Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government

The Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of Oct. 2

Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of October 2, 2018 Regular Meeting #19

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held October 2nd, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

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

INVOCATION: Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, 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, Bob Guilfoyle, Craig Wilbert, Carl Jowers, Myra Jowers, Justin Meeks, Glen Pearson, Deb Morter, Lindsay Madison, Rachel Pruitt, Jim Runkman, Michael Mix, Dave Bruner, Connie Tidd, Chris Sather, Denise Duncan, Diana Morriss, Deb McCoy, Jerald Mitchell, Rebecca Stufflebeam, Penny Pollock-Barnes, Lindsay Watts, Mark McKenney, Deb Needleman, and Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Presentation of Certificate of Support to the City of Fort Scott from the American Legion – Carl and Myra Jowers presented a Certificate of Support to the City Commission last night on behalf of the American Legion. Mr. Jowers said he and his wife moved here about a year and a half ago and have been extremely busy growing the local American Legion group. They have 100% renewed membership and currently hosted a Chamber Coffee in the basement of Memorial Hall. He thanked the City for their assistance in relocating their office at Memorial Hall while their room is being renovated. He also thanked Rhonda Dunn for all her assistance with Memorial Hall.

Myra Jowers said that she has office hours every Tuesday at Memorial Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to assist veterans with paperwork for the Veteran’s Administration.

2018 Outstanding Court Clerk of the Year Award – City Manager announced that Diane Clay, City Clerk, Court Clerk, attended the Kansas Association for Court Management Fall Conference last week and was awarded the 2018 Outstanding Court Clerk of the Year Award for the State of Kansas. He stated that he has been City Manager for eight years and came to the City with no government experience and Diane has helped him greatly. She helps citizens with their needs and helps hold City Hall together. He presented her with the plaque she was given.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 18th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1224-A totaling $284,542.13.

  1. Resolution 40-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 14 S. Margrave – Public Hearing Date – 11/20/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

  1. Parade Permit – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta – October 18th, 2018

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

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

Penny Pollock Barnes – Tri-Yak-A-Thon – Gunn Park – Ms. Pollock-Barnes appeared before the Commission to request the use of Gunn Park for the 6th Annual Tri-Yak-A-Thon to be held on Saturday, October 13th, 2018. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the event will start at 10:00 a.m. The event will include running, kayaking and biking the river and the trails. It is a great way to show off our wonderful park to all the participants.

City Manager asked the Commission to approve this request and he and City Staff will work with her on the sections of the park that will need to be closed off.

Nichols moved to approve the use of Gunn Park for the Tri-Yak-A-Thon to be held at Gunn Park on Saturday, October 13th, 2018 and for City Staff to work with her on closing sections of the park. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

approveD the use of Gunn Park for the Tri-Yak-A-Thon to be held at Gunn Park on Saturday, October 13th, 2018 and for City Staff to work with her on closing sections of the park.

Chris Sather – Tigers on the Move Event at Riverfront Trails – 10/12/2018 – 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. – Ms. Sather appeared before the Commission to inform them about the Color Run Event which will be held on Friday, October 12th, 2018. She is requesting the use of both Riverfront Trails from 3:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. on that date. Last year they had over 500 participants and look for more this year.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Color Run Event at both Riverfront Trails to be held on October 12th, 2018. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

approveD the Color RUN Event at Riverfront Trails to be held on OCTOBER 12th, 2018.

Bob Guilfoyle and Craig Wilbert – Craw-Kan – Installation and Building plans for Fort Scott – Craig Wilbert informed the Commission that about a year ago CrawKan began to work with the City on the installation of fiber. They are finishing up in Pittsburg and will be having multiple teams in Fort Scott doing installation of underground fiber.

Bob Guilfoyle updated the Commission on areas of the City where the fiber has been installed and the areas that it will be installed soon. More crews will be brought into town very soon and more installation of fiber will occur. He said that there will be a lot of locates needed for the installation. They are excited to be in Fort Scott and providing high speed internet.

City Manager thanked them for their commitment to Fort Scott. We are excited you are here to provide this service for our residents.

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

limit per citizen) – Diana Morriss – Ms. Morriss appeared before the Commission and requested answers to the recent article in the local newspaper regarding Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc. (Bedco). She asked if Bedco received funding from the City. She asked what funds are used to purchase land.

