Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government

Tree/Brush Dump Site Open Aug. 20-24 For Storm Debris

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT NEWS RELEASE

August 20, 2018


The City’s tree and brush dump site will be open from 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Monday, August 20th through Friday, August 24th, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday hours will return to normal hours which are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and normal hours will resume the following week. Residents are encouraged to take their tree damage from the recent storm to the brush dump.

If you have questions, call City Hall at 223-0550.

The site is located on North Hill Street, off of Wall Street, past the city’s animal shelter.

Government, Kansas

Nominations For Kansas Health Champion Awards Accepted Until Sept. 30

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Nominations Now Being Accepted for Kansas Health Champion Awards

Exceptional efforts to promote health and fitness in Kansas to be recognized

 

TOPEKA – The Governor’s Council on Fitness is now accepting nominations for its annual Kansas Health Champion Awards. Awards are given to individuals and organizations that make an exceptional effort to model, encourage and promote health and fitness in Kansas. Award recipients will be recognized at the Community Health Promotion Summit on Jan. 24, in Manhattan, Kan. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 30.

 

“The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is proud to partner in this important initiative to improve the health and wellness of Kansans,” said KDHE State Health Officer, Dr. Greg Lakin. “Many people and organizations throughout the state have made healthy living a priority, and it’s important that we recognize their efforts that impact others”.

 

Nominees would be expected to have demonstrated:

  • Work that goes above and beyond what is expected to model, encourage and promote fitness
  • Far-reaching impact
  • Sustainable influence or activity

 

“In addition to promoting effective models for increasing physical activity, nutrition and tobacco-free living for replication by organizations and communities around the state, the awards also allow us the opportunity to honor the outstanding work of one individual and one organization this year,” said Marlou Wegener, Manager of Community Relations, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.

Eligible nominees might include an outstanding volunteer, a school, a local community, a newspaper or individual reporter, a local or State policy maker, or an employer, among others.

 

For more information and to submit a nomination, go to getactivekansas.org, and click on the nomination form link. If you have questions about the nomination process, contact Jennifer Church at 785-296-6801.

The Governor’s Council on Fitness advises the Governor and others on ways to enhance the health of all Kansans through promotion of physical activity, good dietary choices and prevention of tobacco use.

Area News, Government

Kansas Aquatic Biodiversity Center Opens at Farlington Lake

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Aquatic Wildlife Propagation Center Opens

 

Farlington – The future for some of Kansas’ most imperiled aquatic species got brighter Thursday, August 16, with the grand opening of the Kansas Aquatic Biodiversity Center (KABC) at the Farlington Fish Hatchery in southeast Kansas. More than 60 people attended the opening ceremony for the facility, which culminated more than 10 years of planning and work.

 

The KABC is operated by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). It is part of a program to propagate imperiled aquatic wildlife for reintroduction into areas where they have had serious population declines due to human activities and other factors. It will also be a holding facility for animals in immediate peril due to a decline in the quality of their habitat. In the next few months, KABC staff will work to propagate common, non-imperiled animals to develop procedures and get the rearing systems up and running. Once the systems are ready, KABC staff will begin propagating a few select species that have been determined by KDWPT to be important to restoring existing populations.

 

Robin Jennison, KDWPT Secretary, told a crowd at the event the facility could have a quick impact by raising and releasing aquatic animals currently on a threatened or endangered species list. Jennison said the center will play a huge role in the recovery of species in future disaster areas, such as where a chemical spill has impacted miles of a particular stream. As well as a place to take survivors of the disaster, the center could also propagate replacement animals far faster than the species could reproduce naturally. KABC will also participate in research projects pertaining to such aquatic animals.

 

Dan Mosier, KABC manager, said building the facility required the collaboration of various state and federal agencies. KDWPT, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) contributed to the $853,000 construction cost. KDHE provided more than half, largely with funds collected from mitigation agreements with corporations responsible for past ecological disasters. Such funding will help support the center in the future, too.

