Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Kansas Tax Collections Up

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Fiscal year tax collections exceed previous year by $221.20 million

 

 

TOPEKA—Fiscal year tax collections have exceeded previous year’s totals by $221.20 million according to data from the latest revenue report released Monday.

 

Fiscal year 2019 tax collections so far total $2.70 billion, exceeding estimates by $2.74 million.

 

November tax collections were up $38.60 million, or 8.41 percent over last year. November’s tax collections exceeded expectations for the month by $2.74 million.

 

Individual income tax collections in November totaled $235.02 million which is $27.40 million or 13.20 percent above the same time last year. November sales tax collections fell slightly short of last November’s collections by $115,000.

 

Government, Kansas

State Offices Closed Dec. 5: Day of Mourning For President Bush

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Governor Colyer Issues Executive Order Closing State Offices Wednesday to Observe a Day of Mourning for President George H.W. Bush

 

Topeka- Governor Jeff Colyer today issued the following Executive Order following the death of President George H.W. Bush:

 

EXECUTIVE ORDER 18-20 

Day of Mourning for President George H. W. Bush 

WHEREAS, as the 41st President of the United States, former President George H. W. Bush was a dedicated statesman who led our country through a time of change following the Cold War; and

 

WHEREAS, President Bush’s courage, dedication and leadership were evident throughout his lifetime of public service in many different roles, including serving with distinction in the United State Navy, as a delegate to the United Nations, envoy to China and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency prior to being elected President; and

 

WHEREAS, President Trump has declared Wednesday, December 5, 2018 a National Day of Mourning for President Bush; and

 

WHEREAS, State of Kansas offices were closed to mourn the deaths of other Presidents; including Presidents Kennedy, Eisenhower, Truman, Johnson, Reagan and Ford.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Kansas, I hereby designate Wednesday, December 5, 2018 as a legal holiday in observance of the National day of Mourning for President George H. W. Bush and order that State of Kansas offices are to be closed in observance of the holiday.

 

This document shall be filed with the Secretary of State as Executive Order No. 18-20 and shall become effective immediately.

 

Government, Kansas

Flags At Half-Staff For President Bush

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Governor Jeff Colyer Orders Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff Honoring Former President George H.W. Bush

 

Topeka – In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, and following the proclamation of President Donald J. Trump, Governor Jeff Colyer has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff immediately for 30 days due to the death of former President George H.W. Bush.

“I was saddened to hear last night of the passing of President George H.W. Bush, whom I had the privilege to serve under as a White House fellow. His hard work and dedication over decades of public service was matched only by his love and devotion to his wife Barbara and his children. His contributions at every level of his personal and political life have truly made our country and our world a better place. My prayers are with the Bush family during their time of grieving.”

 

To receive email alerts when the Governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit http://governor.ks.gov/subscribe-to-flag-honors.

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of Nov. 20

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of November 20, 2018 Regular Meeting #22

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 20th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Nichols, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding.

INVOCATION: Pastor Jared Witt, First Presbyterian Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Darrell Parker, Larry Gazaway, Paul Ballou, Deb Needleman, Michael Mix, Billy Keith, Frank Durossette, Mary Durossette, Diana Mitchell, Rachel Pruitt, Carl Jowers, Myra Jowers, Bill Hall, Jared Witt, Stephanie Witt, Barbara Ritter, Bryan Ritter, Dave Bruner, Dusty Drake, Lindsey Watts, Chrystal Cowan, Frank Adamson, and Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Recognition of Veteran’s Day Weekend – Peerless Products, Boiler Room Brewhaus, VFW Post #1165, Live Local BB, American Legion Post #25, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, Community Christian Church, Bill Hall, Carl and Myra Jowers, and Wayne, Dee, & Barrett Young. – Larry Gazaway and Mayor Mitchell recognized the above individuals and groups with a Certificate of Recognition for their assistance in the 1st Annual Veteran’s Day Weekend celebration event.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 6th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1227-A totaling $277,010.59.