City Manager said that Bedco receives $33,000 a year from the City and $20,000 from Bourbon County. This money helps fund the grants they give each year.

Rachel Pruitt also pointed out they receive revenue from land they sell in the Industrial Park.

City Manager said that Bedco does a lot for the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

Ms. Morriss said that she wanted to make sure that it was as transparent as possible.

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Discussion of 523 S. Main Street – Rhonda Dunn, Finance/Codes Director, informed the Commission that she took pictures today of this building. She had asked that the windows be secured which has happened. She said that Mark McKenney, a co-owner of this building was present to answer questions.

Mark McKenney said that this is a structurally sound building. It does need a roof and there are some windows that need replaced. He said that the north side of this building has been tuck pointed and repaired. He said that he could have the broken windows replaced in two weeks and a roof put on within a month.

Rhonda Dunn said that she will have this on the agenda in two weeks to see if the windows have been repaired and the progress made.

  1. Masonry Repairs – Water Treatment Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant – Michael Mix, Water Utilities Director, informed the Commission that there are several miscellaneous masonry repairs that need done at the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities. The Commission requested at their July 3rd meeting that he obtain quotes from local contractors rather than hiring an engineer and utilizing the sealed bid process. The low bid for the miscellaneous masonry repair projects at the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants was from Midland Restoration for a total of $57,100. The flooring project at the Water Treatment Plant low bid was from R-II Concrete for a total of $8,665.00. The total of all the projects is $65,765.00 and is a budgeted item.

Nichols moved to approve the low bids for the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities for a total of $65,765.00. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED MASONRY REPAIRS AT WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS FOR MIDLAND RESTORATION OF FORT SCOTT IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,100 AND THE FLOORING PROJECT AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT FOR R-II CONCRETE IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,665.00 TOTALING $65,765.00.

  1. Use of Riverfront Park – Boos & Brews Haunted Trolley Tour – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, appeared before the Commission on behalf of Larry Gazaway, who is away at a conference. She asked approval for the use of Riverfront Park for the “Boos and Brews” Haunted Trolley Tours to be held on October 26th, 27th, and 28th. The Fort Scott High School Thespians will be showcasing scary scenes for visitors the Trolley takes to the park. The Thespians will be using this as a fundraiser for their upcoming trip to Scotland. The tours will leave the Boil Room Brewhaus each evening at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. and tickets are $25.00 each.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the use of the Riverfront Park for the Boos & Brews Haunted Trolley Tours. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED BOOS AND BREWS HAUNTED TROLLEY TOURS ON OCTOBER 26TH, 27TH, AND 28TH FOR THE RIVERFRONT PARK.

  1. Approval of plaque for Heritage Park in memory of Dola Cress – Lindsay Madison, Director of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, informed the Commission that Geneva & Son Monument Company has designed a sign in memory of Dola Cress to be erected at Heritage Park to honor Dola for all she did for our community. It is a 12 X 18 bronze plaque that will be mounted to the brick wall at Heritage Park. Rebecca Stufflebeam, Dola’s daughter, was present also. The family is paying for the plaque. The plaque reads as follows: “In Honor of Pride and Community, Dola’s Rose Garden – Dedicated 2007 – Dola Rose Cress – Aug 9, 1933 – Nov 19, 2017”.

Mitchell moved to approve the plaque at Heritage Park honoring Dola Cress be put up. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED PLACEMENT OF PLAQUE HONORING DOLA CRESS AT HERITAGE PARK.

Lindsay also handed out to the Commission invitations to upcoming ribbon cutting events that will be held:

Hole in the Wall Liquor Store Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting will be held on October 12th, 2018 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Hedgehog.Ink Book Store Grand opening will be held on October 30th, 2018 from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with the ribbon cutting held at 5:45 p.m.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Rachel Pruitt – Economic Development update – Rachel updated the Commission on several items:

St. Martin’s Academy – She said that this academy opened this fall and has 18 students and 12 faculty members. The students are active in soccer and were active in the recent Art in the Yard event that was held.

