Click below:
Bourbon County Has Four New COVID 19 Cases Since Yesterday: Orders To Isolate/Quarantine Given
Click below for the latest directive from Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Departments Administrator.
Written directives are given for all those who have tested positive for COVID 19, or are a close contact of one who has tested positive.
These individuals must isolate or quarantine in their homes or other suitable location due to the recent spread of the virus.
Several persons have been uncooperative to remain at home, Johnson said in the press release.
The directive starts today, June 24, 2020 at 8 p.m. until July 8, 2020.
Kansas Commission on Racial Equity and Justice Established Today
Governor Laura Kelly announces Commission on Racial Equity and Justice
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed Executive Order No. 20-48 establishing the Governor’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice. The Commission is tasked with studying issues of racial equity and justice in Kansas and will begin its work focusing on law enforcement-community relations.
“As Governor, I am committed to ensuring this latest tragedy does not fade into the next news cycle. Communities of color do not have the luxury of time for leaders to address these issues,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I have convened a diverse and qualified group of Kansas stakeholders, including members of law enforcement and advocacy groups, to form the Commission on Racial Equity and Justice. Their purpose is to find and present policy actions the state can take on issues of racial equity and justice in Kansas.”
The Commission will study racial equity and justice in Kansas, and hold listening sessions with Kansans across the state with experience and expertise in the topic. The Commission will make recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, and local governments on concrete and immediate steps that can be taken to increase racial equity and justice in Kansas.
The Commission will be co-chaired by Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent of Topeka Public Schools USD 501, and Dr. Shannon Portillo, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs KU Edwards Campus & School of Professional Studies. The remaining members of the task force are:
- Secretary DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Topeka – Kansas Department of Administration
- Dr. Brandon Davis, Lawrence, Assistant Professor – University of Kansas
- Ernestor De La Rosa, Dodge City, Assistant City Manager – City of Dodge City
- Mark Dupree, Wyandotte, District Attorney – Wyandotte County
- David Jordan, Hutchinson, President & CEO – United Methodist Health Ministry Fund
- Dr. Anthony Lewis, Lawrence, Superintendent – USD 497 Lawrence
- Mark McCormick, Johnson County, Director of Strategic Communications – Kansas ACLU
- John Nave, Topeka, Executive Vice President – Kansas AFL-CIO
- Chief Gordon Ramsay, Wichita, Chief of Police – Wichita Police Department
- Catalina Velarde, Overland Park, Attorney and Adjunct Professor – UMKC School of Law, Johnson County
- Jackson Winsett, Kansas City, Assistant Vice President – Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
- A representative of the Native American tribes of Kansas, to be selected by tribal leadership
“Governor Kelly’s commitment to equity for all Kansans is clear as she empowers a diverse group to bring additional voices and recommendations to the Legislature, local and state government,” co-chair Dr. Tiffany Anderson said. “The Governor’s courageous step to address equity through this Commission is a step that further defines Kansas as a leader and turns a moment of national unrest into a movement of progress for us all. It is a privilege as the superintendent of Topeka Public Schools to co-chair the Commission with Dr. Portillo, and I look forward to listening, learning, and working with others to ensure we have more equitable systems in place, serving all Kansas families well.”
The Commission will meet virtually or in-person as recommended by public health guidance. It will make its initial report to Governor Kelly by December 1, 2020.
“We are seeing a call for systemic change across the country, and I am thrilled that Governor Kelly has been clear in her response,” co-chair Dr. Shannon Portillo said. “Here in Kansas, we’re going to make real change. I’m honored to work beside the diverse group of experts the Governor has brought together, and I look forward to getting to work, holding listening sessions across our state, and making policy and practice recommendations that address inequities in Kansas.”
“This is not an issue I feel comfortable sitting on and waiting for changes to happen,” Governor Kelly said. “We must be proactive in the way we approach these issues, as they impact the lives of Kansans every day. By focusing this Commission initially on policing and law enforcement, we aim to make changes that will improve the safety of both citizens and police officers.”
Executive Order #20-48 can be viewed here.
More information about members of the Commission can be viewed here.
