Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council 2024 Amended Budget Hearing, 2025 Budget Hearing Is August 13

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07-24 Revenue Report

2025 Budget

2024 Amended Budget

2024 Financials – July Treas Report, Act v Bud

2024 Amended Budget Hearing 6:30PM, 2025 Budget Hearing 6:45PM, Regular Uniontown City Council Meeting 7PM, Tuesday, August 13, 2024

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

2024 Budget Amendment Hearing

 

2025 Budget Hearing

 

Bid opening for repairs and improvements to building located at 201 Sherman St

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

Raymond “Skeet” George – fence for pickleball court

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of July 9, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and July 16, 2024 Budget Worksession
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball court project –

 

Streets –

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

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

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Budget Work Session Minutes of July 16

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The Budget Worksession on July 16, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (5:42), Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Clerk Johnson explained why she thought the 2024 budget needs amended and presented her suggestions for amending the general fund and the special highway fund.  Council agreed with suggestions and suggested date for hearing is August 13, 2024, 6:30PM.

 

Clerk Johnson and Treasurer Bolinger presented proposed budget before and after amending 2024 budget.  Council only looked at the after amend proposal.  Several line items were tweaked and Council agreed to not exceed the revenue neutral rate.  Treasurer Bolinger made changes to proposed budget as proposals were made.  The suggested date for budget hearing is August 13, 2024, 6:45PM.

 

Clerk Johnson will email County Clerk of intent to not exceed revenue neutral rate tonight.  She will also have hearing notices published no later than July 31.

 

Worksession adjourned at 7:40PM.

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on July 9

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The Regular Council Meeting on July 9, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:01), Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Mary Pillion (Old Settlers Committee), City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Mary Pillion, Old Settlers Committee – requested to have a street dance again this year on Friday or Saturday and would like to block off Sherman St between 2nd and 3rd Sts.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to allow the street dance on either Friday, August 30, or Saturday, August 31, and to block off Sherman St between 2nd and 3rd Sts

 

A sponsorship form for Old Settlers Picnic was presented.  City provides a trash dumpster and staff to keep public restrooms clean and stocked.

 

Dave Wehry via email – requested to pay his bill in two payments without a penalty assessed as meter was misread by the City in May causing his bill to be very high this month.

 

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to allow two payments and waive penalty since we misread in May

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the June 2024 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $262,758.51, Receipts $57,246.25, Transfers Out $3.026.00, Expenditures $24.827.71, Checking Account Closing Balance $292.151.05. Bank Statement Balance $298.333.35, including Checking Account Interest of $58.67, Outstanding Deposits $117.01, Outstanding Checks $6,299.31, Reconciled Balance $292,151.05.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,407.04, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,376.69, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,198.64, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $390,133.42. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $342.09, and Utility CDs $883.53 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,225.62.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of June 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  June Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of June $29,392.54, Year-to-Date Net Income $56,671.85.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $53,724.09 (43.5%), Expenditures $63,992.22 (39.4%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $17,218.50 (46.6%), Expenditures $16,739.80 (39.8%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $82,090.53 (56.0%), Expenditures $58,322.40 (32.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $131,202.05 (80.0%), Expenditures $105,806.96 (52.3%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,966.38 (54.6%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The July 2024 payables to date in the amount of $13,741.22 were presented.  The invoices from KMGA, Homestead Tech, Phillips 66, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve amended Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of June 14, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

Request to schedule a budget worksession.  Assessed valuation is down approximately $929,000.  Revenue Neutral Rate for this budget is 63.882.  We must notify County Clerk by July 20 if plan to exceed revenue neutral rate.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to schedule a budget worksession on July 16, 5:30PM, dinner will be provided

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan invited owners of 101 Washington to attend regarding yard and inoperable vehicle.  They did not attend; a letter will be sent.  Commended property owners for keeping yards mowed – 102 Franklin, 505 Washington.  201 Fulton has sold and new owner is cleaning up property.  303 Clay has sold.  204 2nd St has new tenant that is sheriff’s deputy.  405 Hill St – they are not getting the mobile home approved by the council.  They are looking for another mobile home but will more than likely sell property as is.  There are some properties that ditches are not being mowed or trimming done.  Behind the buses needs trimmed badly.  505 Wall still has an unregistered vehicle on premises.

