Category Archives: Government

Government

USDA Invests in Kansas Domestic Biofuels Projects to Lower Costs and Increase American Energy Security

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TOPEKA, Jan. 10, 2025 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Director for Kansas Rural Development Christy Davis today announced that Rural Development is funding five projects to expand access to domestic biofuels. The $2,262,500 investment is made through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) and biofuel construction projects will happen in four Kansas communities.

“By expanding access to homegrown biofuels, we are making long-lasting investments that will create new market opportunities and revenue streams for Kansas producers” Davis said.

Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement that includes projects in 41 other states and 3 territories. The details of the Kansas projects are:

  • A $78,750 grant will help TT Station LLC install three E15 dispensers at one fueling station in Wichita. This project is estimated to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 76,767 gallons per year.
  • A $540,000 grant will help Prairie Eagle LLC install twelve E15 dispensers, and twelve E85 dispensers at four fueling stations in Wichita. This project is estimated to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 524,272 gallons per year.
  • A $159,000 grant will help Mo’s LLC install two E15 dispensers and one ethanol storage tank at one fueling station in Linn. This project is estimated to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 152,557 gallons per year.
  • A $953,750 grant will help CC of Hays Inc. install sixteen E15 dispensers, sixteen E85 dispensers, seven B20 dispensers, two ethanol storage tanks, and two biodiesel storage tanks at two fueling stations in Wilson and Hays. This project is estimated to increase the amount of biofuel sold by 2,129,805 gallons per year.
  • A $531,000 grant will help Cervs LLC install six E15 dispensers, six E85 dispensers, and one ethanol storage tank at one fueling station in Hays. This project is estimated to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 589,973 gallons per year.

Background

The HBIIP program provides grants to fueling station and distribution facility owners—including marine, rail, and home heating oil facilities—to expand access to domestic biofuels, a clean and affordable source of energy. These investments help business owners install and upgrade infrastructure such as fuel pumps, dispensers and storage tanks.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery Subscriber Page. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

 

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Fish Consumption Advisories For 2025

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) (collectively, “Kansas”) is issuing fish consumption advisories for 2025. The following advisories identify types of fish, or other aquatic species, that should be eaten in limited quantities or, in some cases, avoided altogether because of contamination. General advice and internet resources are provided to aid the public in making informed decisions regarding the benefits and risks associated with eating locally caught fish from Kansas waters.

Definitions/Servings:

Bottom-feeding fish: buffalo, carp, catfish, sturgeon and suckers

Shellfish: mussels, clams and crayfish

Serving size (skinless fish fillets before cooking):

  • Adults and children age 13 and older = 8 ounces
  • Children age 6 to 12 = 4 ounces
  • Children younger than 6 = 2 ounces

Statewide Mercury Advisories for Fish:

There are many health benefits associated with going outside and catching and consuming fish; however, all fish contain some amount of mercury. Consumption of mercury-rich fish can harm the development of fetuses, nursing babies, and growing children. As a result, anyone who routinely eats fish or serves fish to children, including store-bought fish, should carefully consider the type and amount of fish eaten. Therefore, mercury-sensitive individuals (women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant, and children 17 or younger) should follow the guidelines presented below for eating Kansas-caught fish.

Fishing and Eating Guidelines:

  • Eat smaller portions – a fillet about the size of your palm.
  • Eat fish species with less mercury (see “Preferred Choice Fish” chart below).
  • If you don’t know what type or size of fish you’ve eaten, wait at least one week before eating fish again.
  • When fishing, keep fish shorter than your forearm (fingertips to elbow) or less than 20 inches, as regulations allow. Visit Fishing Regulations / Fishing / KDWP – KDWP (ksoutdoors.com) for more information.
  Preferred Choice Fish   Servings
  Blue and Channel Catfish

Common Carp

Crappies

White Bass, White Perch, Wiper, Striped Bass

Walleye, Sauger, Saugeye

Bullhead Catfish

Drum

Sunfish (Bluegill, Green, Redear, etc.)

