Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Foster Care Report Card Implemented

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Governor Laura Kelly signs Executive Order Implementing Foster Care Report Card

Another Step Toward Improving Foster Care System

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed Executive Order #20-53 establishing an annual education report card for students in foster care. The report card will track educational outcomes and collect data to give state leaders, education providers, and stakeholders a picture of where the state needs to improve when it comes to educating foster care kids in Kansas.

 

“This executive order is another step my administration is taking to improve outcomes for vulnerable children in the foster care system,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Education is key to a strong future workforce in Kansas. This report will help us track educational outcomes of all Kansas students in foster care – which will in turn help Kansas’ vulnerable families and make our public education system more accountable. I will continue to preserve the foster care programs that are already in place during this unprecedented pandemic. We will grow these foundational services and continue to fight on behalf of all Kansas children.”

 

The foster care report card will track the following:

 

A:           The graduation rate of students in foster care at the end of each academic year;

 

B:           The number and percentage of students in foster care who were promoted to the next grade level;

 

C:           The number and percentage of students in foster care who were suspended during the school year, and the average number of days each student spent in suspension;

 

D:           The number and percentage of students in foster care who were expelled during the school year;

 

E:           State standardized assessment scores for students in foster care, including the number and percentage of students meeting academic standards as determined by the state board of education;

 

F:           The number and percentage of students in foster care enrolled in any preschool-aged at-risk program, Kansas preschool pilot program or early childhood special education program under section 619 of part B of the individuals with disabilities act;

 

G:           The number and percentage of students in foster care who participated in the mental health intervention team pilot program or a similar mental health program;

 

H:           The total number of students in foster care enrolled in a school district or accredited nonpublic school and the disaggregated number and percentage of students in foster care enrolled in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools; and

 

I:             De-identified disaggregated race and ethnicity data for each data set required in (A) through (H); and

 

J:            Any additional data elements that both the Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Department for Children and Families deem appropriate for inclusion.

 

The executive order directs the Department for Children and Families to work with the Kansas Department of Education to accumulate the data. The report card will be published annually and presented to the House and Senate Educations committees by the Kansas Department for Children and Families by January 15 of each year.

 

“I commend Governor Kelly for her continued leadership and commitment to building a strong foster care system in Kansas,” Secretary of Children and Families Laura Howard said. “I have long supported the idea of a foster care report card because I believe that a child’s success in education is a predictor for their success in life. The Department for Children and Families has already engaged with the Department of Education to begin gathering data. I look forward to seeing where the data leads us so we can identify ways in which both agencies can support foster youth in meaningful ways that ensure their wellbeing.”

 

The foster care report card was a provision in House Bill 2510 during the 2020 Legislative session that was vetoed by Governor Kelly due to the fiscal crisis the state faces.

 

Please find the executive order here.

 

Fort Scott, Government

Tourism Advisory Board Meets July 9

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The Tourism Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, July 9th, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main.

Please call the City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or email Diane Clay at [email protected] to sign up to speak.

The meetings are limited to 45 total in number due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however the room will only hold 14 due to the 6’ social distancing rules. Patrons will be let in one at a time at their scheduled time to ensure the public health orders are followed.

The Tourism meeting will be available on the City’s YouTube channel.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor Recommends Staying in Phase 3 To Reopen

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Governor Laura Kelly Recommends Kansas Continues to Use Phase 3 of “Ad Astra” Plan

 

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly today announced that her administration, and officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, recommend that most local communities again do not move into Phase Out of “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas” at this time, and instead stay in Phase 3.

 

“Nearly 3,500 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Kansas over the past two weeks – which is the steepest rate of new case development since the pandemic began,” said Governor Kelly. “After careful consideration, Secretary Norman’s team at KDHE and members of my administration have decided we still do not feel most communities are ready to move into the final phase of the ‘Ad Astra’ plan at this time.”

 

The emergency disaster declaration issued by the Governor on May 26 transfers reopening decisions back to local officials, which means counties continuing with Phase 3 of the plan is only a recommendation. However, the State continues to monitor health metrics daily, and remains committed to supporting local communities in a safe, gradual transition.

 

“If we’re going to keep our loved ones healthy and keep Kansas open for business, every Kansan must step up, wear a mask, socially distance, and practice good hygiene,” said Governor Kelly. “I will continue do everything in my power to save lives and keep our economy open, and I strongly encourage other elected leaders in our state to do the same.”

