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Category Archives: Government
Increased Patrol on Hwy. 69 Starts Today
Expect increased traffic enforcement on Safety Corridors
Drivers will notice increased activity by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol along four designated Kansas Safety Corridors beginning in mid-September. The increase is part of the continuing efforts being implemented to reduce fatalities and serious injuries along the corridors.
These agencies are working to save lives by deterring dangerous driving behaviors including speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving as well as occupant protection violations.
The four corridors under the Safety Corridor Pilot Program include:
- I-135: Sedgwick and Harvey counties, from 53rd Street in Park City to Exit 34 in North Newton.
- U.S. 24: Pottawatomie County, from St. Marys west to Manhattan.
- U.S. 83/50: Finney County, from Plymell north through Garden City and west to the Holcomb exit.
- U.S. 69: Crawford County, from the U.S. 400 junction north through Frontenac and Pittsburg to the U.S. 160 junction.
The five-year Safety Corridor Pilot Program is a strategic initiative of the Drive To Zero (DTZ) Coalition, which is a partnership comprised of state and professional organizations whose mission is to have zero traffic fatalities. The Safety Corridors were selected based on a history of fatal and serious injury crashes, availability of additional law enforcement and input from local transportation safety partners.
From 2016 to 2021, over 500 crashes occurred on these corridors resulting in 35 deaths and 68 serious injuries. For more information, visit the corridor website at https://www.ksdot.gov/bureaus/burTrafficSaf/safetycorridor.asp.
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List of Upcoming City Meetings
UPCOMING AT CITY HALL:
Thursday, September 14th
5:00PM – Streets Advisory Meeting
6:00PM – SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Monday, September 18th
4:00PM – Land Bank Meeting
Tuesday, September 19th
5:00PM – City Commission Work Session – Contracts
6:00PM – REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
City Commission Agenda for Sept. 19
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
September 19, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
T. VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
II. Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: Led by M. Wells
III. Approval of Agenda:
IV. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 5, 2023
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1344-A — $469,395.66
C. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering and Inspection – $36,194.50
1. Invoice #16789 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Inspection – $23,194.50
2. Invoice #16784 – 21-303 – WWTP – System Design – Phase III – $13,000.00
D. Request to Pay – Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc. – Financial Advisory Fee – General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023 – Issue Record #64784 – $12,312.50.
E. August Financials
F. Request to Approve Change Order No. 2 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Bennett, Inc. – Increase of $63,295.00
V. Public Comment: Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VI. Old Business:
A. Consideration to Accept USDA Rural Development Grant for $33,000.00 –
D. Bruner and Emily Diebolt – Storm Sirens
B. Consideration to Accept (2) Grants from Timken Foundation of Canton –
1. City of Fort Scott – Automated External Defibrillators – $13,500.00
2. Fort Scott Fire Department – UTV – $21,500.00
C. Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Health In All Policies Task Force – Tabled until September 19, 2023, for response to request to have contract language amended. History: Tabled July 25, 2023, August 1, 2023, defeated motion on August 15, 2023.
D. Consideration of Resolution No. 13-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 1001 W. 2 nd St.
Tabled to September 19, 2023, for extension to gather more information.
E. Consideration of Resolution No. 12-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 1801 W. Wall St.
Tabled to September 19, 2023, for extension to gather information regarding owners and taxes being paid.
VII. Appearances:
A. Lake Fort Scott Residents – Potential lake improvements during low level
VIII. Public Hearing: 2023 Budget Amendment
IX. New Business:
A. Consideration of Purchase of new WILO mixer for bio basin from IPS Process Solutions for $25,244.35 – S. Flater
B. Consideration of Contractors’ Licensing Program – N. Nation
C. Consideration of Project Inspection – Sanitary Sewer Relocation for the Infantry Substation – J. Dickman
D. Consideration of Relocation and Reimbursement Agreement – Evergy – Fort Scott Infantry Substation Project – J. Dickman – Tabled from September 5, 2023
to propose a project inspection inclusion to Evergy.
X. Reports and Comments:
A. City Manager Comments:
B. Engineering Comments:
C. Commissioners Comments:
T. VanHoecke –
K. Harrington –
E. Woellhof –
M. Guns –
M. Wells –
D. City Attorney Comments:
XI. Adjournment:
Agenda for Special City Commission Meeting on Sept. 14
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
September 14, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
T. VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
II. Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: T. Van Hoecke
III. Approval of Agenda:
IV: New Business:
A. Consideration of Bids for KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 @ 20 th Street Repair – J. Dickman
B. Consideration of Proposal for Inspection for KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 @ 20 th Street – J. Dickman
C. Consideration of Approval of (2) Beer Gardens for Fort Fest 2023 –
September 30, 2023 – Riverfront Park – B. Matkin or Cory Bryars
XI. Executive Session:
XII. Adjournment:
Fort Scott to Receive Highway Geometric Improvement in the Amount of $1,500,000
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Fort Scott’s New Community Development Director: Mary Wyatt
Mary Wyatt, 37, is the new Fort Scott Community Development Director, with an office located at City Hall.
