Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for June 22

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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: June 22, 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
  • Bourbon County Soil Conservation District 2022 Budget Review
  • Wallstreet Group Insurance – Cassie Laemmli, Health Insurance Presentation
  • Assured Partners – Health Insurance Presentation
  • Commission to Review Fireworks Permits
  • Kendell Mason – Annual Statements
  • Michael Clancy – Reodry USA – Inspection of Courthouse Foundation for Free
  • Will Wallis – Termination of County Declaration
  • Bill Martin – Sheriff’s 2022 Budget Review
  • Elected Officials Comment
  • County Counselor Comment
  • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
  • Donation to Kansas Road Trip
    • 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.

Government, Kansas

Child Tax Credit: American Rescue Plan

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Governor Laura Kelly Encourages Families to Register for Monthly Child Tax Credit with New Online Tool

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today encouraged Kansas families who normally aren’t required to file an income tax return to use a new online tool to quickly register for the expanded Child Tax Credit under the American Rescue Plan.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service announced this week that the new Non-filer Sign-up Tool for people who did not file an income tax return for 2019 or 2020 and did not use the IRS Non-filers tool last year to register for Economic Impact Payments is now available through IRS.gov.

“Businesses are open, unemployment is back to pre-pandemic lows, and Kansas’ economy gets stronger every day – but we know that many families still need support,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I encourage all Kansans who qualify to use this new online tool to quickly and easily register for Child Tax Credit payments – and to spread the word about the new tool in their communities.”

This tool, an update of last year’s IRS Non-filers tool, is also designed to help eligible individuals who don’t normally file income tax returns register for the $1,400 third round of Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of Economic Impact Payments they may have missed.

Learn more about the Non-filer Sign-up Tool here.

Government, Kansas

Noxious Weeds: Permanent Quarantine Hearing June 30

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Hearing for Proposed Permanent Quarantine of Federal Noxious Weeds

MANHATTAN, Kansas — A public hearing will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at the Kansas Department of Agriculture, 1320 Research Park Dr. in Manhattan, regarding the issuance of a permanent statewide quarantine of weed species that have been designated noxious by federal regulation. The proposed quarantine would replace KDA’s existing Federal Noxious Weed Quarantine, which is expiring, and would prohibit all movement of items regulated pursuant to the quarantine into or within the state of Kansas.

All interested persons may attend the hearing in person or appear by counsel and will have the opportunity to express comments orally, in writing, or both. A copy of the proposed quarantine may be accessed on KDA’s website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment. Written comments and requests for information concerning the proposed quarantine can be shared on that website, or sent to Jeff Vogel, KDA plant protection and weed control program manager, at [email protected] or 1320 Research Park Dr., Manhattan, KS  66502.

Any individual with a disability may request accommodations in order to participate in the public hearing and may request a copy of the quarantine in an accessible format. Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least five working days prior to the hearing. For more information, including special accommodations or a copy of the regulations, please contact Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or [email protected].

###

WHAT:          Public hearing on proposed permanent quarantine

WHEN:         10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021

WHERE:       Kansas Department of Agriculture

1320 Research Park Dr., Manhattan, Kansas

Hearing for Proposed Permanent Quarantine of Federal Noxious Weeds.pdf

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

COVID Testing in Adult Care Facilities Ordered

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Governor Laura Kelly Directs Kansas Department of Health and Environment to Require COVID-19 Testing in Adult Care Facilities

~Order introduced to prevent future spread of COVID-19 in adult care facilities~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly directed the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Dr. Lee Norman, to issue an order requiring COVID-19 testing in all adult care facilities statewide beginning today, June 18. State-licensed adult care facilities were no longer required to continue COVID-19 testing for staff or residents following the expiration of the state’s disaster declaration.

“We have a responsibility to protect Kansans most vulnerable to COVID-19 – and that includes those working and living in adult care homes, which have been some of the hardest-hit populations,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While we work to get Kansans vaccinated – we’ll continue to take these commonsense measures to keep our communities safe and healthy.”

The State Health Officer has the authority to issue health orders as medically necessary under K.S.A. 65-101 and 65-128. Under this order, vaccinated staff members at adult care facilities will not be required to get tested. The state strongly encourages all employees to get vaccinated to ensure the health and safety of all individuals.

“This order ensures that vulnerable populations in Kansas’ adult care facilities continue to receive the testing needed to continue combatting COVID-19,” KDHE Secretary Norman said.

The health order will align testing protocols for adult care facilities that fall under state jurisdiction with facilities regulated by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines. This order has no effect on facility visitation policies.