 

Key Phase 3 highlights for communities:

 

  • Mass gatherings of more than 45 individuals are not recommended;

 

  • All education, activities, venues and establishments may operate and are recommended to follow all public health guidelines;

 

  • On-site staffing has no recommended restrictions;

 

 

As always, Kansans should continue to adhere to hygiene and social distancing protocols, including:

 

  • Washing hands frequently, while avoiding contact with one’s face;

 

  • Remaining home when sick or running a fever;

 

  • Following isolation and quarantine orders issued by state or local health officers;

 

  • Wearing a cloth face mask when in public;

 

“Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” is available in full at covid.ks.gov, in addition to industry-specific guidance for Kansas businesses.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Is In A Drought Watch

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Governor Declares Drought Emergency, Warnings and Watches for Kansas Counties

The Governor’s Drought Team examines conditions; fire dangers and encourages Kansans to be mindful of the state’s worsening conditions

 

TOPEKA – Today Governor Kelly issued Drought Declarations for Kansas counties with Executive Order #20-54.  The declaration includes 74 out of 105 counties either in an emergency, warning or watch status.

 

“Unfortunately, the majority of the state of Kansas has been considered in drought or abnormally dry conditions for the past several weeks, which has led to high risk of fire hazard,” said Governor Kelly. “This declaration will allow affected communities to access the water they need. I encourage Kansans to continue to be mindful of drought conditions, and work to minimize the threat of fires across the state.”

 

The drought declaration placed 13 counties in emergency status, 18 into a warning status and 44 into a watch status. This action was recommended by Earl Lewis, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. Most of the state has received fewer than 70% of its normal rainfall since January, and many southwestern counties have received less than half of their normal precipitation.

 

“It has been a very dry winter and spring, especially in western Kansas, and forecasts into the coming summer months predict higher temperatures and fewer chances of precipitation,” said Lewis. “The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to monitor the situation closely as future outlooks call for drought persisting and make recommendations to the Governor as necessary.”

 

Counties who are in emergency stage are eligible for emergency use of water from certain state fishing lakes due to the Kansas Water Office (KWO) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism (KDWPT).

 

Individuals and communities need to contact KWO for a water supply request prior to any withdrawals from lakes. They will in turn be referred to the appropriate KDWPT office to obtain the necessary permit to withdraw the water.

 

This Executive Order shall remain in effect for those counties so identified until rescinded by Executive Order or superseded by a subsequent Executive Order revising the drought stage status of the affected counties. Effective immediately:

 

  • Declare a Drought Emergency, Warning or Drought Watch for the counties identified below;
  • Authorize and direct all agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor to implement the appropriate watch or warning level-drought response actions assigned in the Operations Plan of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.

 

The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the effects the drought has on Kansans.

 

For more detailed information about current conditions, see the Kansas Climate Summary and Drought Report on the Kansas Water Office website at: www.kwo.ks.gov

 

County Drought Stage Declarations:

 

Drought Watch:  Allen, Anderson, Barton, Bourbon, Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Coffey, Cowley, Decatur, Dickinson, Edwards, Elk, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Greenwood, Harper, Harvey, Johnson, Kiowa, Labette, Linn, Lyon, Marion, Miami, Mitchell, Montgomery, Morris, Neosho, Norton, Osborne, Pawnee, Phillips, Republic, Rooks, Rush, Sedgwick, Sheridan, Sumner, Trego, Wilson, Woodson, Wyandotte

 

Drought Warning:  Barber, Cherokee, Cheyenne, Clark, Comanche, Crawford, Ford, Gray, Hodgeman, Jewell, Lane, Logan, Meade, Ness, Rawlins, Sherman, Smith, Thomas

 

Drought Emergency:  Finney, Grant, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Kearny, Morton, Scott, Seward, Stanton, Stevens, Wallace, Wichita

 

To view a Kansas drought map, click here.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Agenda for July 7

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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: July 7, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

9:00 – 9:10 Justin Meeks, Executive Session, Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

9:10 – 9:45 JT Heckman

9:45 – 10:00 Cops Grant

10:00 – 10:15 Jody Hoener, CDBG-CV Grants

10:15 – 10:30 David Neville, Second Floor Air Conditioner

10:30 – 10:45 Sparky Schroeder, Hospital

10:45 – 11:00 Clint Anderson, 2021 Budget Review

11:00 – 11:15 Patty Love, 2021 Budget Review

11:15 – 11:30 Justin Meeks, Executive Session, Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Agenda For July 7

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AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

JULY 7, 2020

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE:

III. INVOCATION: Pastor

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Recognition of Payden Blythe, Police Officer

Introduction of Nate Stansberry, City Engineer

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 16th, 2020, special meeting of June 24th, 2020 and June 30th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1266-A totaling $804,125.90.

  1. Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – March port-a-pottie fees – $2,153.00; April $1,911.00; and May $2,153.00 – Totaling $6,217.00.