  1. Christmas Parade Permit Form- December 4th, 2018.

Bartelsmeyer moved the Consent Agenda. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Diana Mitchell, Closure of Gunn Park – Christmas in the Park – December 1st, 2018 – 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Diana Mitchell appeared before the Commission to request that Gunn Park be closed to the public on Friday, November 30th, and Saturday December 1st, 2018 to allow the Christmas in the Park event. People will be bused in from various parking lots and taken through the park. Shelter #5 will have chili and Santa will be present also for the children. Their group will provide security on Friday night and Saturday for this event.

Parker moved to approve the Christmas in the Park event and close Gunn Park to the public on Friday, November 30th and Saturday, December 1st, 2018. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CLOSE GUNN PARK TO THE PUBLIC ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH, AND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1ST TO HOLD THE CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK EVENT.

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

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:19 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:19 P.M.

6:15 p.m. Resolution directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 14 S. Margrave Street – Rhonda Dunn, Finance/Codes Director, informed the Commission that this structure has been on the Codes list since 2009. There has been no response from the property owner. She shared photos with the Commission of this dilapidated structure. There have been no utilities to this structure since 2015 and it is unoccupied. She recommended a time frame of ten days to either repair or remove this structure.

Mitchell moved to approve Resolution 45-2018 directing the repair or removal of this structure by December 3rd, 2018. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 45-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 14 S. MARGRAVE STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY DECEMBER 3rd, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

Mitchell moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:21 p.m. Bartlesmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:21 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Update on 523 S. Main Street – Rhonda Dunn, Finance/Codes Director, informed the Commission that she drove by this property today and no progress has been made since the last time this was on the Commission agenda. She will issue a citation to the McKenney family to appear in Municipal Court and keep issuing citations until progress begins. She does not want to condemn or tear this structure down.

  1. Consideration of change of zoning from M-U (Mixed Use) to CBD (Central Business District) for the property at 19 S. Hill Street – Approval of Ordinance No. 3541 – Rhonda Dunn, Finance/Codes Director, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission met on October 29th, 2018 to hear this case. Mr. Durossette plans to put in a four-bay auto mechanic shop. It will be a 30’ X 60’ metal building with four doors and an office area and would face Wall Street. The zoning needs to be changed from Mixed Use to Central Business District to allow this business.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the zoning change from Mixed Use to Central Business District for the property at 19 S. Hill Street and approve Ordinance No. 3541. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3541 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973, SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM MIXED USE (M-U) TO CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD) FOR THE PROPERTY AT 19 S. HILL STREET.

  1. Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit to operate an automotive mechanic shop at Lots 1, 3, 5, 7, & 9, Block 82, Fort Scott Addition, more commonly known as 19 S. Hill – Rhonda Dunn, Finance/Codes Director, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission also approved at their October 29th, 2018 meeting that a Conditional Use Permit be given to allow the operation of an automotive shop at 19 S. Hill. Under the Central Business District, it is not an allowable use.

Parker moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit for the property at 19 S. Hill Street to operate an automotive shop. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE PROPERTY AT 19 S. HILL STREET TO OPERATE AN AUTOMOTIVE SHOP.

  1. Consideration of adoption of 2018 Comprehensive Plan Ordinance No. 3542 – Rhonda Dunn, Finance/Codes Director, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 29th, 2018 to recommend the approval of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Parker and Commissioner Nichols both assisted in reviewing this plan. The Planning Commission approved the recommendations made by the City Commission.

There were no comments from the audience.

Commissioners thanked the Planning Commission for all their hard work on this plan.

Nichols moved to approve Ordinance No. 3542 approving the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3542 ADOPTING THE 2018 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS; INCORPORATING SUCH PLAN BY REFERENCE PURSUANT TO K.S.A. 12-741 ET SEQ,. K.S.A. 12-3009:3012 AND K.S.A. 12-3301:3302.

  1. Consideration of appointment of Edna Erie as resident commissioner to replace Vickie Morgan – Fort Scott Housing Authority Board – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commission that she was notified by Patty Simpson, Executive Director of the Fort Scott Housing Authority, that Vickie Morgan, the resident commissioner on the board of commissioners has resigned. The Housing Authority requested the approval of Edna Erie to fill her vacancy which would expire on May 3, 2020.