“If I Were Mayor” contest – The City is sponsoring a “If I Were Mayor” contest with 7th graders this year. Their report is due by November 18th. There is a $125 prize at the State level and there will also be a local winner who will win lunch with our Mayor. She is excited to see the entries.

Airport Traffic – She updated the Commission with a few airport facts on airport traffic. From 2011 to 2017 there was over a 70% increase in jet fuel sold. From 2016 to 2018 has generated the most significant grown with nearly a 75% increase in jet fuel. The 440 X 75 foot current runway services approximately 20 transient flights a week.

2019 Kansas Association of Airports Conference – She announced that Fort Scott has been chosen as the site for the 2019 K.A.A.C conference. It will be held in June of 2019. There will be approximately 150 people here with 50 hotel rooms. It has previously been held in larger cities like Salina, Manhattan, and Lawrence.

She left them with a quote from Kenny Howard, Airport Manager: “One mile on Highway 69 gets you one mile further to your destination. One mile on Fort Scott Airport runway gets you everywhere you need and want to be.”

Rhonda Dunn – US Cellular Tower & Flag Pole – Rhonda informed the Commission that on special events the City uses a big boom ladder truck to fly the large flag at the edge of Skubitz Plaza. She checked into seeing what the costs of putting a big flag pole at that location and it was between $10,000 to $20,000. She was recently contacted by U.S. Cellular and they would like to put in a cellular tower at the Fort. She submitted two locations to them. It would be an 80’ tower and they were willing to put their tower inside a flag pole so the flag can be hung at all times. This will require Kansas State Historical Association approval and could be a long process. This will save the City money with U.S. Cellular putting in the tower and the flag pole.

Utility Billing Changes – Rhonda informed the Commission that the City is consolidating all water utility billing cycles into one monthly billing cycle. Effective November 2018, all water utility bills will be due on the 22nd day of each month. The new bills will also reflect a one-time change in the amount of days included on the bill, which may be more or less days of usage than your previous bills. After this initial billing, all future bills should reflect approximately one month’s usage. For customers on automated bank draft, the date when your bank drafts funds from your account will change to the due date specified on your bill, or the next business day. If you have online bill pay set up through your bank, you may need to change your payment date to reflect the new due date.

B. City Commission:

Adamson – Not present.

Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.

Parker – Congratulated Diane Clay on her award. She said that she is a very important part of the City and has been here for many years. She also said that she is glad to have the Jower’s working with the American Legion and promoting it.

Nichols – He seconded Commission Parker’s comments.

Mitchell – Nothing to report.

C. City Attorney: Remarked that he had two items:

He congratulated Diane Clay on her recent award. He said that he has worked with many City Clerks and she is the only City Clerk for Fort Scott who has earned the Master Municipal Clerk status which means she took many education classes when she started.

City Attorney asked for a 15 minute executive session with just the City Commission present to discuss non-elected personnel. There is no action anticipated.

  1. City Manager:

  1. Zombie Chase – City Manager asked the Commission to consider lifting the curfew violation on Friday, October 26th, 2018 until 1:30 a.m. The race starts at 11:00 p.m. and will not be over until after midnight, which is when the curfew time is.

Parker moved to change the curfew time to 1:30 a.m. on Friday, October 26th, 2018 for the Zombie Race. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CHANGE THE CURFEW TIME TO 1:30 A.M. ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26TH, 2018 FOR THE ZOMBIE RACE.

  1. Mercy Hospital Closing – City Manager said that the City released a press release today on the closing of the hospital. The City appreciates the many years of service the hospital has given our community. The City does have a lot of good things happening in our community and it is unfortunate that this has happened. We need to look forward to the future and determine how we can keep health care here. Reta Baker is committed to working with the City and County.

City Manager informed the Commission that the County is responsible for ambulance service. They were served a letter notifying them they have 180 days to secure another ambulance service for the County. The City is currently looking over the financial costs of this service and may take over the ambulance service. There is a lot of facts to consider first before this is done. The City pledges to work with the County on this service.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Parker moved to move into Executive Session for 15 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel to include City Commission and City Attorney. There is no action anticipated. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:10 P.M.

Parker moved to adjourn from Executive Session at 7:16 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:16 P.M.

CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Mitchell informed the public that the City Manager’s Employment Agreement is before them. She asked each Commissioner to say something to the City Manager about his evaluation.

Commissioner Bartelsmeyer thanked him for all the work he has done with the City and his leadership. She said that there is more that needs to be done especially with the streets. With the sales tax sun-setting on the pool and Buck Run, hopefully this will be renewed and applied to streets. She thanked him for his hard work this last year.

Commissioner Parker said she was on the Commission when he was hired. She can’t remember a person who has taken such great strides with the City. It was in dire needs of someone like him. She said he has done a terrific job.

Commissioner Nichols said that the City Manager is very forward thinking and helps move this City forward. He has a great staff that works with him and is very positive.

Mayor Mitchell said she thinks he does a tremendous job. She said that they sometimes don’t speak the same language but they get along great. She hopes that he recognizes that he has a great City Commission behind him.

The City Commission recommended the following items:

3% increase in salary bringing his salary to $107,462.78.

One year added to his contract which will take his employment through August 21, 2023.

If the City Manager should leave, he would be paid for his sick leave and vacation time.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the City Manager Employment Agreement with the above stipulations. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT.

City Manager thanked the Commission and said that he appreciates the opportunity to serve the City and the City Commission. He said he couldn’t do this job without his good team of employees.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:29 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:29 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on October 16th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Government

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15;

Leave a comment


Free counseling available from KDADS’ SHICK program

TOPEKA, Kan. – The open enrollment period for Medicare coverage in 2019 begins October 15, 2018, and runs through December 7, 2018.

“Older adults can sign up for Medicare for the first time during this period, and current Medicare consumers can make changes to several aspects of their coverage as well,” said Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Tim Keck. “If you’re already enrolled, this is an opportunity to review your coverage and adjust, as necessary, so it better meets your needs.”

“Earlier this year, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new policies that support increased flexibility of benefits, allowing Medicare Advantage plans to offer innovative coverage that fit the needs of people with Medicare,” Secretary Keck said. “The more affordable choices being made available through this patient-centered approach to health care lead to greater health security for those who need it most.”

During open enrollment, those currently enrolled may:

  • Switch from original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa;
  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or from one Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to another;
  • And if you didn’t enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when you were first eligible, you can do so during open enrollment, although a late enrollment penalty may apply.

If you want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must meet some basic criteria:

  • You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B
  • You must live in the plan’s service area
  • You cannot have end-stage renal disease (some exceptions apply)

CMS estimates that the Medicare Advantage average monthly premium will decrease by $1.81  in 2019, from an average of $30 in 2018 to $28. Approximately 83 percent of Medicare Advantage enrollees remaining in their current plan will have the same or lower premium for 2019.

If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan and you do not want to make changes to your coverage for 2018, you don’t need to do anything during open enrollment, assuming your current plan will still be available in 2019. If your plan is being discontinued and isn’t eligible for renewal, you will receive a non-renewal notice from your carrier prior to open enrollment. If you do not, it means you can keep your plan without doing anything during open enrollment.

Be aware that benefits and premiums could be changing for 2019. So even if you’re confident you want to keep your current coverage for the coming year, it is important to understand any changes that may apply and check to make sure your current plan is still the best available option. The available plans and what they cover change from one year to the next, so even if the plan you have now was the best option when you shopped last year, it is important to verify that again before you choose your plan for another year.

Between January 1 and March 31 each year, those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan have the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) to make a change. Your coverage begins the first day of the month after you enroll in the plan. You must be in an MA Plan already on January 1 to use this enrollment period. There is a coordinating Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to add or drop Part D when switching plans if applicable. You can only make one change during the MA OEP.

Changes to be aware of for 2019 include:

  • 58 Medicare Advantage plans are available
  • 100 percent of people with Medicare have access to a Medicare Advantage plan
  • 26 Medicare prescription drug plans are available with premiums varying from $16.20 to $99.10
  • 100 percent of people with a Medicare prescription drug plan have access to a plan with a lower premium than what they paid in 2018

State-by-State Fact Sheets are now available at https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Reach-Out/Find-tools-to-help-you-help-others/MA-Part-D-Landscape-State-by-State.pdf

For more information on these changes and other Medicare-related issues, please contact KDADS’ Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK), a free program that offers Kansans an opportunity to talk with trained, community volunteers and get answers to questions about Medicare and other insurance issues. SHICK has counselors throughout the state that can assist people to stay informed on changing conditions in health care insurance. Call 800-860-5260 for this free counseling service.

