Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list guidance to include Aruba. Additionally, those countries which previously held a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice with restrictions have been removed from the list effective today – this is in line with newly issued CDC guidance.

 

“While we are removing certain countries from our travel restrictions in line with CDC guidance, we will continue to issue travel quarantines of locations or activities that pose the largest threats to Kansans,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “For countries and/or states, the criteria will continue to be those that have new case rates three times the Kansas rate.”  

 

A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

 

  • Travel to Aruba on or after August 27.
  • Attended/traveled to mass gathering events out-of-state of 500 people or greater on or after August 11.
  • Traveled July 14 – August 27 to countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice and restrictions on entry into the United States, including China, Iran, European Schengen area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, and Brazil.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.

 

Critical infrastructure sector employees who have travelled to these destinations or gatherings should contact their local health department regarding instructions for application of these quarantine orders while working. Critical infrastructure employees, such as public health, law enforcement, food supply, etc., need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans so the local health department may allow a modified quarantine. Please note the only exemption for these quarantine mandates for critical infrastructure sector employees is work – they are not to go any other locations outside of work.

 

“If you are choosing to travel, in-state, out-of-state or internationally, please know that even though travel may be opening, there are inherent risks,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Be sure to wear masks, practice social distancing and use proper hand hygiene. And, if you’re not feeling well, stay home!”

 

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

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Aug. 13

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August 13, 2020 Thursday 10:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session to hold the 2020 Primary Election canvass, all of the Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk were present for the canvass. Present for the canvass were the following; Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune, Michael Hoyt, Hazel Swarts, Sparky Schroeder and Julie Saker.

The Commissioners had a 2021 budget review beginning at 1:30 pm. Present for the meeting Lynne Oharah, Nick Ruhl, Kendell Mason and Justin Meeks, also present were Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune, Michael Hoyt and Hazel Swarts. The Commissioners said they were budgeting for 4 additional employees for the Road & Bridge departments (2 employees for a bridge crew and 2 employees for a ditching crew), Michael Hoyt questioned how the Commissioners were going to cover the loss of the Public Works director and the foreman; Lynne said they would open up the positions up for applications. The Commissioners decided to add $3,694.82 to the Correctional Center wages to help fund raises for two salaried employees, (this raise will not go into effect until a wage resolution is adopted to put the raises into effect). Lynne said a raise has been built into the IT department’s budget. Michael Hoyt questioned what expenses had been removed from the Commission budget and the Attorney’s budget; Lynne said expenses were removed from the Commission budget and that moving/remodeling expenses were removed from the Attorney’s budget that had been built in the prior year’s budget, District Court’s 2021 budget is more than 2020 due to money budgeted for Courthouse security, the Commissioners said the I/T’s overall budget is higher than 2020 to cover the cost of I/T expenses at the Hospital and if the County doesn’t take over the Hospital the money will be used as a carryover for the general fund. The Commissioners discussed the County Counselors 2021 wages; Lynne said currently the County Counselor makes $64,000 annually, he said the wages will increase to $78,000 in 2021 and the County Counselor will be paid as a 1099 employee without any benefits, he will pay for his own office supplies and CLE’s, $12,000 is budgeted in contractual for the tax sale work; Michael Hoyt suggested to make sure that the County Counselor meets the definition of an IRS 1099 employee. Tammy Helm questioned if part of the economic development’s salary is paid by grant money; the Commissioners said part of that salary will be paid by the Healthy Bourbon County Grant. The Commissioners continued to go through the 2021 budget; Lynne said they hope to have enough surplus in the ambulance fund to purchase a replacement ambulance. The Commissioners said the Road & Bridge 1% sales tax will be on the General Election 2020 ballot. Hazel Swarts questioned where the COPS and Sparks grants were accounted for on the 2021 budget; the Commissioners said the COPS is labeled as the SRO under the Sheriff’s revenue, Hazel questioned where the vehicle would come from for the SRO officer; the Commissioners said that the Sheriff stated he had a spare vehicle for this position.

Lynne made a motion to publish the 2021 budget as presented with the additional $3,694.82 for the Correctional Center wages, Nick seconded and the motion passed. Nick made a motion to hold a 2021 budget hearing on August 25th @ 10:00 am, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.

Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 25-20; a resolution with the results of the 2020 Primary Election, Nick seconded and the motion passed and they signed the resolution.