FS Pool Closes Due to Increase in COVID 19 Cases
The Fort Scott Aquatic Center will be closed for the next seven (7) days beginning today due to the increase in COVID-19 cases. Buck Run Community Center will also be closed beginning today for the next seven (7) days. These closures will be reevaluated after the seven days.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please call City Hall at 223-0550 if you have questions.
New Swap Meet Starts This Weekend: Vendors Wanted
A new outdoor swap meet starts this Saturday, June 27 in Fort Scott.
A swap meet is a gathering for the sale or barter of usually secondhand objects, according to merriam-webster.com.
“This is where you can possibly find the best of everything else,” Monalynn Decker, organizer of the event, said. “This is where there will be a mixture of new, used, and old, goodies to find.”
“My reason (to start this event) is… I felt that along… that this would help vendors in getting a chance to sell items that they haven’t been able to since Covid-19 has started,” Decker said. ” I’m also hoping that this event will help our event visitors in finding much-needed items at affordable prices!”
“I’m hoping that this summer event will bring our community, along with surrounding communities to come out a bit – (but safely) and have some fun,” she said.
Mo’s Swap Meet will be open from June 27 to September 19 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the parking lot of The Venue, 223 S. Margrave. The parking lot is on the east side of the building, which is at the corner of Third and Barbee Streets.
Monalynn Decker is the organizer of the event, and vendors should pre-register by phone to Decker at 417-689-9289.
Space rental is 15 by 15-foot, $15; 15 by 30-foot, $25.
The swap meet will be held rain or shine, according to Mo’s Swap Meet Facebook page, unless canceled by the organizer.
Chamber Coffees Cancelled Until July 9
The Chamber Coffee
for tomorrow June 25th
at Old Fort Auto is being CANCELED due to recent COVID-19 cases locally.
Coffees will tentatively
resume July 9th with
more details to come.
Thank you!
_____
In the meanwhile, check out
OLD FORT AUTO
in Fort Scott’s Downtown Historic District!
213 S. Scott Street
Click here to visit their Facebook page.
Click here to visit their website!
_________
Contact the Chamber with any questions
at 620-223-3566 or email [email protected].
Fort Scott Commission Special Meeting June 24
There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24th, 2020. This meeting will be held to discuss the Aquatic Center, Buck Run Community Center, and the increase in COVID-19 cases. This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting will not be open to the public.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 24
Click below:
06-24-2020A
Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Agenda June 24
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: June 24, 2020
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
SPECIAL MEETING
10:00 Special Meeting, EXECUTIVE SESSION, Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system
Lynne Oharah, Jeff Fischer, Nick Ruhl, Justin Meeks and Public Health Department
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports June 23
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“To The Stars” From KWPT
Division of Tourism Launches New Tagline Celebrating Spirit of Kansas
TOPEKA – The Tourism Division of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism introduced its new tourism marketing tagline and campaign last week, which honors and celebrates the perseverance that defines what it means to be a Kansan.
The new tagline – To The Stars – builds upon the state’s motto, Ad Astra Per Aspera, meaning “to the stars through difficulty.”
“‘To The Stars’ reminds us who we are and shows us where to go,” said Kansas Tourism director Bridgette Jobe. “It’s a salute to the free-spirited. To the rowdy. To the wide-eyed wanderers. To the dreamers. To the stars.”
The coming year will continue with stories and features on the Kansas Tourism website, TravelKS.com, that build on and further develop To The Stars.
Travelers are encouraged to learn about the perseverance that embodies To The Stars displayed by Free Staters in the war against slavery, dust bowl farmers, Santa Fe Trail pioneers, Amelia Earhart, Nicodemus settlers, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, astronomer Clyde Tombaugh, plaintiffs in the Brown v Board of Education landmark case, Greensburg residents, and many other notable Kansans who charged ahead despite adversity. More information about these historical figures, including places to visit to learn about them, can be found on the Kansas Tourism Blog and at TravelKS.com.
“Like many of us, the travel industry in our state and nation is experiencing unprecedented challenges amidst the global pandemic,” Jobe said. “‘To The Stars’ is as relevant as ever for Kansas, and now we have a chance to learn more about, and take hold of, the fortitude that has forged our state by visiting sites that commemorate them.”