 

“KDHE is proud to partner with the KDWPT on this crucial aquatic biodiversity facility. This facility will allow for critical research and production work with species that are in need of conservation,” said Leo Henning, KDHE director of the division of environment.

 

Mosier said KABC is currently working on a research project concerning alligator snapping turtles with a Missouri university.

 

The Farlington Fish Hatchery is located at 101 Hatchery Rd., Farlington, which is below the Crawford State Fishing Lake Dam in Crawford County. The KABC will not be open to the public, but tours may be given by prior arrangement by calling 620-362-4166.

 

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Prior Minutes

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING, Minutes of August 7, 2018, Regular Meeting #15

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 7th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Nichols, and Parker were present with President of the Commission Bartelsmeyer presiding. Mayor Mitchell was absent.

INVOCATION: Jerry Witt, Community Christian Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Kaylea Manwiller, Mike Embry, Trey Widder, Shaun West, Madeline Prachyl, Chris Anderson, Ryan Thomas, Julie Anderson, Brian Thurston, Kenny Rood, Jared Leek, Brita Rygmyr, Robert Shaw, Blynn Hill, Barbara Woodward, Justin Fisher, Amy Fisher, Josie Fisher, Jean Fisher, Janet Guilfoyle, Jerry Witt, Michael Mix, Alex Schafer, Daren Hutchison, Shelby Hutchison, Chris Garrett, Dustin Fowler, Pat Lyons, Deb Needleman, Darrell Parker, Travis Shelton, Kenny Howard, Rhonda Dunn, Paul Ballou, Rachel Pruitt, and Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 17th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1220-A totaling $510,652.55.

  1. Approval of Public Dance License – River Room Events, LLC, 3 W. Oak

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Improvements at 9 N. Main Street

  1. Resolution 32-2018 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 111 S. Little – Public Hearing Date – 9/18/2018 at 6:15 p.m.

Parker moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

SERVICE AWARD RECOGNITIONS:

5 years: (Certificate only)

Chris Anderson, Firefighter, Fort Scott Fire Department

Justin Fisher, Corporal, Fort Scott Police Department

Dustin Fowler, Maintenance II, Woodland Hills Golf Course

Christopher Garrett, Corporal, Fort Scott Police Department

Janet Guilfoyle, Accounting Clerk, City Hall

Blynn Hill, IV, Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department

Jason McReynolds, Maintenance II, Water Distribution Department

Kenneth Rood, Water Treatment Plant Maintenance

Alex Schafer, Firefighter, Fort Scott Fire Department

Ronald “Trey” Widder, Police Officer, Fort Scott Police Department

10 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Brian Thurston, Detective, Fort Scott Police Department

Chris Tourtillott, Maintenance II, Parks Department

15 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Mike Embry, Supervisor, Wastewater Treatment Plant

20 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Diane Clay, City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk

Chad Brown, Public Works Director

25 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Daren Hutchison, Captain, Fort Scott Fire Department

Shaun West, Captain, Fort Scott Police Department

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) –

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Adamson moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:08 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:08 P.M.

6:00 p.m. – 2019 Budget Hearing – Adoption of 2019 Budget – Jon Garrison, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that a work session was held three weeks ago on the budget. He informed the Commissioners that this budget has no mill levy increase. This budget does reflect a 5% utility rate increase in 2019 and 5% the next year for the River Intake project. He asked for any comments or questions.

There were no questions from the Commissioners or the audience.

Nichols moved to approve the 2019 Budget. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED 2019 BUDGET.

Parker moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:10 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:10 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit at 9 N. Main to allow residential living on the 1st floor – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that this is a critical decision for the downtown. The Planning Commission met on this and determined they want to look at each situation and not change the ordinance. As a Commission, you can do the following: 1) Vote yes; 2) Vote no; 3) Put off for another two weeks if you’re not ready to make a decision.

Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission did meet on this issue on July 12th, 2018. Currently, in the downtown district, residential living is only allowed on the 2nd floor of the building. Jerry Witt came before the Board to request a Conditional Use Permit to allow residential living on the first floor of the building he owns in the downtown historic district. The Design Review Board met and recommended his designs be approved for the City Commission.

