Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Animal Virus Confirmed in Bourbon County

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KDA Update on Vesicular Stomatitis Virus 7-31-2020

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — Updated situation report on the ongoing outbreak of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) in Kansas:

  • Total premises which have tested positive for VSV in Kansas: 97
  • Premises currently under quarantine: 51
  • Premises that have been released from quarantine: 157
  • Total counties in Kansas that have had positive cases of VSV: 24
  • Counties: Allen, Bourbon, Butler, Chase, Cherokee, Coffey, Cowley, Crawford, Elk, Franklin, Greenwood, Labette, Linn, Lyon, Marion, Miami, Montgomery, Morris, Neosho, Riley, Sedgwick, Sumner, Wilson and Woodson counties.

 

KDA’s Division of Animal Health continues to respond to the outbreak that began in south central Kansas in mid-June and has now expanded its reach to the north and east. In addition, KDA is awaiting laboratory results from symptomatic animals in other counties as the outbreak continues to spread. All premises with confirmed cases of VSV in horses and cattle have been quarantined; in addition, any premises with animals showing clinical signs consistent with VSV are placed on quarantine. A quarantine for VSV lasts for at least 14 days from the onset of symptoms in the last animal on the premises. Quarantines are not lifted until a veterinarian has examined all susceptible animals on the premises.

 

What is VSV:

VSV is a viral disease which primarily affects horses, but can also affect cattle, sheep, goats, swine, llamas and alpacas. At this time, the vast majority of confirmed cases of VSV in Kansas have been horses, although some cattle have also been diagnosed. KDA has advised the beef industry to be vigilant in monitoring their cattle for symptoms.

 

In horses, VSV is typically characterized by lesions which appear as crusting scabs on the muzzle, lips, ears, coronary bands, or ventral abdomen. Other clinical signs of the disease include fever and the formation of blister-like lesions in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, ears, hooves and teats. Infected animals may refuse to eat and drink, which can lead to weight loss. Vesicular stomatitis can be painful for infected animals and costly to their owners. Although it is rare, humans can also become infected with the disease when handling affected animals and can develop flu-like symptoms. VSV is considered a reportable disease in Kansas. If you observe clinical signs among your animals, contact your veterinarian right away. Accredited veterinarians across Kansas have played a critical role by reporting and responding to animals affected by VSV.

 

Disease prevention:

The primary way the virus is transmitted is from biting insects like black flies, sand flies and midges. Owners should institute robust measures to reduce flies and other insects where animals are housed. VSV can also be spread by nose-to-nose contact between animals. The virus itself usually runs its course in five to seven days, and it can take up to an additional seven days for the infected animal to recover from the symptoms. There are no approved vaccines for VSV.

 

KDA has developed guidelines to assist organizations which are hosting shows and fairs across the state, and have worked with many of them to consider how they can protect the health and safety of animals attending their events.

 

VSV in the U.S.:

VSV has also been confirmed in Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Because of the confirmed cases in Kansas, other states and Canada are likely to increase restrictions on livestock imports. Animal health officials strongly encourage all livestock owners and veterinarians to call the animal health authority in the destination location for the most current import requirements prior to travel.

 

More information:

Information about VSV can be found by contacting the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601 or on the KDA website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/VSV, with info about:

  • Documents describing symptoms of VSV
  • Recommendations for fly control practices
  • Guidelines for shows and fairs
  • Informational webinars about VSV
  • Current state and national situation reports

 

Bourbon County, Business, Government

Wind Energy Project Is Advancing In Bourbon County

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Standing at the bottom of a wind turbine looking up at the clear Kansas sky.

The Bourbon County Commission voted on March 13, 2020,  to approve a wind energy project submitted by Apex Clean Energy, Charlottesville, Virginia. There was some community protest, but the commission moved forward with the project that will produce energy from wind turbines.

 

 

The development of the Jayhawk Wind Project continues to advance, according to Helen Humphreys, Public Engagement Manager for Apex Clean Energy, the parent company of Jayhawk Wind.
The land is currently being inspected on proposed sites.

“We are in process of conducting (and) completing micro siting efforts, a process which involves a physical inspection to verify that the site meets all requirements,” she said in an email interview. “Once micro siting is complete,  engineering studies will be conducted to further evaluate the sites on which facilities might be located.”

 

 

“Once this work is complete, we will share the locations of the planned facilities with landowners and collect their feedback, before a map is finalized,” she said.

 

 

“There are 74 participating landowners in the Jayhawk Wind Project,” Humphreys said. As things stand now, construction will begin in late 2020 and the project will be operational in 2021.

 

 

The Apex Clean Energy company has been building connections in Bourbon County, as well.

 

 

“Finally, and importantly, the Jayhawk team has continued to build connections in the community,” Humphrey’s said. “Guided by community leaders, Jayhawk has provided grants to a number of community organizations, including The Beacon food pantry and Feeding Families in His Name.”

