Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board Met On June 12

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                              Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, June 12, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 12, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President Danny Brown opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda with removal of 8.9 KERMP insurance and the consent agenda as follows:

  • Board Minutes from the May 8, 2023, regular board meeting and May 19, 2023, special board meeting
  • Financials-Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – May 19, 2023 – $1,663,532.16
  • Activity Fund accounts
  • Extended Trip Applications, Fundraising Applications, Gifts & Donations
  • Resolution 22-14 Banking Resolution

 

Licensed Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Jannah Farrington as the Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month.

Left U234 Superintendent Destry Brown and Jannah Farrington. Submitted photo.

 

  • Farrington is a Special Education teacher at Fort Scott Middle School. Mrs. Farrington organizes the Special Olympics held for students and coordinates going to Pitt State for participation. She is always positive and trying to find what is the best for kids. Mrs. Farrington has taught for USD 234 for 12 years.

 

Classified Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Cheryl Marsh as the Classified Tiger Team Member of the Month.

Destry Brown and Cheryl Marsh. Submitted photo.
  • Marsh is a Kitchen Manager at Fort Scott High School. Cheryl is gracious and kind to everyone. She has a can-do attitude and does what is best for schools. Mrs. Marsh has been with USD 234 for 25 years.

 

Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Bill Michaud as the Volunteer of the Year. Mr. Michaud is the coordinator of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce mentoring program that matches local leaders with Fort Scott High School students.

Destry Brown and Bill Michaud. Submitted photo.

 

Board Members shared comments.

 

Superintendent Destry Brown provided an update to the board on services provided by the school nurses in the district, shared information regarding the Core Community program, discussed a June 27th special board meeting for the purposes of closing down the budget and other end of year items.  He also noted two grants that had been applied for: Safe and Secure Grant and Mental Health Grant.

 

Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on end of year data, highlighting celebrations, curricular and assessment team progress, Science Resources, the new assessment program, and Summer Enrichment.

 

Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on new employee orientation, USD 234 job fair to be held on July 11th & 12th at the FSMS Community space, and final categorical aid numbers for Special Education.

 

The board approved changing the regular July board meeting from July 10th to July 17th, still to be held at the Board of Education, 424 S. Main Street, at 5:30 p.m.

 

Superintendent Brown shared information with the board in regard to adoption of a policy related to out-of-district student enrollment.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Workers Compensation Renewal 2023-24 – KASB Workers Comp
  • Trash Bid & Recommendation – 5-year bid to 4 State Sanitation
  • Audit Contract for the year ending June 30, 2023, with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs
  • Ratification of Negotiated Agreement for 2023-24, including changes to Supplemental Salary Schedule
  • Curriculum Associates – iReady – K-8 Assessment & Intervention
  • Approval of Personnel Report
  • Approval of ESSER Premium Pay for 2023-24
  • Approval of Classified Raises for 2023-24
  • Approval of Special Services Raises for 2023-24
  • Approval of Director Raises for 2023-24
  • Approval of Administrative Raises for 2023-24

 

The board tabled the following items:

  • CDWG Technology Carts & Supply

 

The board heard an audio recording from patron Tracy King.

 

The board went into an executive session for negotiation and personnel matters.

 

Vice-President Barrows adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

June 12, 2023

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

  • Billionis, Connie – Retirement – Board of Education Deputy Clerk, Secretary, Alumni Recording Secretary, as of May 31, 2023
  • Campbell, Carlee – Resignation – Fort Scott Preschool Center Teacher at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Ericson, Tyler – Resignation – Winfield Scott Teacher at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Mead, Jenice – Resignation – Fort Scott Middle Teacher at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Wilcox, Ashley – Winfield Scott Technology Teacher and Professional Development at the end of the 2022-23 school year

 

TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS:

For the 2023-24 school year:

Certified:

  • Thomas, Rachelle – Transfer from Eugene Ware 5th Grade to Eugene Ware Special Education Teacher

 

Classified:

  • Hodges, Julius – Transfer from Winfield Scott Paraprofessional to Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional
  • Lisica, Michelle – Transfer from Eugene Ware Paraprofessional to Eugene Ware Speech Paraprofessional
  • Willard, Siarra – Transfer from Eugene Ware Paraprofessional to split Speech/Paraprofessional
  • Witt, Randi – Transfer from MIS Clerk to Winfield Scott Speech Paraprofessional