At 2:47, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and the motion passed.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner
(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
August 18, 2020, Approved Date

Fort Scott, Government

Chlorine Burnout Will Take Five Weeks

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City of Fort Scott – Press Release

The City of Fort Scott Water Utility will be initializing a free chlorine burnout of the water distribution system starting Thursday, August 27th and ending as soon as a free chlorine residual is established throughout the entire system (approx. 5 weeks).

This burnout is necessary maintenance of the water distribution system which will help maintain State standards for disinfection residual levels and ultimately maintain the high water quality that you have come to expect.

Occasionally during this process customers may temporarily experience low pressures, taste or odors, discolored water, or even some sediment in their water.

We do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Any questions, concerns, or comments are welcome.

Please contact the Water Treatment Plant at 223-5160 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday.

Fort Scott, Government

Water Flushing/Burnout Starts Today in Fort Scott

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Press release for 2020 Flushing/Burnout

Who: City of Fort Scott Water Utility

What: Is initiating our flushing/ free Cl2 burnout program for the year.

When: Starting on Thursday, August 27th and lasting approximately 5 weeks.

Where: City of Fort Scott – and Bourbon County Rural water districts.

Why: In order to maintain water quality. If this maintenance is not performed in the water distribution system, the water will eventually lose all of its disinfection residual, which could cause water quality to degrade, and could cause the utility of incur disinfectant residual violations from KDHE.

The Fort Scott Water Utility has commenced the annual flushing program along with a free chlorine burnout of the water distribution system. This burnout is a part of necessary maintenance of the distribution system which will help maintain the disinfection residual levels required by KDHE. During this flushing and free chlorine burnout, the disinfectant used in our distribution system will be changed from chloramines to free chlorine which is a stronger and faster-acting disinfectant. Flushing and chlorine burnouts are routine distribution system maintenance conducted by utilities with chloramine disinfection.

There are two common types of chlorine used in water treatment for disinfection purposes, combined chlorine (or chloramines) and free chlorine. Chloramines are created by combining free chlorine with free ammonia. A benefit of using chloramines is that they will retain disinfection residual longer in the distribution system and they do not lend themselves in promoting taste, or a “chlorine” taste in the water. Except during a burn out in the summer time, the City of Fort Scott Water Treatment Plant uses chloramines to disinfect the finished water before entering the distribution system. However, chloramines are not as strong of a disinfectant as free chlorine and it can allow certain types of nitrifying bacteria to grow in the distribution system. These natural occurring bacteria feed on the ammonia found in our finished water. These bacteria are nonpathogenic – they are not a health concern. Nitrifying bacteria which naturally grow in any distribution system when using chloramines can become prolific in warm summer temperatures. They will eventually cause water quality to degrade in the warmer summer months. Also, heat alone is a major factor that will cause disinfectant residuals to dissipate.

This is why surface water systems across the State do an annual or biannual free chlorine burnouts. The term burnout is commonly used because free chlorine is a much more powerful disinfectant than combined chlorine. Free chlorine will oxidize nitrifying bacteria and keep it in check.

Fire hydrants will be utilized to allow flushing of the system to help remove sediment from the pipes and distribute the change in disinfectant. Customers may notice city personnel flushing fire hydrants throughout the city during this period. This free chlorine is pulled through the distribution system by flushing the entire system through fire hydrants, blow-offs, and overflowing water towers.

Occasionally during this process customers may temporarily experience low pressures, taste or odors, discolored water, or even some sediment in their water. During the flushing and burnout you may notice that your tap water tastes different than normal. This is because most people cannot smell or taste combined chlorine in the water, however most people can smell and taste free chlorine in the water. It could also affect the taste of fountain drinks. If you find the chlorine taste unpleasant, it can be helpful to leave an uncovered pitcher of water sit overnight. This will allow some of the chlorine to evaporate and could help improve taste during this time.

The burnout process normally takes four to five weeks after which we can return to the combined chlorine residual and the excellent tasting water of which we are accustomed. We are extremely fortunate to have such a quality water supply available to us. Quality water helps promote quality life. Much of the rest of the world is not as fortunate as we are in water supply and water quality.

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments please contact Michael Mix or Scott Flater at the Water Treatment Plant at 223-5160 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.

Business, Government, Kansas

Over 7,000 SPARK Grant Seekers Applied

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces More Than 7,000 Businesses, Nonprofits Have Applied for SPARK Connectivity Grant Funds

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced a strong response to the state’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Economic Development and Connectivity grant application process, which has yielded more than 7,000 requests for assistance from businesses and nonprofit organizations across Kansas.

