Click below:
Late winter livestock feeding
During late winter, many cow herds begin the calving season. This is also the time that our feed resources may begin to become limited. Additionally, in southeast Kansas, we get the occasional severe winter storm. As our farmers and ranchers know, this winter has been particularly cold, muddy and icy. Do we really know if our hay and other feeds can accurately meet the nutritional needs of our cattle?
The best way to be sure that your hay and other feeds are adequate is to send a sample to a lab for testing. Your local extension office is a great place to go for help in this process. Your Southwind Extension District Offices can loan you a hay probe for use in testing hay bales. We can also help with sending samples to the lab and with explaining the lab results, once returned to you.
Just before a winter storm approaches and throughout severe weather, cattle should have the opportunity to eat your better quality feeds. This increase in nutrition will help them persist until the weather improves. After the bad weather passes, you can return to feeding your regular feeds. Testing is the best way to know which feeds are of higher quality.
Additionally, better quality feeds can be used for heifers. Generally speaking, young growing heifers need a higher plain of nutrition for growth and development. Older dry or open cows can be fed your average quality feeds.
For more information call me, Christopher Petty, at 620-223-3720, that’s 620-223-3720
Blues and BBQ March 9
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Senator Hilderbrand’s Communication Week Five
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How To Learn a Foreign Language: Host An International Student
Learning a foreign language,enjoying the advancement of educational and cultural opportunities, supporing volunteerism, enriching someone’s life while enriching your own, these are all the benefits of hosting an international student, according to Janice Rake, coordinator for Greenheart Exchange Program.
Greenheart Exchange Program students seeking host families for the next school year are beginning to apply now, Rake said.
“The students are happy to live in any type of family scenario: family with or without children, empty nesters, retired couple, single person…..it does not matter,” said Rake. “They are just excited to come to America and have the opportunity. Most want to come for the entire school year but some come for only one semester.”
Host families complete an application process which includes a home visit, references and background checks.
“My goal is always to find a good family/student match so it is a positive experience for all involved,” she said.
“The host family provides a bed and place to study, three meals a day and needed transportation as the students are not allowed to drive,” Rake said.
The students bring spending money for personal spending, shopping and entertainment. Greenheart Exchange secures the VISA, arranges the arrival and departures flights, provides health insurance and monitors throughout the year. The student agrees to follow the guidelines of the program. Greenheart requires each student to fulfill some volunteer or community service work and expects high academic and personal standards.
Rake checks in and monitors the students progress throughout the school year, she said.
Included below are several of the students that have applied so far.
Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson
February 15, 2019
It may appear to be a slow week in the legislature: However, as you know, things aren’t always what they appear. The Senate and the House are doing a majority of the work in committees. It is an important part of the process. Committees study legislation. Conferees testify in person or send written testimony on bills being considered. The input can be critical because a committee will make a recommendation on a bill, often based on testimony. The committee may take no action on the bill, or to vote a bill out of committee favorably or unfavorably. After a bill passes out of committee, the majority leader decides if and when to bring a bill before the committee of the whole, all senators or all representatives of the respective chamber. There are other paths a bill could take in the legislature but this is the most common.
KPERS: This week the House passed a bill out of committee unfavorably. The bill would allow the Governor to re-amortization KPERS. The House Majority Leader brought the bill to the committee of the whole, it was debated and failed the next day on final action 36 Yes and 87 No. This action sent a clear message to the Governor, the House does not want to go into more debt for KPERS. The week before the Senate passed a bill requiring the KPERS payment be made without delay. Both chambers have sent strong messages. Hopefully, each chamber will support the others actions so that Kansas will not take on more debt and will not delay the KPERS payment.
Hearing on Property Tax Relief: The Senate Tax Committee heard from several conferees regarding property tax or a homestead freeze, SB 91. The bill would provide property tax relief for homeowners who are 65 years of age or older and do not have a mortgage on their home or for veterans who are at least 50% disabled. The value of the property must be less than $350,000 and a combined household income less than $50,000 per year. The bill would also allow renters to qualify for a homestead exemption. It is an attempt at addressing property tax increases for some of our most vulnerable. However, it does nothing to address seniors who are still paying on a mortgage or to address the high property tax increases the rest of Kansans are facing. There will be other ideas to regarding property tax as there are many legislators with a desire to address the issue.