    1 or 2 per week     

 

  Second Choice Fish   Servings
  Buffalo (Black, Bigmouth, Smallmouth)

Flathead Catfish

Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted)

    1 or 2 per month 

Reduce the recommendations above if you tend to keep fish larger than 20 inches to:

  • Preferred Choice Fish – not more than 1 serving per week
  • Second Choice Fish – not more than 1 serving per month

For specific questions or concerns about mercury in Kansas-caught fish, contact KDHE. For information about mercury in fish caught in other states, store-bought fish, and other types of seafood, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish and Shellfish | US EPA website.

Waterbody-Specific Advisories for All Consumers:

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 2 servings per month from the following location because of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs):

  • Little Arkansas River from the Main Street Bridge immediately west of Valley Center to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Wichita (Sedgwick County).

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 1 serving per month from the following locations because of PCBs:

  • Cow Creek in Hutchinson and downstream to the confluence with the Arkansas River (Reno County).
  • K-96 Lake in Wichita (Sedgwick County).

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 1 serving per month from the following location because of arsenic:

  • Mill Creek from Madison Road east of Morrowville to confluence with Little Blue River (Washington County).

Kansas recommends not eating specified fish or aquatic life from the following locations:

  • Antioch Park Lake South in Antioch Park, Overland Park (Johnson County); all fish due to pesticides: dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane and dichlorophenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs).
  • Arkalon Park Lakes in Liberal (Seward County); Kansas recommends not eating any aquatic life because the lakes are sustained solely by treated municipal wastewater.
  • Arkansas River from the Lincoln Street dam in Wichita downstream to the confluence with Cowskin Creek near Belle Plaine (Sedgwick and Sumner counties); bottom-feeding fish due to PCBs.
  • Kansas River from Lawrence (below Bowersock Dam) downstream to Eudora at the confluence of the Wakarusa River (Douglas and Leavenworth counties); bottom-feeding fish due to PCBs.
  • Mill Creek from Washington (below 18th Road) downstream to confluence of Little Blue River (Washington County); shellfish due to arsenic.
  • Shoal Creek from the Missouri/Kansas border to Empire Lake (Cherokee County); shellfish due to lead and cadmium.
  • Spring River from the confluence of Center Creek to the Kansas/Oklahoma border (Cherokee County); shellfish due to lead and cadmium.

Waterbodies Affected by Harmful Algae Blooms:

To date, measured algal toxin levels in fish samples collected from waters affected by harmful algal blooms suggest the fish are safe to eat.  However, please take the following precautions:

  • Avoid skin contact with water.
  • Wear gloves when handling wet fish and equipment.
  • Rinse fish with clean water.
  • Remove skin from fillets and rinse with clean water prior to cooking or freezing.
  • Eat only skinless fillets.
  • Do not eat shellfish.

General Advice for Reducing Exposure to Chemicals in Fish:

  • Keep smaller fish to eat (regulations permitting) and let the big ones go.
  • Avoid eating fish parts other than fillets.
  • Trim fat from fillets and/or use cooking methods that allows fat to drip away.
  • Avoid subsistence fishing (relying on wild-caught fish for daily nutritional needs) in rivers within or immediately downstream of large urban/industrial areas.
  • Do not eat fish or aquatic life from wastewater outfalls, waste treatment lagoons or stormwater retention ponds.

Other information from KDHE, KDWP, EPA and the American Heart Association

To view the advisories online – and for information about KDHE’s Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program –  Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program | KDHE, KS.

For information about fishing in Kansas – including licensing, regulations, fishing reports and forecasts –  Fishing in Kansas | KDWP.

For information about the health benefits and risks of including fish in your diet, visit Eating fish twice a week reduces heart, stroke risk | American Heart Association.

For technical information regarding the U.S. EPA risk assessment methods used to determine advisory consumption limits, visit EPA Guidance for Developing Fish Advisories | US EPA.

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Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Meets January 14 at 7 p.m.

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01-25 informational items

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by

 

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing –

 

SEK Multi-County Health Department, Hannah Geneva –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of December 11, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

KRWA Conference on 3/25-27/2025

 

Clerk Report:  Danea Esslinger  

gWorks issues –

Website Hosting

Rabies Clinic?

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilwoman Pritchett –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Warehouse project –electric proposal

 

SEED Grant – formally announce winners on January 17, if you want to know if we are awarded, be here at 10AM.

 

Park electric –

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission Meeting on Jan. 7

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of January 7, 2025                                      Regular Meeting

 

A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was not streamed live on YouTube due to technical difficulties, but a version is now available.