 

City Superintendent Rich absent.  He is still waiting on quotes for gas valve replacements.

 

Clerk Johnson asked all to sign a thank you note to Union State Bank for the exceptional Independence Day Bash.  Colby did an awesome job of keeping restrooms clean and stocked.

She also reminded council that City Clerk replacement will need to attend educational trainings as soon as possible. A couple of applications have been received.  Council will keep them on file and continue accepting applications at this time.

Information was received from Repurposed Materials Inc.

She followed up with Brian Allen, BBCOEM, regarding the April flooding.  It may be months before FEMA makes a determination.

Received Approved Pending Adoption Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan and request for adoption resolution.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to approve Resolution 2024-0709-1 adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilman Stewart – asked about fencing that was washed out in April flooding at lagoon.  Superintendent Rich has cleaned up debris and repaired the fence.  After pictures have not been taken yet.

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Chalk lines were done then it rained.  They will try to get chalked and completed by August meeting.

 

Warehouse project – Mayor Jurgensen is hopeful to mail out invitation for bids by end of week.  Would like for them to be opened at August 13 meeting and completed by December 15, 2024.

 

Streets – It was requested Superintendent Rich order saturock and patch potholes before school starts.

Mayor Jurgensen is working on mitigation funding for culverts and ditches.

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:58PM

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Board of Education Agenda for August 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

August 12, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                                                         Stewart Gulager, Vice President

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

  1.    07/08/24 Minutes
  2.    07/29/24 Minutes

            4.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – July 20, 2024 – $1,718,427.40

4.5       Activity Funds Accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts

4.7       Resolution 24-06 Remove Bank Account Signers

4.8       Resolution 24-07 Add Bank Account Signers

5.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            5.1       Superintendent’s Report     

            5.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            5.3       Special Education Director’s Report                     

 

6.0       New Business Overview of budget

6.1       Handbook for 2024-25 school year

6.2       Supplemental Salary Schedule 2024-25

6.3       Adult Meal Plan Pricing 2024-25

6.4       Overview of Budget (Discussion)

            Needs Assessment 2024-25

6.5       No Limits Rehabilitation Inc. Contract for Physical Therapy (Action Item)

 

7.0       Public Forum

8.0       Other Business –

 

8.1       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters & Premium Pay (Action Item)

8.2       Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)

8.3       Approval of Premium Pay –

8.4       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

9.0       Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)                                                     Stewart Gulager, Vice President

Bourbon County, Government

The Bo Co Commission Agenda for August 12

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Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

Payroll 8-9-2024

Accounts Payable 8-9-2024

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

 

August 12, 2024 4:00 p.m.

 

Please note this meeting begins at 4:00 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Budget Discussion
  1. Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 7/29/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $298,476.77
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $1,006,244.56
  2. Public Comments
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(6)
  • Commission Comments
  1. 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.

 

Exercise, Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Fire Department Invites the Community to Join Them in a Stair Climb to Remember 9/11

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The Fort Scott Fire Department is promoting an event they perform every year amongst members to commemorate 9/11- the day the United States was attacked by terrorists, in 2001. Many firefighters on duty died that day attempting to help people.
“I thought this would be a neat tribute to get the public involved as well,” FSFD Deputy Chief Mike Miles said. “The purpose is to remember those who sacrificed  and served on September 11.”
Mike Miles. Submitted photo.
“We are also using this to start a scholarship for high schoolers who may want to venture into the Fire Service,” he said.  “We could provide them with tuition for the academy.  There would be steps and measures one would have to take to receive the scholarship. That will be discussed at a later date when we get the Junior Fire Fighter program going.”
“We would also use some proceeds to donate to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation,” he said.
September 7, is the event, located on South Main Street, at the Fort Scott High School football stadium. Registration and walk-ups start at 8 a.m. The event will begin at 9 a.m.
There are three different options to participate.
“You can perform the stair climb, which would consist of 15 trips back and forth, up and down the stadium stairs. Or walk a 5k around the track or run a 5k through downtown and back to the stadium.”
One can register on the link provided on the fire department’s Facebook page.
“You receive a T-shirt with your registration and the cost is $25 for adults, $15 for kids.”
This t-shirt is for sale for the event. Photo taken from the Fort Scott Fire Department Facebook page.
“We have flyers also at local businesses and gas stations you can scan the QR code and it takes you to the registration page.”

