Category Archives: Government

City of Bronson Awarded Placemaking/Recreation Grant From KS Rural Champions Program

Governor Kelly Announces 14 Grant Recipients for Rural Champions Program

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today the 14 grant recipients of the Rural Champions program’s second cohort. The selected Rural Champions will join a growing statewide network of grassroots individuals tackling critical projects in their respective rural communities.

“Since day one, my administration has been focused on the needs of our rural communities and the quality of life in every region of the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Creating the Office of Rural Prosperity was only the beginning of our support for rural Kansans and their needs. By developing the Rural Champions program, we are assisting communities to find local solutions to specific local challenges.”

Inspired by a Kansas Sampler Foundation report, the Office of Rural Prosperity, in collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation, created the Rural Champions program as a way for rural communities to move the needle in areas where a lack of capital or other resources hinders necessary progress. The Rural Champions program provides a one-year wage stipend of $20,800 to each community, along with training and resources. Communities also will receive up to $25,000 at the end of the year to move into the implementation phase of their projects.

“The diverse challenges rural communities face are much easier to resolve when you have an individual specifically dedicated to their particular issues, which is why the innovative Rural Champions program is so important,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Investing in our rural communities means investing in our people, which benefits the entire state and elevates their towns in ways that might otherwise not be possible.”

The 2024-25 Rural Champions include:

Organization

Community

Project area(s)

Cardinal Community Foundation

Nemaha County

Community/Economic Development

Cheyenne Community Development Corporation

Cheyenne

Housing

City of Herington and CVB

Herington

Downtown Revitalization

Comanche County Economic Development

Comanche County

Grant Writing/
ED Regionalization

Grinnell-Promoting Pride & Progress

Grinnell

Downtown Revitalization

Harvey County United Way

Harvey County

Childcare

Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

Bronson

Placemaking/ Recreation

Hodgeman County Economic Development

Hodgeman County

Housing

Lane County Community Foundation

Dighton

Food Access-Rural Grocery

Legacy Regional Community Foundation

Cowley County

Food Access

Rooks County Healthcare Foundation

Rooks County

Workforce Recruitment

Stafford County Economic Development

Stafford County

Childcare

The Building Community

Fredonia

Community/Economic Development

United Way of the Flint Hills

Emporia

Homelessness

“The first round of Rural Champions provided a great opportunity for progress and impact in the communities and organization. We again received many outstanding applications — making the selection of these 14 projects very competitive,” Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity Trisha Purdon said. “We are excited to continue the development of the program and add to our network of learning with the new group of Rural Champions.”

Rural Champions will work with the Office of Rural Prosperity through project completion. At that time, information will again be compiled in the form of guidebooks to add to the library of projects and be made available to provide learning and support to additional communities.

More information on the Rural Champions program is available here. The guidebooks developed by the first cohort of Champions are available to review here.

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FS City Commission Agenda for September 24

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL MEETING

OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

September 24, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

 

  1.     Call to Order
  2.     Roll Call

Tim VanHoecke,   Matthew Wells,   Dyllon Olson,   Kathryn Salsbury,  Tracy Dancer

III.       Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. New Business

 

Public Hearing:

  1. Condemnation and Repair Proceedings of 118 E. Wall Street

 

Action Items:

  1. Consideration of Requests for Qualifications for Consultant for Airfield Development Projects at Fort Scott Municipal Airport

 

VII.      Reports and Comments:

  1. City Manager Comments
  2. Engineering Comments
  3.  Commissioners Comments
  4. City Attorney Comments

 

VIII.     Adjourn

Agenda for the Bo Co Commission on September 23

Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

Accounts Payable 9-20-2024

Payroll 9-20-2024

 

 

 

 

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

 

September 23, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 9/16/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $300,038.70
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $386,598.32
  1. Deana Betts-Core Community Update
  2. 5:45 p.m. Mike Dallman-PVD Compliance Conference Call
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
    2. County Clerk
  • Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Thomas Quarry
  1. Solar Panel Setback Discussion
  2. Commission Comments
  3. 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.