“Screening, testing, vaccination and good infection control all remain critical to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “Dr. Norman’s order is important to maintain the health and wellbeing of residents and other staff members who work in long-term care and the tremendous progress we’ve made in reducing the number of people sick with COVID-19 and the number of facilities with active outbreaks.”

The order will be effective immediately and will remain in effect until otherwise modified or rescinded. Read the full order here.

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Board Agenda for June 21

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June 21, 2021
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
June 21, 2021.

The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott Community College.

5:30 p.m. Dinner at 5:00 followed by regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.

THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on May 17, 2021,
6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 7
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 54
A. Approval of Property/Casualty/Auto/Excess Liability Insurance, 54
B. Consideration of 2021-22 Meeting Dates, 57
C. Approval of Tentative Memorandum of Agreement with FSCAPE, 58
D. Consideration of KASB Worker’s Compensation Member Participation Premium
Agreement and Loyalty Credit Program Agreement, 60
E. Consideration of Mercy Amended Lease for Student Housing, 66
F. Consideration of Proposed Continuation Agreement Between Iowa Department of Education and Fort Scott Community College, 69
G. Discussion of Fort Lincoln School Rock Fossils, 70
H. Consideration of Apartment Flooring Bids, 71
I. Consideration of Apartment Painting Bids, 76
J. Approval of CAMP Laptop Purchase, 81
K. Approval of Consortium Memberships and Dues, 82

ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 84

REPORTS, 85A. Administrative Updates,

86
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 94
ADJOURNMENT, 95
1
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• June 21, 2021: Board Meeting
• August 9-11, 2021: In-Service
• August 12, 2021: Fall Semester Begins
• September 6, 2021: Labor Day, Campus Closed
• October 18, 2021: Math Relays
• November 22 – 26, 2021: Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• November 30, 2021: Graduate Assessment Exam
• December 7 – 10, 2021: Finals
• December 17, 2021 – January 4, 2022 Christmas Break, Campus Closed
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
2
ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bill Meyer
_____ Robert Nelson
3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
4
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA CONSENT AGENDA

B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on May 17,
2021.

C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.

D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Jason Middleton, Assistant Baseball Coach, effective May 26, 2021
b) Sean Moore, Assistant Baseball Coach, effective June 1, 2021
c) Richard Embry, Resident Assistant, effective June 1, 2021
d) Keith Willis-Auger, Resident Assistant, effective June 1, 2021
e) Dalton Brown, Resident Assistant, effective June 1, 2021
f) Kyle Pugh, Resident Assistant, effective June 2, 2021
g) John Horton, Assistant Track Coach, effective June 15, 2021
h) Gunnard Twyner, Assistant Football Coach, effective June 1, 2021
i) Chris Larsen, Lead IT Technician, effective June 7, 2021
j) Kelly Davis, Assistant Football Coach, effective July 1, 2021
k) Marivel Chavez, MEP OSY/K12 Advocate, effective July 1, 2021
l) Adriana Holguin, MEP OSY/K12 Advocate, effective July 1, 2021
m) Magdalena Rosales, MEP OSY/K12 Advocate, effective July 1, 2021
n) Tino Rosales, MEP OSY/K12 Recruiter/Advocate, effective July 1, 2021

2) Transfers
a) Jake Harvey, from Assistant Baseball Coach to Financial Aid Coordinator, effective July 1, 2021

3) Separations
a) Mark Emerson, Assistant Track Coach, effective May 15, 2021
b) Caitlyn Wiswell, Assistant Rodeo Coach, effective May 15, 2021
c) Gonzalo Gonzalez, Assistant Baseball Coach, effective May 31, 2021
d) Sean Davidson, Assistant Football Coach, effective June 4, 2021
e) Michael Page, Custodian, effective June 4, 2021

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved
as presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Meyer Nelson
5

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Board Minutes of May 17

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
May 17, 2021
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Dave Elliott, Kirk Hart, Bill Meyer, and Robert Nelson (via Zoom)
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, and staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was opened
with the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Bartelsmeyer praised the maintenance and custodial crews at FSCC,
noting they are often behind the scenes but big contributors to the success of FSCC. “They’re not mentioned enough.
Thank you.”

CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve
the consent agenda.

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the COVID\ mitigation recommendation of FSCC’s COVID committee with the intent to amend for a provision for students and/or employees in settings that require a mask.
B. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of Zoom Room equipment from SKC for $114,391.46.
C. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of a mini excavator from OT Truck & Tractor Sales for $30,900.

ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of correspondence.

REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Miami County Campus,
Student Services, Athletics, Instruction, Finance and Operations, and the President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:28
p.m. by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.

Government, Kansas

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

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

 

Active Advisories

Warning

Marion County Lake, Marion County (upgraded 6/17)

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (new)

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Lake, Saline County

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (new)

 

Watch

Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County

South Lake, Johnson County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County (new)

 

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.