SHICK counselors receive training on Medicare, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Long-Term Care and other health insurance subjects that concern older Kansans. The counselors do not work for any insurance company, their goal is to educate and assist the public to make informed decisions on what’s best for each individual situation.

 

 

Government, Kansas

Number of Missing or Runaway Foster Care Youth Decreases in Kansas

Leave a comment

 

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel is pleased to announce a significant decrease in the number of youth who have run away from their foster care placement. On August 31, 2017, there were 86 missing or runaway youth. Comparatively, on August 31, 2018, there were 63, representing a 26.7 percent decrease in the number of missing and runaway youth.

“It is exciting to see a decrease in the number of youth missing or running away from placement, as this was one of my primary focuses when I started at the agency,” Secretary Meier-Hummel said. “I am extremely proud of the work of our Missing and Runaway Youth Investigator unit. We will continue to actively look for these youth because even one child missing from placement is one too many. Ensuring their safety is of the utmost importance.”

While the number of youth who have run away from placement continues to fluctuate on a daily basis, DCF has consistently seen lower numbers, as a result of recent agency initiatives.

Since Secretary Meier-Hummel’s arrival at the agency, DCF has emphasized locating missing and runaway youth. DCF has a team of investigators dedicated to actively looking for these youth and ensuring their safety. On a regular basis, these investigators partner with contract staff and local law enforcement to locate these youth. Secretary Meier-Hummel receives a daily report on youth who are missing or have run away from placement.

Another initiative DCF has recently launched is Missing and Runaway sweeps. During these sweeps, our missing and runaway youth investigators partner with contract staff and local law enforcement to target specific locations to find youth. The agency has conducted these sweeps in Wichita and Kansas City—two of the most populated areas in the state. To date, there have been 880 recovery events.

“On a daily basis, we are working with contacts across the state to search for and locate these youth. Youth that are missing or have run away from placement are at a higher risk of becoming victims of human trafficking, among other issues and that is why the work we do is so vital. We want to help these youth and keep them safe,” Missing and Runaway Youth Investigator Kody Johnson said.

DCF has also recently partnered with the Youth Advocate Program (YAP). YAP comes alongside case managers to be advocates for families. Once in care, a youth is assigned an advocate through YAP that sticks with them regardless of where they go in the state or where they are placed. It is a trust-based relationship between the advocate and the youth. In our partnership with YAP, we will assign every youth that runs away from placement an advocate that can support them, help identify why they run and help prevent them running in the future. With this partnership, we are giving youth that run away from placement a level of safety, security and support through establishing meaningful relationships with their YAP advocate.

 

Government, Kansas

Division of Vehicles to Launch Improved Service

Leave a comment

 

TOPEKA—Many Kansas drivers will have the option to renew their license online starting October 23, just one customer service improvement in a list that includes new Monday hours and faster customer processing time, the Division of Vehicles announced Thursday.

 

The option for some drivers to renew using the iKan mobile application comes alongside the launch of KanLicense, a software program that updates the interface used by driver’s license examiners from an outdated mainframe system to a cloud based application. The modernized software prorgam should decrease customer processing time.

 

“We are so pleased to jumpstart improved customer service with these new applications,” Director of Vehicles David Harper said. “The combination of these two new platforms set the stage for the long-term reinvention of the process of obtaining or renewing a license or ID across Kansas.”

 

Starting October 29, the new schedule for most driver’s license offices will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The addition of Monday service, plus the option for mobile renewals and faster counter service should ease pressure and wait times during the week. Opening for service on Saturdays will remain an option during peak times such as spring break.

 

“We are signifcantly expanding our capacity to serve our customers,” Director Harper said. “We will be open normal business hours everyone is accustomed to, but also offer 24/7 access for renewals on the iKan mobile application.”

 

Director Harper noted that high demand will remain as Kansans come into the office to upgrade to a Real ID credential ahead of the October 1, 2020 federal implementation date.

