Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Minutes of June 24

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Training
June 24, 2019

PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bernita Hill, Liz Meyer, and Robert Nelson

ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff, and community members.

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

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Bartelsmeyer stated that FSCC features over 20 student organizations for students to experience growth and fulfillment outside of the classroom.

CTEC UPDATE: CTEC Executive Director shared an update about the Southeast Kansas Career and Technical Education Center of Crawford County. He stated, “FSCC is more than just education; it impacts peoples’ lives. CTEC is a great example of that.” He added that CTEC is growing, and the funding assistance from Kansas Crossing Casino provides scholarships for students to attend. Mengarelli credited a portion of CTEC’s success to great industry partners and great instructors, and he also thanked the Board of Trustees for FSCC’s role in CTEC’s success.

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

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:

  1. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to set the Board meeting dates for July and August as July 25 and August 6 to facilitate the budget approval and publication process.
  2. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the agreement between FSCC and National PASS Center.
  3. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by McKenney, and carried by unanimous vote to participate in the Kansas Association of School boards Workers Compensation Fund, Inc., for the 2019-20 fiscal year with a premium of $29,671.
  4. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of the HEP Collaboration Station from CDW-G for $18,269.55.
  5. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of replacement faculty computers from CDW-G for a revised quote of $19,599.63.
  6. A motion was made by Hill, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of CAMP laptop computers from CDW-G for a revised quote of $26,525.15.
  7. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the disposal of equipment (two copiers).
  8. A motion was made by Hill, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the lease request for passenger vans from Merchant’s Fleet.
  9. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the renewal lease for a 52 passenger shuttle from Master’s Transportation.
  10. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the property/casualty/auto/excess liability insurance for an annual premium of $100,532 plus the buy-down insurance from $300,000 to $25,000 for an annual amount of $47,614.
  11. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of eSports computers and accessories from PCM-G for $33,460.74.
  12. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the continuation of the proposed agreement between IA DOE and FSCC for July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. The budget will not exceed $762,116 for the fiscal year.
  13. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the renewal of FSCC memberships and dues for the 2019-2020 school year.

REPORTS:

  1. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Gordon Parks Museum, Miami County Campus, Student Services, Instruction Office, Finance and Operations, and the President.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 7:56 p.m. by Hill, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote.

Chairman Clerk

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda July 30

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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: July 30th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

AFTERNOON/EVENING MEETING STARTING AT 1:00

1:00-1:20-Executive Session-Attorney-Client Privilege-20 min.

1:20-4:00-Commissioners to work on 2020 Budgets

4:00-5:30-Commissioner gone for dinner

5:30-6:30-Jody Hoener-Community Input for Strategic Plan

6:30-7:30-Jim Harris

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

Criminal Justice Reform Members Appointed

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Governor appoints two members

to Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission

 

Governor Laura Kelly appointed Sylvia Penner and Adrion Roberson to the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission.

 

“Sylvia and Adrion have a proven track record of working hard in their communities,” Kelly said. “We have a lot of work to do. I know they are ready for the challenge and will become integral voices in the discussion and work of this commission.”

 

Penner, Wichita, currently serves as an attorney at the firm Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson and Kitch, LLC. Previously, she was an instructor for both Tabor College in Wichita, and Washburn University School of Law in Topeka. Penner received her bachelor’s degree in biology from Tabor College, and a juris doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law. Penner has held numerous leadership and membership positions including: American Bar Association, Kansas Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Wichita Crime Commission, Wichita Women Attorneys Association, Kansas Admissions Review Board and Kansas Appleseed board of directors.

 

Penner will fill the position of the criminal defense attorney appointment.

 

Roberson, Kansas City, currently serves as co-pastor of the Berean Fellowship Church and as CEO/co-founder of KC United! Youth Sports and Education Initiative. Previously, Roberson served as a faculty member for the Kansas Leadership Center and created multiple development initiative programs to help Kansans mobilize and gain critical life skills. He served as chairman for Connect the DOTTES for a better KCK. Roberson received his bachelor’s degree in urban pastoral theology from Calvary Bible College.

 

Roberson will fill the position of the faith-based community appointment.

