Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Agenda for Feb. 15

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February 15, 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, February 15, 2021. The meeting will be held via Zoom from Fort Scott Community College.

5:30 p.m. Regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom link
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on January
25, 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) Roger Copland, Assistant Football Coach, effective January 25, 2021
b) JoDee Smith, TRIO Database Manager, effective February 1, 2021
c) Bethanne Elliott, Admissions Representative, effective February 15, 2021

2) Separations
a) Cody Crim, Assistant Rodeo Coach, effective 1/26/2021
b) Kim Coates, Construction Trades Instructor, effective 2/15/2021

A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on January 25, 2021, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 9
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 45
A. Correspondence for Review, 46
REPORTS, 47
A. Administrative Updates, 48
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 62
ADJOURNMENT, 63

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC President February Board Report

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Fort Scott Community College, Board of Trustees

February Board Report
Alysia Johnston; President

Many of our sports teams and activities have begun to participate in competitions this semester.
We continue to practice mitigation procedures which include wearing a mask, maintaining a 6 feet distance when possible, minimizing the number of people at events, and other measures to
help prevent the spread of COVID-19 at our events.

We no longer print programs of the events; however, athletic virtual programs will be available at the games via QR code scan. The QR
codes will be available on our website and at the games.

Fort Scott Community College Athletic Department Attendance Policy

Admission/Ticketing

Beginning February 6, 2021 Fort Scott Community College will allow spectators to attend athletic events up to 25% fan seating capacity. This decision shall be reviewed March 1, 2021, at
which time the capacity limit may be increased, decreased, or remain steady.

Below are the capacity requirements:
• Indoor Sports: 25% fan seating capacity maximum
• Basketball – Two fans per FSCC student-athlete will be allowed on pass list. FSCC students will be allowed to attend up to the 25% capacity of the arena.
Total fan attendance not to exceed 62 total fans. No visiting team fans will be allowed.
• Volleyball – Three fans per FSCC student-athletes will be allowed on pass list. FSCC students will be allowed to attend up to the 25% capacity of the arena.
Total fan attendance not to exceed 93 total fans. No visiting team fans will be allowed.
• FSCC student-athletes are required to submit names on pass list 48 hours ahead of game time. FSCC students must present student ID in order to attend the games.
• Outdoor Sports: 25% fan seating capacity maximum where seating is clearly designated.
For those venues or areas without clearly designated seating, fans must remain socially distanced.
• No visiting fans will be allowed at FSCC outdoor events
All fans must wear masks for both indoor and outdoor venues.
• There shall be no concessions allowed
No outside food or drinks allowed.
Every effort will be made to ensure a 6-ft area marked off separating the teams and participants from the spectators.

Data Book
The Kansas Board of Regents 2021 Community College Data Book was recently released. The Data Book includes information concerning the 19 KS community colleges and breaks-out each
college specifically. Sections 1-4 of the Data Book give cumulative information for all KS community colleges concerning finance, tuition & fees, students, and faculty & staff. The last section addresses individual institutional profiles. There is a lot of good information in the data book that allows us to take a granular look at some of our 55 numbers. https://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/Data/2021_Community_College_Data_
Book.pdf

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force

Fort Scott Community College Head Men’s Basketball Coach Michael Cook has been chosen as a NJCAA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Region Ambassador.
According to the NJCAA, “Ambassadors will develop a working framework to form EDI Region Committees and led their respective regions in EDI initiatives. Region Ambassadors will fill an especially important role the Region EDI Committees will play on a regional and national level.

Intentional focus will be to educate, empower, and engage our student-athletes, coaches, and athletic directors.”
Cook is currently the Chairperson of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Fort Scott Community College. He has been Head Men’s Basketball Coach for 13 years and also teaches several classes.

Bridge the Gap
The DEI Task force partnered with the FSCC TRIO program and local law enforcement on a Bridging the Gap project that encourages interaction between our students, Fort Scott Police
Department, and Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department. Personnel from both the Fort Scott Police and Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department are attending weight training with students (at
5:00 a.m.) as one of the Bridge the Gap activities.