Accounts Payable 9-20-2024 Payroll 9-20-2024

Minutes of the FSCC Trustees Meeting on August 26

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
August 26, 2024
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, and Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Sara Sutton – Interim President, Juley McDaniel – Board Clerk, faculty, staff, community
members
Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 4:01 pm in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and Holt reading FSCC’s mission statement.
RNR HEARING:
COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD: None
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None
A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer seconded by Fewins and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2024-25
Revenue Neutral Rate resolution as presented.
BUDGET HEARING:
COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD: None
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None
A motion was made by Fewins seconded by Bartelsmeyer and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2024-25
budget as presented.
REGULAR MEETING:
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent
agenda as amended.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A proposed automated external defibrillator policy was presented for review. It will be presented for approval at
the regular September board meeting. The goal is to have 15 AEDs across all campuses and train employees how to
use them appropriately as part of the emergency action plan. FSCC currently has three AEDs. One AED costs
approximately $2,000, and grants are being sought to fund the purchases. This policy is the beginning of a long
term plan to adequately equip all areas of FSCC.
B. A proposed travel policy was presented for review. It will be presented for approval at the regular September
board meeting. Bailey asked about specifically addressing wrecks and traffic tickets as well as variations for
situations when employees don’t use a school vehicle.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. Resolution 2024 – 47: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve the Athletic Travel and Athletic Recruiting Policies as presented. In meal reimbursement
statements where it says, “must leave” or “must return” to “leaving” or returning”.6
B. Resolution 2024 – 48: A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to
rescind the approval the Substance Abuse Policy as presented.
C. Resolution 2024 – 49: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote
to approve the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan.
D. Resolution 2024 – 50: A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the Emergency Action Plan as presented.
E. Resolution 2024 – 51: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by
unanimous vote to update the laundry service fee from $25 per semester to $100 per semester, effective
with the Spring, 2025 semester.
F. Resolution 2024 – 52: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve requiring a student’s balance from prior semester(s) to be paid in full before being allowed
to enroll in the current semester, effective with the Spring, 2025 semester.
G. Resolution 2024 – 53: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve changing merchant card services to Square for the Bookstore and Cosmetology
departments.
H. Resolution 2024 – 54: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by
unanimous vote to the purchase of two 28’ Wabash Dry Van trailers, a dolly, one 53′ Vangard Dry Van
and one 45’ Neville Drop Deck trailer from Vander Haag’s for $133,425.
I. Resolution 2024 – 55: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by
unanimous vote to approve insurance brokerage services through NW Mutual with Don Doherty.
REPORTS:
• ADMINISTRATION – The Board reviewed and heard updates from Academic Affairs, Student Services,
Athletics, Finance and Operations, and the Interim President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
6:43pm by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.

FSCC Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda for September 23

September 23, 2024
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
September 23, 2024. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MISSION STATEMENT
Fort Scott Community College is an institution of higher learning with a long history of culture and
diversity that provides affordable academic, technical and occupational programs to meet student needs while
fostering a mutually supportive relationship between the college and its communities.
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on August 26, 2024, and
Special Board Meeting conducted on August 29, 2024, 6
C. Approval of Bills and Claims, 9
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 35
A. Reserve Unencumbered Fund Balance (Cash Reserves) Policy, 35
B. Sex Offender Notification and Policy, 37
C. Financial Responsibility Agreement, 42
D. Burke Street Property, 45
E. Campus Housing Recommendations for 2025-26, 45
ACTION ITEMS, 46
A. Resolution 2024 – 57: Consideration of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Policy, 46
B. Resolution 2024 – 58: Consideration of Travel Policy, 53
C. Resolution 2024 – 59: Approval of Tentative Agreement with FSCAPE, 57
D. Resolution 2024 – 60: Approval of Purchase Order and Invoice Difference, 58
E. Resolution 2024 – 61: Consideration of EdSights Proposal, 59
F. Resolution 2024 – 62: Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute for
Development of Educational Advancement (IDEA), 65
REPORTS, 66
A. Administration1

