Notice of Budget Work Sessions:
Thursday, July 25th, 2019 – 9:00 a.m.
Thursday July 25th, 2019 – 12:00 p.m.
There will be two work sessions of the Fort Scott City Commission held on Thursday, July 25th, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. and then again at 12:00 p.m. in the City Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street. These work sessions will be held to discuss the 2020 budget. No action will be taken at these work sessions. These meetings are open to the public.
Kansas Agencies Co-locate to Improve Stakeholder Experience
Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard and Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman, M.D. today announced a new partnership designed to improve efficiencies and expand the reach of both agencies.
KDHE eligibility employees will now be co-located in 17 DCF offices across the state to foster collaboration around the KanCare application process for the elderly and people with disabilities.
“I’ve always believed that our DCF offices can be an important connection point for Kansans who need services,” Howard said. “This new partnership is a first step in providing a more efficient experience for those who need assistance with the complicated KanCare application process.”
“As an agency, we are continually looking for opportunities to collaborate and improve the stakeholder experience,” Norman said. “By co-locating, we are making good use of existing state office space and extending our reach across the state.”
Elderly and disabled KanCare applications are among the most complex. For many years, processing of these applications has been privatized. The process is now brought back in to KDHE. Under the new partnership, KDHE employees will initially spend most of their time processing Home and Community Based Service applications.
They also will be available to work with DCF staff on complicated cases. Once the full transition is complete in mid-2020, it is expected that KDHE staff will be able to meet face to face with Kansans who need help navigating the KanCare application process.
“I believe this collaboration with DCF will result in positive outcomes for Kansans,” Norman said.
KDHE employees will move into the Hays and Wichita offices the week of July 22. Other offices that will have KDHE employees include:
As more KDHE staff are hired, the agencies plan to expand to other DCF offices that have available space.
“I’ve heard first hand from our workers how excited they are to have KDHE staff in the same office,” Howard said. “We know is this is an important step in helping Kansans connect with services that are vital to their well-being.”
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: July 23rd, 2019
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
9:45-10:00-KDOT
10:00-10:15-Conservation District 2020 Budget
10:30-10:45-Will Wallis-Update on Disaster Applicants
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney client relationship-30 min.
12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch
2:30-3:00-Bill Martin-Sheriff/Jail 2020 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
Governor orders flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Associate Justice John Paul Stevens
In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, and following the proclamation of President Donald J. Trump, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset Tuesday, July 23, in honor of John Paul Stevens, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
“Justice Stevens was a remarkable public servant and leaves behind an honorable legacy,” Kelly said. “My deepest condolences are with his family in this difficult time. May we all strive to serve our own communities, state and nation with such conviction.”
To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.
Governor Laura Kelly appointed Earl Lewis as Director of the Kansas Water Office.
“Earl has proven to be a skilled and knowledgeable leader when it comes to water conservation and other important issues related to this precious resource,” Kelly said.
Lewis joined the Kansas Water Office in 1999 working first with reservoir operations and analysis before serving as the agency’s chief technical staff and overseeing agency operations. Before joining the Kansas Water Office, he worked for seven years in the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources working on water use, water right compliance, water conservation, and interstate litigation.
“I’m honored the Governor has selected me for this position and am excited to join the Kelly administration,” Lewis said. “I look forward to working with the Governor and stakeholders across Kansas to improve our water resources.”
Lewis is a lifelong Kansan and was raised on a farm in Osage County. His family raised row crops, cattle, and ran a custom hay business. He attended both Emporia State University and the University of Kansas, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1992. He also holds a professional engineering license in Kansas.
Lewis’ appointment is pending confirmation by the Senate.
In response to Executive Order #19-08, Governor Laura Kelly appointed 13 members to the Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force.
This task force assesses the current and future impact of Alzheimer’s disease on Kansas residents; examines the existing industries, services, and resources addressing the needs of people with Alzheimer’s, their families, and caregivers; and develops a strategy to mobilize a state response to the public health crisis.
“Alzheimer’s disease touches so many lives, and we must do what we can to help patients and their families cope with this tragic ailment,” Kelly said. “I appreciate the interest from all willing to serve on this important task force.”
The appointed task force members:
The task force meets monthly or as needed at the discretion of the Chair.
The task force will receive data, research, administrative support and guidance from the following agencies: Kansas Department of Labor, Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services shall be primarily responsible for and take the lead in providing support.
The Task Force is directed to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature and Governor in the form of a Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Plan by January 13, 2020, or as appropriate during the intervening period.
Governor Laura Kelly appointed David Herndon as Bank Commissioner for the state of Kansas.
The commissioner oversees the Office of the State Bank Commissioner, an office that regulates all state-chartered banks, trust companies, mortgage businesses, supervised lenders, credit service organizations, and money transmitters that do business within the state of Kansas.
“I’m pleased to appoint David to serve as Bank Commissioner,” Kelly said. “His extensive banking and leadership experience makes him an unparalleled choice for this position.”