Parker moved to approve the appointment of Edna Erie as the Resident Commissioner on the Fort Scott Housing Authority. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF EDNA ERIE AS THE RESIDENT COMMISSIONER ON THE FORT SCOTT HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WITH THE TERM EXPIRING ON MAY 3, 2020.

  1. Consideration of purchase of two additional VFD’s in the high service pump station – Water Production – Michael Mix, Public Utility Director, informed the Commission that he wishes to install VFD’s for each of his three pumps. This will increase reliability and redundancy for this critical station. He received a quote from Brock Electric in the amount of $9,354.50. Approval was recommended.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the quote from Brock Electric in the amount of $9,354.50 for the installation of the VFD’s. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED QUOTE FROM BROCK ELECTRIC IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,354.50 FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE VFD’S FOR THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Ambulance Update – Dave Bruner – Dave gave the Commission an update on the new Bourbon County Emergency Medical Service ambulance. There was a meeting held this morning with the Bourbon County Commissioners. The contract is done and the budget is completed. This will go before the Bourbon County Commission for approval on December 4th, 2018 and the City Commission on the same date. He thanked Rhonda Dunn, Robert Uhler, Kristi Keating, Jody Hoener, and Deb Needleman for their assistance with the contract and the budget.

Health Care Update – Rachel Pruitt – Rachel updated the Commission on progress on health care in our community. She reminded the Commission of the three primary principals the City is looking at: Primary Care; EMS/Ambulance, and ER. She said that the City is welcoming CHC/SEK into our community to cover the primary care services. In regards to ER, discussions continue with Via Christi. She said that they have not committed, but have not declined. She stated that it has been 50 days since the announcement for Mercy which allocates to 34 working days. There are 40 days left until the hospital closes. The City has left no stone unturned. The City needs to look at the future of the hospital facility itself also. During the first week of November, a very good meeting was held with Mercy officials from Springfield, St. Louis, and Joplin to discuss the fate of the hospital and the facility. The City received positive feedback from Mercy and was told they would work with the City and any other interested providers. There was also another recent meeting held with a firm that offers health care consultations. There are more meetings scheduled next week and the City is very focused on the next 40 days and continuing health care in this community.

B. City Commission:

Adamson – Nothing to report.

Nichols – Commented that Rachel’s comments are spot on. He has been included in several meetings and the City is working for this community. He feels good about it.

Parker – Thanked the whole team working on health care for our community. There has been lots of time, effort, and listening for the best needs of our community.

Bartelsmeyer – Echoed Commissioner Parker’s comments.

Mitchell – Thanked the whole team and said she appreciates all they have done.

C. City Attorney: Not present.

  1. City Manager:

  1. Health Care – Dave said that a citizen stopped him at the store and asked how he ran the City while trying to find health care for the community. He thanked the other directors who have stepped up and helped other departments. It is a team effort and he feels confident we will have health care here.

  1. Employee Christmas Dinner – Dave informed the Commission that the City Employee Christmas dinner will be held on Tuesday, December 11th, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. at Buck Run Community Center. He invited all to attend.

  1. City Crews – Dave thanked the City crews who worked to treat icy streets after the recent winter storm. He also thanked Bill Lemke and the Water Distribution crews who worked a large water main break in the Industrial Park and worked all night. The next day another break occurred and some of the same employees were called out to work that break also. He thanked them for their hard work.

  1. Wished all a Happy Thanksgiving!

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:41 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:41 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on December 4th, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Agenda For Dec. 4

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                                                                   AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

DECEMBER 4, 2018

4:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Associate Pastor Brian Rhoades, Grace Baptist Tabernacle

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 20th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1228-A totaling $420,838.57.

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

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

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: None

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 46-2018 authorizing the financing for the City’s water intake project

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 47-2018 authorizing the Redemption and Payment of the Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for Price Chopper and the sale of the property to Super Market Developers, Inc.