 

“We are modernizing the credential process for the long-term, but many people will still have to come in to get their Real ID before the one-time federal implementation event,” Director Harper said. “We continue to encourage our customers to make sure they have all the documents they need before getting to the office.”

 

Driver’s and ID holders can use a Real ID checklist at ksrevenue.org/realid to ensure they have the necessary documents.

 

Driver’s license offices statewide will be closed Saturday, October 20 to prepare for the launch of the KanLicense system.

Government, Kansas

Peer Support For Families With Special Needs Children

Leave a comment

 

Supporting You launches, families who can offer support and guidance asked to volunteer

 

TOPEKA – Families of children with special needs benefit from the care and support that can only be offered by others who have shared their experience. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Special Health Services Family Advisory Council (SHS-FAC) announce a new peer-support initiative in Kansas that will enable individuals and families who have similar experiences to communicate and gain support from one another, by sharing ideas, resources and strategies to meet the needs of their children.

 

“The program offers participants the opportunity to express their grief, concerns, and questions, without feeling judged,” said Heather Smith, KDHE Special Health Services Director. “We know that peer support is one of the strongest measures of individual/family support.”

 

Implementation of the network will occur in three phases, Support Peer Recruitment, Support Peer Training, and Peer Matching. We are actively recruiting Support Peers—those who have navigated various service systems, have experience with advocating for a loved one or themselves and have learned lessons that can be shared with others. It does not take specialized training, specific experience with services or systems, or any kind of degree to be a Support Peer. It simply takes a caring individual who has a desire to help others and shares experiences with caring for a child with special health care needs.

 

In the next phase, Support Peers will provide training on confidentiality, communication, active listening and helping families who are dealing with loss, grief or fear. Training will take place in-person and online through November and December. The final phase, Peer Matching, will take place in early 2019, and begin matching those looking for supports with the trained Support Peers recruited.

 

Two existing programs are part of the initial launch, the Kansas Special Health Care Needs program and the Kansas School for the Deaf, to connect families of children served through these programs with peer supports.

 

Supporting You will be administered by KDHE’s Special Health Services Section, within the Bureau of Family Health. The network has been developed by the SHS-FAC, which will provide oversight to monitor consistent practices and fidelity among partnering organizations, ultimately ensuring that participating programs are meeting the needs of the families served through the network.

 

More information can be found on the Supporting You website at www.supportingyoukansas.org or by contacting Heather Smith, Special Health Services Director, at 785-296-4747 or [email protected].

 

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission Oct. 9

Leave a comment

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: October 9th, 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

10:00-10:15-Letter for Diehl Banwart

10:30-10:45-Delwin Mumbower-EMS Services

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney client relationship-40 min.

Tax Sale-10 min.

NRP-10 min.

Update on Health Care issues-20 min.

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

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

Flags At Half-Staff Oct. 7

Leave a comment

Governor Jeff Colyer orders flags flown at half-staff on

Sunday, Oct. 7 in honor of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day

 

Topeka – In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sun-up to sun-down on Sunday, Oct. 7 in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day.

 

“Firefighters perform acts of heroism each day, some of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our communities,” said Governor Colyer. “We owe them our gratitude, our respect, our remembrance.”

 

On Oct. 16, 2001, President George W. Bush approved legislation requiring the American flag to be lowered to half-staff on all federal buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters in conjunction with the annual observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service held each year in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

 

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

 

Government, Kansas

State of Kansas Raises Awareness of Stillbirths

Leave a comment

 

Recently-launched Count the Kicks program seeing early success

 

TOPEKA – More than 200 babies are stillborn each year in Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is committed to helping families prevent this tragedy, which according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), puts families at greater risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, loss of productivity and makes them four times more likely to get divorced.

Governor Jeff Colyer has designated October as Stillbirth Awareness Month. The annual awareness campaign comes just after the launch of a new initiative in Kansas to prevent stillbirths, called Count the Kicks.

 

“We are partnering with health care providers, midwives and doulas, county health departments, birthing hospitals, community groups and others to ensure that all women know the importance of counting their baby’s movements daily in the third trimester,” said KDHE Secretary Jeff Andersen. “Throughout October KDHE and partners will be honoring Stillbirth Awareness Month by talking about our efforts to prevent loss due to stillbirth with the Count the Kicks campaign.”