Herndon, a Shawnee resident, has over 30 years of experience in all phases of management. Currently, Herndon is sole proprietor of CMC Professional Services. Previously, he served as senior vice president at VisionBank. Herndon graduated with a master’s degree in banking from the University of Wisconsin, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baker University.
Per K.S.A. 75-1304, the appointed bank commissioner must have at least five years of experience as an executive officer in a state or national bank located in Kansas. While serving as bank commissioner, the commissioner must not be an officer, voting director, employee or paid consultant of any state or national bank or bank holding company, or any affiliate of a state or national bank or bank holding company, or any other entity regulated by the commissioner.
Herndon will serve as Acting Bank Commissioner pending Senate confirmation.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met on Monday, July 8, 2019, at the Fort Scott Middle School Community Room for their regular monthly meeting.
President Jamie Armstrong opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda.
The old board adjourned Sine Die with reorganization of the new board. David Stewart was elected president, and James Wood was elected vice president. The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – June 20, 2019 – $1,653,129.83
D. Financial Report
E. Bond Proceeds Reconciliation
F. Activity fund accounts
G. Designation of banks for deposit of school funds
H. Designation of newspaper for official school publications – The Fort Scott Tribune
I. Officers for the 2019-20 school year
J. Recreation Commission board member terms
K. Resolution for waiver of generally accepted accounting principles
L. Resolution for rescinding policy statements found in board minutes
M. Resolution to set dates and times for board meetings
N. Resolution to establish home rule by Board of Education
O. Resolution for destruction of records
P. Resolution for participation in the Neighborhood Revitalization Program Interlocal Agreement
Q. State mileage reimbursement rate – 58 cents per mile
R. Set fees for copying of records
S. Extended trip request for the International Thespian Festival on June 24-30 in Lincoln, NE
One patron spoke in the public forum section.
Stephanie George, KNEA President, presented a report.
Superintendent Ted Hessong provided information on the following items:
· Climate Survey
· ELA Curriculum
· SPED handbook
· New teacher orientation
· Nurse contracted position
· CrisisGo App testing
· Legislative update
· ACT testing for 9th graders
Gina Shelton, Business Manager, reported on a grant that will be used to replace milk coolers, gave a bond update, discussed budget work, and extended thanks to Reta Baker with Mercy Hospital for their large donation of office furniture to the district.
Board members selected James Wood as a hearing officer for suspensions and expulsions. The board approved board policy changes and 2019-20 handbooks.
The board set a budget workshop for July 30, 2019, at 12:00 p.m. Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations.
Board members returned to open meeting and approved the following employment matters:
A. Resignation of Melina Lawson, effective at the end of the 2018-19 school year
B. Resignation of Christy Thomas, central office payroll clerk, effective July 26, 2019
C. Resignation of Jodi Underwood, preschool center paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2018-19 school year
D. Resignation of Melinda Collins, Eugene Ware cook, effective June 25, 2019
E. Employment of Robyn Kelso as high school assistant principal for the 2019-20 school year
F. Employment of Emily Elliott as a Fort Scott High School/Middle School vocal teacher for the 2019-20 school year
G. Employment of Rachelle Thomas as a Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher for the 2019-20 school year
H. Employment of Krista Gorman as a secondary instructional coach at Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Middle School for the 2019-20 school year
I. Employment of Kelcy Schnaufer as a preschool teacher for the 2019-20 school year
J. Employment of Andrea Heckman as a preschool teacher for the 2019-20 school year
K. Employment of Dane Cummings as a high school assistant football coach for the 2019-20 school year
L. Employment of Allison Gorman as a high school assistant softball coach for the 2019-20 school year
M. Employment of Kathi Hall as a middle school assistant wrestling coach for the 2019-20 school year
N. Transfer of John Metcalf, middle school paraprofessional, to middle school Student Support Center/PE teacher and middle school assistant wrestling coach for the 2019-20 school year
O. Employment of Bronson Moylan as a middle school assistant football coach for the 2019-20 school year
The board adjourned.
John Bullard was hired as the Fort Scott Municipal Judge recently.
The position is part-time, according to a press release from the city.
Bullard hears cases that come before the municipal court and renders his decision on those cases.
Cases are heard on citations written by Fort Scott Police Officers, Codes Officers and Animal Control Officers.
Bullard earned his JD in law at Washburn University.
He is also the municipal judge for the City of Columbus from 2015 to the present and has been practicing law in southeast Kansas for over 30 years.
He has appeared in Bourbon County District Court many times and is familiar with Fort Scott and the local legal community, according to the city press release.
Judge Bullard lives in Columbus, KS and is active in his community.
He has a heart for working with children in the judicial system, according to the press release.
“We are excited to have Judge Bullard serving in our Municipal Court,” Deb Needleman, Director of Human Resources for the City of Fort Scott noted. “He has shared some of his thoughts and ideas on changes we might consider for some of our ordinances so they are more effective and provide more options in dealing with various situations.”