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

Viral Infections On The Rise In The Region

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A Note from the Bourbon County  Health Officer:
Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director.
As respiratory illnesses such as colds, flu, COVID-19, and other viral infections are on the rise in our region, it is crucial for our community to take preventive measures to protect both individual and public health. The SEK Multi-County Health Department is urging everyone to be vigilant in practicing habits that can reduce the risk of infection and help control the spread of these viruses.Here are some key steps everyone can take:

  1. Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of viruses.
  1. Wear a Mask: Masks are particularly important in crowded or enclosed spaces where social distancing may be difficult. They help reduce the transmission of respiratory droplets.
  1. Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Always use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. This simple action helps prevent the spread of germs to others.
  1. Stay Home if You Are Sick: If you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness, please stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others. Rest and recovery are essential for your health and the health of our community.
  1. Get Vaccinated: Staying up to date with your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine (when available) is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from serious illness. You may also want to consider getting the RSV vaccine if you are pregnant or are 60 years or older.

We encourage everyone to follow these guidelines and stay informed about the latest public health recommendations. Together, we can make a significant impact in reducing the spread of respiratory viruses in our community.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. By working together, we can keep our community healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Johnson, BSN, RN

Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer

SEK Multi-County Health Department

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Becky Johnson, BSN-RN
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer
SEK Multi-County Health Department
Address 524 S Lowman St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Website www.sekmchd.com/   Email [email protected]
Phone (620)223-4464   Fax (620) 223-1686
Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Meets Today at 4 p.m.

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Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will be holding a special meeting Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 4:00 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting will be to address items that need attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting on August 26, 2024, including personnel additions.

Immediately following the originally scheduled special meeting referenced , the Board will conduct another special meeting.  They will adjourn to executive session to discuss non-elected personnel.

Government, Health Care

U.S. EPA Suspends a Pesticide

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KDA Advises Public Regarding EPA’s Emergency Suspension of DCPA

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is sharing notice that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the emergency suspension of all registrations of pesticide products containing the active ingredient dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA). EPA previously approved registrations for pesticide products containing DCPA to control weeds in both agricultural and non-agricultural sites, including non-residential turf sites, nursery stock and produce.

This emergency suspension is a result of EPA’s determination that DCPA is an imminent health hazard, in particular for babies whose mothers were exposed to DCPA during pregnancy. EPA’s determination that led to the emergency suspension comes as a result of the registration review process in which registered pesticides are periodically evaluated to ensure they cause no unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. The emergency suspension is effective immediately, and prohibits the continued sale, distribution and use of any pesticide products containing DCPA.

Dacthal Flowable Herbicide, (EPA Registration Number 5481-487) is the only pesticide product containing DCPA which had been approved for use in Kansas. Although most usage of this product was likely in commercial operations, it is possible that individual consumers may have purchased it as a general use product. If you are in possession of Dacthal Flowable Herbicide, you are advised to cease use of that product and contact the manufacturer for details on the return procedure. Retail or wholesale businesses must remove the products from their sales inventory and contact the manufacturer for details on the return procedure. Do not dispose of the product by any means until you are provided with instructions by the manufacturer.

KDA’s pesticide and fertilizer program oversees the use of pesticides in the state, including registration of pesticide products and enforcement of federal orders that apply to products that are registered for use in Kansas. Additional information about the emergency suspension of DCPA, including the text of the emergency order, can be found on the EPA website at www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-issues-emergency-order-stop-use-pesticide-dacthal-address-serious-health-risk-4.

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Government, Kansas

KDOT requesting comment on draft 2025 STIP

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KDOT requesting comment on draft 2025 STIP
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on the draft Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025-2028 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The draft STIP document is available for review online at https://www.ksdot.gov/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp. Select the draft FFY 2025-2028 STIP- link at the top of the page.