Baseball
Fort Scott Community College Head Baseball Coach John Hill III picked up his 400th career, beating Cloud Community College 2-1 in a three game series. Hill grabbed his 400th career victory Friday, Feb. 5 with 9-7 victory over Cloud. Hill is the career leader in wins at Fort Scott Community College. The Greyhounds beat Cloud 5-4 Thursday in the home, season and series opener. Greyhound baseball hosts a four-game series with Iowa Lakes Community College Friday, Feb. 12 and Saturday, Feb. 13 in Fort Scott.

Basketball
After becoming the career leader in wins last season, surpassing Hall of Fame Coach Bob Eshelbrenner with 142 wins, Fort Scott Community College Head Men’s Basketball Coach Michael Cook entered the 2021 season with 148 wins. He picked up his 150th victory with a126-73 decision over Bethel JV on Jan. 30, 2021.
Cook’s victory total now sits at 151 as the Greyhounds defeated Craig Tyson Prep 103-67 Saturday, Feb. 6. Fort Scott basketball is 3-2 on the season and faces St. Louis Community
College Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. The Greyhounds host Baker University JV Friday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.

Track
Washburn University Meet: Kailah Gilmore started the meet by winning the long jump & punching her ticket to nationals with a jump of 18’1”. This jump was a school record and NJCAA leading mark. Gilmore also finished 5th in the 60m final.
Trinity Sinegal places 2nd in the 60m & 3rd in the 200m. Punches her ticket to nationals in the 60m with a time of 7.72. She set two new school records in the 60m & 200m. Sinegal is now sitting 4th in the NJCAA for the 60m. Sinegal also finished 6th in the long jump.
Russell Mitchell breaks his own school record in the 60m Hurdles with time of a 8.20. Placing him 5th in the NJCAA.
Damazvia Dames wins the TJ with a jump of 36’5″. Dames set a new school record & punches her ticket to nationals! Placing her 4th in the NJCAA in the triple jump. Dames also finished 8th in the long jump.
The women’s 4x400m relay finished 4th while setting a new school record of 4:11.78. This relay included Rachel Booker, Jayda Jones, Kentayshija Pruitt, and Jada Sneed. Jordan Collins was the meet champion in the 200m with a time of 22.23.
Angelica Bernal set a new school record in the 800m with a time of 2:36.22

Meats Judging
Our meats team has been doing an outstanding job and was high team overall at their last two National Contests.
Lone Star Classic Results
Team:
High Team Overall
1st Beef Judging
1st Overall Beef
1st Pork Judging
1st Questions
2nd in Beef Grading
Sierra Graham:
High Individual Overall
High Individual Overall Beef (Judging and Grading)
2nd in Questions
3rd in Pork Judging
Cord Dodson:
Second High Individual Overall
Second High Individual Overall Beef (Judging and Grading)
2nd in Beef Judging
4th in Pork Judging
5th in Total Placings
Ethan Westerman:
2nd in Pork Judging
3rd in Questions
5th in Beef Grading
7th High Individual Overall
Lila Wood:
5th in Beef Judging
5th in Pork Judging
5th in Questions
8th High Individual Overall
Nick Hathaway:
2nd High Alternate
Reagan Kennon:
3rd High Alternate
Josie Parsons:
6th High Alternate
Livestock Judging Team
The team had a great trip north to South Dakota!
Sioux Empire Livestock Show Results
3rd high team overall
1st high team in sheep/goats
4th high team in cattle
6th high team in reasons
Individual Results
Logan Parker- 2nd high individual in sheep/goats
Chase DeVries- 6th high individual in sheep/goats