 

Count the Kicks is a proven stillbirth prevention public health campaign that empowers expectant parents to track their baby’s movements in the third trimester and has the potential to save 60 babies every year.

The campaign encourages families to contact a physician if they notice a reduction in fetal movement, so medical attention can be sought before it’s too late.

 

The Kansas Count the Kicks campaign was launched in August and has proven to be impactful. More than 100 orders for materials have been submitted; more than 1,000 Kansans have visited the Count the Kicks website; more than 100 Kansans have “liked” Count the Kicks on Facebook; and more than 350 Kansas moms have downloaded the free Count the Kicks app to track movements.

Through KDHE, providers can order FREE Count the Kicks educational materials at www.countthekicks.org and start using these materials in their practices right away. Moms everywhere can download the FREE Count the Kicks app, which is available in the Google Play and iTunes online stores. The app, available in English and Spanish, allows expectant moms to monitor their babies’ movement, record the history, set a daily reminder, count for single babies and twins.

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

###

 

 

Government, Kansas

Governor Names Three to Kansas Board of Regents

Leave a comment

 

 

Topeka – Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. Thursday appointed two new members and reappointed one member to the Kansas Board of Regents. William Feuerborn, Garnett, has been reappointed, and Allen Schmidt, Hays; and Mark Hutton, Wichita will be the newest members of the Board. Each will serve a four-year term, pending Senate confirmation, expiring June 30, 2022.

 

“Our higher education institutions play an important role in educating the next generation, which keeps our workforce and economy strong. The Regents ensure that the future of our state remains bright and prosperous by keeping our higher education system on track to meet these long-term goals,” said Gov. Jeff Colyer. “Bill, Allen, and Mark bring a great amount of experience and talent to the board and I am excited they’ve agreed to serve our great state.”

 

The nine-member Kansas Board of Regents is appointed by the governor.  It is the governing board of the six state universities and the statewide coordinating board for the state’s 32 public higher education institutions (six state universities, one municipal university, 19 community colleges, and six technical colleges).

  • William Feuerborn was born in Garnett, Kansas and has served on the Board of Regents since 2014. He has spent the last forty years in small business development and ranching. He also served as a State Representative in the Kansas legislature from 1994 to 2012. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University.

  • Allen Schmidt is a retired U.S. Army Colonel from Hays, Kansas where he works as the Director for Development Services of Northwest Kansas. Schmidt served as a State Senator in the Kansas legislature from 2011 to 2013. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kansas, Master’s Degree in Psychology from Fort Hays State University and a Master of Science degree from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA.

  • Mark Hutton is from Wichita, KS where he was the CEO of Hutton Construction Corporation. Hutton served as a State Representative in the Kansas Legislature from 2013 to 2017. He is a graduate of Kansas State University in Manhattan, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.

“I’m excited to welcome Allen and Mark to the Board and congratulate Bill on his reappointment,” said KBOR Chair Dennis Mullin. “It’s an honor to serve our fellow Kansans in this capacity. I look forward to working with our newest Regents to support families, businesses and the Kansas economy through our higher education system.”

 

The Board also administers the state’s student financial aid, the Kan-ed network, adult education, GED, career and technical education programs, and the state university retirement plans. In addition, members of the Board are also responsible for approving private proprietary schools and out-of-state institutions to operate in Kansas.

###

Fort Scott, Government

OverhangingTree Trimming Begins

Leave a comment

The City crews will be trimming trees that are overhanging over the streets throughout the City of Fort Scott.

This is for school buses and the trolley to operate safely down the City streets.

Please be advised that according to City Ordinance 2527, “The City shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain and remove plants, trees and shrubs within the lines of all streets, alleys, avenues, lanes, squares and public grounds, as may be necessary to ensure the safety or to preserve the symmetry and beauty of such public grounds.”

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

Fort Scott, Government

Mercy Hospital Closing: City Is Working On Solutions

1 Comment

The recent announcement of Mercy Hospital closing, announced October 1, has stirred up Fort Scottians.

The loss of the hospital that has been a part of the town since 1886 has driven the local government to step in.