Jerry Witt said that he has a love for downtown. He said years ago he lived at the Carriage House downtown while his house was being constructed. He spent between $6-10,000 on the canopy on the building already. His costs for renovating this building will be between $150,000 to $200,000. He had a renter in this building and bought the building next to it so his renter would have a place to go.

Commissioner Bartelsmeyer asked when people walked by and looked in what they would see.

Mr. Witt said they would see an office area. The living quarters are all behind the office area.

Jared Leek said he was appearing on behalf of some of the other downtown business owners who are in opposition to this Conditional Use Permit. He referenced Norm Conard, Barb Trimber, Pat Lyons, and Brita Rygmyr. He stated that he owns six properties downtown. He had researched and shared several articles regarding what happens when residential living is allowed in a downtown area. He shared the numbers of visitors in regards to the National Historic Site, the Lowell Milken Center, and the Liberty Theatre and the fact that foot traffic has increased astronomically in the downtown area. He believes the downtown buildings should be used for retail only and named several types of businesses that want to locate downtown. He did say that he is happy to see the upstairs of the downtown buildings filled with residential living.

A discussion was held between the Commissioners about placing requirements on the Conditional Use Permit.

City Attorney said that special requirements can be placed on the Conditional Use Permit such as stating the residence cannot be rented, Jerry or Judy Witt must reside there, the permit will expire when the Witt’s leave the residence, and office space must be at the front of the store. He said that the permit can be drafted and brought before them for final approval.

Commissioner Parker stated that when this building is refurbished and made historic looking again, it will be great. She doesn’t want to see any building end up like the Stout building.

Jared Leek asked the Commission to take into consideration the people that own businesses in the downtown area.

Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, remarked that there are residents living on the first floor of the Western Building apartments.

Brita Rygmyr, owner of Papa Don’s Pizza, said that her business does not profit from people living in the downtown area. They walk their dogs in the downtown area and don’t always pick up the waste. Parking is an issue in the downtown area especially with the elderly people coming to her business.

Cheryl Adamson made a motion to table this issue for two weeks to allow more discussion regarding this Conditional Use Permit. The motion died for lack of a second.

Parker moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit for Jerry & Judy Witt at 9 N. Main to allow residential living on the first floor and to see the permit in writing at the next meeting with the following stipulations: 1) The building cannot be rented. 2) The Witt’s have to live there. 3) The C.U.P. will expire when the Witt’s leave the residence. 4) The front of the building will be office space. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

approved the Conditional Use Permit for Jerry & Judy Witt at 9 N. Main to allow residential living on the first floor and to see the permit in writing at the next meeting with the following stipulations: 1) The building cannot be rented. 2) The Witt’s have to live there. 3) The C.U.P. will expire when the Witt’s leave the residence. 4) The front of the building will be office space.

  1. Discussion of 1523 E. Wall Street demolition – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that the owner of this building has completed all the required repairs to this structure. She asked that the Commission rescind the demolition bids.

Bartelsmeyer moved to rescind the demolition bids for 1523 E. Wall Street. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO RESCIND DEMOLITION BIDS FOR 1523 E. WALL STREET.

  1. Discussion of 1601 E. Wall Street demolition – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that this is the old Sugarfoot and Peaches restaurant which had a fire. The owner has had some health issues recently. He has an arrangement with a local contractor to demolish this structure.

A discussion was held on the amount of time this structure has been in this condition.

Nichols moved to give him until August 21st, 2018 to have the structure removed. If not, the City will demolish it with the bids received. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO GIVE OWNER UNTIL 8/21/2018 TO HAVE STRUCTURE AT 1601 E. WALL STREET REMOVED; IF NOT REMOVED BY THAT DATE, THE CITY WILL REMOVE WITH DEMOLITION BID THAT WAS RECEIVED.

