Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Reimbursement Being Sought From Feds For Flooding Damage

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The Marmaton River on May 23, 2019, nearing the level of the bridge on North National Avenue.

Governor Laura Kelly sent a request this month to President Donald Trump to ask for a  presidential declaration for public assistance for 63 counties in Kansas following recent months of record rainfall and severe weather causing flooding, flash flooding and tornadoes beginning April 28, according to a press release from the governor.

Bourbon County was one of the counties listed in the request.

“The county declared on the 23 of May,” Will Wallis, Bourbon County’s Emergency Management Director said. “It was orchestrated by the commission with their signatures and mine. It will help the county as far as reimbursement funds to public roads and bridges.”

The federal public assistance program helps pay for the restoration of public infrastructure and associated costs caused by flooding and tornado damage, according to the press release.

“It will pay us back for qualified roads, bridges, culverts, low water crossings and bridges but only if each one of them qualifies,” Wallis said.

“The (federal) government pays back 75% the state (government)10%,” he said. “This is a bare minimum.  If we can get mitigation funds involved, it could be more.”

” We start preliminary damage assessments tomorrow (June 14) that will determine if we have met our county threshold which is $57, 000 dollars,” Wallis said. “We are very sure we will meet the threshold without any problems.”

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s damage assessment includes the following types of damage: debris needing removed, the number of roads closed, the number of bridges unusable, the number of miles of roads damaged and public building, vehicles and equipment damaged, among others.

In addition, damage to recreation areas are assessed as follows: debris removal, damage to parks and facilities at parks.

An impact statement is included in the assessment: for essential services affected (EMS, law enforcement, fire departments), farmers unable to get in their fields, health and safety issues such as hazardous materials, contaminated water supply, etc.

For the full assessment document click below:

Damage Assessment Questionnaire

 

William Wallis, the Bourbon County Emergency Manager, KCEM, can be reached at

[email protected]

or in person at  210 South National, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

or by phone: Office # 620-223-3800 ext. 124 or Cell # 620-224-8165

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting at 11:30 a.m. June 14

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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: June 14th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

11:30-Signing of a Hemp Letter

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

Business, Government, Kansas

USDA Research Agency Relocating to K.C. Region From D.C.

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Governor applauds USDA relocation announcement

 

Gov. Laura Kelly applauded today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to relocate major research agencies from Washington, D.C., to the Kansas City region, along with nearly 600 high-paying federal jobs.

 

“This is a significant win for Kansas and Missouri,” Kelly said.

 

The USDA’s Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced its plan to relocate to the Kansas City region after a competitive bidding process. The USDA received 136 proposals from 35 different states.

 

Kansas and Missouri submitted a joint proposal to the USDA. A decision on whether to locate on the Kansas or Missouri side of the Kansas City area is expected to be made in July.

 

“The decision today to move the USDA agencies to the Kansas City area is proof of the value of collaboration between our two states and our congressional delegation. When we all work together, we can accomplish a lot,” Kelly said. “While we’ll work hard to make sure the final location is on our side of the river, we know the new location on either side will meet the needs of the USDA and benefit Kansas and Missouri.”

 

The move will put USDA employees closer to farmers and other agricultural interests such as the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, the single largest concentration of animal health ventures in the world. The move from Washington to a lower-cost site also would save taxpayer dollars.

 

Kelly praised the USDA decision.

 

“We offered an ideal location for the USDA operations,” she said. “The new facilities will be strategically located close to a top agricultural research institution in Kansas State University. The quality of life we offer also was a strong consideration and selling point.

 

“The move will meet the needs of the USDA and benefit Kansas and Missouri. I thank Secretary Perdue, our team at the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas City Area Development Council for its hard in work in making this possible.”

 

Secretary of Commerce David Toland agreed.

 

“We’re thrilled that USDA has selected the Kansas City region, and we’re confident that our state’s numerous advantages will put Kansas over the top when USDA makes its final selection,” Toland said. “Kansas is on the cutting edge in the bioscience and agriculture industries with a cluster of prominent industry leaders located within our state. When it comes to research, technology and innovation, Kansas is the clear choice.”