Esports wraps up season
Posted: Jan 05, 2021
Greyhounds in Playoffs
Madden 21 – William ‘Squilly’ Lewis – 5/3 record – #8 Overall
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Janus ‘Peregrine’ Belcuore – 6/2 record – #28 Overall
Regular Season Results
Overwatch Team – 3/5 record – #19 Overall
Valorant Team – 4/4 record – #15 Overall
Madden 21 – Garrett Peterson – 1/3/3 record – #32 Overall
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Ryan ‘Spycrab’ Hillman – 5/3 record – #35 Overall
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Dylan ‘GoodBoyDylan’ Graham – 5/3 record – #61 Overall
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Mark ‘Murikhi’ Adams – 2/6 record – #150 Overall
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Mackenzie ‘Lunar_Star45’ Peoples – 2/6 record – #151 Overall

Fort Scott Community College Ranks Among The Top Colleges In Kansas

Fort Scott Community College has been awarded top ranking status for Best Colleges in Kansas by Intelligent.com. Fort Scott Community College was listed among thousands of public institutions in the nation, and the comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 2,277 accredited colleges and universities. Each university is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment.
The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com
analyzed 192 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 48 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score
to easily compare each university.

To access the complete ranking, please visit:
https://www.intelligent.com/best-colleges-in-kansas/

Black History Month
Black History Month Tribute Panel Exhibit
The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College, is hosting “Tribute Panel Exhibit” to celebrate Black History Month. This consists of over 80 different posters, photos, and
information of the some of the great and important Black innovators and Leaders throughout history. The exhibit also features some inspiring and moving quotes on display each day by
different people.
The “Quote of the Day” provides a great opportunity to promote educational activities throughout the month to keep black history and diversity at the forefront along with encouraging
opportunities to learn more.
For more information about “Black History Month Tribute Panel Exhibit” contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext 5850 or visit http:www.gordonparkscenter.org/

Mayhew The Forgotten Cemetery Virtual Lunch and Learn Event
Fort Scott-The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College, hosted “Mayhew The Forgotten Cemetery” a presentation and discussion by Shirley Hurd and Ann Rawlins.
The presentation Explored almost 70 years of a predominantly African-American abandoned cemetery’s history in Fort Scott, KS brought back to life with displays of artifacts, research
notes, family history, maps, and aerial drone photos. The abandoned Mayhew Cemetery was active from about 1868 -1937. The Mayhew is located in Fort Scott, KS. There are no tombstones to mark the graves of at least 176 early Fort Scott and Bourbon County citizens
buried there.
A Mayhew Cemetery project fund has been established by both Shirley and Ann, in memory of the Mayhew Cemetery. The donations will be used to build a memorial stone with all the names
engraved and will be located for the public to view. Donations can be accepted by Landmark National Bank, 2300 S. Main St. Fort Scott, KS, 66071 or online via the Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce website. For more information about the donation: Contact Ann Rawlins at the OFGS with any questions 620-223-3300 or [email protected].
Shirley Hurd and Ann Rawlins are both members, librarians, and researchers for the Old Fort Genealogy Society in Fort Scott, KS

Activities Update
• TRiO Event at Fort Cinema 2/18
• TRiO Self-Care Workshop 2/24
• Emporia State Campus Visit 2/24
• 8-Week Courses Start 3/1
• MSSU Campus Visit 3/9
• Spring Rodeo 3/12-3/14
• Aggie Days 3/26

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Minutes of Jan. 25, 2021

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
January 25, 2021
1PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins (via Zoom for closing of meeting), Dave Elliott (via Zoom), Kirk Hart (via Zoom), Bill Meyer (via Zoom), and Robert Nelson (via Zoom)

ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk (via Zoom), and staff

Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
AUDIT REPORT: Terry Sercer presented the results of the FSCC annual audit, which includes financials from the FSCC Foundation. He offered an unmodified or clean opinion of the financials, stating that financials were in compliance with all state or federal statutes. He added that FSCC is a great benefit to the city to have FSCC, citing the $7 million in federals funds that flow through FSCC.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2021 Men’s and Women’s basketball game management expenses for a projected total cost of $3,175.
B. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2021 volleyball officials for a projected total cost of $1,850.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of correspondence.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Gordon Parks Museum, Student Services, Student Affairs and Athletics, Instruction, Finance and Operations,
Development, and the President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
6:18 p.m. by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Feb. 17

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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: February 17, 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 COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

2/17/21 MEETING BEGINS AT 3:00 PM

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
  • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
  • Eric Bailey – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • Shane Walker – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • Susan Bancroft – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • 2020 Audit
  • Bob Reed – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • County Counselor 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.