 

The Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission was created as part of HB 2290, which passed during the 2019 legislative session. The governor appoints one criminal defense attorney or public defender, one member of the faith-based community and one facilitator to provide administrative assistance to develop a project plan and assist the Commission in its duties.

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Advance Voting Has Begun In Bourbon County

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The “vote here” sign sits in front of the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National.

“In-person advance voting began on July 22nd, it will end at noon on August 5,” Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk said today.  “As of right now we have had 107 voters.”

“The Courthouse is the only location to cast an in-person advance ballot,” she said. Courthouse hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Primary Election on August 6 will narrow the candidates down to two times the number of positions open.

Bourbon County will have a Primary Election for the following offices

CITY OF BRONSON-CITY COUNCIL (3 COUNCIL POSITIONS)

JAMES E. OLSON

DANIELLE MINOR

MICHAEL STEWART

 

CITY OF FORT SCOTT-CITY COMMISSION (3 COMMISSION POSITIONS)

CHERYL L. ADAMSON

HAROLD (PETE) ALLEN

KEVIN “SKITCH” ALLEN

CYNTHIA BARTELSMEYER

CASEY BOLDEN

TRACY DANCER

BOBBY DUNCAN

BOB FARMER

JOSH JONES

DEB MCCOY

DIANA MORRISS

JEANIE PARKER

LINDSEY WATTS

MATTHEW WELLS

 

CITY OF FULTON (1 MAYOR & 5 COUNCIL POSITIONS)

NO CANDIDATES FILED

 

CITY OF MAPLETON (3 COUNCIL POSITIONS)

NO CANDIDATES FILED

 

CITY OF REDFIELD-CITY COUNCIL (3 COUNCIL POSITIONS)

WILMA K. GRAHAM

JIMMIE JACKSON

L.D. MORRISON

ANGELA HIXON

 

 

CITY OF UNIONTOWN-CITY COUNCIL (3 COUNCIL POSITIONS)

DANEA D. ESSLINGER

DAVE WEHRY

USD 234

JAMES WOOD-POSITION 1

DANNY BROWN- POSITION 2

MICHELLE HUDIBURG- POSITION 2

KELLYE BARROWS- POSITION 3

JOE FOULK SR.- POSITION 3

MICHAEL J. HOYT- POSITION 3

JOSH JONES-POSITION 3

AARON JUDY-POSITION 3

SHAWN GOANS-POSITION AT LARGE

LYNETTE JACKSON-POSITION AT LARGE

BILL MICHAUD- POSITION AT LARGE

 

USD 235

TROY GOODRIDGE-POSITION 1

JASON SUTTERBY-POSITION 2

JOSHUA HARTMAN-POSITION 3

KOLBY STOCK- POSITION 3

SALLY JOHNSON- POSITION AT LARGE

 

FSCC BOARD OF TRUSTEES (3 POSITIONS)

DAVID ELLIOTT

KIRK HART

MICHAEL J. HOYT

CURTIS LEAR

ROBERT NELSON

 

SOUTHWIND EXTENSION DISTRICT (2 POSITIONS)

DIANE BRILLHART

PETE WILEY

 

 

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas Lakes With Health Advisories

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

Seven lakes with warnings; nine with watches

 

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

 

Warnings:

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (unchanged)

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County (unchanged)

Marion County Lake, Marion County (unchanged)

*Gathering Pond near Milford (Hatchery Supply Pond), Geary County (unchanged)

South Lake, Johnson County (unchanged)

Colby City Pond (Villa High Lake), Thomas County (unchanged)

Lebo Kids’ Pond, Coffee County (new 7/25)

 

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.

 

Watches:

Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County (unchanged)

Marion Reservoir, Marion County (unchanged)

Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County (unchanged)

Rock Garden Pond (Gage Park), Shawnee County (unchanged)

Hiawatha City Lake, Brown County (downgraded 7/25 from warning)

Lovewell Reservoir, Jewell County (downgraded from 7/25 warning)

Westlake in Gage Park, Shawnee County (new 7/25)

Lake Afton, Sedgwick County (new 7/25)

Hodgeman County State Fishing Lake, Hodgemen County (new 7/25)

 

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop.  People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

 

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

 

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing, and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

 

KDHE samples publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on 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.