  1. Consideration to set Budget Amendment Hearing date for December 18th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

  1. Consideration of Kansas Gas Service Franchise Ordinance No. 3543

  1. Consideration of consolidation of natural gas billing to Constellation Energy Resources to include Memorial Hall and the Public Works building in addition to the Airport

  1. Consideration to waive the bid process for the repair/restoration of the rock retaining wall north of 206 N. National and approve the low quote from Midland Restoration Company

  1. Approval of Bourbon County Emergency Medical Service Agreement between the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County

  1. Approval of Christmas bonus for City employees

  1. Approval of Salary Ordinance No. 3544

  1. Consideration to approve Work Order #7 – Revision of Airport Layout Plan – Olsson Associates

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Rachel Pruitt – Airport Update

Ambulance Update:

Health Care Update:

  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  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

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Nov. 27

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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: November 27th, 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

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney client relationship-15 min.

Executive Session-Personnel matter of individual non elected personnel-15 min.

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

1:30-2:00-Ambulance Update

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

Winter Storm State of Emergency

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GOVERNOR ISSUES STATE OF DISASTER EMERGENCY DECLARATION FOR WINTER STORM

Gov. Jeff Colyer MD has issued a State of Disaster Emergency declaration Sunday morning for the state in response to the winter storm currently moving across Kansas. The declaration authorizes the use of state resources and personnel to assist with response and recovery operations in affected counties.

“Here in Kansas we make it a priority to take care of our neighbors,” said Colyer.  “We strongly recommend that you postpone travel plans, if possible, however, if you must be on the road, make sure your vehicle’s emergency kit is stocked, your gas tank is full and your cell phone and charger are with you and someone knows your travel plans.  Also, be mindful of all emergency response personnel out on Kansas roadways and give them space to do their jobs to ensure their safety and that of our citizens.”

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has activated the State Emergency Operations center in Topeka to a partial level, to monitor the weather and coordinate any state emergency response operations that might be requested.

The Kansas Department of Transportation has reported multiple road closures due to visibility including I-70 eastbound and westbound from Salina to WaKeeney.  For an updated list of road conditions go to the Kansas Department of Transportation web site at http://kandrive.org. Winter road conditions are accessible by dialing 5-1-1 from your mobile phone anywhere in Kansas; outside Kansas call 1-866-511-5368 (KDOT).

KDEM has been receiving reports of vehicles getting stuck in the snow and those individuals leaving their vehicles and walking in the storm.  The safest place for travelers is to remain in their vehicle.  Do not get out of your vehicle and walk because road crews may not see you due to visibility issues.  Stay in your vehicle, make sure your exhaust pipe is clear and not clogged with snow or ice debris or you run the risk of filling your vehicle is carbon monoxide.  Run your car sparingly while you are waiting on help.  Keep the window cracked.  If you are stuck in the snow call the Kansas Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (47), or *KTA (582) while on the Kansas Turnpike.

The Kansas National Guard has Stranded Motorists Assistance Response Teams in nine locations throughout the state.  The SMART teams, which consist of two High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWVs) and four Guardsmen, are assisting local law enforcement with patrolling impacted roads and assisting with stranded motorists.

Westar Energy and Midwest Energy are reporting power outages across multiple counties in the western and northeastern portions of the state. Restoration time for these outages is unknown.

Gusting winds with blizzard like and whiteout conditions are causing extremely hazardous traveling conditions.  Travel is discouraged.  If you must travel use caution and make sure your car has a full tank of gas and an emergency kit in your trunk.

A vehicle emergency kit should consist of

  • An ice scraper and shovel
  • Jumper cables
  • Flashlights
  • Sand or kitty litter for traction
  • Extra blankets or clothing
  • Non-perishable food
  • A first aid kit
  • Matches and candles or flares
  • Tow rope or chain

On the road, remember the following:

  • Allow extra time for delays and slower traffic speeds.
  • Buckle up and properly secure children in safety seats.
  • Increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. Ice and snow significantly increase your stopping distance.
  • Accelerate and brake gently. A light foot on the gas is less likely to make wheels spin on ice and snow. Braking is best accomplished by pumping the pedal. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system, it is very important that you understand how to use it. Read the owner’s manual or check with a dealership for more information, and practice using it correctly.
  • Make turns slowly and gradually, especially in heavily traveled areas (e.g. intersections that may be icy from snow that melted and refroze).
  • Visibility is very important. You must be able to see out, and other drivers must be able to see your vehicle. Clean frost and snow off all windows, mirrors, and lights. Use headlights as necessary.
  • If your car loses traction and begins to slide, steer into the swerve, or in the direction you want to go. Anticipate a second skid in the opposite direction as the car straightens out.