 

“The size, scale and diversity of agriculture in this region makes Kansas City a perfect fit for these USDA agencies,” Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam said. “In addition, the quality of life here in the heart of the country will be a perfect fit for the employees of these agencies and their families. We look forward to welcoming them.”

 

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture conducts research into food conservation, nutrition, and ways to enhance to the nation’s food supply. The Economic Research Service analyzes the farm economy, food safety and global trade, among other topics.

 

The ERS jobs pay an average of $120,000 per year, and NIFA jobs between $110,000 and $190,000.

 

Proposals from Indiana and North Carolina were among the other finalists seeking the USDA research agencies.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting June 13

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

Date: June 13th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

10:00-Mercy Contract

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, Health Care

Action Urged For Veterans Of Vietnam War

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Readers are asked to notify their government representatives about supporting an act to ensure benefits for illnesses associated with Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War.
“Disability benefits are increased in increments,” according to Carl Jowers, American Legion Post 25 Commander. “Approval of this bill could lead to military personnel who handled Agent Orange chemicals on Guam or stateside to become eligible for Agent Orange disability benefits next.”
Background:
The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously passed H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, which would ensure veterans who served in the offshore waters of Vietnam during the Vietnam War are never denied benefits for illnesses associated with Agent Orange exposure. H.R. 299 would also expand much needed benefits for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange in Thailand and the Korean DMZ, as well as continue research on Gulf War illnesses.
This important bill now awaits consideration by the Senate, which failed to pass it last Congress.
Take Action:
Do not stand by as veterans suffer. Contact your Senators to demand they pass H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. The Senate must not delay while Blue Water Navy veterans sicken and die from diseases related to Agent Orange exposure.
 
Please show your support on social media:
 
On Facebook (copy and paste): I STAND with the VFW and call on the Senate to pass H.R. 299, Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act. Thousands of veterans who honorably served our country and now suffer from the wounds of war have waited too long for benefits they deserve! https://bit.ly/2QctydE
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes from June 4 and June 7

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June 7, 2019                                                             Friday 9:30

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting to discuss the recent emergency declaration. Present for the meeting were Lynne Oharah and Jeff Fischer (by telephone) as well as the County Clerk.

Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune was also present.

Emergency Manager Will Wallis met with the Commissioners; Lynne made a motion to appoint Will Wallis as the coordinator for the disaster relief effort, Jeff seconded and the motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at 9:34 am.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

06/11/2019, Approved Date

 

June 4, 2019                                                   Tuesday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Oharah and Fischer present, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune and Jody Hoener were also present for a portion of the meeting.

Arnold Schofield met with the Commissioners, Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman; Arnold thanked Jody Hoener for working with Union Pacific to obtain the right-of-way for the trail. He also reported potholes on Jayhawk going east; Jim Harris said they will be back working on Jayhawk soon.

Jeremiah Hill met with the Commissioners (Steve Hill was also present for this meeting), Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman; he questioned if the Commissioners had made a decision regarding work to be done to Rocher, Marco and Justice Lane. Jeff discussed the hard surface road maintenance program information they had received, he suggested prioritizing roads to be overlaid based on traffic count and pavement rating. Jeff said he didn’t think it was all of the taxpayer’s responsibility to pave roads in the subdivision, but perhaps divide the costs among the neighbors in the subdivision. Lynne said they have to be careful regarding decisions on what to do with the roads, he said they have been warned that the County has paved too much in the past, the County has approximately 140 miles of paved roads. Jeremiah questioned 125th south of Mapleton, he presented pictures that suggested there wasn’t a base under this road, he said this road looks like Eagle did, he questioned if the work that has been done to 125th will last if there isn’t a base. Jeremiah asked when the potholes would be filled going east through Garland to the Stateline; Jim said this is on the list and said he receives direction from the Commissioners on where to work. Jim said the same staff does the overlaying that does the patching so the patching will stop once the overlaying starts. The wet weather that the County has had has delayed road maintenance. Jeremiah presented a picture of fence at the intersection east of the Diamond Church that had been burnt; Jim said his employees have been directed not to burn and said he would address this issue.