  1. Request to Pay – Insco Industries – $67,937.35 – Clarifier Painting Project – Water Plant

  1. Request to Pay – Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission – $4,000.00 – Fire Truck Grant

  1. May financials

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Vanessa Poyner – Junior/Senior Prom – Saturday, July 25th, 2020 – Request for Street Closures: West Oak Street from Judson to National for Walk-In event. Request for parking lot behind Brewhaus Brewery for valet parking. Time requested: 2:00 p.m. to midnight – Waivers will be signed for all attendees and social distancing will be enforced.

Frank Halsey – Marmaton Massacre Event

Terry Sercer – 2019 Audit

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS: (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute limit per citizen)

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Pool Discussion – Consideration of fees
  1. Consideration of Financial Policy
  1. Consideration of Work Order #9 – Olsson Associates – Fort Scott Municipal Airport – Environmental Assessment

  1. Consideration of Change Order #10 – River Intake Project – Increase of $24,950.00

  1. Consideration of City Auctioneer Bid
  1. Consideration to pay Ace Pipeline
  1. Discussion of First Source Lease

  1. Consideration to remove some of the tree line near Hole #13 at Woodland Hills Golf Course

  1. Consideration to purchase used fairway mower – Golf Course

  1. Consideration to purchase Cushman Utility Cart for Golf Course and sign a four year lease for 30 gas 2020 golf carts from KGT

  1. Discussion of B.C.E.D.C.I. board activities (Pete Allen)

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:
  1. Commission:

Kevin Allen – Executive Session regarding non-elected personnel

  1. City Attorney:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

  • Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

  • Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency

  • Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

COVID 19 Cases in Bourbon County: 36

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

July 6, 2020

Allen County

Current Positive Cases 3
Current Recovered Cases 2
Total Positives Since Testing 5-1 removed-out of state and to remain there
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Positive Cases 2
Current Recovered Cases 3
Total Positives Since Testing 5
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Positive Cases 22
Presumptive Cases 1-listed on KDHE website, tested negative
Current Recovered Cases 14-includes presumptive case
Total Positives Since Testing 36
Deaths 1

Woodson County

Current Positive Cases 1
Current Recovered Cases 11
Total Positives Since Testing 12
Deaths 0

Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Elections, Government

Derick Burke: Candidate For Bourbon County Sheriff

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Derick Burke. Submitted photo.

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Monday, July 20, is the candidate forum at Ellis Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.  Doors open at 5:30  p.m. for a meet and greet with candidates. The forum starts at 6 p.m. in the order of federal, state, then local  candidates.

 

Derick Burke, 37, is running for the Sheriff of Bourbon County, Kansas position.

 

He is an Oak Grove, MO High School graduate and also graduated from the Carpenters Union Apprenticeship program and the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

 

His experience includes ten years in the Carpenters Union and six years in law enforcement.

 

What skills do you bring to the position if elected or re-elected?

“I have knowledge of law enforcement, records management, how property and evidence should be handled, and what it takes to have a successful department.  In the past ,I have been successful with budgets by managing time and manpower, ordering materials, and setting the schedule.  I was efficient, effective, on time, never over budget, and never had to ask for more money to finish the task I was given.”

 

What is your priority on day one?

“My very first priority is personnel retention.  I believe it is imperative I sit down with each of the deputies to see what they think of the department, find out if there are any improvements they believe need to be made, and to see what they expect from me as their sheriff.  I would also take this time to let them know what I expect from them.  I think the department will improve exponentially if everyone has an open line of communication.”

 

The following is information provided on the Bourbon County Kansas website.

Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?

You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.

Advance Voting is available prior to each election.  You may advance vote in one of two ways:  By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you   OR   in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.

 

Area News, Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

New COVID 19 Case In Bourbon County

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Bourbon and Allen Counties both have new COVID 19 cases today, said Bourbon County Health Officer Rebecca Johnson.
“Bourbon County has a new positive COVID-19 case today,” she said. “This individual is also symptomatic and in isolation. Their family is in quarantine. The investigation is complete.”
“Allen County has a positive COVID-19 case today,” Johnson said.  “The individual is symptomatic and in isolation. Their family is in quarantine. The Allen County Public Health Department is diligently working to notify all close contacts and complete the investigation.”

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Seven New Cases of COVID 19 Yesterday Total

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Bourbon County Health Officer Rebecca Johnson said there are five more positive COVID-19 cases.
Some are contacts of previous cases & some are not.
The Bourbon County Public Health Department is diligently working to complete the investigations.
Please stay home when sick, social distance, practice good hygiene & wear a mask in public.
There were seven total yesterday.