Category Archives: Government

Gov. Kelly’s Weekly Newsletter

WEEK OF July 12, 2021

job report

Governor Laura Kelly Announces $4 Million to Benefit 26 Kansas Nonprofit Organizations

csp

READ THE PRESS RELEASE 

“The Community Service Tax Credit program is an excellent tool we can use to support our state’s nonprofits and strengthen the essential services they provide to their communities. My administration will continue pursuing innovative initiatives like CSP to improve Kansans’ access to quality education, healthcare, childcare, and housing to make Kansas the best state in the nation for families and businesses to call home.”

Press:

Governor Laura Kelly Creates Bipartisan Cybersecurity Task Force to Protect Kansas’ Digital Infrastructure

cyber

READ THE PRESS RELEASE

“As cyber-attacks become more sophisticated, it’s critical that we prevent disruptions in essential public services, and protect Kansans’ privacy, economic activity, and public safety. Through this bipartisan, collaborative effort, with partners from both the private and public sectors, we will develop a plan to protect our digital infrastructure and improve cybersecurity statewide.”

Press:

Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill to Protect Public Safety and Reform Kansas’ Criminal Justice System

bill

READ ABOUT SB 60

“Senate Bill 60 will improve public safety for all Kansans and protect our law enforcement officers from dangerous car chases. I was proud to stand with advocates today and sign this commonsense legislation.”

Press:

Governor Laura Kelly’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice Releases Second Round of Recommendations

crej

READ THE PRESS RELEASE

READ THE REPORT

“This Commission has again developed a thoughtful and well-researched report, full of recommendations that the state and local governments can take up and implement both short-term and long-term. My administration remains committed to advancing equity and justice for all Kansans. By working together to pursue these policies, we can improve the health of all Kansas communities.”

Press: 

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FS Commission Agenda For July 20

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JULY 20, 2021
6:00 P.M.
I. K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)
IV. Approval of Agenda:
V. Proclamations/Recognitions:
VI. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1292-A totaling $538,748.47
B. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering Inc. – River Intake Improvement – $ 54,902.50
C. Request to Pay #3 – Triangle Builders, LLC – Mayco Ace Project – $59,993
D. Resolution 8-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at – 14 S. Margrave St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
E. Resolution 9-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 114 S. Barbee St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
F. Resolution 10-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 323 S. Hill St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
G. Resolution 11-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 510 S. Heylman St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
H. Resolution 12-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 619 S. Ransom – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
I. Resolution 13-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 611 S. Ransom St.– Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
J. Resolution 14-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 316 S. Main St.– Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
K. Resolution 15-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1517 S. Main St. – Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
L. June financials
VII. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per
person, at Commission discretion)
VIII. City Manager Reports and Comments
IX. Engineering Firm Update
X. Old Business:
A. Discussion of Lake Fort Scott repairs/upkeep
XI. Appearances:
XII. New Business:
A. Approval and adoption of USDA Loan Resolution for River Intake/Dam Repair Project
B. Approval of Resolution 16-2021 regarding governing body’s intent to levy a property tax
exceeding the revenue neutral rate
XIII. Reports and Comments:
B. Commissioners Report and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XIV. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
XV. Adjournment:

To view the 71 page packet with the agenda:

7-20-21 complete agenda packet

Bourbon County Agenda For Today

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: July 16, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

**MEETING WILL BE HELD FRIDAY, JULY 16TH AT CITY HALL 123 S. MAIN, FORT SCOTT

7:00 PM – Emergency Declaration regarding the Eagle Block Building

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For July 20

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: July 20, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

    MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM.

 

Call to Order

 

    • Flag Salute
    • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
    • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
    • Matt Quick – Resolution to Appoint an Interim Appraiser
    • Lynne Oharah – KCAMP
    • Michael Braim – Lynne Oharah’s outburst at Anne Dare in the last meeting
    • Jim Harris – Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships (10 minutes)
    • Mary Pemberton – Budget Comments
    • Tiana McElroy – Personnel
    • Elected Officials Comment
    • County Counselor Comment
    • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
    • Public Comment
  • Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walther Celebrates 25 Years as Fort Scott Public Library Director

Fort Scott Public Library Board Member Lissa Gorman, presented a framed certificate and 25 year pin to Director Lisa Walther.

 

Fort Scott Public Library Director Lisa Walther, celebrated her 25th work anniversary on July 8.

“The board and I recognized her for her service during this past Tuesday’s board meeting on July 13,” Valetta Cannon, the youth librarian and assistant director, said.

The library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday – Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

“We ask people to follow CDC guidelines regarding masks, and we provide hand sanitizer and disposable masks for anyone who wants to use them,” Cannon said. “We ask people to limit their time browsing upstairs to a half-hour per day and their time on the computers or wifi downstairs to one hour per day. Beyond that, we have no restrictions.”