If you are stranded in a winter storm, do not panic. Stay in the vehicle, keep fresh air circulating through a downwind window, run the motor sparingly, turn on the dome light, and stimulate circulation and stay awake by moving arms and legs. If you leave the car, work slowly in the snow to avoid over-exertion and the risk of a heart attack. If you have a cell phone, call a Kansas Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (47), or *KTA (582) while on the Kansas Turnpike.

Information on winter driving tips is available from the Kansas Highway Patrol at http://www.kansashighwaypatrol.org/259/Winter-Driving-Tips. You can also follow the Kansas Highway Patrol on Facebook and Twitter at www.kansashighwaypatrol.org.

Outdoor pets are especially vulnerable to bitter cold and extreme wind chills. Bring outdoor pets inside if possible or ensure that they have a draft-free enclosure with straw-type bedding that is large enough for your pets to lie down, but small enough to hold in body heat if they must remain outside. Always make sure that your pets have access to food and non-frozen water.

For general winter preparedness information, go to www.ready.gov.

Keep your family safe by making sure you have your emergency supplies up-to-date, including a safe alternative heat source.  Kerosene heaters are generally safe when used properly and a fireplace can provide some warmth, provided it is drawing properly. Never attempt to use a charcoal grill as a heat source. Charcoal generates carbon monoxide, which can be deadly in enclosed spaces.

In the event of power outages check on your neighbors to make sure they are all right, particularly older neighbors.

After the storm, when shoveling snow dress in layers. Use many thin, warm layers rather than a few thick layers.  Be smart as you work. Don’t over-exert yourself and take frequent warming breaks. Work as a team or at least have someone inside to keep an eye on you as you work.

Outdoor pets are especially vulnerable to bitter cold and extreme wind chills. Bring outdoor pets inside if possible or ensure that they have a draft-free enclosure with straw type bedding that is large enough to sit and lie down, but small enough to hold their body heat if they must remain outside. Always make sure that your pets have access to food and non-frozen water.

For additional pet safety information, go to www.avma.org or https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cold-weather-safety-tips.

For a complete list of items for an emergency kit, go to www.ready.gov.

-30-

Government, Kansas

Tip For Little Kitchen Helpers

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Make Safety a Tradition in Your Holiday Kitchen

Safe Kids Kansas offers kitchen safety tips for your little helpers

TOPEKA – For many families, the holiday season includes cooking or baking traditional foods in the kitchen. With a few simple safety steps, children can join in the fun and make memories for a lifetime.

“When kids are in the kitchen, supervision is key,” said Cherie Sage, Safe Kids Kansas (sponsored in part by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment). “Whether helping an adult cook or simply watching, children should always be in sight and in reach at all times. If you will be busy with preparations, ask another adult or teenager to watch the children as they perform age-appropriate tasks.”

Burns—from spills, steam, hot surfaces and flame—can be especially devastating injuries. Because young children have thinner skin than adults, they burn more severely and at lower temperatures. Scald burns from hot liquid or steam are the most common type of burns among children ages 4 and under. A child will suffer a full-thickness burn (third-degree burn) after just three seconds of exposure to 140-degree water.

Safe Kids Kansas recommends these precautions against kitchen burns:

  • Keep children within eyesight of a hot stove. Unattended food on the stove is the number one cause of home fires.
  • Never hold a child while cooking or carrying hot items.
  • Cook on back burners whenever possible and turn all handles toward the back of the stove.
  • Wear close-fitting clothing in the kitchen.
  • Keep hot foods and liquids away from the edges of counters and tables. Be especially careful around tablecloths—children can pull hot dishes down onto themselves.
  • Tie up the electrical cords of small appliances. A toddler playing with a dangling cord can pull a toaster or microwave down from a countertop.