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

  • Casey, Hunter – Winfield Scott 2nd Grade Teacher
  • Cate, Kassie – Winfield Scott Elementary Special Education Teacher
  • Stanley, Billie – Eugene Ware 5th Grade Teacher
  • Turner, Candy – Fort Scott Preschool Center Teacher
  • Workman, Darcy – Eugene Ware 4th Grade Teacher

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

  • Ludeman, Sara – Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

  • Blackburn, Brendon – Fort Scott Middle School Head Football Coach
  • Blackburn, Brendon – Fort Scott Middle School Summer Weights and Conditioning
  • Brown, Lindsey – Fort Scott High School Girls Summer Conditioning
  • Feeback, Brennen – Fort Scott High School Assistant Football Coach
  • Heatherly, Julie – HOSA sponsor
  • Eugene Ware Elementary Mentors
Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

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Recognizing the 79th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy
Speaking at D-Day Anniversary Ceremony
It was an honor to represent the U.S. Senate and join Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, General Mark Milley and World War II veterans at the ceremony commemorating the 79th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France. Sharing the stage with American and allied military leaders and dignitaries, we paid our respects to the 9,386 American soldiers buried in Normandy and the 1,557 listed on the Wall of the Missing, and we reaffirmed the importance of continued friendship and partnership across the Atlantic Ocean.

The patch of earth at Normandy holds a place in the hearts of families across the United States. Generations of Americans have grown up with only stories and photographs of an uncle, a father, a grandfather or a brother who made the ultimate sacrifice. Each loss represented here by either a white marble cross or Star of David is a loss that a family has borne for nearly 80 years. They are still loved and remembered.

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Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter →

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Combating Fentanyl

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Attorney General Kobach Launches Awareness Campaign To Combat Fentanyl Overdose

TOPEKA–(June 12, 2023) Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is asking Kansans to be smart and protect themselves.

“Do not take any pill that you didn’t receive from a doctor of pharmacist,” Kobach says in a public service announcement sent to Kansas television stations for their immediate use.

More than 1,200 Kansans have already died from suspected fentanyl overdoses, and the problem is getting worse. Late last, Lawrence police responded to three fentanyl overdoses in one night. One person died and the others were hospitalized.
Kobach made combatting fentanyl a priority when he campaigned for the office of Kansas Attorney General. Lawmakers enhanced penalties for individuals who sell fentanyl. The Kansas Bureau of Investigations is redirecting some resources to combat the drug, and now the Attorney General is launching a public awareness campaign to warn Kansans of the potential dangers of taking pills that weren’t prescribed to them by a doctor or provided to them by a pharmacist.

“Law enforcement officers frequently tell me that Kansas is in the midst of a fentanyl poisoning wave that hasn’t yet crested. We must do everything we can to prevent fentanyl overdose deaths,” he said.

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CONTACT: Danedri Herbert – (913) 706-6394 [email protected]
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Copyright © *2023* *Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach*, All rights reserved.
Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Candidates for 2023 Election in Bourbon County

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The following is the list of cities, schools and K-State Extension candidates who filed for by the June 1st deadline in Bourbon County, provided by Clerk Jennifer Hawkins.

“There will not be a primary election this year, so all qualified candidates will be on the ballot in November,” Hawkins said.

City of Fort Scott Commission

  • Matthew Wells
  • Edwin Woellhof
  • Dyllon Olson
  • Margaret P. Cummings
  • Tracy Dancer
  • Joshua Baseley
  • Barbara Ann Rawlins
  • Harold “Pete” Allen
  • Janice Allen

Redfield Council Member

  • Brandy Corriston
  • Leonard “L.D.” Morrison

Bronson Council Member

  • Michael Stewart

Uniontown Council Member

  • Danea Esslinger

Southwind Extension District

  • Trent Johnson
  • Deb Lust

Fort Scott USD 234 Board Member

  • Position #1-James Wood, Joe Wimmer, and Scott Center
  • Position #2-Mike Miles
  • Position #3-Robert Harrington, Aaron Judy, and Doug Hurd
  • Position At Large-Stewart Gulager and Payton Coyan

Uniontown USD 235 Board Member

  • Position #1-Troy Couchman
  • Position #2-Rhonda Hoener
  • Position #3-Seth Martin and Kolby Stock
  • Position At Large-Matt Kelly and Josh Hartman

Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees

  • Douglas Ropp
  • Ronda Bailey
  • Kirk Hart
  • David Elliott
  • Josh Jones
  • Roberta “Bert” Lewis
  • Robert Nelson
  • Chad McKinnis