If you observe a scum, a paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments, or the water is an opaque 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.

Government, K-State Extension

Reunification Month For Families

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Governor Laura Kelly Signs Proclamation Recognizing Reunification Month

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that, to recognize Kansans’ continuous efforts to strengthen families and communities, she has proclaimed June as Reunification Month in Kansas.

“All Kansas kids deserve a permanent, loving home,” Governor Kelly said. “This Reunification Month, I ask Kansans to join me in thanking our welfare agencies, courts, schools, businesses, individuals, and all those who put in the work to reunite the children in our foster care systems with their families.”

The proclamation states that reunification with their family is the preferred outcome for children placed in foster care. The care, love, security, and stability of a family unity provides a solid foundation for personal growth, development, and maturity.

From July 2020 to April 2021, 1,516 children were successfully reunified with their families in Kansas.

The proclamation reads:

“TO THE PEOPLE OF KANSAS, GREETINGS:

WHEREAS, reunification with family is the preferred outcome for children removed from their homes and placed in foster care; and

WHEREAS, for most children in foster care, reunification with their family is their best option for a permanent and loving home; and

WHEREAS, from July 2020 to April 2021, 1,516 children were successfully reunified with their families in Kansas; and

WHEREAS, all children need the care, love, security, and stability of family unity – including parents or guardians, siblings, grandparents, and/or other extended family members – to provide a solid foundation for personal growth, development, and maturity; and

WHEREAS, reunification takes work, commitment, and investment of time and resources by parents, family members, social workers, foster parents, service providers, attorneys, courts, and the community; and

WHEREAS, Kansas has been a leader and example in celebrating the accomplishments of families who overcome an array of challenges to reunify safely and successfully; and

WHEREAS, the State of Kansas encourages service, civic, and religious organizations as well as child welfare agencies, courts, schools, businesses, and individuals to join in commemorating Reunification Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities that recognize the importance of supporting our families and communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Laura Kelly, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF KANSAS, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as Reunification Month in Kansas and I urge all citizens to join in this observation.”

View the proclamation here.

Fort Scott, Government

Road Work Starts June 21 on National Avenue

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Road work is scheduled to begin on National Avenue starting Monday, June 21st. Pavement milling will be completed from 13th to 17th Street. Pavement milling and overlay will be completed from 17th Street to Highway 69.

The project is expected to be completed within two days. Please be aware that it may be difficult at times to traverse National Avenue from 13th to Highway 69. One lane will remain open at all times, but drivers should expect delays. When possible, please utilize alternate routes.

Please contact City Hall with any questions, 620-223-0550.

Bourbon County, Government

Spradling Resigns as Bourbon County Attorney

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Bourbon County Attorney Jacqie Spradling.

Bourbon County Attorney Jacqie Spradling sent the following letter to Mark McCoy, Bourbon County Republican Chairman, on June 16.

“It has been my honor and privilege to have served Bourbon County as the Bourbon County Attorney for the last three years.

“I am retiring and tendering this resignation effective Wednesday, June 30, 2021.”

The process has begun for an interim Bourbon County Attorney, McCoy said.

“In this case, the Bourbon County Republican Party will convene a meeting with officers and committee persons, approximately 40 people,” McCoy said. “We have 14-21 days to convene a caucus, to select a candidate for Bourbon County Attorney to submit to Governor Kelly, to fill the position temporarily. I understand in 2022 that person will run for the position. Spradling had two years remaining, she was elected in  November 2020.”

“The date of the caucus is to be determined,” McCoy said. “Further notification will be coming out. This meeting is not open to the public.” Editor’s note: the caucus is scheduled tentatively for Thursday, July 1 at  6 p.m. at the Empress Event Center, 7. N. Main, according to McCoy on June 18, it is not open to the public.

“We will put out a notice to all interested parties (in the county attorney position) to submit a resume to me, Mark McCoy, 2138 Jayhawk Road, Fort Scott, KS 66701, applications will need to be submitted by June 28,” he said.

Brandon Cameron and Chad Taylor are the assistant county attorneys in Bourbon County, according to the Bourbon County Clerk’s office.

Spradling was selected as Bourbon County Attorney in 2018.

An attorney panel unanimously recommended the Kansas Supreme Court disbar Spradling for knowingly making false statements to juries during two high-profile trials and for misleading claims about her prosecutorial misconduct to justices of the state’s highest court, according to a story by Tim Carpenter of the Kansas Reflector news service this month.

To view the story:

KS Supreme Court Will Issue Decision on Bourbon County Attorney Jacquie Spradling