The Division of Tourism is encouraging #SafeTravels which includes physical distancing while exploring Kansas’ wide spaces and unspoiled beauty.
“Everyone is looking for what they can do with their family this summer, and fantastic experiences are waiting just down the road in Kansas,” Jobe said. “Take a road trip to find a new adventure – whether that’s a visit to the Fort Scott National Historic Site to learn more about Bleeding Kansas, a hike at our newest state park Little Jerusalem Badlands, or traveling to buy local beef from a producer and seeing Kansas along the way.”
T-shirts and other merchandise featuring new To The Stars and Kansas designs are available at the Kansas Gear Store on TravelKS.com.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces the Phase-In of Drive Tests
Dept. of Revenue takes precautions against COVID-19 while keeping safety and health top-of-mind
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly directed the Kansas Department of Revenue to begin phasing in the availability of drive tests. To start administering these tests, steps had to be taken to ensure the health and well-being of all who interact with the Kansas Department of Revenue offices.
“A significant part of getting Kansans back to work and back to school, is getting them back on the road,” Governor Kelly said. “By phasing in our drive tests statewide, with the proper health and safety protocol in mind, we make sure Kansans can travel to work, school, or to the grocery store.”
Examiners will be outfitted with face masks and gloves. Additional protective equipment may be worn when administering these tests. All people inside a vehicle in which a driving test is being administered are required to wear a face mask. If an applicant declines to wear a mask, a test can be rescheduled for a later time once circumstances call for mask use to subside.
This is in addition to continuing the implementation of social distancing guidelines and requiring appointments and screenings upon entering offices.
“The operational processes we have implemented will help us continue our services in a healthy manner while also ensuring Kansans get back on the road safely,” said David Harper, Director of the Division of Vehicles.
To see if an office is offering the drive test and instructions on making an appointment, customers are asked to visit www.ksrevenue.org/reopening.html.
The following offices will make drive tests available beginning June 22, 2020.
| County | Office Address |
| Allen | 1 N. Washington, Iola |
| Barton | 1400 Main St., Room 207, Great Bend |
| Bourbon | 108 W. 2nd, Fort Scott |
| Butler | 640 N. Andover Rd., Andover |
| Cherokee | 1101 E. St., Baxter Springs |
| Cloud | 811 Washington, Suite B, Concordia |
| Cowley | 320 E. 9th St., Winfield |
| Crawford | 202 E. Centennial Dr., Suite C11A, Pittsburg |
| Douglas | 1035 N. 3rd St., Suite 119, Lawrence |
| Ellis | 1222 Canterbury Dr., Hays |
| Finney | 2506 N. John St., Garden City |
| Ford | 2601 Central Ave., Dodge City |
| Franklin | 225 S. Walnut St., Ottawa |
| Johnson | 6507 Johnson Dr., Mission |
| Johnson | 13507 S. MurLen Suite #137 Olathe |
| Johnson | 7600 W. 119th St., Suite D, Overland Park |
| McPherson | 322 N. Main St., Suite 205, McPherson |
| Montgomery | 404 N. 14th St., Independence |
| Nemaha | 203 N. 8th St., Suite 2, Seneca |
| Neosho | 301 West 14th St., Chanute |
| Phillips | 520 S. 7th St., Phillipsburg |
| Pratt | 300 S. Ninnescah St., Pratt |
| Reno | 125 W. 2nd St., Suite A, Hutchinson |
| Riley | 8200 S. Port Dr., Suite 105, Manhattan |
| Saline | 2910 Arnold, Salina |
| Scott | 303 Court St., #6, Scott City |
| Sedgwick | 620 N. Rock Rd., Suite 300, Derby |
| Sedgwick | 1873 W. 21st N, Wichita Twin Lakes |
| Seward | 615 N. Kansas Ave. B, Liberal |
| Shawnee | 300 SW 29th St., Topeka |
| Thomas | 990 S. Range St., #3, Colby |
| Wyandotte | 155 S. 18th St., Kansas City |
The Division of Vehicles continues to encourage Kansans to renew their driver’s licenses online by using iKan, the state’s official app for online driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. The app can be accessed by going to www.ikan.ks.gov, or by searching iKan and downloading from the Apple App or Google Play mobile stores.