City Manager Brad Matkin said that the city had a community development director four years ago and believes the position is important.
In her job, she will involved in projects for community venues such as the golf course, airport, Memorial Hall, Buck Run Community Center, Lake Fort Scott, LaRoche Stadium, and the Heathly Bourbon County Actions Team’s Downtown Arch Project.
Additionally, she will be working with Bourbon County Regional Economic Development and representing Fort Scott in Topeka, City Manager Matkin said.
“I sit on some event planning committee boards and volunteer for community events like the Gordon Parks Festival, and will be the facilitator for the city meetings of several advisory boards,” she said. “I research and apply for grant funding to make improvements to our community, I also assist our City Manager and Tourism Department on projects.”
“Her personality will be a great fit for not only our staff but with the citizens of Fort Scott,” Matkin said. “She is from Fort Scott and knows what the citizens want and need. She has goals set for herself and is a self-starter and that is very important in a position like this.”
She graduated from Fort Scott High School and Missouri State University with a bachelor’s in Health and Human Services
“I worked over a decade of my career at Medplans/Firstsource here in Fort Scott as a Claims Analyst, then promoted to Quality Analyst, four years of my career at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott and Olathe Health as an Insurance Specialist, then promoted to Patient Access Supervisor,” she said. “Most recently my husband and I started our own business in June of 2022, Wyatt’s HVAC & Home Solutions, LLC.”
“Going back to school to get my college degree was where I found my passion and niche in public health and safety,” she said.
“My husband David and I have two children, ” she said. “Our son Daxton just turned 15 and is a freshman at Fort Scott High School, he plays soccer for the Fort Scott Tigers. Our daughter Alayna is 12 years old and is in 7th grade at Fort Scott Middle School and plays volleyball there.”
“My birthday is on Halloween, so I’m into all things spooky… Halloween, fall candles, scary movies, fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and Halloween costumes of course!” she said. “I’m also signing up to volunteer to help the Chamber of Commerce out with our Fall Festival here in town. I love to cook and bake, and I love crafting as well.”
Matkin said Wyatt stood out from the other candidates because she has dealt with the public, has been in management, and has experience working on saving time, money, and resources.
“I have a very strong and innate sense of empathy and compassion for all people of all backgrounds who are struggling, misunderstood, marginalized, and underrepresented,” she said.
She has lived in Fort Scott most of her life.
“That helps me to connect to and understand the needs of many different groups of people here,” she said. “This job entails a lot of meetings, research, number crunching, data, financial analysis, etc. that’s necessary to get the job done, but what gets me out of bed every day is my love and empathy for our community.”
“I also bring determination and perseverance to this position with the city and I’m not afraid of digging into hard work to get things accomplished. I come from a long line of blue-collar, salt of the earth, came up from nothing, earn-every-penny-we’ve-ever-had type of a family.”
“I have been on my own and working full-time since I was 17 years old, she said. “I haven’t had an easy life, I’ve had to work hard, fail, try again, fail, get up, and keep trying to accomplish my goals, but one thing about me, I never give up. I will never stop working towards making the City of Fort Scott a better place to live for our citizens. I will never throw in the towel, I will always get up every time I’m knocked down, and I will contribute everything I have in me in my time here with the city, to work towards a healthier and happier future for our community.”
Matkin decided not to fill the FS Human Resource Director position, instead spreading that out throughout the staff, “so the money from that position will fund the Community Development Director position. I will continue doing some of the delicate HR functions as well as my City Manager functions.”
The salary for the Fort Scott Community Development position is $52,500 – $70,000 range, he said.
USD234 Board Meeting Met On Sept. 11
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, September 11, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
- Board Minutes
- 08/14/2023 Regular Meeting
- 08/28/2023 Special Meeting – Revenue Neutral Hearing
- 08/28/2023 Special Meeting – Budget Hearing
- Financials-Cash Flow Report
- Check Register
- Payroll – August 20, 2023 – $1,437,854.99
- Activity Fund accounts
- USD 234 Gifts
- SITE Council Dates & Members
- MOU with SEK Mental Health for Mental Health Intervention Program
- Resolution 23-08: Banking Account Signers
- Investment of Funds Ratification
- Resolution 23-09: KMIP User Changes
- Appoint Destry Brown, KERMP designated representative
- Appoint Shawn O’Brien to KPERS Designated Agent
- Appoint Candace Jobe to Board Clerk
The Fort Scott High School Performing Arts Department was recognized as the Certified Tiger Team members of the month. The Department was selected as a finalist in KSHSAA Performing Arts School of Excellence Award. Justin Robinson, FSHS/FSMS Band Teacher, Carson Felt, FSHS/FSMS Orchestra Teacher, Angie Bin, FSHS Drama/Thespian Teacher, and Tyler Slinkard, FSHS Debate & Forensics Teacher attended, and the board recognized them. Each gave an update on their programs.