  1. Discussion of 310 N. Cleveland demolition – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that she has been working with the Good Neighbor Action Team and the Next Steps program for this property owner. They are going to apply for a USDA grant to improve their property. He is trying to get a job also. Rhonda asked for approval to reject the bids as the City has no idea what is inside the house. She said that there is no electricity or water to the house and they are sleeping outside and keeping food in coolers.

Commissioner Adamson stated she wished they would consider public housing.

City Attorney said that a person has a right to live where they want to. He said that this could end up going to District Court to get a court order to have them removed by the Sheriff’s Department.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to rescind the demolition bids and proceed forward with the court order to have them removed from the house. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

approved to rescind the demolition bids and proceed forward with the court order to have them removed from the house at 310 n. cleveland street.

  1. Consideration of three-year agreement with Craw-Kan to install fiber internet at LaRoche Baseball Complex – Jon Garrison, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that he is appearing on behalf of Larry Gazaway who is in Des Moines, Iowa at a conference. He is seeking approval of a three-year agreement with Craw-Kan to install fiber optic internet into the following areas at the LaRoche Baseball Complex: grandstand, bleachers, stands on both sides, grassy fan areas and concession areas. In exchange for this, the City will provide outfield signage, main gate upper arch signage, backstop signage, smaller 6” X 12” Wifi powered CKT signs placed in fan accessible areas, login page, and authorization to publicize the partnership. They will provide wireless network support from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Parker moved to approve the three-year agreement with Craw-Kan to install fiber internet at LaRoche Baseball Complex. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

approved the three-year agreement with Craw-Kan to install fiber internet at LaRoche Baseball Complex.

  1. Consideration of Airport Mower Bid – Kenny Howard, Airport/Lakes Director, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the purchase of a zero turn mower for the Airport and the Lakes. There were three bids received: Blue Valley Trailers, Fort Scott for a Grasshopper 900D mower in the amount of $21,612.55; Heritage Tractor of Pittsburg, Kansas for a John Deere mower for $19,500; and Legacy Farm & Lawn of Nevada, Missouri for a John Deere in the amount of $16,470 and $28,995. The bid from Blue Valley Trailers for the Grasshopper mower is the only bid that met the bid specifications. He asked for approval for the mower from Blue Valley Trailer in the amount of $21,612.55.

Adamson moved to approve the bid from Blue Valley Trailer in the amount of $21,612.55 for the mower. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED BID FROM BLUE VALLEY TRAILER IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,612.55 FOR THE GRASSHOPPER MOWER FOR THE AIRPORT/LAKES.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: Rhonda Dunn – Ms. Dunn stated that the Design Review Board met last week and put together some fencing guidelines for the downtown historic district. This will be on the August 21st, 2018 Commission agenda for your consideration.

B. City Commission:

Adamson – Nothing to report.

Bartelsmeyer – Remarked that it was a tough decision tonight but felt like it was the right thing to do.

Nichols – Remarked that tonight was a tough meeting. He welcomed Commissioner Bartelsmeyer’s granddaughter to the meeting.

Parker – Remarked that she was proud of the service awards for the City employees and that we have good, competent employees that work for us.

Mitchell – Not present.

C. City Attorney: Asked for a 20 minute Executive Session to discuss the potential acquisition of real estate to include the City Commission, City Attorney, City Manager, Director of Economic Development, Director of Finance, and Community Development Director. There is no action anticipated.

  1. Director of Finance: Nothing to report.

  1. City Manager:

  1. Vacation – Dave reminded the Commission that he is on vacation next week. Diane will have a contact number for him in case of an emergency.

  1. Sam Mason – Dave said that in the first part of September it will be a year since Commissioner Sam Mason passed away. He went and saw Lora Mason recently and she is doing well.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Nichols moved to move into Executive Session for 20 minutes to discuss the potential acquisition of real estate to include the City Commission, City Attorney, City Manager, Director of Economic Development, Director of Finance, and Community Development Director. There is no action anticipated. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:22 P.M.