Ed & Beth Guss from the City of Redfield met with the Commissioners; Bourbon County had previously agreed to donate up to $2,000 worth of culvert to the City of Redfield, Ed presented a list of culverts needed for Redfield. Ed discussed sewer manholes on the south edge of Redfield; he said they are underwater and said the water doesn’t have anywhere to drain. Jim agreed to meet with them on June 6th to determine if the roads are city or county roads. Ed requested top soil for the ball field; Jim said the County did not have any top soil and suggested they contact someone else for this. Ed requested that the County cut the shoulders of the roads inside the Redfield city limits; the Commissioners said they would have to discuss this, but suggested they contact a contractor for this.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded, motion passed, (the session included the Commissioners, Jim Harris, Jerad Heckman and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Nancy Van Etten and Mark McCoy arrived at the meeting.

Lynne asked that Jim contact Mark Stewart regarding Quail and 55th.

Jeff made a motion to approved the 2019 fireworks permits for Jake’s Fireworks at Wall & Goodlander, Jake’s Fireworks at 2322 S. Main, Crazy Debbie’s at 2500 S. Main & Hales Fireworks at 2409 S. Main, Lynne seconded, motion passed.

The Commissioners reviewed the received 2018 annual summaries from the townships, cemeteries, fire districts and watersheds; Jeff made a motion to approve the received 2018 annual summaries, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.

Lynne discussed the Noxious Weed building in Uniontown; he said the Commissioners previously discussed donating this building to the City of Uniontown to be used for their maintenance building, Lynne said he felt the Commissioners want to move forward with the donation; Justin said he would do a contract for this donation. The Commissioners plan to approve the contract for the donation on June 18th.

Mark McCoy met with the Commissioners, Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman; he questioned why Bourbon County had not participated in a disaster declaration due to the recent 15” or more of rain and storms that the County had received. Mark said he understood there was damage in the City of Fort Scott as well; the calculated cost (in the County and the Cities in Bourbon County) to return the existing roads to the condition prior to the damage from the heavy rains could possibly be eligible for assistance from the disaster recovery, he estimated the threshold to be $56,500. Mark said the money can be recoverable if a disaster relief is declared and accepted. Lynne said he had spoken to the City of Fort Scott and said they didn’t plan to declare a disaster; the City of Bronson had no damage to declare. Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 13-19; an emergency disaster declaration for Bourbon County, Jeff seconded the motion. Jim Harris said he would pull records of work done due to the storms. Jeff made a motion to give Lynne permission to contact the City of Fort Scott regarding the storm damage in Fort Scott, Lynne seconded the motion.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 20 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Jody Hoener). No action was taken.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 7 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

At 12:16, Jeff made a motion to adjourn, Lynne seconded, motion passed.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

06/11/2019, Approved Date

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission To Meet At Jail June 11

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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: June 11th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: ____________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: ____________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _____________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:30-Commissioners to meet at Law Enforcement Center to discuss about the jail.

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

Bourbon County Listed By Governor: Flooding Damage

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Governor requests major presidential declaration

 

 

Governor Laura Kelly sent a request today to President Donald Trump asking for a major presidential declaration for the public assistance program for 63 counties in Kansas as a result of widespread, record rainfall and severe weather causing flooding, flash flooding and tornadoes beginning April 28. The Public Assistance program helps pay for restoration of public infrastructure and associated costs caused by flooding and tornado damage.

 

“Due to the historic torrential rains, thunderstorms, tornadoes and damaging winds, Kansas has suffered extended damage,” Kelly said. “We must continue to provide Kansans with the assistance, resources, and long-term fixes to infrastructure we need during this difficult time.”

 

Counties listed in the request are:  Allen, Anderson, Atchison, Barber, Barton, Bourbon, Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Clark, Clay, Cloud, Coffey, Comanche, Cowley, Crawford, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Edwards, Elk, Ellsworth, Ford, Franklin, Geary, Gray, Greenwood, Harper, Harvey, Hodgeman, Jefferson, Kingman, Leavenworth, Lincoln, Linn, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, McPherson, Meade, Montgomery, Morris, Nemaha, Neosho, Norton, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Phillips, Pottawatomie, Pratt, Reno, Rice, Riley, Rush, Russell, Saline, Sumner, Wabaunsee, Washington, Wilson, and Woodson.

