Park Lakes in Liberal (Seward County) – Kansas recommends not eating any aquatic life because the lakes are sustained solely by treated municipal wastewater.

Waterbodies affected by Harmful Algae Blooms

To date, measured algal toxin levels in fish samples collected from waters affected by harmful algal blooms (HABs) suggest the fish are safe to eat.  However, please take the following precautions:

  • Avoid skin contact with water.
  • Wear gloves when handling wet fish and equipment.
  • Rinse fish with clean water.
  • Remove skin from fillets and rinse with clean water prior to cooking or freezing.
  • Eat only skinless fillets.
  • Do not eat shellfish.

General advice for reducing exposure to chemicals in fish

  • Keep smaller fish to eat and let the big ones go.
  • Avoid eating fish parts other than fillets.
  • Trim fat from fillets and/or use cooking methods that allows fat to drip away.
  • Avoid subsistence fishing (relying on wild-caught fish for daily nutritional needs) in rivers within or immediately downstream of large urban/industrial areas.
  • Do not eat fish or aquatic life from wastewater outfalls, waste treatment lagoons or stormwater retention ponds.

Other information from KDHE, KDWPT, EPA, and the American Heart Association

To view the advisories online and for information about KDHE’s Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program please visit the website at http://www.kdheks.gov/befs/fish_tissue_monitoring.htm.

For information about fishing in Kansas including licensing, regulations, fishing reports and fishing forecasts please visit the KDWPT fishing website http://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing.

For information about the health benefits vs. the risks of including fish in your diet please visit this American Heart Association website https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/05/25/eating-fish-twice-a-week-reduces-heart-stroke-risk.

For technical information regarding the U.S. EPA risk assessment methods used to determine advisory consumption limits please visit http://www2.epa.gov/fish-tech.

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Kansas sees a 54% increase in drug overdoses in first 6 months of 2021 

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) continues to highlight the importance of overdose prevention resources and education amid increased drug overdose deaths in 2021. Provisional surveillance results from the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) show that at least 338 Kansas residents have died of drug overdose between January 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021. The tally represents a 54% increase from the 220 drug overdose deaths identified by SUDORS surveillance in the same 6-month time frame in 2020. Provisional data represents the most current estimates and is subject to change.

SUDORS collects information regarding unintentional and undetermined intent drug overdose deaths. It combines various data sources, including death certificates, medical examiner and coroner reports, and law enforcement reports to provide insight into circumstances surrounding overdose deaths. SUDORS is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and more information can be found on their website.

Of the provisional 338 deaths, 149 involved fentanyl or fentanyl analogs, 149 involved methamphetamine and 40 involved other licit and illicit drugs, such as cocaine, benzodiazepines and prescription opioids. More than one drug can be involved in a fatal drug overdose, so these values are not mutually exclusive.

Fentanyl continues to drive the uptick in fatal drug overdoses in Kansas. This is largely attributed to increased availability, accessibility and use of illegally manufactured fentanyl statewide. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often combined with other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, or used as a standalone drug. Due to its potency, fentanyl-involved overdoses have a fast onset and may be difficult to reverse.

There are several resources available to prevent drug overdoses. Recovery from SUD is possible. Those in need of help can call Kansas’s SUD hotline at 866-645-8216 or visit FindTreatment.gov to locate treatment services. People who use drugs and their support networks have access to naloxone and are trained in overdose recognition and naloxone administration procedures. Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. Kansas allows pharmacists to dispense naloxone to patients without a prescription pursuant to KAR 68-7-23. Visit ktracs.ks.gov/pharmacists/naloxone-dispensing to find a naloxone-dispensing pharmacy near you.

DCCCA, Inc. has a naloxone program that is funded by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) through the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant. DCCCA has a limited supply of naloxone kits available for those who are unable to access it through a local pharmacy or other means. Additionally, DCCCA offers free naloxone training. Please visit dccca.org/naloxone-program for more information.

Please visit PreventOverdoseKS.org for resources, epidemiological data, and more information on Kansas’s efforts to prevent drug overdoses.

Business, COVID-19, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care, Housing

Positive Events in Fort Scott: Mayor Jones

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Fort Scott Mayor Josh Jones.

Fort Scott Mayor Josh Jones said many positive events happened in the community this past year, and the city is poised for some promising events in the new year.

“A lot of things done in 2021 laid the groundwork for 2022 and we expect a lot of 2021 things to be executed in 2022,” Jones said.

The following is what Jones provided fortscott.biz as accomplishments.