Bartlesmeyer moved to enter into another 10 minute Executive Session to discuss the potential acquisition of real estate. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:42 P.M.

Bartelsmeyer moved to adjourn from the Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:50 P.M.

ADJOURNMENT:

Bartelsmeyer moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:51 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:51 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on August 21st, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Agenda August 21

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The agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission meeting Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. at city hall, 123 S. Main.

ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, Grace Baptist Tabernacle

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 7th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1221-A totaling $273,230.48.

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Miriam Mix and Patience Richwine – FSHS Mentoring Program

Kevin Wagner, 2018 Wreath Ride

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:15 p.m. Update on alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1914 E. Wall Street (On July 17th was continued for 30 days)

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Discussion of 13 N. Holbrook demolition

  1. Consideration of fencing ordinances in downtown historic district

  1. Selection of Voting and Alternate Delegates for League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Voting Meeting – 3 voting – 3 alternate

  1. Approval of Conditional Use Permit – 9 N. Main – Witt Family Rentals, LLC

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Larry Gazaway
  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  1. Director of Finance:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

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

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

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

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Government, Kansas

Effective Stillbirth Prevention Campaign Launches in Kansas

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“Count the Kicks” goal is to save 60 Kansas babies every year, reduce stillbirth rate by 26 percent

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced today that it has partnered with Count the Kicks, a proven stillbirth prevention public health campaign. Kansas vital statistics show that 232 stillborn babies are born each year in our state. The introduction of Count the Kicks in Kansas has the potential to save 60 babies every year if Kansas’ stillbirth rate decreases by 26 percent, as has happened in neighboring Iowa where the campaign began.

 

Count the Kicks teaches the method for and importance of tracking fetal movement in the third trimester of pregnancy. Scientific studies show that expectant moms should track their baby’s movements once a day in the third trimester and learn how long it normally takes their baby to get to 10 movements. Moms will start to notice a pattern, a normal amount of time it takes their baby to get to 10. If “normal” changes during the third trimester, this could be a sign of potential problems and an indication to call their provider.

 

“We are excited to provide physicians, partners and pregnant women across the state full access to Count the Kicks materials,” said Rachel Sisson, KDHE Bureau of Family Health Director. “KDHE’s Bureau of Family Health remains committed to collaborative efforts to support the healthiest outcome for mothers and infants.”

 

Through KDHE, maternal health providers, birthing hospitals and social service agencies throughout Kansas can order FREE Count the Kicks educational materials at www.countthekicks.org to start using these materials in their practices right away. Moms everywhere can download the FREE Count the Kicks app, which is available in the Google Play and iTunes online stores. The app, available in English and Spanish, allows expectant moms to monitor their baby’s movement, record the history, set a daily reminder, count for single babies and twins. The app already helped save seven Iowa babies in the past year.

 

This project is supported by KDHE with funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under grant number #B04MC31488 and title Maternal and Child Health Services.

Bourbon County, Government

County Commission Canvasses 2018 Election Aug. 16

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

2nd Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Thursday starting at 9:00

Date: August 16th, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

10:00-Canvass for the 2018 Primary Election

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

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

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

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

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Declared In A Drought Emergency

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Drought Declarations Updated in Kansas Counties

The Governor’s Drought Team examines declining surface water conditions

 

Topeka – While there have been some recent rains, drought conditions for many areas of the state, especially eastern Kansas, continue to worsen.

 

Declining livestock water and feed supply continue to be reported. This has resulted in emergency status being added in eastern Kansas for any county with a U.S. Drought Monitor Severe Drought (D3) status, contiguous counties and reported issues. This now moves 10 counties into Emergency status from a Watch and 12 into Emergency from a Warning. Below are the counties listed in Bold indicating these changes.