 

Of the 7,000-plus grant applications submitted, more than 5,000 were for Small Business Working Capital grant funds. 

 

“The initial response to this application period has been extraordinary,” Governor Kelly said. “We’re ready to give each application the consideration and attention it deserves – and we’ll make sure these funds are deployed in the most effective and strategic way possible to help small businesses, nonprofit organizations and others affected by COVID-19.”

 

More than $138 million in grants to serve businesses and nonprofits affected by the pandemic and for the expansion of broadband access in the state was made available by the SPARK Taskforce established earlier this year by Governor Kelly to lead Kansas forward in recovery from the far-reaching effects of COVID-19.  

 

Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) applications will be reviewed starting at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, when those applications are due. Because of the high volume of applications received, we will no longer accept applications for Small Business Working Capital and PPE Procurement grant programs after 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 31. Small Business Working Capital and PPE Procurement grants are reviewed on a rolling basis. 

 

“The response from small businesses across the state has been amazing, and I’m proud to know that so many organizations will benefit from these grants,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “I’m so grateful to the organizations across Kansas that helped us amplify this message so quickly. Now, we need to make sure these funds are distributed in a way that benefits all Kansans and ensures that our state can get back to business.”

 

The SPARK Taskforce and Kansas Department of Commerce intend to maintain the Small Business Working Capital, PPE Procurement and Connectivity Emergency Response Grant programs in case additional federal CARES Act funding becomes available.

 

The online application process for several other SPARK grant programs will remain active. Details are available at kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief.

 

Government, Kansas

KS Virtual Job Fair

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Fourth KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair is Now Open

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced the fourth KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair has begun, and will continue through Thursday, August 27.

 

The virtual fair will allow job seekers to easily live chat with employers from across the state through computers and mobile devices. KANSASWORKS has organized four virtual job fairs so far in 2020, with three additional virtual fairs planned later this year.

 

Click here to register for the Virtual Job Fair.

 

“My administration remains committed to providing safe employment opportunities across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The KANSASWORKS team has developed a creative, intuitive way for businesses and job seekers to find each other. I encourage all job seekers in our state to visit this and future Virtual Job Fairs to find opportunities in their area.”

 

The Department of Commerce moved its statewide job fairs online this year to eliminate public health risks associated with mass gatherings, and as a way to continue to provide job opportunities and maintain a ready workforce for Kansas businesses.

 

“Getting our state back to business is our top priority at Commerce,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our economy is recovering, and there are job opportunities in numerous sectors across Kansas. KANSASWORKS virtual job fairs have provided results to Kansas residents and businesses alike. If you are seeking employment in Kansas, the Virtual Job Fair is the place for you.”

 

The third virtual fair in July was a great success, with participation from 189 employers and 1,182 job seekers from across the state.

 

As concerns for the health and safety of Kansans remain high due to COVID-19, the Department of Commerce will maintain the Virtual Job Fair system for the remainder of 2020. Future statewide events are scheduled for:  

 

  • September 22-24
  • October 27-29
  • December 8-9

 

As these dates get closer, updates will be provided with employer and job-seeker registration links for each individual virtual fair.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Aug. 26

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: August 26, 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 COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

9:30 Special Meeting, Road & Bridge Sales Tax Resolution

9:35 Discussion about future meetings

9:40 Accepting an elected officials resignation

Government, Kansas

Special Equipment Approved For Hunting Coyotes at Night in Kansas 

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PRATT – In a 5-2 vote, Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commissioners passed a regulation change that will allow hunters to use artificial light and thermal-imaging equipment when hunting coyotes at night beginning in 2021. Once the regulation is implemented, interested hunters must purchase a Night Vision Equipment Permit, $2.50, to use artificial light, scopes and equipment that amplify visible light, and thermal-imaging scopes and thermal-imaging equipment, when hunting coyotes at night, with the following restrictions:

  • Use of this equipment will be permitted from Jan. 1 to March 31 only;
  • Use of this equipment will require a hunter to possess a Night Vision Equipment Permit, $2.50;
  • Use of this equipment will be permitted for hunting coyotes only;
  • Use of a vehicle when hunting with this equipment is prohibited;
  • Use of this equipment will not be permitted on department lands and waters, including WIHA and iWIHA properties.