Government

Kansas Maternal and Child Care Health Block Grant Received

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Sen. Marshall Announces $1.4 million to Kansas for Maternal and Child Health Block Grant

 

(Washington, D.C., February 12, 2021) – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. announced the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) received over $1.4 million in block grant funding to improve maternal and child health.

 

“After working as an OBGYN in rural Kansas for nearly three decades, I know this federal-state partnership makes a positive impact on Kansas mothers and youth,” said Senator Marshall. “These programs support coordinated care for mothers before, during and after pregnancy as well as optimize infant health through feeding and sleeping best practices and providing physical and behavioral health services for children.”

 

Background:

The Maternal and Child Health Block Grant is a federal-state partnership that provides comprehensive access to care for almost 35,000 mothers, children, and their families annually across the state. Specifically, program funds are used to reduce infant mortality, reduce adolescent pregnancy, support screening and health assessments for children, prenatal and postnatal care, and more. KDHE’s first amount received is $1,430,306.

 

This funding is provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Each year, Dr. Marshall supports robust funding for this program and similar programs – Healthy Start, Safe Motherhood and Infant Health, and the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network – that seek to improve maternal and child health.

 

For more information on how this program helps Kansans, click here.

Fort Scott, Government

Change Order For Special FS City Meeting at 1 p.m. Feb. 12

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The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to consider Change Order #1 for the Sanitary Sewer Cleaning and Video Inspection Services.

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 Feb. 17

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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

Please note meeting is on Wednesday and begins at 3pm.

Date: February 17, 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 COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
  • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
  • Shane Walker – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • Susan Bancroft – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • 2020 Audit
  • Bill Martin – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • Bob Reed – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • County Counselor 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.

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Community Development Grants: Bourbon County $244K

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Nearly $14 Million in Grants for Rural Kansas Communities

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced 32 rural Kansas communities will receive a share of $13,864,149 in federal grants to assist with community development projects.

Through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program facilitated by the Kansas Department of Commerce, these federal grants are being awarded for a variety of community improvement projects, including sewer and water projects, housing rehabilitation and community facility improvements.

“The Community Development Block Grant program is a powerful tool for improving communities, revitalizing vital infrastructure, and maximizing economic opportunity,” Governor Kelly said. “Over the past several months, the pandemic has heightened the challenges our rural communities face when it comes to community development – making assistance like this more important than ever. My administration is dedicated to doing all we can to continue addressing rural Kansans’ most pressing needs.”

“Providing assistance to address quality-of-life issues is a necessary and noble part of economic development,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “By funding community projects like these, the CDBG program is helping to improve the overall business and residential appeal of these small towns. These investments will improve living conditions for Kansas residents, create new economic opportunities for rural communities and bolster the overall prosperity of our entire state.”

Counties, applicant cities and award amounts are as follows:

CDBG

The CDBG program administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce provides federal funds to local governments for the development of viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities and economic development needs. To be awarded funds, local government units must meet at least one of three program objectives:

  • The grant will benefit low- and moderate-income persons
  • The grant will prevent or eliminate slums and blight
  • The grant will resolve an urgent need where local resources are not available to do so

The CDBG funds are one of the Department of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

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Government, Kansas

Ice Safety Tips

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KDWPT Provides Ice Safety Tips 

 

PRATT – Frozen lakes can be tempting spots for late-winter goose hunters, anglers with an itch to ice fish, and park-goers looking to get some fresh air, but no matter how thick the ice layer, frozen waters should always be approached with caution.

