Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government

Former FS City Manager Jeremy Frazier is Given Severance Package

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Jeremy Frazier. Submitted photo.

On August 3, Fort Scott City ManagerJeremy Frazier resigned his position to pursue other employment opportunities, according to information provided by the city.

Frazier had been city manager for six months.

The Fort Scott City Commission began immediately to search for a new city manager.

Frazier gave no reason in the letter for his leaving, and an email to him had no response.

The city agreed to provide a letter of reference to Frazier that he is qualified and has performed his duties professionally and competently during his six months in the city manager position, according to the severance package provided by the city.

Frazier will receive six months’ salary in a lump sum and continuing health insurance until he has acquired other health insurance, according to the information from the city.

Frazier’s contract was for $115,000 per year.

 

In return, Frazier will make himself available to assist the city staff with consultations on various city matters and projects, for 90 days.

Both Frazier and the city agree to make no disparaging remarks about each other without the risk of voiding the agreement between them.

 

To view the entire severance package:

DOC080921-08092021110946(1)

 

To view a prior feature on Frazier:

New FS City Manager Starts Feb. 1: Jeremy Frazier

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Press Release on BOE Meeting Aug. 9

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, August 9, 2021

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott High School Cafeteria on Monday, August 9, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.

President James Wood opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.

The board approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – July 20, 2021 – $1,206,738.56

D.    Financial Report

E.    Activity fund accounts

 

Several patrons spoke in the public forum.

Brenda Hill, KNEA President, gave a report.  In addition, Ted Hessong,

Superintendent, and Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, shared information with board members.

The board approved an operational plan for the 2021-22 school year.  Board members discussed homeschool students participating in district activities.  The board also approved:

 

·       Addition of high school boys’ and girls’ swimming to the supplemental salary schedule for the 2021-22 school year

·       Addition of a Possession of Firearms policy for the 2021-22 Employee Handbook

·       New Generation contract for the 2021-22 school year

·       No Limits Rehabilitation for physical therapy service for the 2021-22 school year

·       CHC Contract for the 2021-22 school year

·       2021-22 Classified Salary Schedule

 

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss employee-employer negotiations for the 2021-22 school year.  The board returned to open meeting and returned to executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.

The board approved the following employment matters:

 

A.    Transfer of Sabrina Cady, van driver, to middle school paraprofessional for the 2021-22 school year

B.    Leave of absence for Katie McGee, Winfield Scott kindergarten teacher

C.    Leave of absence dates for Natalie Kitsmiller, Winfield Scott paraprofessional

D.    Leave of absence for Becky Howard, middle school paraprofessional

E.    Employment of Johnna Walls as a Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher for the 2021-22 school year

F.     Increase in contract days and gas stipend for Krista Gorman, instructional coach for the district, for the 2021-22 school year

G.    Resignation of Ken Klassen, high school head boys’ golf coach; resignation of Kourtney Harper, high school assistant volleyball coach; and resignation of Allison Gorman, high school assistant softball coach, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

H.    Employment of Eugene Ware supplemental employees for the 2021-22 school year

I.      Employment of Gordon Harris as a 10-month middle school custodian for the 2021-22 school year

J.      Additional work hours for Dee Peters, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, to include a two-hour regular route bus driving position for the 2021-22 school year

K.    Employment of Madeline Martin as the high school head boys’ and head girls’ swimming coach for the 2021-22 school year; employment of Kenny Hudiburg as high school assistant girls’ tennis coach for the 2021-22 school year

 

The board adjourned.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Kansas, Schools

Free Meals Available For All American Students

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Free school meals are available for all students
during 2021-2022 school year

The National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option (SSO) waiver allows all Kansas students the option of free breakfast and lunch each school day during the 2021-2022 school year – ensuring students are fueled and ready to learn.

The waiver allows the SSO to operate when school is open during the regular school year – through June 30, 2022. It is a continuation of a commitment to provide safe, healthy meals free of charge to children as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten food and nutrition security of the most vulnerable – our students, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The waiver also will help schools continue to plan for a safe opening in the fall. For example, it will eliminate the need to collect meal payments. This speeds up the service of meals, which reduces contact and potential exposure to COVID-19.

The USDA’s National School Lunch Program SSO is typically only available during the summer months. However, extending it allows for a strong emphasis on providing fruits and vegetables, milk, and whole grains while allowing schools to serve the meals for free.

Schools that choose the SSO option will receive higher-than-normal meal reimbursements for every meal they serve, which will support them in serving the most nutritious meals possible while managing increased costs associated with operational and supply chain challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The USDA covers the cost of the meals for all students. There is no need for families to fill out an application.