“The amount of public input we’ve received on this proposed regulation change was truly impressive,” said Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Brad Loveless. “It just goes to show that, as a state agency, we make better decisions when we take good data, consult with our subject matter experts, and invite the public to provide their experience and insights. I’m pleased with this process and believe this will expand opportunities for hunters, and will benefit our ranching community, as well.”

 

The new Night Vision Equipment Permit will be valid beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Until then, hunters must observe all current laws and regulations pertaining to the use of special equipment and hunting coyotes (see ksoutdoors.com/Services/Law-Enforcement/Regulations for details).

 

To watch a recording of KDWPT’s Aug. 20 Commission meeting, visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission.

 

For more on hunting in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting.

 

Fort Scott, Government

City Press Release Regarding the Union Block Building

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NEWS RELEASE from the City of Fort Scott
August 24, 2020: Regarding the Union Block building the City reviewed its records and has determined the following:
1) The Commission appropriately proclaimed the use of the City’s economic development funds in support of economic development projects as a public purpose.
2) The City Commission recognized the Union Block Building as a project deserving of the City’s economic development programs and services, and authorized expenditures.
3) All expenditures toward the Union Block Building were authorized and paid by funds allocated by the Commission for the public purposes for which they were authorized.
4) All payments on the Union Block Building were properly paid and accounted for in the normal course of business. Requests for payment were supported by invoices or other documents certifying that the funds were for the Union Block Building project and for purposes approved by the Commission.
5) No funds under any Commission-approved program were intended or required to be repaid by the developer, owner, or contractor(s) of the Union Block Building.
The City encourages and supports economic development in the City, including the preservation and redevelopment of its many historic properties.
Inquiries on the City’s economic development programs should be directed to the City’s Economic Development Director, Rachel Pruitt ([email protected]).
Follow up on the Union Block Building can be addressed to the City Attorney ([email protected] )
Taken from the City of Fort Scott Facebook page
Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government

Health Department on COVID-19: Update

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

August 24, 2020

On August 25, Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Departments Administrator sent the following clarification on this information.

“According to KDHE, the antigen test (the rapid Sofia test is being used in our area) is a presumptive laboratory test. So, if COVID-19 is ‘detected’ on an antigen test, we list it as presumptive on our weekly county update.”

 

“The PCR test is a confirmatory test, which meets laboratory evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. If the result of the PCR test is ‘detected’ it is listed as positive.”

 

“We needed to list them differently because at one point KDHE was not counting the presumptive tests on the county totals, although we had to do the same work on them as we would have done for a positive PCR test and the individual would still be considered a COVID-19 case. KDHE is now listing the COVID-19 cases that were tested with an antigen test as a probable case. But a probable case, to KDHE can also be one with no testing done at all. So, we’ve stuck with using the word presumptive, because again, the antigen test is a presumptive laboratory test.”

 

“For the most part, around our area, the PCR test is the one that has been used the most, because it’s been around the longest and has been more available. Recently SEK Urgent Care and Ashley Clinic have started performing the rapid Sofia antigen test, and so we’ve seen a number of COVID-19 cases (presumptive) come from those clinics.”

 

“We are still going to continue to list the out of state/county, because as we’ve gone along, we’ve gotten several more cases, and again with this, we still have to do the same work on these cases, as we would one of our own residents and the individual is still in our county.”

 

 

 

Thanks.

 

 

Rebecca Johnson

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Administrator

Allen County

Current Active Cases 4
Presumptive Cases 3
Positive Out of State-Staying in Allen County 3
Total Hospitalizations 2-1 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 26 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives )
Total Positives Since Testing 30 (Allen County + out of state)
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Active Cases 2
Total Hospitalizations 0
Current Recovered Cases 30
Total Positives Since Testing 32
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Active Cases 5
Presumptive Cases 14
Positive Out of State/County-staying in Bourbon 11
Total Hospitalizations 8-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 92 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives)
Total Positives Since Testing 86 (Bourbon County + out of state/county)
Deaths 2

Woodson County

Current Active Cases 1
Total Hospitalizations 1-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 11
Total Positives Since Testing 12
Deaths 0
Bourbon County, Government

Revised Bourbon County Commission Agenda Aug. 25

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: August 25, 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 COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

9:00 – 9:15 JT Heckman

9:15 – 9:30 Jayhawk Wind Road Use Agreement

9:30 – 9:45 Spark Findings & Greenbush

10:00 – 10:30 2021 Budget Hearing

10:30 – 10:45 Jody Hoener, CDBG CV Plan Parameters

10:45 – 11:00 Lora Holdridge, US Imaging Project