In addition to hot surfaces, hot liquids and sharp objects, the other major hazard in the kitchen is poison. Store potential hazards, such as cleaning products and alcohol (including many baking extracts), in locked cabinets out of reach. Also, install a carbon monoxide detector to alert everyone to get out of the house if there is a buildup of the odorless toxic gas given off by fuel-burning appliances.

Children who can follow directions may be ready to help in the kitchen with tasks that do not involve knives, appliances or heat. Some examples of child-friendly tasks include: tearing lettuce, rinsing fruits and vegetables under cold water, stirring ingredients in a bowl, using cookie cutters, measuring dry ingredients or cutting soft fruits with a butter knife.

“You know your own children. Don’t give them knives or let them handle anything hot until you know they have the maturity and coordination to do it safely,” said Sage. “Some children mature faster than others, so it’s up to parents to use good judgment about each child’s capabilities.”

For more information about safety and burn prevention, visit www.safekidskansas.org.

###

About Safe Kids Kansas

Safe Kids Kansas works to prevent childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability to children. Safe Kids Kansas is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing injuries in children. Coalition members include over 70 statewide organizations, agencies and businesses and a network of local coalitions across the state. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment serves as the lead agency for the coalition. Visit us at www.safekidskansas.org and on Facebook.

About the Kansas Department of Health and Environment

The KDHE is the State agency that oversees the divisions of Environment, Public Health and Health Care Finance, which includes the Kansas Medicaid program known as KanCare. The agency of more than 1,000 employees seeks to protect and improve the health and environment of all Kansans. Visit us at www.kdheks.gov, on Facebook and Twitter.

This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For more information about obtaining an alternative format, you may contact Safe Kids Kansas at 785-296-1223, or

[email protected]. Both speech/hearing disabled and hearing Kansans can access the Kansas Relay Center by calling toll-free 1-800-766-3777. Callers should inform the relay operator of the number they wish to call and the type of call they are making direct, credit card, collect, person-to-person, etc.

Protect and Improve the Health and Environment of all Kansans

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Nov. 20

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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: November 20th, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-10:00-Ambulance

10:00-10:45-Jim Harris

11:00-11:30-Terry Secer-Report on 2018 Budget

11:30-12:00-Lora Holdridge-Executive Session

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

1:30-2:00-Ambulance Update

2:00-2:30-Shane Walker and Justin Meeks-unused County property

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

KDHE Issues Food Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

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Hotline for suspected foodborne illnesses offered

 

TOPEKA – As we enter the busy holiday season, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is sharing important food safety practices by encouraging Kansans to follow some simple tips to avoid foodborne illnesses.

 

Clean your hands for 20 seconds with soapy water before touching any food. Wash hands and surfaces often during food preparation. Always serve food on clean plates and avoid reusing plates that previously held raw meat and poultry.

 

Separate raw and cooked foods to avoid cross contamination. Use a separate cutting board for cooked foods and raw foods and always wash them after use. Do not cut raw vegetables on the same cutting board as raw meat. Wash any utensil after preparing one food item before going on to the next item.

 

Cook using a food thermometer to make sure all food reaches a safe minimum internal temperature; turkey, stuffing, and casseroles should be 165°F; veal, beef and lamb roasts should reach 145°F; and ham, pork, ground beef and egg dishes should be 160°F. When reheating, leftovers should be thoroughly heated to 165°F.

 

Chill leftovers within two hours of cooking. Keep track of how long items have been sitting on the table and discard anything that has been out longer than two hours. Keep hot foods hot, 140°F or hotter, and cold foods cold, 40°F or below. Never defrost food at room temperature. Thaw food in the refrigerator, in a cold-water bath or in the microwave.

 

Report suspected foodborne illnesses to KDHE by calling 877-427-7317. Often, calls from concerned citizens are how outbreaks are first detected.

 

Need more information? Visit the following food safety websites and enjoy your holidays.

 

Fort Scott, Government

City of Fort Scott Offices Closed Nov. 22-23

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The City of Fort Scott offices will be closed on Thursday, November 22nd and Friday, November 23rd, 2018 in observance of the Thanksgiving Day Holiday. The regular offices will reopen on Monday, November 26th, 2018.

The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, November 24th, 2018 for the Thanksgiving Day holiday. It will be open again on Tuesday, November 27th, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.