The approval of the STIP requires a public comment period of 30 days, which concludes on Sept. 6. To make comments on the STIP document, contact Lisa Roth at (785) 296-0892 or Gene Ingwerson at (785) 296-0136 with KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

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Government, Health Care, Youth

K.R.I. Update To Open A Unit For 9-13 Year Olds

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The west entrance of the Kansas Renewal Institute, June 2024.

 

Kansas Renewal Institute is an addiction treatment center, mental health service and healthcare administrator, which opened its doors at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, in April 2024.

To view the feature on the opening: https://fortscott.biz/news/k-r-i-is-fully-staffed-licensed-and-ready-for-patients

The facility receives patient referrals through Managed Care Organizations (MCO) from the State of Kansas Medicaid Program, said Joe Tinervin, K.R.I.President of Operations.

They currently have 32 adolescent residents.

” We chose not to pursue a license for Substance Abuse Disorder/Detox at this time,” Tinerin said.  “We decided to go all-in for Physiactric Residential Treatment Facility because that’s what the State needs help with the most.”
Joe Tinervin, from his LinkedIn site.
“Our current census consists of residents between the ages of 8 to 16 with separate units for pre-adolescents and adolescents. Our license allows us to work with youth ages 6 to 18,” he said.
“We currently have 72 employees and growing,” he said. ” We have enough staff to accommodate our current census with room for growth, but we’re always searching for new talent who are aligned with our mission and core values, to join our organization.”

To view prior stories on K.R.I.:

Kansas Renewal Institute Opens First Location

Kansas Renewal Institute Repurposes Mercy Hospital

“All referrals come through the MCOs,” he said. “Sunflower, United Healthcare and Aetna Better Health of Kansas.”

“The kids we have admitted have been on the waitlist for quite a while,” Tinervin said.

K.R.I. is opening a pre-adolesent unit specifically for children aged 9-13 years old, allowing this age group to be separated from older adolescents.

K.R.I. occupies the north and west wings of the former Mercy Hospital.

A small sign on the sliding door is the only marker for the entrance to K.R.I. at the west entrance to the facility. There is a similar small sign on the east door.  June 2024

On June 13, Freeman Health Systems announced that the southwest part at 410 Woodland Hills Blvd. will become a 10-bed hospital with an emergency department.

“Having both medical and behavioral health under one roof, we’ll be able to reach more people with needs,” Tinervin said.

 

The former Mercy Hospital is the site of the new Kansas Renewal Institute. Several other entities are officed in the building as well.
Government

Two Kansas Notable Books Selected for 2024 Great Reads from Great Places

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Two Kansas Notable Books Selected for 2024 Great Reads from Great Places


TOPEKA – The Kansas Center for the Book, part of the State Library of Kansas, selects one youth and one adult book to represent the state in the annual Great Reads from Great Places program. The program highlights books that are written by authors from the state, take place in the state, or celebrate the state’s culture and heritage.

The Kansas great reads for this year feature two Kansas Notable Book winners: One Boy Watching, written and illustrated by Grant Snider and Hell’s Half-Acre: The Untold Story of the Benders, A Serial Killer Family on the American Frontier, by Susan Jonusas.

One Boy Watching celebrates the extraordinary found within the ordinary. This book puts into words what it feels like to be a passenger, inviting young readers to climb aboard bus number four as it opens a new world of discovery.

Hell’s Half-Acre: The Untold Story of the Benders, A Serial Killer Family on the American Frontier tells the story of how the people of Labette County, Kansas, in 1873, made a grisly discovery. Buried by a trailside cabin beneath an orchard of young apple trees were the remains of countless bodies. Below the cabin itself was a cellar stained with blood. The Benders, the family of four who once resided on the property, were nowhere to be found. The discovery sent the local community and national newspapers into a frenzy that continued for decades, sparking an epic manhunt for the Benders.

The Kansas selections officially join the 2024 Great Reads from Great Places at the National Book Festival in Washington D.C. on August 24, 2024. To view previous years’ selections visit Library of Congress Great Reads from Great Places. You can start in Kansas, then discover literary highlights from the other 49 states and 6 territories that have Center for the Book affiliates.

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