Algae Advisory For Kansas Lakes

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lake 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

Herington Reservoir (New City Lake), Dickinson County

Gathering Pond at Milford, Geary County

Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County

Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County (upgraded 7/15)

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” Main Lake, Labette County (upgraded 7/15)

Big Hill Lake, Labette County

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County

 

Watch

Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County (downgraded 7/15)

Mission Lake Horton, Brown County

Herington City Lake (Old Lake), Dickinson County

Geary State Fishing Lake, Geary County (new)

Milford Lake Zones A and B, Geary County

Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County

South Lake, Johnson County

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” North Lake, Labette County (new)

Linn Valley Lake, Linn County

Marion County Lake, Marion County

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County

Overbook City Lake, Osage County

Agra City Lake, Phillips County

Atwood Township Lake, Rawlins County

River Pond below Tuttle Reservoir, Riley County (new)

 

 

Advisories Lifted 7/15/21

Atchison County State Fishing Lake, Atchison 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.

                                           

 

KDHE amends COVID travel quarantine list

 

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to include the countries of the British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Fiji, Jersey, The United Kingdom and Tunisia. The countries of Brazil, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Maldives, Oman, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname and Uruguay have been removed. These changes are effective today, July 15.

A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine includes visitors and Kansans who have:

  • Traveled on or after July 15 to British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Fiji, Jersey, The United Kingdom or Tunisia.
  • Traveled on or after July 1 to Namibia.
  • Traveled on or after June 17 to Kuwait or Mongolia.
  • Traveled on or after June 3 to
  • Traveled on or after May 6 to Seychelles.
  • Traveled on or after April 22 to Argentina.
  • Traveled between July 1 and July 15 to Brazil, Oman or Saint Kitts and Nevis.
  • Traveled between June 3 and July 15 to Suriname.
  • Traveled between May 20 and July 15 to Costa Rica or French Guiana.
  • Traveled between May 6 and July 15 to Maldives.
  • Traveled between April 8 and July 15 to Uruguay.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

 

The travel quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.

For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine).
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel.

Persons who do not meet the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
  • Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

 

KDA Seeks Nominations for Kansas Ag Heroes 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — At last summer’s Ag Growth Summit, the Kansas Department of Agriculture kicked off a new recognition program to honor outstanding Kansans: Kansas Ag Heroes. Nominations are now open for the second year of the program, and KDA anticipates new stories of outstanding service from across the Kansas agriculture community.

Kansas Ag Heroes was established as a way to recognize those in the agriculture industry who went above and beyond to serve others and better their community when it was needed most. KDA encourages Kansans to nominate any individual, family, or business in Kansas agriculture which you feel provided a notable contribution to the agriculture industry or their community as a whole this year. Nominations will be accepted through August 13. The nomination instructions can be found at www.agriculture.ks.gov/AgHeroes.

KDA leadership will review each nomination and will recognize a select number of agriculture heroes during the Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth in Manhattan on August 26.

For questions about the Kansas Agricultural Heroes Program nomination process, please contact Brittney Grother at 785-564-6797 or [email protected].

###

KDA Seeks Nominations for 2021 Kansas Ag Heroes.pdf


2019 Kansas Health Risk Behaviors Report Published 

State Officials Release Annual Survey Results

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has released the results from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS).

“The overall goal of the BRFSS is to provide Kansas-specific data that are used for monitoring the leading contributors to morbidity and premature death, tracking health status and assessing trends, measuring public knowledge, attitudes and opinions, public health program planning and evaluation as well as policy development,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary.

Results of the 2019 survey show the rate of obesity in Kansas is over 35 percent, and higher among those with diabetes or living with a disability. Over 27 percent of Kansans did not take part in any leisure-time physical activity. Also, more than 16 percent of Kansans smoke cigarettes, with much higher rates of smoking among those with an annual household income of $15,000 or less. Obesity and smoking are significant contributors to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Behavioral changes to reduce obesity and smoking can reduce the burden of such chronic diseases.

Additional highlights from the 2019 BRFSS data include:

  • 6% have health care coverage
  • 2% with a personal doctor
  • 9% were ever diagnosed with depression.
  • 6% consumed fruit at least once per day.
  • 1% consumed vegetables at least once per day.
  • 8% were diagnosed with diabetes
  • 6% were diagnosed with some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus or fibromyalgia.
  • 5% were diagnosed with hypertension.
  • 9% were tested and diagnosed with high cholesterol.

“BRFSS gives us an in-depth look into many health behaviors,” Julie Sergeant, PhD, Bureau of Health Promotion, Director of the Kansas BRFSS program, said. “Having data to use helps us shape the efforts of many state health programs and to partner with Kansans to improve their health.”

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), which is coordinated and partially funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the largest continuously conducted telephone survey in the world. It is conducted in every state, the District of Columbia, and several United States territories. Conducted in 2019-2020, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) completed its 29th BRFSS Survey to guide the state’s health activities. The survey is conducted year-round.