 

While no ice is 100 percent safe, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) shares these tips to ensure that outdoors enthusiasts return safely home after recreating near or on frozen waters.

 

The clearer, the better 

The appearance of the ice can give potential clues to its integrity. New, clear ice is the strongest. White ice may only be about half as strong. Warm, sunny days can melt the surface and “honeycomb” the ice, which will weaken it, as well. Also be aware that temperature, snow cover, currents, springs and even roosting geese can affect the strength and safety of ice. Never take ice strength and thickness for granted.

 

Measure for thickness 

Wait for at least 4 inches of clear, hard ice before walking on any ice-covered waterbody, and 5-7 inches of ice is necessary to support a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle (ATV). It usually takes several days of calm weather with single-digit temperatures to make “safe” ice. Continually measure the ice thickness when moving farther from shore. And when in doubt, back away and remain on land.

 

Don’t go it alone 

KDWPT recommends never recreating alone, especially during winter; invite a family member or friend. Should an incident occur, chances of survival may be increased with more people present.

 

If hunting or fishing, pack safety gear 

Carry ice picks, and have a length of rope and a throwable floatation device for every member of your party. It’s also a good idea to wear ice cleats, as they make walking on smooth ice easier and much safer.

 

If fishing, keep ice holes small 

When ice fishing, it’s best to use an auger to cut holes – this is a quick and efficient method for drilling into the ice. In Kansas, holes cut in the ice of public waters may be no more than 12 inches in diameter; though, this is a good practice for private waters, as well.

 

Vehicle use 

Motorized electric or gasoline-powered ATVs, work-site utility vehicles, golf carts and snowmobiles may be operated on ice-covered department waters only for the purpose of ice fishing and only from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Vehicles shall enter onto the ice only from boat ramps and points of entry established by posted notice.

 

Falling into frigid water can be a deadly mistake as hypothermia can overcome a person within minutes. Follow these basic rules outlined above to ensure your wintertime outings remain safe and enjoyable.

 

For more ice safety tips, like and follow KDWPT on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kdwpt, or visit ksoutdoors.com.

Bourbon County, Government

Tax Sale On The Horizon For Bourbon County

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Patty Love, Bourbon County Treasurer. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County staff are in the process of carrying out a tax sale on property owners who have not paid their taxes.

In Bourbon County, a property qualifies for the tax sale after taxes are three years delinquent, said Bourbon County Treasurer Patty Love.  “The taxes become delinquent in October of the following year. For example, the 2020 taxes will not be delinquent until October 1, 2021.”
“The tax sale is the only recourse we have to force people to pay their taxes,” Love said.
“We have mailed out warning letters letting people with 2016 and prior delinquent taxes know that we are working on a tax sale for 2021,” she said.   “Those letters were mailed in October, November and December.  We have now sent the list to the title company and they are doing the title searches.”
  The property title company then returns these to the county attorney and will be filed with the court.
“To keep their property off of the tax sale, the property owner can pay 2016 and prior taxes at this time and they will be removed from the tax sale,” Love said.  “Once the attorney has filed them with the court, the only way they can be taken off of the tax sale is if the property owner pays all taxes 2020 and prior taxes plus a $200. court filing fee.”
Once all  the properties are filed, a notification will be published in the Fort Scott Tribune newspaper and also to the website bourboncountyks.org.
“The property owner has up until 10 a.m. the day of the tax sale to redeem their property by paying all taxes and $200,” Love said.
“In order to bid on the property at the tax sale, you have to have all of your property taxes current, and sign a paper stating that you are not related to the owner of the property you are bidding on and that you are not buying the property for the delinquent owner,” she said.
The tax sale takes place in the lobby of the  Bourbon County Courthouse. with the property being sold to the highest bidder, she said.
“We will determine a date after all properties are filed with the cour,” Love said.
Justin Meeks, Bourbon County Counselor. Submitted photo.