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board Agenda for June 12

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                     Superintendent                                                                                                                                             

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

JUNE 12, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

 

1.0       Call Meeting to Order         

2.0       Flag Salute

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            4.1       Board Minutes

            4.2       Financials-Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – May 19, 2023 – $1,663,532.16

            4.5       Activity Fund accounts

            4.6       Extended Trip Applications 2023-24

            4.7       Fundraising Applications 2023-24

4.8       Gifts & Donations 2022-23

            4.9       Resolution 22-14: Banking Resolution

5.0       Recognitions

5.1 Student Recognition

5.2 Employee Recognition

5.3 Board Member Acknowledgements

6.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            6.1       Superintendent’s Report

            6.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            6.3       Finance Director’s Report

7.0       Old Business

7.1       Roof Payment #5 (Action Item)

8.0       New Business

8.1       Change of July Meeting Date to July 17, 2023 (Action Item)

8.2       Workers Compensation Renewal 2023-24 (Action Item)

8.3       Trash Bid & Recommendation (Action Item)

8.4       Audit Contract for the year ending June 30, 2023 (Action Item)

8.5       Ratification of Negotiated Agreement for 2023-24, including changes to Supplemental Salary Schedule (Action Item)

8.6       Open Enrollment Information (Information Item)

8.7       CDWG Technology Carts & Supply (Action Item)

           

           

8.8       Curriculum Associates – iReady – K-8 Assessment & Intervention (Action Item)

8.9       Property, Casualty, Fleet, Cyber Insurance 2023-24 (Action Item)

9.0       Public Forum

10.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters

10.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

10.2     Exit Executive Session

10.3     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

10.4     Approval of ESSER Premium Pay for 2023-24 (Action Item)

10.5     Approval of Classified Raises for 2023-24 (Action Item)

10.6     Approval of Special Services Raises for 2023-24 (Action Item)

10.7     Approval of Director Raises for 2023-24 (Action Item)

10.8     Approval of Administrative Raises for 2023-24 (Action Item)

11.0     Adjourn Meeting

           

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for June 12 at Mapleton

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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

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Mapleton Community Center

June 12, 2023, 5:30 PM

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute and Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 6/5/2023
  1. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  2. Jennifer Hawkins-County Clerk
    1. Hall Fence Viewing
  3. Public Comments
  • Commission Comments
  • Meeting Adjourn

 

 

 

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.

 

Area News, Government, Health Care

Rare Tickborne Illness Identified in Crawford County Resident

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Heartland Virus Disease Identified in Crawford County Resident

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Crawford County Health Department have identified Heartland Virus Disease (Heartland), a rare tickborne illness, in a Crawford County resident. Health care providers diagnosed the resident in late May 2023 after further testing was coordinated through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is the first case of Heartland in Crawford County and only the third case identified in Kansas since the virus’s discovery in northwest Missouri in 2009. The previous two cases were identified in Miami County in 2015 and Anderson County in 2018. To date, there have been over 50 cases of Heartland diagnosed across areas of the Midwest and Southern United States.

“We’re entering the time of year when we start to receive a lot of complaints about ticks on animals and in the environment and questions regarding tick bites and tickborne diseases in people. People must take the risk of tickborne disease seriously and take personal protective measures for themselves and their pets to reduce their chance of acquiring a tickborne illness,” said Dr. Erin Petro, DVM, MPH, KDHE public health veterinarian. “While Heartland and other tickborne viruses like Bourbon virus are rare, they can lead to severe illness and even death.”

Heartland virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Lone Star Tick, the most common tick in Kansas, which is most active from May through August. The symptoms of Heartland are vague and include fever, fatigue, muscle or joint pain, headache and occasionally a rash. Health care providers should consider Heartland in patients with compatible clinical illness and bloodwork findings when other common tickborne illness testing is negative.

This case serves as an important reminder to take precautions as you enjoy the outdoors this summer. Ticks are commonly found at the edge of trails, on tall grasses and in wooded, shaded areas. To reduce the risk of contracting a tickborne disease, take the following steps:

  • Wear long pants with socks tucked into pants and long sleeves when doing yardwork, hiking, camping or recreating in areas where ticks may be found.
  • After being outdoors in tick habitats, take a shower to help wash off unattached ticks and identify any attached ticks. Always perform a thorough tick check after being outdoors.
  • Reduce tick habitats in your yard by clearing brush, leaf litter and tall grasses around your home and at the edge of your lawn.
  • Apply an EPA-approved repellent, such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, when enjoying the outdoors.
  • If hunting or camping, consider treating gear and clothing with permethrin; always follow label directions for safe application of permethrin.