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Commissioners Tim VanHoecke, Dyllon Olson, Matthew Wells, and Kathryn Salsbury (via teleconference) were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.

 

In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Jason Pickert/FSPD Chief of Police, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement Technician, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly (via teleconference).

 

  1. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and M. Wells said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda  (Time stamp 3:20)

MOTION:  VANHOECKE moved to approve the Agenda with the addition of Item K/New Business/Action Items – Consideration of City Liaison to REDI.  WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Appointment of Mayor of Fort Scott 2025  (Time stamp 4:59)

MOTION:  DANCER moved to nominate VANHOECKE for Mayor.  SALSBURY seconded.

 

SALSBURY, VANHOECKE, DANCER – YES     WELLS, OLSON – NO

 

MOTION CARRIED 3-2.

 

Discussion was had regarding the nomination process in the Code of Procedures for the Commission of the City of Fort Scott.

 

FARMER stated that action was already approved on appointing the Mayor. Further discussion led to the agreement to continue with the process stated in the Code of Procedures.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to nominate WELLS for Mayor.  WELLS seconded.

 

WELLS, OLSON – YES                   SALSBURY, VANHOECKE, DANCER – NO

 

MOTION FAILED 2-3

 

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to nominate OLSON for Mayor.  OLSON seconded.

 

WELLS, OLSON – YES                   SALSBURY, VANHOECKE, DANCER – NO

 

MOTION FAILED 2-3

 

It was determined that the majority of votes in the motion for VANHOECKE resulted in a majority.  TIMOTHY J. VANHOECKE is appointed Mayor.

 

Appointment of President of the City Commission of Fort Scott (Time stamp 14:23)

MOTION:  WELLS moved to nominate OLSON for President. VANHOECKE seconded.

 

WELLS, OLSON, SALSBURY, VANHOECKE – YES                DANCER – NO

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to nominate WELLS for President.  WELLS seconded.

 

OLSON, DANCER, WELLS – YES                       SALSBURY, VANHOECKE – NO

 

MOTION CARRIED 3-2

 

MOTION:  VANHOECKE moved to nominate SALSBURY for President.      OLSON seconded.

 

WELLS, DANCER, OLSON, VANHOECKE – YES                   SALSBURY – ABSTAINED

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-0

 

Code of Ethics – Ordinance No. 3780  (Time stamp 17:49)

MOTION:  WELLS moved to table the consideration of the Code of Ethics Ordinance No. 3780 until the changes agreed upon last year could be executed into the new document. DANCER seconded the motion.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

ACTION:  FARMER will execute the document and provide to all Commissioners prior to the January 21, 2025, meeting.

 

Code of Procedures for the Commission of the City of Fort Scott  (Time stamp 19:14)

MOTION:  OLSON moved to approve the Code of Procedures as presented.

WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

 

 

 

 

Appointment of Commission Representative of the Fort Scott Land Bank  (Time stamp 20:38)

MOTION:  DANCER moved to nominate WELLS.    SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

Appointment of Commission Representative of the Fort Scott Housing Authority  (Time stamp 21:43)

MOTION:  WELLS moved to nominate VANHOECKE.    OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

Appointment of Commission Representative of the Fort Scott Public Library  (Time stamp 22:32)

WELLS expressed willingness to continue in the role.

MOTION:  DANCER moved to nominate WELLS.   OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

Appointment of Commission Representative to Healthy in All Practices Commission  

(Time stamp 23:58)

Salsbury is current representative and stated schedule conflict with their meeting time.

MOTION:  DANCER moved to table the item until January 21, 2025.

OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

Appointment of Commissioner Liaison to the Street Advisory Board  (Time stamp 25:34)

MOTION: OLSON moved to appoint WELLS.  SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

Consideration to Appoint or Remove Commission Representative to REDI  (Time stamp 30:41)

Discussion about having a city liaison for properties within REDI such as importance of monitoring properties for city projects. DANCER is interested and will check his calendar for availability before volunteering for the position.  VANHOECKE believed the need to resolve the issue since there was an existing appointment.  FAMER confirmed.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to table the consideration until the January 21, 2025, meeting.  OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approval of Consent Agenda  (Time stamp 31:02)

–  Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1375-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of December 11. 2024 – January 2, 2025, – $581,356.50

–  Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice No. 17678 – Project No. 24-414 – Horton St. & 6th St. Improvements – Payroll – $28,686.16

–  Approval of Renewed Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) License for 2025 Consumption on the Premises – Outpost 13 West LLC – 13 W. Oak

–  Consideration of Pay Request No. 6 – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Project No. 24-414 Horton Street & 6th Street Improvements – $126,029.60

–  Approval of Resolution No. 1-2025 – A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL CITY NEWSPAPER FOR THE ENSUING TERM OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.