EXECUTIVE SESSION, 78
ADJOURNMENT, 79
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• September 23, 2024 (to facilitate budget process) Board Meeting
• October 3 – 5, 2024 Gordon Parks Celebration
• October 18, 2024 Math Relays
• October 21, 2024 Board Meeting
• November 18, 2024 Board Meeting
• November 25 – 29, 2024 Campus Closed – Thanksgiving Break
• December 16, 2024 Board Meeting
• December 20, 2024 – January 3, 2025 Campus Closed – Winter Break
• January 20, 2025 Campus Closed – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• January 21, 2025 Spring Semester Begins
• January 27, 2025 (Changed from January 20 due Board Meeting
to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
• February 17, 2025 Board Meeting
• March 24, 2025 (Changed from March 17 due Board Meeting
to spring break)
• March 17 – 21, 2025 Campus Closed – Spring Break
• March 28, 2025 Aggie Day
• April 18, 2025 Campus Closed – Good Friday
• April 21, 2025 Board Meeting
• May 19, 2025 Board Meeting
• May 26, 2025 Campus Closed -Memorial Day
• June 16, 2025 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
Bryan Holt, Chair
Sara Sutton, Interim President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2
ROLL CALL
_____ Ronda Bailey
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Chad McKinnis
_____ Doug Ropp3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC4

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on August 26, 2024, and
Special Board Meeting conducted on August 29, 2024
C. APPROVAL OF BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Michael White, John Deere Technology Instructor, effective October 1, 2024
b) Cheyenne Kern, STARS Administrative Assistant, effective October 1, 2024
2) Transfers
a) Christopher Goddard, from Music Instructor to Director of Music, effective
October 1, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved

Unofficial Uniontown City Council Special Meeting Minutes of Sept. 18

The Special Uniontown Council Meeting on September 18, 2024, at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to review applicants for non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 5:20 PM

 

Meeting resumed at 5:20PM.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to hire Angela Hixon as City Clerk, start date of October 7, 2024

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 5:25PM

KDOT employees celebrate service anniversaries

 

The Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in October. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.

 

Those celebrating 35 years:

  • Lora Kowach, CIT Program Manager, Longford                                                

 

Those celebrating 30 years:

  • Kevin Hennes, Public Service Executive II , Topeka
  • David Schwartz, Special Projects Engineer, Topeka

 

Those celebrating 25 years:

  • Brian Briggs, Database Administration Supervisor, Topeka
  • John Cukjati, Engineering Technician Specialist, Hutchinson
  • Perry Huffman, Highway Maintenance Supervisor, Oakley

 

Those celebrating 20 years:

  • Dominic Harrington, Highway Maintenance Superintendent, Hoyt
  • Michael Hernandez, Network Service Technician III, Topeka
  • Roy Whitcomb, Highway Maintenance Supervisor, Kincaid

 

Those celebrating 15 years:

  • Leah Ogden, Public Service Administrator I, Topeka

 

Those celebrating 10 years:

  • Jaylon Ashburn, Equipment Operator Specialist, Troy
  • Jennifer Cavanaugh, ROW Property Appraiser II , Topeka
  • Kevin Diers, Equipment Operator, Osage City
  • Mark Massey, Applications Developer II, Topeka
  • Chelsea Milner, Engineering Technician Senior, Burrton
  • Lisa Mussman, Public Information Officer I, Phillipsburg
  • Brian Varnadore, Equipment Operator, Alma
  • Karen Williams, Equipment Operator Senior, Mapleton

 

Virtual Statewide Job Fair Highlights Booming Opportunities for Jobseekers

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for talent to take part in the final Virtual Statewide Job Fair of the year, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 25.

“The reliable and resourceful Kansas workforce is attracting a record number of companies to our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “And having so many new jobs is creating opportunities for Kansas jobseekers looking to take the next jump in their professional careers.”

The Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.

About KANSASWORKS:

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.

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, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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John Hrenak retires from KDOT After 45 Years

John Hrenak. Submitted photo.

John Hrenak retires from KDOT

 

John Hrenak, Jr., District Maintenance Engineer for the District Four of the Kansas Department of Transportation, is retiring Oct. 1, following 45 years and four months of service to the State of Kansas.

 

Hrenak began his career with KDOT in 1979 as Project Engineer at the Fort Scott Area Office. He was promoted to Area Construction Engineer and Area Engineer prior to the closure of the Fort Scott office in 1996. Hrenak then became a Staff Engineer at the district office in Chanute. He was named to his current position in 1998.

 

As District Maintenance Engineer, Hrenak has overseen all state highway maintenance and snow and ice removal operations in 17 counties of southeast Kansas. “I’ve always been inspired by the dedication of our maintenance employees,” he said. “They’re the first responders to anything that goes bad. They do a good job for their communities and their families. We’re working for the people of Kansas.”

 

Hrenak lives in Fort Scott. He plans to spend more time with family and friends during his retirement.

 

An open house for Hrenak will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, in the south building of the KDOT District Four office complex at Chanute. The south building is located at 1502 S. Washington St.

 

Over 200 Will Receive Citizenship in Fort Scott on Friday September 20

 New citizens during the naturalization ceremony in 2015.

Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting the U.S. Federal Court proceeding by the U.S. District Court, Kansas District, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Friday, September 20 at 10:30 a.m.

“The park hosts the proceedings by providing the venue, and, working with the community and state, offers added value to the new citizens, their families, and the community,” said Carl Brenner, Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management
Fort Scott National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fosc.)

 

Carl Brenner, Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management
Fort Scott National Historic Site.

“This includes snacks for the naturalizing citizens before the ceremony, a beautiful and historic setting for the event, information about the community and its businesses, and the opportunity to fulfill the civic duty by registering to vote.” he said. “There are also a series of clubs, organizations, and state and local groups helping to make this happen (it takes a village). The Kansas Secretary of State’s office will have a representative here to register voters, new citizens or otherwise.”

What does one have to do to become a citizen?

“Section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requires naturalization applicants to demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including an ability to read, write, and speak words in ordinary usage in the English language, and demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government (civics). To meet the requirements of Section 312 of the INA, applicants must pass a naturalization test to become U.S. citizens. The naturalization test consists of two components: an English language and a civics component. The English language component tests applicants on their ability to speak, read, write, and understand the English language. Applicants who fail one or both test components will have a second opportunity to pass both portions of the test, called a re-exam.  More info at www.uscis.gov/citizenship We have been running some of the questions on our Facebook page this week.”

Today’s questions on its Facebook page:

Wednesday’s Questions:
 Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
What is one reason colonists came to America?
 If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

www.facebook.com/FortScottNPS

www.instagram.com/FortScottNPS

http://twitter.com/FortScottNPS

Jane Njeri Lifer smiles following the naturalization ceremony in 2017. In her hand is the certificate of naturalization.

The Ceremony

“Check-in begins at 9 a.m., and the ceremony begins at 10:30. Fort Scott VFW Post 1165, Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post, will be the Color Guard. Musical performances from the Fort Scott High School Orchestra, with welcoming remarks by Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent Jill Jaworski and Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin. A keynote address will be made by Angela Bates, founder, past president, and current executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society and Museum,” he said.

Jill Jaworski, Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent. Submitted photo.
Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager. Submitted photo.
Angela Bates,  founder, past president, and current executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society and Museum. Submitted photo.

 

“We are looking at 201 naturalized citizens from 57 different countries. One of the largest ceremonies in the National Park Service,” he said.

Countries represented are  Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Cameroon, Canada, China, Colombia, Congo (Kinshasa), Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

A prior Naturalization Ceremony at Fort Scott National Historic Site. Photo credit NPS.