“We started to receive abstracts from the title company about two weeks ago,” said Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks.  “We are getting a couple a day. We should have the sale in the late spring and if needed, another one in October or November of this year.”

The county personnel are on the the title company’s timeline,” Meeks said.

“They have been very busy, which is a good thing for everyone because that means houses are selling,” Meeks said.

Fort Scott, Government

Land Bank Meeting Today at 4 p.m.

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The LandBank meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. has been cancelled due to the inclement weather.

The LandBank meeting will now be held on Wednesday, February 10th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room. There will be a majority of the City Commissioners present, but no City Commission business will be conducted.

This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Press Release

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, February 8, 2021

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, February 8, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – January 20, 2021 – $1,406,590.06

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity Fund accounts

F.     Point of information – 2021 School Board Election

 

Board members recognized Jessica Phillips, Fort Scott Middle School Kitchen Manager, for achieving the Kansas Certificate in Child Nutrition Management.

There were no comments in the public forum section.

Brenda Hill, Fort Scott NEA President, gave a report.  In addition, Mrs. Hill presented $100 UBenefit Grants to the following teachers:  Mercedes Judy, Alexandra VanSickle, Kelly Toll, Michelle Defebaugh, and Kristin Duffey.

Board members heard a report from Dalaina Smith, Director of Academics.

In addition, Superintendent Ted Hessong and Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk presented reports.

Board members approved a Math Resource adoption and also approved disposal of school property with Midwest Equipment Online Auction.

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting

The board approved the following employment matters:

 

A.    Resignation of Karen Gordon, Winfield Scott technology teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

B.    Resignation of Kerry Van Etten, central office HVAC maintenance, effective May 1, 2021

C.    Resignation of Brian Allen, high school teacher aide, effective February 5, 2021

D.    Resignation of Jill McDonald, Eugene Ware cook, effective January 25, 2021

E.     Retirement letter from Kyle Parks, high school vocational agriculture teacher

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

G.    Employment of administrators for the 2021-22 school year

Fort Scott High School Athletic/Activities Director – Jeff DeLaTorre

Fort Scott Middle School Principal – David Brown

Fort Scott Middle School Assistant Principal – Matt Harris

Eugene Ware School Principal – Stephanie Witt

Eugene Ware School Assistant Principal – Brandon Boyd

Winfield Scott School Principal – Joy McGhee

Winfield Scott School Assistant Principal – Martin Altieri

Fort Scott Preschool Center Principal – Andrea Scott

District Psychologist/Special Education Coordinator – Rick Scholes

H.    Employment of district directors for the 2021-22 school year

Transportation Director – Joe Allen

Food Service Director – Robin Button

Facilities Director – Daniel Koppa

Technology Director – Stephen Mitchell

Academic Director – Dalaina Smith

I.      Non-renewal of Amber Toth, Fort Scott High School Principal, for the 2021-22 school year

J.      Resignation of Robyn Kelso, high school assistant principal, effective June 4, 2021

K.    Employment of Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, for the 2021-22 school year

L.     Addition of a preschool paraprofessional position for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

M.   Employment of Jeffrey Dillow as central office HVAC maintenance for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

N.    Resignation of Bronson Moylan, middle school assistant football coach, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

O.    Employment of Whitney Beth as middle school head volleyball coach for the 2021-22 school year

P.     Leave of absence request from Danielle Norris, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher

Q.    Transfer of Bethany Higgins, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher, to Eugene Ware technology teacher for the 2021-22 school year

R.    Transfer of Amy Lybarger, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher, to Eugene Ware third grade teacher for the 2021-22 school year

S.     Employment of Ronda Bailey as a middle school piano accompanist for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

T.     Employment of Peyton Guiles as a Eugene Ware special education teacher for the 2021-22 school year

 

The board adjourned.