–  Approval of Resolution No. 2-2025 – A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL DEPOSITIORES FOR THE PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.

–  Approval of Resolution No. 3-2025 – A RESOLUTION FOR EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRACTICES UNDER K.S.A. 1120A.

 

MATKIN questioned Pay Request #6 to Earles Engineering ($126,029.60). DICKMAN confirmed that the invoice did not include the overlay.

 

Discussion of Resolution No. 3-2025.  WELLS has an issue with the Exemption from Generally Accepted Accounting Practices Under K.S.A. 1120A.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve the Consent Agenda minus the approval of the Exemption from GAAP.  OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to table consideration of Resolution No. 3-2025 until January 21, 2025, for further discussion with the auditor.  OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

Status of 323 W. Wall  (Time stamp 35:38)

KRUGER stated the condition has worsened, more roof damage and debris present.

 

Discussion was had on contacting the owner and potential buyers. KRUGER stated that the owner has no money or plans to address the building. Homeowner is concerned about losing the property due to taxes.

 

WELLS stated that three contractors showed interest, but follow-up was not completed.

 

Discussion was had on the Land Bank’s role on properties and structures. Current property owner owes the city approximately $12,000 to $13,000 in back taxes.  WELLS stated that grants and tax credits

 

 

may be available to facilitate property transfer and that the owner may consider giving property to a contractor willing to restore it.

 

WELLS stated that two contractors have been approached regarding property restoration. One contractor expressed interest but has too many current projects.

 

ACTION:  WELLS stated that he would be willing to take the lead on contacting interested parties and report back with updates on contractor interest by the next meeting in January.

 

Reporting of Demolition Award – 1105 S. Scott  (Time stamp 43:50)

Demo for 1105 S. Scott has been awarded by the City Manager to Dave’s Demo for $3,500.00. There were (2) other bids: Foxwell Holdings at $5,000.00 and Skitch’s Inc. at $6,427.00. The winner is ready to begin demolition.

 

Reports and Comments

 

City Manager Comments: (Time stamp 44:33)

–  Joint work session – City Commissioners and County Commissioners scheduled for Thursday, January 16, 2025, 6:00PM at Memorial Hall.

–  Public Works Crew commended for handling recent storm issues.

–  Work Session for 118 E Wall postponed to Monday, January 13, 2025.

–  Dance Party scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2025, 7:00PM-10:00PM at Memorial Hall. Cover charge of $5.00 to attend.

 

Engineer Comments: (Time stamp 48:09)

– Horton Street & 6th Street Project Update – need to review Substantial Completion Date

 

Commissioner Comments

OLSON (Time stamp 49:30)

WELLS (Time stamp 50:48)

SALSBURY (Time stamp 52:16)

DANCER (Time stamp 53:39)

VANHOECKE (Time stamp 59:02)

 

City Attorney Comments  (Time stamp 59:50)

Requested a call for an Executive Session

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to amend the agenda to allow for the Executive Session.  WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION: WELLS moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of legal matters pursuant to the attorney-client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). In the meeting will be the (5) Commissioners (SALSBURY via phone), City

 

Attorney, City Manager and City Engineer.  The open meeting will resume in the Commission Room at 7:20PM. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to come out of Executive Session at 7:20PM.  DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:21PM.  OLSON seconded.

 

JANUARY 7, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:21PM.

 

 

 

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Dec. 11 Uniontown City Council Meeting

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The Regular Council Meeting on December 11, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Savannah Pritchett, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Appoint and administer Oath of Office Savannah Pritchett as council member to fill vacant position.

 

Administer Oath of Office to Danea Esslinger, City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk.

 

KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel – Dixie unable to attend due to meeting date change. Council to review Slide Show

Presentation and email questions to Clerk to forward to Dixie before the January meeting.

