Category Archives: Government

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

COVID-19 Update for Southeast Kansas

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

August 10, 2020

Allen County

Current Positive Cases 8
Positive Out of State-Staying in Allen County 2
Total Hospitalizations 2-1 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 13
Total Positives Since Testing 20
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Positive Cases 2
Total Hospitalizations 0
Current Recovered Cases 29
Total Positives Since Testing 31
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Positive Cases 11
Presumptive Cases 13-1 listed on KDHE website, tested negative
Positive Out of State/County-staying in Bourbon 11
Total Hospitalizations 8-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 79-includes presumptive cases
Total Positives Since Testing 79
Deaths 2

Woodson County

Current Positive Cases 1
Total Hospitalizations 1-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 11
Total Positives Since Testing 12
Deaths 0
Fort Scott, Government

Public Servant Profile: Deputy Fire Chief Mike Miles

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Mike Miles. Submitted photo.

Mike Miles, 33, is the Fort Scott Fire Deparmtent Deputy Chief / Fire Marshal.

He works out of  Fire Station 1, 1604 S. National .

Miles graduated from Fort Scott High School, then  attended  Fort Scott Community College  EMT, EMT A. He has also attended the  Hutchinson Fire Academy,  and Kansas University for numerous fire training classes and certifications.

“I started my career as a reserve firefighter in 2006,” he said. “I have held positions as Firefighter, Senior Firefighter, Lieutenant and most recently promoted into the Deputy Chief position.”

Family: ” I have a beautiful, loving wife, Danyell, and four kids. Gavin, Benson, Luci Kate,  and Emmett.”

 

Why did you pursue your career?

“I got into the fire service because I wanted to be there to help people. I want to be the bright light for people in their time of darkness.  The fire service is a very humbling and rewarding job to have. I love being able to lend a helping hand when someone is having a bad day. It is also an amazing feeling to give back to the community I call home. ”

 

 

What are your duties as deputy fire chief and fire marshal?

“I act as second in charge behind the Fire Chief (Dave Bruner). In the event of his absence, I take on his responsibilities as well.  On fire scenes, I am incident commander. I control the scene and make sure the fire crews have all the resources they need.  I also get my hands dirty when they need some extra help.  The fire marshal side of the job I handle a lot of the inspections for businesses being built or remodeled.  Reviewing plans to make sure they follow the building codes we are currently under and following the fire and life safety code as well.”

 

What services does the FS Fire Department provide for the city?

“The Fort Scott Fire Department provides many services for the city and citizens.  We provide a rescue truck that covers the entire county.  That truck provides rescue services for entrapment, water rescue and vehicle extrication countywide.  The rescue truck responds and assists Bourbon County EMS within the city limits for ambulance calls.  We may also assist in the county if specifically requested by EMS for our service.  We also provide fire protection for the citizens in the city limits. We do have mutual aid agreements with Scott Township we will provide water and manpower if requested.  The Fire Department also runs the third out ambulance when the other two ambulances are on calls.  Outside of the medical and fire services, we provide many other services as well.  We provide fire prevention for all of the schools public and private for the month of October.  We offer smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for citizens.  We provide fire extinguisher training classes for citizens as well as CPR classes.  There are many services we provide that may go unnoticed.”

 

Anything new on the horizon?

“The fire service is always evolving.  We have been blessed this year with many new pieces of equipment.  We were able to upgrade our old rescue equipment to brand new battery-powered equipment from the Mercy Foundation.  We also received a grant to upgrade our 20-year-old air packs to new MSA air packs.  We upgraded from our 1992 Firetruck and was able to get a new Pierce Pumper to serve the community for 20+ years with.  Finally, we were able to get a grant to help cover half the cost of a major purchase in replacing our aerial ladder truck.  We should receive it next year.  We are upgrading from our 1993 E-One Ladder 75’ to a Pierce 100’ ascendant tower with many safety upgrades for our firefighters.  All of this new equipment will help and assist our firefighters in performing their jobs to the public at the highest level.”

 

Government, Kansas

Section of K-7 in Linn County to close for pipe replacement project

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A close up of a map Description automatically generated

Closure shown in red

 

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will close a section of K-7 in Linn County on Tuesday, Aug. 18, to replace a crossroad pipe.

 

K-7 will be closed between county roads 1700 and 1800 the entire day, reopening in the evening. Traffic should use alternate routes.

 

Persons with questions may contact KDOT Superintendent Shawn Denny, (785) 433-6112, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.

 

 

Government, Kansas

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes 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 revised its list of public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae. Since Thursday’s update, Milford Lake Zone A has moved to a warning, while Milford Lake Zones B and C have been downgraded to a watch. Additionally, Agra Lake in Phillips County has been added to the watch list.

 

Warning

Milford Lake Zone A, Geary County (upgraded)

Gathering Pond, Geary County

Lovewell Reservoir, Jewell County

 

Watch

Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County

Mission Lake, Brown County

Ford State Fishing Lake, Ford County

Milford Lake Zone B, C, Geary County (downgraded)

South Lake, Johnson County

Unit G Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area, Linn County

Marion County Lake, Marion County

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Overbrook City Lake, Osage County

Agra Lake, Phillips County (new)

Cheney Reservoir, Reno/Kingman/Sedgwick Counties

Plainville Township Lake, Rooks County

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

 

Warning Protocols

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.