Answers to commonly asked questions can be found on our website www.kdheks.gov/bhp/HealthRiskStudies/ksbrf/index.htm  or call toll free at 1-866-445-1429. The complete 2019 Health Risk Behaviors of Kansans Report is available for download at www.kdheks.gov/brfss/PDF/2019_Kansas_BRFSS_Report.pdf.

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of July 6

July 6, 2021                                         Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioner Oharah and Commissioner Harris present, Commissioner Beth arrived at 9:20, the County Counselor and the County Clerk were also present.

 

Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Susan Bancroft, Michael Hoyt, Anne Dare, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Harley & Beverly Fuhrman, Lora Holdridge and Economic Development Director Rob Harrington.

 

Lynne made a motion to approve the previous meetings Commission minutes, Jim seconded and the motion passed.

 

The Commissioners received a request for a permanent road opening at 45th & Unique; Lora said this used to be an open road, but was closed, Jim said it was closed in 1849.  Lora said one road in that area is not officially closed, but is being used as a private driveway.  Jim said he was concerned that if they opened this road, they would receive more requests in the future to open roads.  Lynne said they couldn’t deny access to an individual’s property.  Lynne made a motion to support opening 1,293’ starting at 45th & Unique going East, Jim seconded and the motion passed.  Lynne made a motion to sign the application for the permanent road opening of 1,293’ starting at 45th & Unique Road going East, Jim seconded the motion and the motion passed and they signed the application.  Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 18-21 to open 1,293’ starting at 45th & Unique going East, Jim seconded and the motion passed and they signed the resolution.

 

Lynne asked Eric to review an area of Unique going West off 95th; Lynne said it had never been closed.

 

Eric Bailey said heavy rain had caused washouts around the County and they are hauling gravel.  He said they had a sinkhole at 75th North of 54 Highway and a sinkhole on Xavier ¾ mile East of 215th, both sinkholes have been fixed.

 

Eric said they will be doing a blast at the Beth Quarry on July 13th.  They will then be crushing at the Beth Quarry.

 

They are asphalting on the Jefferson Highway now.  Eric said that asphalt oil had gone up $40/ton.

 

Eric said they will be putting berms around the soybeans this week.

 

Eric said the KDOT off system bridge report is due at the end of July; he said he is working with Schwab Eaton on this.

 

Jim said that at some time they need to clean up the metal bridge on 250th.

 

Windmill update; Eric said they are also dealing with the heavy rains.

 

Lynne asked Eric to check out 120th & Unity going South to make sure it is a closed road and said if not there is a metal bridge there that is dangerous.

 

County Counselor Comment: Justin Meeks said he had received a petition to revoke a 1 cent sales tax on the City-wide sales tax; he said he would meet with Kendell Thursday of this week and will get a response back to the individual that sent the petition.

 

Mercy Hospital facility: Justin said the County is now the owner of the Bourbon County healthcare facility (formerly Mercy Hospital), Clifton said 3 employees there will keep the building up to the Joint Commission Standards.  The Commissioners will be over the 3 employees, but there is a supervisor amongst the 3 employees.  Susan Bancroft said one of the employees had been working under contract, but is retiring, so they would need to replace this employee.  Lynne said the contracts in place now have to be honored.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to have an executive session, Jim seconded and the motion passed.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy the session is related to job function, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:49, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Shane Walker and Justin Meeks).  Clifton made a motion to resume the normal session, with action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion that the County take on two of the existing employees at the Bourbon County Health System as County employees, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to make Shane Walker – the County I/T director the director of the Bourbon County Health System facility, and that all contacts go to him regarding maintenance and I/T there, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to give Susan Bancroft the ability to post for a maintenance technician at the Bourbon County Health System facility, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Susan Bancroft will work with Kendell to add the Bourbon County Health System facility employees to the County Salary Schedule.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve allowing Lynne Oharah to sign the feasibility study (for the healthcare facility), Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks said they would probably publish for the tax sale next week.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 20-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property for that reason, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:19, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Rob Harrington, Shane Walker and Justin Meeks).  Clifton made a motion to resume the regular session, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to give Clifton permission to call someone at Pittsburg State regarding a contract with Bourbon County, Jim seconded and approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to allow Rob Harrington and Susan Bancroft to look into an issue with a MOU and come back to the Commission next Tuesday about this, Jim seconded the motion, Justin said the MOU deals with real property that is not owned by the County and will possibly have revisions to it, all approved the motion.

 

Susan Bancroft reminded the Commissioners of the budget work session next Tuesday, July 13th.

 

Public Comment: none

 

Commissioner Comment: Jim said he had received a phone call from Jeremy Frazier at the City of Fort Scott, requesting that he be part of the HR interview process; Justin Meeks said as a private citizen he didn’t need a motion to allow this.  Justin said they are still looking into a shared service on this, but aren’t sure.

 

At 10:23, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

July 13, 2021, Approved Date