Every meal that is served helps USD 234 foodservice program financially and keeps local food service staff members employed.
The free meals, which are safe, nutritious, and delicious, help extend family food budgets, too.

For more information, contact USD 234, 424 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS. Phone 620-223- 0800.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact
USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

Additionally, program information may be made
available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information
requested in the form.

To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Special Meeting: Interim City Manager, Street Maintenance

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There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 10th, 2021. This meeting will be held to consider the Interim City Manager proposed contract.

The work session will begin at 6:15 p.m. or immediately following the special meeting. The work session will be held to discuss the remainder of the 2021 street maintenance program.

This meeting will be held at 123 S. Main Street in the City Commission meeting room. This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For Aug. 12

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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: August 12, 2021 

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________ 

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________ 

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________ 

County Clerk-Kendell Mason 

 

 

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM. 

 

 

Call to Order 

 

  • Flag Salute 
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting 
  • Commissioners to Open Sealed Bids for 17 S Main 
  • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report 
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Ins – Cristy Mitchell 
  • Gallagher Insurance – Justin Carson 
  • David Neville – Renodry Dehydration Systems 
  • Lynne Oharah – KCAMP 
  • Tiana McElroy – Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy 
  • Salary Resolutions 
  • Cereal Malt Beverage License 
  • Elected Officials Comment 

Bill Martin – Roof Leaks 

  • County Counselor Comment 
  • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment 
  • Public Comment 

Michael Braim – Lynne Oharah’s Outburst @ Anne Dare at Previous Meeting 

Michael Braim – Cut Funding for BEDCO 

  • Commission Comment 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justifications for Executive Session: 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures. 

Government, Health Care

Increase in Fatal Drug Overdoses

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Nationwide increase in fatal drug overdoses prompts education on treatment and naloxone

~Prevention and resources key to overdose prevention~

 

TOPEKA – In light of a nationwide fatal drug overdose trend, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) encourages awareness and education regarding drug overdose prevention in Kansas, including awareness of treatment resources and access to naloxone.

“Fatal drug overdoses have increased steadily for decades in both the U.S. and Kansas, and in 2020 there was an increase yet again,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Beyond increased funding for mental health and substance use treatment, we must commit to working across all sectors – law enforcement, judicial, healthcare, religious, schools, and communities – to reverse this trend.”

Nationwide, between 2019 and 2020 there was a 30 percent increase in drug overdose fatalities with more than 90,000 reported. Drug overdose fatalities increased in Kansas by 24 percent, from 393 in 2019 to 477 in 2020. Of those 2020 numbers, 183 involved psychostimulants, such as methamphetamine, 161 involved synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, and 71 involved prescription opioids. Overdose deaths involving any prescription or illicit opioid accounted for 53.2% of all fatal overdoses in 2020. It is of note that more than one drug can be involved in a fatal drug overdose, so these values are not mutually exclusive.

Fatal overdoses were significantly higher among males compared to females, at 63.9% and 36.1% of the total. Additionally, fatal overdoses were highest among age groups between 25 and 54, comprising 296 (62%) of all overdose deaths.

Kansas is following similar overdose death trends observed nationally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Synthetic opioid overdoses, primarily caused by fentanyl, have driven this surge in overdose deaths. This is largely attributed to increased availability, accessibility, and use of illegally manufactured fentanyl. 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 can be difficult to reverse. In Kansas, synthetic opioid overdose deaths, mainly caused by fentanyl, increased by 130% from 2019 to 2020.

“Substance use disorders (SUDs) are extremely complex and the reasons for the increase may depend upon the individual and their own determinants (biological, psychological, social, spiritual),” Dr. Norman said. “What we do know is that there is a need for more substance use disorder and Behavioral resources in our state.”

Connecting individuals to SUD services is best practice for drug overdose prevention. 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.

KDHE recommends that individuals who use substances and their support networks have naloxone and are trained in administration processes. Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. 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 which 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 www.http://www.preventoverdoseks.org for resources, epidemiological data, and more information on Kansas’s efforts to prevent drug overdoses.

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COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor Encourages Vaccinations

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Governor Laura Kelly Releases New Public Service Announcement on the Delta Variant

~ As COVID cases continue to rise statewide, Governor Kelly asks Kansans to get vaccinated to protect communities from the Delta variant ~

TOPEKA – As the Delta variant continues to rapidly spread across Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly today released a new TV ad urging Kansans to protect their communities and families by getting vaccinated. The PSA reminds Kansans the Delta variant is twice as infectious as previous versions of the coronavirus and now accounts for nearly all new cases in Kansas.  The spot focuses on vaccinations which is the primary way to prevent serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.