 

Watch Protocols

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:

  • 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.

 

Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

 

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm. KDHE updates the listings of advisories every Thursday but may update more frequently if needed.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Aug. 10

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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 11, 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 – 12:00 Spark Findings & Greenbush

1:30 – until end of day 2021 Budget Review

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Minutes of July 27

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Training
July 27, 2020
PRESENT: Jim Fewins, Dave Elliott, Kirk Hart, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff, and community members.
Acting Chairman Robert Nelson called the meeting to order at 5:37 pm. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Acting Chairman Nelson said that it is good to see the community provide goods for our students. Nelson congratulated Chad Cross for being the Central Plains Region Coach of the Year.
He also congratulated the administration and faculty for their diligence, perseverance, and hard work through the COVID pandemic.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2020-21:

A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by
unanimous vote to elect John Bartelsmeyer as Chairman of the Board. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by
Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to elect Robert Nelson as Vice-Chairman of the Board.

APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS/POSITIONS FOR 2020-21:

A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by
Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to appoint Julie Eichenberger, Information officer; Juley McDaniel, Clerk of
the Board; Marianne Culbertson, Treasurer; Juley McDaniel, KPERS Representative; Bill Meyer and Kirk Hart,
KACCT Representative and Council of Presidents Representative; and John Bartelsmeyer, Greenbush
Representative.

APPOINTMENT OF OFFICIALS AND MEETING DATES/TIMES: A motion was made by Elliott, seconded
by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to appoint Landmark National Bank as the designated bank for general
fund, Zackery Reynolds as the designated attorney, The Fort Scott Tribune as the official newspaper.

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

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. The Board reviewed the agenda for fall in-service.
B. A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the sale of the
2000 Thomas bus on Purple Wave and funds be used for college fleet needs.
C. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to accept the athletic
insurance quote of $182,183 and catastrophic injury/accident coverage quote of $16,500 from
Borden/Perlman.
D. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the renewal
of property insurance with a premium of $139,874.
E. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the updated
project amount with IA DOE for a total of $861,819.19.
F. A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve payment for
the professional services of Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs, PA to audit financial statements for June 30,
2020 in an amount not to exceed $19,135 plus an additional fee of approximately $550 to audit COVID-19
aid.
7
G. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the SPARK
Memorandum of Understanding.
H. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Culinary
Memorandum of Understanding between Greenbush and FSCC.
I. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve August 10,
2020 at 5:30 pm in Cleaver-Boileau-Burris Hall for the budget hearing, and that proper notice be submitted
to the Fort Scott Tribune for publication within the specified time limits in accordance with K.S.A. 79-
2929.
J. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2020-21
Negotiated Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding for the 2020-21 academic year.
K. President Johnston provided information regarding a pending lease with Mercy Hospital for FSCC’s use of
15,883 square feet of the vacated Fort Scott Mercy Hospital for student housing.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of appreciation/correspondence.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from Student Affairs,
Instruction, Finance and Operations, Student Services, and the President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
7:00 p.m. by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote.

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Agenda For Aug.10

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The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, August 10, 2020. The meeting will be held in the Heritage Room at Fort Scott Community
College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in the Heritage Room at 5:00 p.m. followed by budget hearing and regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
BUDGET HEARING, 5
A. Comments from the Chair, 5
B. Open Comments from the Board, 5
C. Review and Adoption of 2020/2021 Year Budget, 5
CONSENT AGENDA, 6
A. Approval of Agenda, 6
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on July 27, 2020, 7
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 9
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 32
A. Consideration of Gordon Parks Museum Policies, 32
REPORTS, 78
A. Administrative Updates, 78
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 80
ADJOURNMENT, 81

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 July 27,
2020.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.

 

To see the full packet, with financials:

8.10.20 Consent Agenda

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Agenda for Aug. 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: August 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 COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

9:00 – 12:00 2021 Budget Meeting

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch

1:00 – 1:45 Greenbush, Spark Grant

1:45 – 2:00 Jody Hoener, BCBS Grant

2:00 – 2:10 Nancy Van Etten, Sewer District Board & Sewer Service Agreement

2:15 – 2:25 Harold Martin, Sewer District

2:30 – 2:40 Richard Clark, Road Construction 190th

2:45 – 2:50 Lora Holdridge, Back Parking/Judson

Business, Government, Kansas

KCC Reviews Evergy’s New Plan

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The Kansas Corporation Commission will review details of Evergy’s new Sustainability Transformation Plan to protect ratepayer interests


TOPEKA – With the announcement that Evergy’s Board of Directors voted in favor of a standalone plan (Sustainability Transformation Plan) to increase shareholder value, KCC staff will soon begin its review of the details and how the Sustainability Transformation Plan might affect electric ratepayers.