 

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Area News, Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Southeast Kansas: High Risk Warning For West Nile Virus

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High Risk of West Nile Virus Activity in Three Kansas Regions

and Positive Mosquito Pools Identified

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a high risk warning for West Nile virus infections (WNV) for northwest, south central and southeast Kansas. North central, northeast, and southwest Kansas are at moderate risk for WNV infections. In addition, mosquitoes collected in Sedgwick County have tested positive for WNV and St. Louis Encephalitis virus (SLEV).

WNV can be spread to people through mosquito bites, but it is not spread from person to person. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a severe illness leading to swelling of the brain or brain tissue that can result in death. There are no vaccines or medications to treat WNV. People who have had WNV before are considered immune.

SLEV is transmitted by the same type of mosquito that spreads WNV. While most people who are infected with SLEV have no symptoms or only mild non-specific flu-like illness, some individuals can experience serious neuroinvasive illness. Symptoms often include fever, headache, stiff neck, disorientation, and altered level of consciousness. Coma, convulsions, and paralysis may also occur. SLEV has a similar incubation period as WNV, 5-15 days.

KDHE recommends knowing your risk of WNV and take action to prevent mosquito bites and protect yourself against WNV and SLEV:

  • Visit the KDHE WNV website weekly to learn about the current WNV risk levels; http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm
  • When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient on skin and clothing, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Follow the directions on the package.
  • Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
  • The elderly or those with a weakened immune system should consider limiting their exposure outside during dusk and dawn when the Culex species mosquitos are most active.
  • Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
  • Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.
  • Horses can also be infected with WNV. Talk with your veterinarian about vaccinating your horse to protect them against WNV.

Most WNV infections occur in the late summer and early fall. Although there have been no cases of WNV reported to KDHE in 2019, there have been over 300 cases of the most severe form of WNV and 30 deaths in Kansas from 1999-2018. The last known case of SLEV in Kansas occurred in 2004.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides this web page with additional information about West Nile virus and preventing mosquito bites: http://www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes/.  More information on SLEV can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/sle/index.html .For questions about West Nile virus or other Arboviral diseases contact the KDHE Epidemiology hotline at 877-427-7317.

Government, Kansas

Governor Reappoints McMullen to State Board of Technical Professions   

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Governor Laura Kelly reappointed Carisa Lyn McMullen to the State Board of Technical Professions. 

 

“We need qualified individuals overseeing engineering, architecture, geology, land surveying and other practices that have a far-reaching impact on our everyday lives,” Kelly said. “Carisa has been a real asset on this board with her extensive knowledge and experience.” 

 

McMullen, Olathe, is a landscape architect and currently serves as the principal at Landworks Studio. She has worked in both municipal and private sectors. McMullen received a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Kansas State University. She has worked on numerous projects including: University of Kansas West Campus Master Plan in Lawrence, the Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita, The Labette Community College Pedestrian Corridor in Parsons, and the Vision Iola Community Master Plan in Iola.  

 

The board registers and licenses engineers, architects, surveyors and landscape architects. The group works to provide maximum protection of the health, safety, and welfare of Kansans by assuring their practice of engineering, architecture, land surveying, landscape architecture and geology in the state is properly carried out. 

 

Per K.S.A 74-7005, each member of the State Board of Technical Professions must be a resident of the state of Kansas. Each term is four years with a limit of three successive terms.  

 

All 13 board members are appointed by the governor. Four members must be licensed engineers, two must be licensed surveyors, three must be licensed architects, one must be a licensed landscape architect, one must be a licensed geologist, and two must be from the general public. 

 

Government, Kansas

Governor appoints three members to the Kansas State Fair Board

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Governor Laura Kelly appointed Dylan Evans, Sarah Green, and Kathy Brazle to the Kansas State Fair board.

 

“The Kansas state fair is an important part of Kansas’ story,” Kelly said. “It’s a cherished annual tradition, and Kansans deserve board members who are passionate about our history and culture. Dylan, Sarah, and Kathy encapsulate this passion.”

 

The board acts as the showcase of Kansas agriculture, commerce and industry, and is responsible for presenting a format of entertainment and education that appeals to people from all walks of life in Kansas.

 

The state fair emphasizes the importance of family, education, public and private entities, and Kansas as a whole.