 

Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing – Cost estimates not completed yet, table until January meeting.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Johnson was absent but a written report was presented for the November 2024 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $305,810.54, Receipts $32,360.86, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $34,792.15, Checking Account Closing Balance $290,603.25. Bank Statement Balance $302,036.21, including Checking Account Interest of $63.57, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $11,432.96, Reconciled Balance $290.603.25.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,813.87, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,652.34, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,625.68, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $389,695.14. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $651.22, and Utility CDs $1,993.05 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,644.27.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvements-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvements-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of November $15,207.29, Year-to-Date Net Income $55,124.05.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $111,087.83 (90.0%), Expenditures $114,731.66 (70.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $32,108.71 (86.9%), Expenditures $28378.65 (67.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $104,804.74 (71.5%), Expenditures $109,096.85 (61.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $205,995.81 (105.3%), Expenditures $176,750.57 (57.1%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,175.91 (112.5%), Expenditures $7,183.05 (70.9%).  The December 2024 payables to date in the amount of $25,405.87 were presented.  The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Johnson-Schowengerdt, council pay and payroll have not been received/completed by meeting time.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of November 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and November 19, 2024 Special Council Meeting.
  • Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported that Bill Griffith would like rock or something on the railroad right-of-way where county cleaned out ditch. Mayor Jurgensen suggested to try 5 to 6 inches of milling.

 

Clerk Esslinger informed the council that gWorks is not working as promised.

She asked the council if can waive the penalty for utility billings this month due to slow US Postal delivery.  We received several calls that billings had not been received by the 10th.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to inform unpaid accounts of waiving of penalty due to slow postal delivery, and inform them of amount due; penalty will be applied if not paid January 10th.

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Pritchett– nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilwoman Pemberton – there is a need a for additional electrical outlets for Christmas lights in the Park. Discussion followed, and Council directed Superintendent Rich to get quotes for additional electrical outlets.

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – brought up items covered in other sections.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Councilwoman Pemberton gave report that they will put in the poles for the fence soon, but will wait for Spring to put up the fence.

 

Streets/FEMA – Mayor Jurgensen asked if we know when Bettis Asphalt will be here to complete warranty work.  Clerk Esslinger stated that Bettis will be here when they can. FEMA have the information and is still working on it.

 

Warehouse project – Superintendent Rich stated that the warehouse skin is about completed. Mayor Jurgensen let Council know that Evergy is coming soon to advise us where the electricity line will be put that will be for the warehouse. Discussion followed.  Getting electrical bids for the inside of the warehouse building was discussed. The sale of the Weed Barn was also discussed as the proceeds will be earmarked for the warehouse.

 

SEED Grant – Grant application was submitted 11/4/24. Grant will be awarded in December, and Clerk Esslinger has not heard back yet.

 

NEW BUSINESS

CMB 2025 License renewal – Discussion followed.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to allow the CMB 2025 License renewal

 

Sunday CMB hours of sales- Discussion followed.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to approve Ordinance No. 205 amending the start time to sell CMB to 9AM.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:19PM.

 

Open meeting resumed at 8:19.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:32PM.

 

Superintendent Rich called in at 8:20, out at 8:32. Open meeting resumed at 8:32.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:07PM.

 

Open meeting resumed at 9:07.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to convert unallocated benefit stipend to an hourly rate of $2.88 effective 1/1/2025 and add $1.00/hr merit increase effective immediately for City Superintendent.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 9:20PM.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Receives Transforming Maternal Health Funding Grant

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Governor Kelly Announces $17M

to Transform Maternal Health


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced on Wednesday that Kansas has been selected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as one of 15 states to participate in its Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model program, which includes a $17 million grant award over the next 10 years. The goal of the TMaH Model is to improve maternal and child health care for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members.

“It is a tremendous honor for Kansas to be selected for this important program,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding provides the resources necessary for us to continue to grow and increase access to maternal health care to underserved Kansans throughout the state.”

The TMaH selection will enhance the work the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has initiated through its Kansas Medicaid and Maternal and Child Health programs to improve maternal health outcomes for members.

“We have made great strides towards improving maternal health in Kansas through Medicaid and our Maternal Child Health Program,” said KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek. “This grant positions us to take on the important work outlined in the pillars of the TMaH Model.”