Fort Scott’sMunicipal Court is held the first and third Thursdays of every month at 3 p.m. in the City Commission Room at city hall, 123 S. Main.
If unsure of a court date, or need to reschedule, please contact the Municipal Court Clerk.
To learn more about Fort Scott’s Municipal Court click here:
https://fscity.org/174/Municipal-Court
Governor appoints member to Postsecondary Technical Education Authority
Governor Laura Kelly appointed Dr. Tiffany Anderson to the Postsecondary Technical Education Authority.
“Dr. Anderson is the right choice for this important assignment,” Kelly said. “She’s highly qualified, driven, and knows education at every level, to include higher education.”
Currently, Anderson serves as superintendent for the Topeka public schools district, USD 501. She also served as a school superintendent in Missouri and Virginia. Since 2003, she’s been an adjunct professor in the Department of Educational Leadership for Kansas State University. Anderson received her doctorate and master’s degree in education leadership and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Saint Louis University, Mo.
Dr. Anderson currently resides in Overland Park. She succeeds Sabrina Korentager.
The authority is composed of 12 members. Four members are appointed by the Kansas Board of Regents. Three members are be appointed by the governor. One member is appointed by the president of the Senate, and one member is appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives.
Regarding the governor’s appointments, one represents Kansas business and industry, and two represent the general public.
Hep A and Meningococcal Vaccines to be required for 2019-20 School Year
Vaccine changes effective August 2
Two new vaccines will be required for school-age children for the 2019-20 School Year: Meningococcal and Hepatitis A. KDHE proposed changes to the vaccine requirement regulations earlier this year and held a public hearing concluding a 60-day public comment period in June. The regulations were approved by KDHE and will go into effect on August 2.
“We received many comments and input from all viewpoints,” KDHE Secretary Lee Norman said. “We listened and read all of the input and concerns submitted to us. We looked at the evidence. Both Meningitis and Hepatitis A illnesses are severe and preventable, and the safety profile of the vaccines is well-recognized. As an agency charged to establish policies that protect and improve the lives of Kansans, we felt the addition of the two vaccines was essential for the health and safety of our state.”
Changes for 2019-20 School Year
Vaccine requirements for schools can be found online at: http://www.kdheks.gov/immunize/schoolInfo.htm.
About the Vaccines
Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine
The meningococcal ACWY vaccine protects against meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease has two common outcomes: meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and bloodstream infections. The bacteria that cause meningococcal disease spread through the exchange of nose and throat droplets, such as when coughing, sneezing, or kissing. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. With bloodstream infection, symptoms also include a dark purple rash. About one of every 10 people who gets the disease dies from it. Survivors of meningococcal disease may lose their arms or legs, become deaf, have problems with their nervous systems, become developmentally disabled, or suffer seizures or strokes.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
The hepatitis A vaccine protects against the hepatitis A virus. The virus is spread primarily person to person through the fecal-oral route. In other words, the virus is taken in by mouth from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces (stool) of an infected person. Symptoms can include fever, tiredness, poor appetite, vomiting, stomach pain and sometimes jaundice (when skin and eyes turn yellow). An infected person may have no symptoms, may have mild illness for a week or two, may have severe illness for several months, or may rarely develop liver failure and die from the infection. In the U.S., about 100 people a year die from hepatitis A.
Exemptions from Vaccines
There are exemptions to vaccines. In accordance with KSA 72-6262, legal alternatives to vaccination requirements include medical contraindications and religious beliefs. The medical exemptions signed by a medical clinician must be submitted on an annual basis by the family/guardian of the student. There could also be instances in which a person has a religious belief that prevents them from receiving a particular vaccination. The parent/guardian of the student must submit a written statement indicating they are adherent of a religious denomination whose religious teachings are opposed to such vaccination. The school board or governing body for nonpublic schools are responsible for ensuring compliance with the regulations and statutes.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces that Dr. John Esslinger has been named as the State Medicaid Medical Director. This position had previously been vacant.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Esslinger has decided to join our team,” said Adam Proffit, KDHE Medicaid Director. “His vast experience, both as a clinician, as well as several years of direct involvement with KanCare, will have a tremendous impact on the members we serve.”
Dr. Esslinger is a graduate of the University of Minnesota for both his undergraduate and medical degrees. His specialty training was at Children’s Mercy through UMKC in Kansas City. He is board certified in Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. He practiced for 12 years at Omaha Children’s Hospital and subsequently was the Vice President for Medical Affairs for that facility.
Dr. Esslinger has been in managed care since 1999 and has experience in commercial and government programs. He has focused primarily on government programs, mostly Medicaid, since 2008, but he has also had experience in the insurance brokerage industry at Lockton in Kansas City. He has been employed by managed care plans in Kansas since 2014.
“I am delighted to be part of KDHE. I am confident that I can contribute to the department’s mission of providing quality, cost-effective care to Kansas citizens,” Dr. Esslinger said.