 

Dylan Evans, Lebo, is the owner of Farmers State Bank of Aliceville and DWE Livestock. Evans received his master’s degree in food science, a bachelor’s degree in animal science and industry, and a bachelor’s degree in food science and industry, all from Kansas State University. He succeeds Steve Abrams.

 

Sarah Green, Wichita, currently serves as a writer, editor, and strategic consultant, working as an independent contractor. Previously, she served as Local Foods and Rural Outreach Coordinator under the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Green participated in a graduate fellowship through George Washington University in food policy. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas. She succeeds Matthew Lowen.

 

Kathy Brazle, Chanute, is a retired school administrator. Previously a teacher in Erie, Brazle received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physical education from Southwestern College and a master’s degree in physical education from the University of Kansas. Brazle also received an administration certification from Emporia State University. She succeeds Monica Lair.

 

The governor’s appointments to the state fair board are not subject to Senate confirmation.

 

Business, Government, Kansas

Angel Investor Tax Credit Application Fee Reduced

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Secretary David Toland reduces fee for businesses seeking Angel Investors

 

Topeka, Kan. – Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today that he has reduced the application fee for businesses seeking to participate in the Angel Investor Tax Credit program.

After reducing the application fee from $750 to $500 in February, the Kansas Department of Commerce reduced the fee further to $250, retroactive to July 1, 2019. Applications for companies seeking investment through the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit (KAITC) program for 2019 will be accepted through August 31.

The program offers Kansas income tax credits to qualified individuals who provide seed-capital financing for emerging Kansas businesses engaged in development, implementation and commercialization of innovative technologies, products and services.

“The Angel program exists to support small start-up businesses, so it didn’t make sense to charge an application fee that put the program out of reach to the very businesses seeking help,” Toland said. “This is a straightforward, business-friendly move that we hope will encourage more start-ups to apply and make it easier for Kansans to invest in promising new businesses.”

The KAITC Program is designed to bring together accredited “angel” investors with qualified Kansas companies seeking seed and early stage investment. The purpose of the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit Act is to help facilitate:

  • The availability of equity investment in businesses in the early stages of commercial development.
  • The creation and expansion of Kansas businesses, which are job- and wealth-creating enterprises.

Applications for certification are accepted only for Kansas businesses in the seed and early stage rounds of financing.

Companies must meet the following criteria to be certified as a Qualified Kansas Business:

  • The business has a reasonable chance of success and potential to create measurable employment within Kansas.
  • In the most recent tax year of the business, annual gross revenue was less than $5 million
  • Businesses that are not Bioscience businesses must have been in operation for less than five years; bioscience businesses must have been in operation for less than 10 years.
  • The business has an innovative and proprietary technology, product, or service.
  • The existing owners of the business have made a substantial financial and time commitment to the business.
  • The securities to be issued and purchased are qualified securities.
  • The company agrees to adequate reporting of business information to the Kansas Department of Commerce.
  • The ability of investors in the business to receive tax credits for cash investments in qualified securities of the business is beneficial, because funding otherwise available for the business is not available on commercially reasonable terms.
  • Each applicant must sign a Qualified Company Agreement with the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Certification of companies must meet mandates established by Kansas statute to allow accredited Angel Investors to receive the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit.

For more information, visit kansasangels.com or contact:

Rachéll Rowand

(785) 296-3345 Office

(785) 207-4755 Mobile

[email protected]

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Government, Jobs

Business Incubator: Offering Office Space to Entrepreneurs/Professionals To Start Up

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The new Bourbon County Business Incubator offices  are located in the old SRS Building at 108 W. Second Street, Fort Scott.

A business incubator is being developed by Bourbon County to attract new entrepreneurs and professionals back to the area.

What is a business incubator?

It is a facility established to nurture young, startup firms during their early months or years, according to businessdictionary.com. It can provide affordable space, shared offices and services, hands-on management training, marketing support and, often, access to some form of financing.

“The business incubator is still under development,” Bourbon County’s Economic Director Jody Hoenor, said. “But is available… it’s a county-wide service.”

“The vision is to have a workspace for a professional business, someone who needs office space,” she said. “The first six months are free, then rent is negotiable. The maximum stay is two years.”