The TMaH model will support KDHE in the development of a whole-person approach to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. The goal of the model is to reduce disparities in access and treatment, a key focus of the KanCare 3.0 contracts which took effect Jan. 1, 2025.

“The TMaH Model provides Kansas Medicaid with the funding and support necessary to improve maternal and child health outcomes,” said Christine Osterlund, KDHE Deputy Secretary of Agency Integration and Kansas Medicaid Director. “Through stakeholder input and support, especially from our partners at the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, Kansas submitted a strong and ultimately successful grant application with a clear vision for the program.”

The model is centered on three pillars, which include access to care, infrastructure and workforce capacity, quality improvement and safety, and whole-person care delivery.

The grant will allow KDHE to build upon its work in the following:

  • Hospital Engagement for Birthing-Friendly Designation: KDHE, in collaboration with the Kansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative, the Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee, and other partners, is recruiting and educating facilities to achieve CMS’s birthing-friendly designation status. TMaH will align with these key public health initiatives to further address barriers and increase quality services and patient safety.
  • Whole-Person Care: KDHE’s Kansas Connecting Communities and Maternal Anti-Violence Innovation and Sharing programs will be pivotal in enhancing the patient education and universal screening components of the TMaH model. These programs offer provider consultation, training, and technical assistance for perinatal mental health, substance use, and intimate partner violence. Resources will be scaled to ensure the behavioral health and social determinants of the health needs of all patients.
  • Telehealth and Telemonitoring Prioritization: TMaH will enhance telehealth services to overcome geographic barriers, improving access to specialists and reducing travel. KDHE will implement robust telemonitoring for hypertension and gestational diabetes and collaborate on a State Plan Amendment to expand covered services under Medicaid.
  • Home Visiting Program Expansion: The TMaH payment model will make home visiting sustainable by addressing funding gaps. KDHE’s strength-based approach improves outcomes in pregnancy, parenting, and early childhood health while TMaH funding expands reach and quality.

The funding will support Kansas’ efforts to address disparities among underserved populations at higher risk for poor maternal outcomes. More information on the program is available at CMS TMaH Model.

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Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Meeting For Today Has Been Cancelled

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

 

 

 

 

The meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on January 6, 2025 has been cancelled due to the courthouse being closed due to inclement weather.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Government, Kansas

Stream Advisory Issued For Unnamed Tributary near 185th and Quail in Bourbon County

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In mid-December, a Pittsburg company was cited in northeast Bourbon County for not complying with Kansas laws on solid waste disposal. In 2024, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued five stream advisories in the State of Kansas.

“Radell Underground, Inc. was issued a Notice of Non-Compliance by KDHE, citing violation of K.S.A. 65-3409(a)(1) Disposal of solid waste by open dumping, on Dec. 13, for dumping the bore tailings and bore gel compound (containing bentonite and silica) as a slurry into the waterways shown on the attached map,” according to Jill Bronaugh, KDHE Communications Director in an email.

 

Radell bore dumping site in northeast Bourbon County. Submitted map.

 

“We do telecommunication (fiber optic cable) for CrawKan (Telephone Cooperative). One of our guys dumped mud where he wasn’t supposed to,” said Anthony McNeely a manager with Radell.

Organically modified bentonites effectively reduce the consumption of drilling fluids, conserve resources, and lessen environmental effects, according to https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10707903/

Industrial sand and gravel, often called “silica,” “silica sand,” and “quartz sand,” include sands and gravels with high silicon dioxide (SiO2) content. These sands are used in glassmaking; for foundry, abrasive, and hydraulic fracturing (frac) applications; and for many other industrial uses, according to https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/silica-statistics-and-information

Radell Underground Inc. is a utility contractor that specializes in horizontal directional drilling, also known as boring. Their clients include AT&T, Evergy, CrawKan, and many more, according to their website.

“We met with Radell representatives to discuss the clean-up of the dumping sites and established a date of Jan. 10, to obtain the proper permits and approvals from the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who have jurisdiction over waterways. The clean-up is required to be completed by Jan. 20; at which time, the stream advisory will be rescinded,” Bronaugh said.

 

The following was posted on: December 13, 2024, on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1385

Stream Advisory Issued for an Unnamed Tributary North of Fort Scott, Kansas

Stream Advisory

 

“Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a stream advisory for the unnamed tributary near 185th Street and Quail Road North of Fort Scott, Kansas.