Additional information about Heartland Virus can be found on the CDC website.

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Government, Kansas

Creative Placemaking Pilot Program Launched

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Department of Commerce and Patterson Family Foundation Launch Creative Placemaking Pilot Project

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce and the Patterson Family Foundation are pleased to announce the Engaging Placemaking for Innovative Communities (EPIC) pilot program. With a focus on arts-driven community development projects that enhance rural communities and enable additional partnership and connection, EPIC is launching in south-central Kansas under the leadership of the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC).

“The arts enrich communities and enhance the quality of life all across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Support from the Patterson Family Foundation is helping us elevate Kansas communities by developing innovative spaces and high-quality, creative destinations that will drive new growth, particularly in rural areas and small towns.”

Groups from Hutchinson, Kingman, Lindsborg, Little River, Lyons, St. John, Stafford and Sterling will participate in the initial EPIC pilot. The program will help connect rural communities to one another, as well as facilitate partnerships with urban and micropolitan communities. The goal is to create a two-way street, where rural communities are uplifted through new, innovative collaborations.

EPIC is designed to strengthen regional connections between community leaders, artists and arts organizations for unexpected and innovative projects that address community challenges. By strategically harnessing resources and increasing partnerships, communities can hone their unique identities to become more competitive as families choose where to put down their roots and do business.

The pilot group was identified through a competitive application process. The EPIC team will work with them through a discovery and project planning phase, then provide technical assistance and support as the project is implemented.

“Artists are experienced creative problem-solvers and critical thinkers,” KCAIC Interim Director Kate Van Steenhuyse said. “EPIC will give communities the opportunity to work through artistic processes to meaningfully engage their communities and explore new possibilities. EPIC positions arts and culture as the backbone for vibrant and welcoming communities in Kansas.”

“We’ve seen before that the arts can help make rural places into destinations,” Patterson Family Foundation President Lindsey Patterson Smith said. “This program has the potential to fuel arts-based, community-driven development, adding to the distinctive character that makes people feel connected to places. We are proud to work with the Kansas Department of Commerce to bring the EPIC program to life in south-central Kansas.”

The south-central pilot communities are participating in engagement sessions this spring to build community development project plans. Projects, co-designed with community members and area artists, will launch in the fall.

To learn more about EPIC, arts-driven community development and creative placemaking strategies, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Government, Kansas

Input For Future Community Development Grants Is Needed

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Department of Commerce Seeking Community Input for Future CDBG Projects

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, needs input regarding how Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding is distributed.

CDBG funds, which are received each year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), are used to address community needs in cities and counties across Kansas. Over the years, CDBG projects have included assistance for business start-ups and expansions, downtown commercial rehabilitation, housing rehabilitation, and water and sewer line extensions, among others.

The Department of Commerce wants to ensure CDBG investments advance the goals established in the Kansas Framework for Growth, the state’s economic development strategic plan and are utilized more strategically to help communities across the state.

To make these changes, the Department of Commerce and its partners are seeking input from residents, local elected officials, and others via an online survey. The survey, which will take about 10 minutes to complete, will pose questions such as:

  • What amenities are most important to you in your city or county?
  • What is the current quality of these amenities?
  • How does your city or county identify what improvements are needed?
  • Has your city or county benefitted from CDBG funding in the past?

Responses collected are important in guiding the best way to invest in the future of Kansas. Individuals are asked to respond by Thursday, June 15.

To complete the survey, please click here. A Spanish version of the survey can be found here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for City of Uniontown Council on June 13

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City of Uniontown Council Agenda, June 13

06-23 Informational items

2023 Financials

06-23 Informational items

ORDINANCE NO. 202 – REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 148

ORDINANCE NO. 201 – REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 146

ORDINANCE NO. 148 AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 138 – Dangerous and Unfit Structures

ORDINANCE NO. 146 AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 130 – MINIMUM HOUSING CODEORDINANCE NO. 138 – Dangerous and Unfit Structures

 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Community Conversation regarding placemaking project

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of May 9, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

404 Washington St

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Budget worksession

2022 Audit

KMGA Gas Supply Alternatives

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Mural Grant –

 

 

Street repairs/resurfacing –

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

 

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