“While we hoped this summer would be the return to normal we have all been waiting for, serious COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise, and the Delta variant is one of the primary drivers of COVID infections across our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We have to do everything we can to get the virus under control and protect our communities. The answer – the vaccine – is in our hands, but we’re going to need to work together to ensure we all get vaccinated and stay safe.”

Those who are not vaccinated are at the greatest risk right now. 99% of COVID deaths and over 97% of COVID hospitalizations nationally have been people who were not vaccinated.  The vaccine is safe, free, and can help save lives. In addition to getting vaccinated, if you or someone you know has been exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, get tested as soon as possible. Testing, like the vaccine, is free, even if you have been tested before.

Governor Kelly encourages anyone who has questions about the vaccine to visit GetVaccineAnswers.com.

For more information on where you can be tested for COVID-19, visit: KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com.

To view the PSA, please click here.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Advisory For Blue-Green Algae

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

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

Active Advisories

 

Warning

Gathering Pond at Milford, Geary County

Milford Lake Zones A and C, Geary County (Zone A upgraded 8/5)

Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County

South Lake, Johnson County (upgraded 8/5)

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” Main Lake, Labette County

Marion County Lake, Marion County

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County

Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

Hargis Lake, Sumner County

 

Watch

Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County

Pony Creek Lake, Brown County

Milford Lake Zone B, Geary County

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” North Lake, Labette County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County

Parsons Lake, Labette County

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Neosho County State Fishing Lake, Neosho County (new)

Overbook City Lake, Osage County

Buhler City Lake, Reno County (new)

Lake Afton, Sedgwick County (new)

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (downgraded 8/5)

 

Advisories Lifted 8/5/21

Mission Lake Horton, Brown County

Agra City Lake, Phillips County

 

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

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

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

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

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

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

Signs of a possible bloom include if there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

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

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Fort Scott, Government

Updated FS City Commission Meeting For Aug. 5

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SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM
123 S MAIN STREET
August 5, 2021
6:00 P.M.
I. ROLL CALL:
K. ALLEN P. ALLEN R NICHOLS L WATTS J. JONES
II. CONSIDERATION:
1. Discussion regarding Cooper, National & Horton Bids (Jason Dickman)
2. Approve Broker for Lake Lot Properties
3. Approve Broker for 4500 Campbell Drive
4. Executive Session
III. ADJOURN

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Meets in Special Session August 5

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The  Fort Scott City Commission will have a special meeting August 5, 2021, at 6:00 PM at City Hall, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

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

The agenda:

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM
123 S MAIN STREET
August 5, 2021
6:00 P.M.
I. ROLL CALL:
K. ALLEN P. ALLEN R NICHOLS L WATTS J. JONES
II. CONSIDERATION:
1. Approve Broker for Lake Lot Properties
2. Approve Broker for 4500 Campbell Drive
3. Executive Session
III. ADJOURN

 

Fort Scott, Government

City Hires New HR Director: Brad Matkin

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Brad Matkin. Submitted photo.

Brad Matkin, 51, is the new Fort Scott  Director of Human Resources. His start day was August 2, 2021.

“I will be recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding new members,” Matkin said. “Working on member benefits, challenging our benefit resources to give us better opportunities/pricing, working with the department managers to provide management/leadership training, and being the ears for the city members, and several other things too numerous to list.”

Matkin’s office is at Fort Scott City Hall, 123 S. Main. The phone number of city hall is 223-0550.

Matkin believes a good human resource person is the backbone of a company/organization, working on policies, processes, and helping create a good working environment for the members, he said.

“With that, I just kept working getting my education and gaining the knowledge it would take to be successful in a position like this… Director of Human Resources for the City of Fort Scott.”

The best part of the career is working with the members of the entity, he said. “I really enjoy the interaction with them even if the situation is sometimes not a good one. I feel members need to be able to voice their opinion to someone that can be confidential but also someone that can possibly help.”

The  COVID-19 Pandemic has created challenges in a human resource person’s job.

“Hiring and retaining members is everybody’s challenge currently but I feel the challenge is exciting,” Matkin said. “I feel getting the right mix of people that will create a good team environment plus treating them fair will make them happy to come to work. “Communication is key to retaining members, yes wages and benefits are important also, but if you can make members feel important and create a bond between the groups you will be much more successful. The old saying that members leave their boss not the job is very true.”

Matkin earned a master’s degree in business administration at Pittsburg State University with an emphasis in human resources. He has over twenty years in business management and four years in a human resource and recruiting role.

He is married ” to my wonderful wife of 28 years, Tammy” and they have three grown children and two grandsons, he said.

Outside of his career Matkin enjoys spending time with family and collects sports memorabilia.  “I also like watching KC Chiefs football and KC Royals baseball,” he said.