 

 

Julianna Pianelli, Apex Development Manager, explained that “early in the pandemic response, Jayhawk connected with community non-profits and church leaders to identify the organizations positioned to meet community needs. We are humbled by the commitment of so many to their neighbors and community and are very pleased to support their work.”
For more background on Jayhawk Wind in Bourbon County:
Opinion

Optimists by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

“Optimists see opportunity in every danger; pessimists see danger in every opportunity.”

Winston Churchill

If there were a category somewhere between “optimistic” and “delusional,” my husband would land there. Need proof?

“All I have to do is tighten the screw and the door will shut.” It did not.

“This ladder is steady.” It was not.

“I’ve found a new glue that will hold the water pipe together.” It did not.

“Duct tape and zip ties will look fine on our outdoor lights.” They did not.

“That kayak cannot tip.” It can, and it did.

“Flex-Seal will stop this hose from leaking.” It did not.

“Our boat is running well.” Except for needing a new battery, it probably was.

I tend to favor the pithy attitude of people like Walt Disney who once said, “I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter.” That last part has been hard for Dave to nail down (pun intended).

Personally, I lean more towards a healthy dose of realism—you know, hope for the best but plan for something short of “best” (no doubt because that’s how my life has played out). John Wooden put it this way: “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” I have to admit, Dave does that. He never gets upset; he just plods along with his next, grand, Gorilla Glue and duct-tape idea.

Now, if you’re like me, you would much rather hang with an optimist than a pessimist. I know no one who wants to spend time with a curmudgeon who sees only what’s wrong, and even if they are right, their stubborn disposition does nothing to draw others into agreement with them. When I think of pessimists, I am reminded of the man who belly-ached to his neighbor, “My hen hatched out 12 chicks, and all of them died but 11.” Have you met someone like that? Worse, are you that person?

Real-deal Christians are not pessimists. They live by Romans 8:28: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. No matter if screws are stripped or ladders are uneven or batteries are dead. No matter what.

Optimistic people find ways to brighten other’s lives. Take, for example, major league baseball, which recently began its shortened season. Because no fans are allowed in the stands, the Los Angeles Dodgers came up with the idea of having cardboard cut-outs to replace the loyal, season-ticket holders who typically fill the seats. Then they allowed supporters to submit their pictures, pay a fee, and have their faces used. Remaining chairs hold large, stuffed animals and even celebrity cutouts. The life-size cutout of Tom Hanks—whose first job was to sell hotdogs at the Oakland A’s field—stands erect on the stairs dividing two sections behind home plate.

Before the game, the cameraman caught one of the Angels’ players walking amongst the Oakland “fans,” placing Angels’ t-shirts over the cutouts. How fun is that? They are finding good in something bad (Covid-19). We all should be doing likewise.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, Dave just headed to the garage with some wire and electrical tape. Something tells me there’s a story in what is about to unfold, and being the optimist I am, no doubt it will be a good one.

Bourbon County, Elections

Candidates Meet Public July 28

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A candidate meet-and-greet event was organized for citizens to meet some candidates for the upcoming election.

The event was held on July 28 at The Boiler Room Brewhaus, at the corner of National Avenue and Wall Street in downtown Fort Scott.

Bob Hamilton, candidate for  US Senate; Clifton Beth, candidate for Bourbon County Commission District 3,  and Jim Harris, District 2 County Commissioner candidate met with the public.

Approximately 25 attended, according to Josh Jones, who submitted the photo and information.

From left to right are  Bob Hamilton, Josh Jones, Gil Beerbower, and Jim Harris.

 

 

Bourbon County

American Legion Post 25 Scuttlebutt

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Bourbon County Voting

Advance voting at the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue continues until noon, August 3.

The hours of the county clerk’s office are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 pm.  There is a plexiglass barrier between the voter and poll worker and employees are sanitizing after each voter, Bourbon County Clerk Kendell Mason said.

“Masks are not required, but we strongly encourage people to wear them to help keep everyone safe,” Mason said.” Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at all polling places.”

For more information on voting or to check your voting location, go to http://www.bourboncountyks.org/county-clerk-election/

Membership

The 2021 membership cards have arrived.  Any member desiring to pay their 2021 dues can pay them at our meeting on Monday or go online to www.legion.org and follow the prompts to renew. Dues are still $40 per year.

Members have also received renewal notifications in the mail. You can also mail in your renewals as well.

Upcoming Events

 

July 31 – August 2. Department Convention at the Ramada Hotel. The Department Convention is open to all Legionnaires. More information on the Department Convention can be found at https://ksamlegion.org/

August 3. American Legion Post 25 general membership meeting at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. Our regular Post meet and greet starts at 6:30 pm.  Sons of the American Legion (SONS) Squadron 25 members also meet concurrently with the American Legion.

August 4. Primary voting in Bourbon County.

August 13. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 meets at 600 pm in Memorial Hall.

August 13.  American Legion Post 25 Color Guard meets at 730 pm in Memorial Hall. All Post 25 Legion family members are invited to join the Post 25 Color Guard. This includes Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion Squadron members.