Jon Barnes, FSHS Social Studies Teacher, was recognized for being nominated for the Kansas Horizon Award by USD 234. Mr. Barnes is in his second year of teaching.
Jessica Phillips, Fort Scott Middle School Kitchen Manager, was recognized by Superintendent Brown as the Classified Tiger Team member of the month. Mrs. Phillips has worked for the district for over 10 years. She was recognized for a well-run kitchen and creating a fun atmosphere.
Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on the food service program where students eat free this school year, After-School Child Care program, iReady professional development and the required annual staff training. Mrs. Smith discussed a more formalized process for 504 plans.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, provided a written report to the board.
Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the financial audit, Household Surveys which allow for waiver of fees, bond payments, and credit card rebate. Mrs. Shelton provided the current balance in ESSER funds.
David Stewart recognized Gina Shelton for her service to the district.
Superintendent Destry Brown discussed the options for fulfilling the open board vacancy. There was discussion among the board with no action, but consensus to wait to fill the opening until after the board elections in November.
The board approved the following items:
- Purchase from TBS Electronics in the amount of $63,055
- Patterson Family Grant in the amount of $50,000 to pay for tuition reimbursement for staff
- KDHE Test to Stay Grant in the amount of $205,588.05 to go toward nursing salaries and supplies
- Personnel Report following
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
September 11, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Hardwick, Lauren – Resignation – Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional
- Miles, Lacey – Resignation – Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional
- Shelton, Gina – Resignation – Finance Director/Board Clerk
- Wood, Lannette – Resignation – Eugene Ware Elementary Paraprofessional
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
- Weddle, Codee – Leave of Absence – Winfield Scott Paraprofessional
EMPLOYMENT:
Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
- Hensley, Charlie – Transportation Director
- Pryor, Kyra – Eugene Ware Elementary Paraprofessional
Goals & Evaluation Schedule for Superintendent Destry Brown
US. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Remembering 9/11
Today, we pause to remember the men and women who lost their lives 22 years ago in the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. We will never forget the victims of those attacks or the heroes who saved lives that day.
We are grateful to the Americans who answered the call to defend our country in the wake of 9/11. We owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay.
Bo Co Amended Agenda for Today
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
September 11, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 8-28-2023 and 9-7-2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $237,409.87
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $408,015.91
- Brad Matkin-Fort Scott City Manager-Request to Waive Fees at the Bourbon County Landfill for Disposal of Building owned by Department of Child and Family Services at 2 S. National
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Appointment of Marmaton Township Clerk
- EMS-4,000 Walmart grant award
- EMS- Marmaton Massacre (Teri Hulsey)
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Amended Agenda for the Bo Co Commission Today at 5:30 p.m.
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
September 11, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 8-28-2023 and 9-7-2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $237,409.87
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $408,015.91
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Brad Matkin-Fort Scott City Manager-Request to Waive Fees at the Bourbon County Landfill for Disposal of Building owned by Department of Child and Family Services at 2 S. National
- Appointment of Marmaton Township Clerk
- EMS-4,000 Walmart grant award
- EMS- Marmaton Massacre (Teri Hulsey)
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Phone/internet Services Program Offered for Low Income Individuals
Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Plan help Kansans
unable to pay for phone and internet services stay connected
TOPEKA – The start of a new school year is an expensive time for families. If you are struggling to pay for phone and internet services, there are programs to help you stay connected.
During Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, the Kansas Corporation Commission joins utility regulators nationwide in encouraging those in need of assistance to apply for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Both programs help low-income individuals and families stay connected so they can access health care, attend classes, find employment, and call for help in an emergency.
Lifeline provides federal and state discounts up to $17.02 per month on phone service (wireless or residential) and broadband. Seven million Americans currently benefit from the program, including approximately 30,000 Kansans.
The Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Plan (ACP) provides a monthly internet service discount of up to $30 and a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. According to FCC data, more than 20 million U.S. households are currently enrolled, including approximately 120,000 in Kansas.
Eligibility is based on income (at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for Lifeline and at or below 200% for ACP) or participation in certain assistance programs such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA)
- Veterans Pension & Survivors Pension Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Head Start Tribal Programs (income based)
- The Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands.
Anyone who qualifies for Lifeline is automatically eligible to participate in ACP. Others may still qualify for ACP if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Are approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- Meet the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program.
Due to higher income maximums, ACP also has the potential to help families that may not qualify for other types of assistance. The maximum income for a family of four to qualify for the ACP program is $60,000 per year compared to $40,500 for Lifeline. Both Lifeline and ACP offer additional discounts for subscribers living on tribal lands.
More information on income eligibility, participating providers, and the enrollment process is available on the KCC’s website.
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