In 2021, the Fort Scott City Commission:

1. Refinanced city bonds saving $15,500 per year over the next five years.
2. Passed a half-cent sales tax with 90% of revenue going towards streets and 10% going towards parks. This money will start coming in, in 2022.
3. Started an in-house safety training program saving the city $15,000 per year.
4. Utilized the Firstsource Building for  Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department’s giving mass vaccines during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Put out Requests for Qualifications for a new city attorney leading to the city commission hiring a city attorney saving the city approximately $200,000 a year.
6. Approved to enter into a cost-sharing venture with the Bourbon County Commission for joint purchase of materials and equipment.
7. Approved a conditional use permit for an area south of town to allow a micro-meat processing plant to build a facility,  which will create about 30 jobs.
8. Implemented the SeeClickFix app, which allows citizens to report road problems and code nuisances.
9. Started semi-monthly roller skating sessions at Buck Run Community Center for an added amenity for the community.
10. Moved city-county emergency dispatch to the Bourbon County Courthouse.
11. Improved the beach area at Lake Fort Scott.
12. Sold the Firstsource Building for $315,000.
13. Sold four Lake Fort Scott lots for approximately $500,000.
14. Entered into a shared services agreement with Bourbon County for information technology services, saving approximately $30,000 per year.
15. Used $200,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a feasibility study for re-use of the former Mercy Hospital Building as a hospital.
16. Reworked and finalized setting up the Fort Scott Land Bank which focuses on the conversion of vacant, abandoned, tax-delinquent, or otherwise underused properties into productive use.
17. Approved $2,000 bonuses for all emergency services workers that work for the city.
18. Entered into an agreement with Bourbon County REDI (Regional Economic Development, Inc.) to provide economic development services for the City of Fort Scott,  saving approximately $100,000 a year.
19. Repaired over one mile of city sewer lines.
20. Entered into an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for traffic signal upgrades in 2022 on Highway 69.
21. Was awarded a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile Internet for upgrades to the Skubitz Plaza area on the north end of historic downtown Fort Scott.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes for Dec. 7

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December 7, 2021                      Tuesday at 9 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Lynne, Jim, Clifton, the County Counselor, and the County Clerk.

Those in attendance: Bob Jackson, Jason Silvers, Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Kevin Davidson, and Ben Cole.

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting; Jim seconded, all approved.

 

Eric had no permits.  We have two items on Purple Wave with an expiration of January 11, 2022.  We have received two bids at this point.  The bridge on 160th south of Fern has a timeline of October 17th for bids.  Windmills – they are continuing the reclaiming process.  The windmills are in the testing phase.

 

Bill Martin stated that Deputy Bobby Jackson was there to discuss the SRO position that is currently funded by grant monies and is wondering what the county wants to do to continue this position.  Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to have Jim Harris speak first on the SRO position with Deputy Bobby Jackson to follow.  Jim seconded.  All approved.

 

Jim stated the SRO position is nothing new.  It is needed in our school system and if we can work with the City of Fort Scott and USD 234 we need to.  We have to take this seriously.  Bill Martin stated that he wanted it on record that the Fort Scott School District already has an SRO position in place.  That position is funded by the city and the school district.  Jim stated that the position in Uniontown is funded by a grant that Bill obtained.  I believe that there needs to be more coverage for both schools.  Bill stated that he has tried since he has been sheriff to get an officer for the Uniontown school district.  Two years ago we received a grant to fund this position.  Deputy Jackson stated that he is the SRO for the Uniontown school district and is responsible for 483 students plus faculty and administration.  I have all confidence in the Fort Scott Police Department.  You are willing to fund a position at the school in Fort Scott and in the past, this commission has not been willing to fund the same for Uniontown.  Susan Bancroft stated that we are supporting USD 234 because 25% of this grant is paid for by the county.  Bill stated, in conclusion all children’s lives matter and there should be SRO officers in every school in the nation.  Clifton stated that we wasn’t sure what was being asked.  The SRO position is paid for over the next year and a half.  Bill stated that this would be brought up again at budget time next year for the 2023 year.  Jim made a motion for Bourbon County to enter into an agreement with the City of Fort Scott and U234 school district in a joint shared service SRO position to be utilized for USD 234.  Justin Meeks requested a motion be made for an executive session.  Clifton made a motion to go into executive session for 15 minutes, 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.  Possible litigation returning at 9:42am.  Jim seconded.  All approved.  This will include the 3 commissioners and county counselor.  Clifton made the motion to resume normal session at 9:42am with some action.  Jim seconded.  All approved.  Jim withdrew his motion of the SRO position until further notice.  Clifton seconded.  Jim stated that the county counselor and city attorney need to be involved checking out some legality parts of it that needs to be addressed.  My intent was to start the process with that motion but we need to get some other folks involved before I finalize that motion. All approved.