Do not hesitate to contact me or any Officer with any suggestions to improve Fort Scott American Legion Post 25.

Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.

620-215-1688/[email protected]

Fort Scott, Government

FS Design Review Board Meets Aug. 5

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The Design Review Board will meet on Wednesday, August 5th, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. at the City Hall Commission Meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to discuss a Certificate of Appropriateness for a sign at 19 S. National and a Certificate of Appropriateness for signage in the downtown area for the walking trail and any others matters to be brought before the Board. This meeting is open to the public.

This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.

Government, Jobs, Kansas

KDA Releases Custom Rates Survey

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the Kansas State University Land Use Survey Program has published the 2020 Custom Rates Survey, a summary of rates paid for custom work. The survey and report are released on a biennial basis.

 

The report details the average rates paid by Kansas farmers and ranchers for custom work performed on their operation in 2020. Rates reflect fair market value for custom services either rendered or hired and can be used by Kansas farmers and ranchers as they make decisions about rate charges.

 

“We view the Kansas Custom Rates Survey as a very valuable tool for farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses to access as they enter into new and negotiate existing contracts and agriculture service arrangements,” said Secretary Mike Beam. “KDA works to provide support and assistance to help make Kansas agriculture more successful, and we are pleased to partner with K-State to publish this biennial survey.”

 

Last published in 2018, the new report indicates average custom rates have increased; it also includes historical tables and graphs which show results from previous surveys. Prices in the report should not be regarded as official or established rates.

 

For more complete information and access to the report, please visit the KDA website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/AgStatistics or contact KDA economist Peter Oppelt at 785-564-6726 or [email protected].

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Jeff Fischer: Candidate for Bourbon County Commissioner, Advance Voting Has Begun

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Jeff Fischer. Submitted photo.

Advance voting at the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue continues until noon, August 3.

The hours of the county clerk’s office are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 pm.  There is a plexiglass barrier between the voter and poll worker and employees are sanitizing after each voter, Bourbon County Clerk Kendell Mason said.

“Masks are not required, but we strongly encourage people to wear them to help keep everyone safe,” Mason said.” Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at all polling places.”

To view the Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum on July 20, click here: https://fortscott.biz/news/view-the-candidate-forum-last-night-here

 

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Name:

Jeff Fischer

What position you are running for:

County Commissioner 2nd District

Age:

59 Years

Education:

Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering

Masters of Science Civil Engineering

Post Graduate Studies Civil Engineering

Experience:

3.5 years of experience in the role of Commissioner

10 years of leading corporate and collegiate learning experiences

20 years of construction engineering experience

What skills do you bring to the position if elected or re-elected?

If my constituents re-elect me to serve again as their commissioner I bring the skills from the past as outlined in my educational background: Professional Civil Engineer, Experience with heavy construction, Experience speaking to large audiences on a wide range of topics from the medical service sector to roads and bridge rehabilitation. I am a skilled researcher and seek to understand complex issues by drawing from a broad band of knowledge, before narrowing down to reaching a decision for the good of the present with a look to future growth and development. I have the skills of a pastor who nurtures the flock in my pastoral duties in my church. As a leader in the ministerial community I have gained the skill of listening and the skill of humbling myself. I learn from my mistakes. I seek input from others and try to make amends for wrongs foolishly committed. I have a genuine love for the future growth of Fort Scott and Bourbon County. My public speaking skills at local, regional, state and national levels are a valued asset to our community. I can represent Bourbon County in the Committee meetings across the globe, if necessary, to gain access to outsiders planning to locate their businesses in rural America. I am skilled at financial planning and can assist in helping department heads when they seek guidance in yearly budgets. I have a unique skill in historical memories of Fort Scott, remembering what our great-grand parents envisioned for us and dreamed for our children. My skills are varied, yes, through years of formal education and also life experiences. My constituents afforded me an opportunity to serve Bourbon County four years ago. Thank you for your vote of confidence in 2016. Please review what the commission as a body has accomplished. I humbly ask your forgiveness for my stumbles. I seek the chance to continue in service to the community we all love.

What is your priority on day one?

  1. Listen carefully.
  2. Secure additional anchor tenants to realize the capacity and benefits of the Medical Mall concept.
  3. Develop and implement a strategic plan for county infrastructure.

 

Fort Scott

Gordon Parks Annual Celebration Cancelled Due to COVID-19

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To ensure the health and safety of our visitors, students, and community with these uncertain times of Covid-19, the Annual Gordon Parks Celebration has been cancelled for this year.

We have rescheduled the event for October 2021.

This was a very hard decision to make as we were looking forward to this year’s celebration, but the health and safety of everyone is our top priority.

We are already making plans for next year’s celebration to be even better, so please save the dates of October 7 -9, 2021.

We would like thank all of our donors and supporters for their support and patience during these challenging times.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions, 620-223-2700 ext. 5850or email [email protected].

Bourbon County Local News