During the Chamber of Commerce Quarterly  Downtown Meet and Greet Tuesday morning, Fort Scott City representatives spoke to the group.

“The City (of Fort Scott) is doing everything we can to facilitate the Mercy transition…the physicians will stay on…We are working on solutions,” Rachel Pruitt, Fort Scott Economic Economic Director, said.

“Ambulance and emergency room (services) are being worked on,” added Robert Uhler, Fort Scott Community Development Director.

Here is  an excerpt from a later press release Pruitt wrote:

“The City intends to support our residents in every way possible through this transition.  Robert Uhler, Community Development Director; Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director; and Dave Martin, City Manager are actively working on solutions and have been pleased with the outreach of interested parties.  Our citizens work hard and deserve affordable healthcare.  We are confident Fort Scott will overcome this challenge and continue to be a great place to work and raise families.”

To see the full press release send yesterday, click:

City of Fort Scott Responds to Mercy Shut-Down

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Addressing Substance Abuse Disorders In Kansas

Leave a comment

Governor Colyer Organizes Statewide Coordinated Opioid Response

Dr. Greg Lakin to serve as Substance Use Disorder Central Authority

 

TOPEKA – In response to the estimated $30 million dollars in grants being awarded to several state agencies in Kansas from the Federal government for use in battling opioid and substance use disorders, Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. today announced his coordinated effort to ensure those funds are targeted toward addressing the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders in Kansas.

 

“The timing couldn’t be better for this funding to reach our state,” said Governor Colyer. “The health of Kansans takes top priority, and with the misuse of opioids threatening the health of many in our state, I am determined that we target these grants specifically toward efforts that will hit the problem head-on and stem the tide of addiction and death from abusing opioids and other harmful substances.”

Governor Colyer has asked state agencies receiving this money to identify specific ways that it can be used toward this effort. Already, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) have identified several specific ways to use these new funds. (See attachments).

 

“Effective treatment is so important to overcoming opioid addiction,” said KDADS Secretary Tim Keck. “We are committed to working with our State and community partners to target our resources to effective programs and services for this and other substance issues.”

 

To keep the effort organized and centralized, Gov. Colyer has designated Dr. Greg Lakin as the State’s Central Authority on Substance Use. This action was one of the recommendations made by the Governor’s Substance Use Disorder Task Force organized by Gov. Colyer earlier this year. In this role, Lakin will be responsible for coordinating relevant State agencies and their response to substance use issues, such as the opioid epidemic. Dr. Lakin currently serves as the State’s Chief Health Officer for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and chaired the Governor’s Substance Use Disorder Task Force this year. He also serves on the Kansas Prescription Drug and Opioid Advisory Committee.

 

“We have an opportunity to help people struggling with addiction,” Dr. Lakin said. “By working together on this issue on a statewide and individual level, we will see successful outcomes. It will take the combined efforts of State agencies, stakeholders and communities. I appreciate the Governor allowing me to lead this crucial effort.”

One of Dr. Lakin’s patients shared her experience about the importance of support and coordinated services. Mandi Sims, Salina, suffered numerous injuries during a motor vehicle accident as a teenager. Following a reconstructive surgery, she was prescribed medication for the pain. She says after only a few weeks, she had developed an addiction that ultimately led to a prison sentence and the removal of her children from her care. While pregnant with her fourth child, she consulted with Dr. Lakin and believes her substance use is now behind her. Her children have since been reintegrated into her home, and she has stable employment.

“He literally saved my life,” Sims said. “I have been through so much because of addiction. I am very grateful to everyone who is dedicated to ending this epidemic. Addiction takes away so much, but with the help and support of well-intentioned and caring health professionals, you can get your life back.”

KDHE indicates that 326 Kansans died of a drug overdose in 2017, 36% involved a prescription opioid drug or substance (e.g., hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone, etc), 23% involved a psychostimulant (e.g., methamphetamine), and 7% involved heroin. Although Kansas is below the national average for fatal opioid overdoses, the opioid crisis is an emerging threat that remains a challenge for the state to address, including the rise in drug overdoses due to psychostimulant drugs. Increases in opioid-related drug misuse and deaths parallel the increase in prescription and illicit opioid availability.

Learn more about substance use disorders in our state, at www.preventoverdoseks.org.