The stream advisory is a result of multiple disposal sites from a boring operation that contained silica, bentonite, and a gel polymer near 185th Street and Quail Road North of Fort Scott, Kansas.

The advisory has been issued because of potential sediment and unknown contaminants being present in the unnamed tributary. If you live or have activities near this area, do not enter the stream or allow children or pets to enter the stream.

KDHE will rescind the advisory once secondary (wading) contact has been deemed safe.”

 

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Government

Delegates are being sought for the Kansas Silvered Haired Legislature.

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Delegates are being sought for the Kansas Silvered Haired Legislature.
The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature is a unicameral (one-chambered) legislature composed of 125 representatives across the state. SHL delegates are 60 years or older and are elected from their county of residence.
SEK Area Agency on Aging is seeking candidates to serve a two-year term representing their county. SEKAAA covers a 9-county area: Allen, Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson and Woodson.
The legislature provides an educational experience in the political process and provides an opportunity to identify priority concerns of Kansas’ older adults.
The SHL develops bills and resolutions which are presented to the Kansas Legislature and the governor as recommendations for state policy.
SHLs were created by Congress in 1969 when each state was encouraged to create a body of older adults who would identify issues important to older adults 60+ and educate their state legislatures about those issues.
The Kansas Silver-Haired Legislature was created by a 1982 Senate resolution. The website for Kansas Silver-Haired Legislature is www.Kansas-shl.org
“It is important that the voice of older Kansans is heard,” says Kathy Brennon, SEKAAA Executive Director, “there are constant changes that have an impact on individuals 60 and older that can be overlooked. It is important to have this group that is solely focused on issues that impact older Kansans.”
If anyone is interested in being a delegate, they can request an application packet by emailing [email protected] or calling 620-431-2980. Applications must be received by February 3, 2025. If more than one person is interested in a position an election will be held on February 21, 2025. The term is for two years. March 1, 2025 to February 28, 2027.
Government, Kansas

KS Food Tax Eliminated Effective Jan. 1 2025

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Governor Kelly Announces
Food Sales Tax Completely Eliminated


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday announced that in 2025, Kansans are projected to save $156 million due to the reduction in the state sales tax rate from 2% to zero and the “Axe the Food Tax” legislation she signed in 2022. According to projections from the Kansas Department of Revenue, reducing the state sales tax on groceries from 2% to zero will save shoppers $13 million per month this year.

“The complete elimination of the state sales tax on food is a win for Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By axing the food tax once and for all, the average family of four will save $500 per year on groceries. I’m proud that we’ve put more money back into Kansans’ pockets thanks to this commonsense legislation.”

After working tirelessly to put the state on solid financial footing, in 2021 Governor Kelly called on the Kansas Legislature to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries as soon as possible. The Legislature ultimately passed legislation that gradually reduced the state sales tax on groceries over three years.

In 2023, the state sales tax rate on groceries went down from 6.5% to 4%, saving consumers $187.7 million per year. At the end of 2024, it was projected that shoppers saved nearly $570 million due to the reductions in the state sales tax rate on food and food ingredients during the two years the reduction has been in effect.

The state sales tax reduction applies to food, food ingredients, and certain prepared foods. When looking at a receipt, shoppers will see two tax rates, one for qualifying purchases and one for all other items.

The total elimination of the state sales tax on qualifying items went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

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Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections Surpass Estimate by $66.7M

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Governor Kelly Announces December

Tax Collections Surpass Estimate by $66.7M


TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends December 2024 with total tax collections at $1.1 billion. That is $66.7 million, or 6.3%, above the estimate. Total tax collections are up 8.1% from December 2023.

“As I’ve highlighted before, even though our state’s revenues are healthy, we must practice fiscal responsibility,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That is how we will continue to maintain economic growth and preserve our fiscal stability.”

Individual income tax collections were $451.5 million, $31.5 million or 7.5% above the estimate, and up 13.7% from December 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $275.4 million, $45.4 million or 19.7% above the estimate, and up 16.8% from December 2023.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $285.4 million, $13.6 million or 4.5% below the estimate, and down $17.0 million or 5.6% from December 2023.

Click here to view the December 2024 revenue numbers.