The request was made under the provisions of Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5208 (Stafford Act), and implemented by 44 CFR § 206.35.

 

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Bourbon County, Government, Uncategorized

Bourbon County Commission June 11 Agenda: Evening Hours Scheduled

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

Date: June 11th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

1:00-1:30-County Disaster Declaration

1:30-1:40-Health Department

1:45-2:00-Lora Holdridge-Budget Question

2:00-2:30-Jody Hoener- Tabacco Cessation-Employee Policy

2:30-3:00-Jerad Heckman

3:00-3:30-Jacqie Spradling- Attorney Budget

3:30-4:15-Justin Meeks

3:30-3:40-Executive Session-Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

3:40-4:15-Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship

4:15-4:30-Clerk and Election Budget

**Evening Commission Meeting: 5:30-7:30**

5:30-6:00-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

Aging and Disability Services Requests Waiver

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KDADS to Request HCBS Waiver Extension, Conduct Additional Stakeholder Engagement

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is submitting a request to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to extend its current Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) waiver, set to renew July 1, 2019, in order to allow additional time for discussions with stakeholders.

 

It is anticipated the Frail Elderly (FE) and Physical Disability (PD) waivers, scheduled to renew January 1, 2020, will require further engagement with stakeholders to address concerns and a similar request to extend these programs will submitted to CMS.

 

Requesting an extension from CMS will allow the waivers to stand as written and approved today while the agency works with stakeholders to ensure the waiver renewal submissions support choice and community inclusion.

 

“KDADS’s decision will provide an opportunity to re-engage stakeholders, consumers and families as concerns continue to be raised,” said Amy Penrod, Commissioner of the Aging & Disability Community Services & Programs. “We want to continue the initial conversations we’ve had and take the time to thoroughly evaluate every opportunity to incorporate changes that are best for Kansas.”

 

Kansas has always been at the forefront of home and community-based services and supports. Since taking over leadership of the agency less than six months ago, Secretary Laura Howard has laid out a strategic vision that includes enhanced collaboration to ensure the state continues to be innovative in the way it addresses the health care needs of Kansans.

 

“Requesting additional time to collaborate with partners and incorporate the wisdom and contributions others bring to the table will ensure Kansas uses these waiver renewals to continue its long-standing leadership in home and community-based services,” said Secretary Howard. “Taking a step back provides an opportunity to approach these waivers with a new perspective of putting people first, incorporating innovations and supporting self-determination and community inclusion.”

 

Rocky Nichols, Executive Director of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas, and Mike Burgess, Director of Policy & Outreach, said in a joint statement, “We very much appreciate the decision by KDADS to delay implementation of these waivers and instead reengage with stakeholders to make positive changes. Kansas self-advocates with disabilities, families and service providers expressed concerns about the current versions of the waivers and KDADS listened. They are to be commended for their prudent action to slow this process down to get this right and we look forward to working to improve these waiver submissions.”

 

These actions do not impact the Brain Injury (BI) waiver, which is set to include the expanded populations of adult and youth with acquired brain injuries.

 

In 2014, CMS published final regulations affecting 1915(c) waiver programs. The purpose of the regulations was to ensure individuals receive HCBS in settings that are integrated in and support full access to the greater community. The regulations also aimed to ensure that individuals have a free choice of where they live and who provides services to them, and that individual rights and freedoms are not restricted. CMS has moved away from defining HCBS settings based on specific locations, geography, or physical characteristics, to defining them by the nature and quality of the individual’s experiences. Fundamentally, the regulations set higher standards for HCBS settings in which it is permissible for states to pay for services using federal financial participation under Medicaid, known in Kansas as KanCare.

 

 

Cara Sloan

Public Information Officer / Website Administrator
Office of the Secretary

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services

503 S. Kansas Ave

Topeka, KS 66603

Office: (785) 296-0807

Cell: (785) 249-6234

[email protected]

Bourbon County Local News