 

Drought Watch counties (18): Cheyenne, Cloud, Decatur, Gove, Graham, Jewell, Logan, Mitchell, Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rawlins, Republic, Rooks, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Thomas

 

Drought Warning counties (15): Allen, Chautauqua, Elk, Ellis, Greeley, Lane, Ness, Rush, Russell, Scott, Trego, Wallace, Wichita, Wilson, Woodson

 

Drought Emergency counties (72): Anderson, Atchison, Barber, Barton, Bourbon, Brown,  Butler, Chase, Cherokee, Clark, Clay, Coffey, Comanche, Cowley, Crawford, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Edwards, Ellsworth, Finney, Ford, Franklin, Geary, Grant, Gray, Greenwood, Hamilton, Harper, Harvey, Haskell, Hodgeman, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Kearny, Kingman, Kiowa, Labette,  Leavenworth, Lincoln, Linn, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, McPherson, Meade, Miami, Montgomery, Morris, Morton, Nemaha, Neosho, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pottawatomie, Pratt, Reno, Rice, Riley, Saline, Sedgwick, Seward, Shawnee, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Sumner, Wabaunsee, Washington, Wyandotte

 

Counties in emergency stage are eligible for emergency use of water from certain state fishing lakes. They also become eligible for water in some Federal reservoirs.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Note to Editor:  The Americans with Disabilities Act, (42 U.S.C. 12101), requires the Kansas Water Office to print the reasonable accommodations messages.

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for August 14

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

2nd Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: August 14th, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris

Consideration of agreement between BNSF Railway Company

Report on Inspection and Analysis of Off System and RS Bridges

10:00-11:00-Commissioners to discuss County Health Insurance

11:00-11:15-Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship

11:15-Handbook

11:20-NRP

11:00-12:00-Commissioner to work on 2019 Budget

12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch

1:30-Lora Holdridge-Executive Session-Justin and the Commissioners

2:00-2:15-Bobby Reed-Parking on north side of Courthouse

2:15-4:30-Commissioners to work on 2019 Budget

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

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

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

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

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Government, Kansas

Counting of Provisional Ballots In 2018 Elections

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Governor’s Chief Counsel Issues Legal Opinion Regarding Counting of Provisional Ballots

Topeka- This morning the Governor’s chief counsel issued the following opinion, which was sent to all county election officials.

LEGAL OPINION FROM

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF COUNSEL

 

The Governor has requested that I issue this legal opinion regarding interpretation of Kansas election law provisions concerning unaffiliated primary voters casting of provisional ballots.

Kansas law provides that an unaffiliated voter must be permitted to affiliate with a party on primary election day and vote in a party’s primary. K.S.A. 25-3301(c). However, sometimes when an unaffiliated voter seeks to affiliate and vote in a party primary, a poll worker (often a volunteer) simply instructs the unaffiliated voter to fill out a provisional party ballot rather than a party affiliation statement. Kansas law requires canvassers to look to the intent of the voter to correct this technical error by the poll worker and count the primary vote.

Specifically, Kansas law expressly provides that such poll worker errors should be disregarded by the county canvassing board: “No ballot, or any portion thereof, shall be invalidated by any technical error unless it is impossible to determine the voter’s intention. Determination of the voter’s intention shall rest in the discretion of the board canvassing in the case of a canvass.” K.S.A. 25-3002(b)(1). This guiding principle has special importance in elections for governor: “[Even though] provisions of law may not have been fully complied with in noticing and conducting the election . . . the real will of the people may not be defeated by any technical irregularity of any officer.” K.S.A. 25-702(b).

Accordingly, Kansas law requires that provisional ballots cast by unaffiliated voters in a primary election be construed as evidence of voter intent and must be counted. Canvassers should look not to the technical statutory requirement of a party affiliation statement, but rather to the intent of the voter, as is compelled by other statutory law.

 

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Brant M. Laue

Chief Counsel

Office of the Governor

Issued: August 13, 2018

Bourbon County, Government

Thank You From Trevor Jacob

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I want to thank everyone who voted and participated in the 2018 primary election.

It’s an honor and a privilege for us as Americans to show our appreciation and dedication to all who stood up and defended our rights to self-govern and to have a voice in the electoral process.

May God bless America as we bless Him.
Kansas House of Representative District 4, Trevor Jacobs