“The point is to get their business up and going without initial opening costs,” she said

Skilled professionals such as web designers, architects, and lawyers. for example, who want to start a business, are the target for the incubator.

Retail would not be appropriate for the space, she said.

“Shane Walker (Bourbon County Information Technology) and Justin Meeks (Bourbon County Counselor) have been working on this before I started in October 2018,” Hoenor said.

There are six office spaces available, one with a reception area attached.

The largest of the offices shown by Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoenor is 11 feet by 23 feet. The other offices are smaller, but each has a window.

There is a lobby, conference room, kitchen space and bathroom that goes with the office spaces, and includes high-speed internet access.

Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoenor opens the door to the reception area, next to the largest office space available for skilled professionals to start up a business.

Hoenor can be reached at 210 S National Ave.,

Fort Scott, KS 66701, or 1-620-223-3800 or

1-620-215-5725 Mobile, or

www.bourboncountyks.org

 

Bourbon County repurposed the building at 108 W. Second Street, just west of the courthouse. Years ago it housed the Social and Rehabilitation Services offices, most recently the Bourbon County Attorney had an office there until that office was moved to the second floor of the courthouse.

Currently, the building is being used also by the community corrections office and the driver’s license bureau.

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Governor Appointments Update

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Governor’s Appointments Pass Senate Oversight Committee

 

The Kansas Senate Oversight Committee Monday approved Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Shawnee, to serve as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration and Herman Jones, Berryton, as Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, along with other appointments to state boards and agencies.

 

“I appreciate the Senate committee’s action in approving the appointments of Kansans who are all well qualified and committed to public service,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It’s truly an outstanding group, and I look forward to seeing the work they do in helping to move our state forward.”

 

Burns-Wallace was the Vice-Provost of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Kansas, and also served as the assistant dean in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at Stanford University.

 

Before working in education, Burns-Wallace worked for the U.S. Department of State as a management officer in the foreign service in China, South Africa and Washington D.C., experience she says helped prepare her for her new role at the Department of Administration.

 

“Managing a foreign mission for the U.S. government is a complex set of challenges that touch on logistics, construction, budgeting, HR – these issues also line up closely to the mission of the Department of Administration,” Burns-Wallace said. “I’m excited to start working on some of these issues for the State of Kansas.”

 

Burns-Wallace holds a dual bachelor’s degree in international relations and African American studies from Stanford University, a master’s degree in public affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Herman Jones began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Emporia Police Department. He then served as a state trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol from 1982 to 1992. Later, he was an instructor at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

He returned to the Kansas Highway Patrol as the director of administration from 2000 to 2011. In 2011, he became Undersheriff of Shawnee County, and later was appointed Shawnee County Sheriff in April 2012, elected in November 2012 and re-elected in 2016.

Jones is a graduate of Emporia State University, the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, the Kansas Highway Patrol Academy, and the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

“I’m honored to be Governor Kelly’s choice to serve in this important law enforcement position,” Jones said. “I’ve dedicated my career to public safety and take great pride in working with the men and women of the Kansas Highway Patrol to strengthen our agency and improve public safety across Kansas.”

Additionally, the following appointments by the governor were approved Monday by the Senate Confirmation Oversight Committee:

 

  • Cheryl Harrison-Lee, Gardner, Shellaine (Shelly) Kiblinger, Cherryvale, and Jonathan Rolph, Wichita; Kansas Board of Regents

 

  • Emily Hill, Lawrence, Kansas Public Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees

 

  • Earl Lewis, Topeka, director, Kansas Water Office

 

  • Constance Owen, Overland Park, chair, Kansas Water Authority

 

  • Joni Franklin, Wichita, Jonathan Gilbert, Dodge City, and Michael Ryan, Junction City; Public Employee Relations Board

 

  • Doug Jorgensen, Topeka, State Fire Marshal

 

  • Kelly Kultala, Basehor, Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission

 

  • Kala Loomis, Lawrence, executive director, Kansas State Gaming Agency

 

  • Stephen Durrell, Lawrence, executive director, Kansas Lottery

 

  • Catherine Moyer, Ulysses, and Kenneth (Ed) Trimmer, Winfield; Kansas Lottery Commission

 

The appointments approved Monday by the Senate Oversight Committee will be voted on by the full Senate in the 2020 Legislative Session.