In June, the KCC opened a general investigation into an agreement between Evergy, a regulated utility, and Elliot International. The agreement required the utility to develop a standalone plan to cut costs or pursue a merger transaction to increase shareholder profits. KCC staff were concerned that either path had the potential to have a negative impact on consumers.

Evergy is required to file a report addressing questions posed by KCC staff about the new Sustainability Transformation Plan within two weeks of today’s announcement. After receipt, the KCC as well as other stakeholders participating in the investigation, have 45 days to respond to the information provided.

Six stakeholder groups, including the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board, Kansas Power Pool, Kansas Electric Power Cooperative Inc., Kansas Industrial Consumers, IBEW, and USD 259 Sedgwick County have intervened to participate in the investigation.

The general investigation docket is available on the KCC’s website at: https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/portal/kscc/PSC/DocketDetails.aspx?DocketId=c1fa81fb-6557-4e0f-bf33-70fb0b5a47ad

Fort Scott, Government

Firefighters Needed in Fort Scott

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The local fire department is looking for a few good men….or women.

The Fort Scott Fire Department is currently looking for men or women who are interested in serving in the fire department as a reserve firefighter, said FS Deputy Chief Mike Miles, who is also the fire marshal.

“We prefer ones with experience or past training but we will recruit and train the right candidate,” he said.
“Currently, Fort Scott Fire has 14 full-time members and three reserves,” Miles said. “That consists of Fire Chief Bruner, Deputy Chief Miles and three shifts of four crew members that work 24 hours on and 48 hours off, revolving.”
“Our reserve program is essentially a part-time job,” he said.  “They can pick up open shifts from full-time guys needing off for vacation or sick leave. We do allow them to work as a fifth man on any shift to get training and comfortable with the job and skills.”
” We are needing reserves because our roster is very limited right now,” Miles said.  “We need candidates that are available to work to cut down on the overtime.  When a reserve can’t work, a full-time member is required to stay and work another 24-hour shift causing overtime.”
The new reserve firefighters are needed to help cut operating costs throughout the year, he said.
 ” Also a bonus about being a reserve firefighter, you kind of get to pick and choose what days you can and can’t work,” Miles said. “This is also a great program to get your foot in the door to the fire service and work your way into a full-time spot and career.”
The reserve firefighter position is just a title, he said.
“You are a firefighter just not full-time status,” Miles said. “That does not take away from the job required. They do everything a full-time firefighter would do on a daily basis.  Run rescue, ambulance calls. Work all fire calls involving hazmat (hazardous materials), fire alarms, vehicle, and structure fires.  During the daytime when not running calls this time of year we are currently flowing hydrants. Our crews stay busy throughout the days performing assignments required.”
A job description for the position can be seen on the Fort Scott Fire Department’s Facebook page.
The requirements of the job:
“We do require candidates to hold Firefighter 1 certification,” Miles said.  “Along with Hazmat Ops and Awareness. Those are the basic requirements to legally be able to work as a city employee in the fire department.  We look for candidates with prior experience and many more certifications.  EMT is a plus. We will recruit the right candidate we believe may be a good fit for our department and provide them the proper training or academy to become certified.”
Candidates can contact Miles directly at the firehouse. 620-223-2140. Lieutenant Clint Lawrence can also assist callers.
Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Records Second Death Due to COVID-19

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Bourbon County, Kansas

PRESS RELEASE:

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

August 5, 2020

It is with our deepest regret that we need to announce the loss of a resident of Bourbon County, KS (elderly female), due to COVID-19. We would like to extend our sympathy to the family and friends of this individual during this difficult time and encourage the public to do the same as her family and friends mourn her loss.

The individual had been hospitalized and the contact investigations have been completed. If you have not been contacted, your risk of exposure from this individual is minimal.

The overwhelming opinion of medical professionals across the country is that we MUST all do our part to help reduce the spread of this virus. Even though many will only experience mild symptoms, the higher risk/elderly population and those with underlying health issues could experience more severe symptoms.

In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, it is recommended that everyone stay home if you are ill, utilize social distancing, use frequent hand hygiene, cough or sneeze into your sleeve/elbow, wear a mask when applicable, and disinfect highly touched surfaces.

If you feel you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) please call your clinic first. If you are experiencing life threatening symptoms, please call 911!

If you have questions, the Bourbon County Health Department will answer your call at (620)223-4464. Due to the volume of calls, we are not answering messages via Facebook or Messenger.

You can also visit Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments on Facebook for local updates regarding COVID-19 or our website www.sekmchd.com.

We appreciate everyone’s efforts to decrease the spread of COVID-19. Please continue this effort.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Meeting Today at 11 a.m.

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There will be a special City Commission meeting scheduled for 11:00 am today, August 5th, 2020. This meeting will not be held in public.  This is due to an outbreak in coronavirus at City Hall.   You can call into the 1-620-724-9910, participant code 515698# to listen to the meeting.
 This meeting will be held to consider approval of the Consent Agenda and four items under consideration.
City Hall will be closed to the public until further notice.