 

Lora Holdridge presented a road closing.  They are going to Mr. Oberst a new entrance into his field so that he’s not coming off Hwy 7.  Clifton asked if there were two landowners on this closing and Lora confirmed.  Lora stated both landowners were in favor.  Jim asked Eric if he had any complaints or concerns with the one off of Hwy 7 on Deer Rd.  Eric stated no.  Lora stated when the landowners found out that the county wouldn’t be maintaining the whole road, the landowners didn’t want to close the whole road.  The second closing will be on next week’s agenda and it will be the whole road.  Lynne made a motion to adopt resolution 31-21 vacating a road in Pawnee Township in Bourbon County, KS.  Jim seconded.  All approved.

 

Lynne stated the resolution in support of Landowner Rights had been reviewed and needed modification.  I believe, we as commissioners should make the modifications.  Justin stated that he had reviewed it and would need input from the commissioners.  This resolution would be trumped by any state or federal statutes.  Lynne stated this would be discussed the first meeting in January.

 

Lynne stated Michael Dallman, from Dept of Revenue, will be giving a presentation of ratio study results and valuation appeal data to the county commission.  We have to go through this process at the state level.  Mr. Dallman stated that by statute we have to have conversation with counties regarding prior year regarding compliance.  A scorecard is used to determine compliance.  He gave a review of the 2021 substantial compliance review.  He stated Matt Quick is doing a good job and some of the issues on the report have already been taken care of by Matt and doesn’t foresee them being an issue in the future.

 

Lora Holdridge brought a second road closing.  Jim asked Eric if he had any recommendations.  Eric said they had looked at it and supported a closing.  He stated it is a very low maintenance road.  He requested getting the “dead end” sign back.  Lynne made a motion to pass resolution 32-21 vacation of a portion of Valley Road.  Clifton seconded.  All approved.

 

Justin asked for an executive session for attorney – client privilege.  A study was done in 2006 in regard to an overpass over Burlington Northern that runs through the city of Fort Scott.  Traffic flow has been a problem getting to the east side of town.  The study then indicated a cost of $78,000,000.00.  There are some things happening currently in our county that has brought this back to importance.  We have some infrastructure monies that could be potentially coming down the pike with economic development.  With your permission I would like to work with Mr. Harrington on this to get some funding.  Lynne made a motion to give Justin permission to work with Mr. Harrington on the overpass project.  Jim seconded.  All approved.  Justin asked for an executive session for 15 minutes.  It is a contractual issue between the commissioners and the healthcare provider.  Clifton made a motion for an executive session 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 including three commissioners and county counselor for 15 minutes returning at 11:09am.  Jim seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 11:09am with no action.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Justin gave a quick update on the tax sale.  Sale date is still planned for January 13th and hoping to have a sale each 4 months following the first.

 

Susan stated that budget amendments would be coming next week.  There will be four funds that will need amendments.  We received more cash and just giving authority to spend.  I’ve worked with the Clerk’s office and have balanced through October, but October isn’t listed on here.  We have January through September and then we finished up October last night.  Susan handed out reports to each commissioner.  There is about $21,000.00 that needs to be cleaned up.  There is $21,000 more than what is indicated.  There are some entries that weren’t made and need to be.  This is one account and there are three more.  This is my main focus.  When I get done with all accounts, I will bring you every account reconciled and a cash report from CIC and those two should match.  Once we get to that point we are in balance.  I’ve met with Shane Walker and Eric Bailey and let them know where they stand at this point.  I was asked by the Chairman to get some type of request form to get on the agenda.  So that we have some idea upfront what is going to be discussed, gives time for you to prepare, and also asking people to give us documents so that you have time ahead to review.  Susan gave a copy of the form to each commissioner.  The form will go to Susan initially.  She will review and then get it to Ashley.  This will allow the commissioners to know ahead of time what topics will be discussed.  Susan asked for an executive session for acquisition of real property.  Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, and Eric Bailey for ten minutes returning at 11:27am.  Jim seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 11:27am with no action.  Jim seconded.  All approved.

 

Anne Dare commented on last week’s meeting regarding Freedom Frontier.  She stated it is in Freedom’s Frontier management plan that their goal is to influence land use policy.

 

Ashley asked if the commission wanted to give gift cards for Christmas this year as was done last year.  Clifton made a motion to provide $25 gift Visa gift card for each employee.  Jim seconded.  All approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Eric Bailey time to discuss the landfill.  Jim seconded.  All approved.  Landfill will be open on Thursday, December 23rd until 12 noon.  The landfill will be closed on Friday, December 24th and Saturday, December 25th.

 

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, held offsite at 200 S Main, including county commissioners, city commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Rob Harrington, and Noble Health returning to resume normal session at 1:30pm.  Jim seconded.  All approved.

 

At 1:30pm Clifton made a motion to return to normal session.  Jim seconded.  All approved.

 

Lynne stated he had received a call regarding the lighting at the hospital at the main entrance.  Jim stated he will check it out.

 

Jim made a motion to adjourn.  Clifton seconded. All approved.

 

Meeting adjourned at 1:35.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk

December 14, 2021, Approved Date