Kansas Senate denounces New York’s Reproductive Health Act: Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1606 sends a clear message to New York State that Kansas denounces the recent legislation passed and celebrated by some of its legislators. New York allows third-trimester abortions, removes an abortion penal code, and allows non-physicians to commit abortion. The SCR passed the Senate on a vote of 27 to 13. I voted Yes. The SCR will now go to the House for debate, since it is a joint resolution. If it passes the House, copies will be sent to the Governor of New York and each member of the New York State Senate and State Assembly. Normally, it is not our concern how another state conducts business. However, this is a matter of life and death. Our founding fathers wrote of our natural rights including life and liberty. It is the duty of government to protect the natural rights of people.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Caryn Tyson
Kansas Senate, District 12
785.296.6838
Acting Secretary Norman Testifies at KanCare Oversight Hearing
Describes the system as sound but needing updates
TOPEKA – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Acting Secretary Lee A. Norman, M.D. testified during Friday’s Bethel Oversight Committee hearing on Kansas’s Medicaid program, Kancare. He stated that while the program should continue with improvements in several areas, the program itself is on the right track and valuable for Kansans.
“I liken the base of KanCare to the chassis of an automobile,” said Acting Secretary Norman. “If the car does not have a strong, well-built chassis, then it doesn’t matter how great the tires are that you put on it. The solid chassis for KanCare involves an updated IT system as well as the personnel to handle the amount of cases that come in, among other things,” said Norman.
“During my tenure as chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health System I had great deal of experience working on KanCare issues. I saw firsthand that it is a system that is beneficial to Kansans. Like any large endeavor it has had its growing pains, but we have seen great improvements and we will continue to hone those areas to make sure it is effective for all KanCare members.”
Areas discussed by Dr. Norman and KDHE staff at the hearing included the transition to a new managed care organization (MCO), Aetna, improvements to the eligibility system and financial updates for the program.
KDHE, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and the three MCOs for KanCare all provided testimony to the Bethel oversight committee which meets quarterly.
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Feb. 14-16
Click below:
Ascension Via Christi’s Fort Scott Emergency Department will open Monday, Feb. 18
Ascension Via Christi’s Fort Scott Emergency Department will open Monday, Feb. 18
FORT SCOTT, KS – Ascension Via Christi’s Emergency Department in Fort Scott will open its doors at 7 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 18. In addition to the ED, Ascension Via Christi will provide diagnostic imaging and laboratory services at the Fort Scott campus.
“Our team has worked diligently over the past 60 days to get Fort Scott’s emergency department up and running as soon as possible,” said Randy Cason, President of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. “We passed all of the regulatory inspections and certifications, and successfully completed our physician agreements and associate onboarding.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our Ascension Via Christi team for their hard work and we look forward to continuing our mission of caring for the residents of Southeast Kansas, including Fort Scott and the surrounding communities.”
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg announced on Feb. 1 that it would assume operations of the emergency department in response to Mercy Fort Scott’s October 2018 announcement that it would close the hospital. Diagnostic imaging and laboratory services can accept orders from any physicians or health care providers in the area. Call 620-232-0447 for scheduling.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Feb. 19
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: February 19th, 2019
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
9:00-9:45-Jim Harris
10:00-11:00-Fence viewing between property owners Cox & Gander
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch
1:30-2:15-Bill Martin-Contracts/Vehicle
2:15-3:30-Commissioner to leave and go to the Fort-Senator Moran
Justifications for Executive Session:
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
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
Fort Scott Commission Meeting Minutes Feb. 2
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of February 5, 2019 Regular Meeting #2
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held February 5th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Mitchell and Nichols were present with Mayor Parker presiding.
INVOCATION: Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Darrell Parker, Jerry Witt, Billy Keith, Bill Lemke, Michael Mix, Garth Hermann, Paul Ballou, Deb Needleman, Rachel Pruitt, Randy Ballweber, Venieta Ballweber, Alpha Money, Lindsay Madison, Chad Brown, and Clayton Miller
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Recognition of Alpha Money and Randy Ballweber – Codes Certification – Rhonda Dunn, Finance/Codes Director, recognized her Codes Enforcement officers, Alpha Money and Randy Ballweber for successfully completing the Kansas Code Enforcement Officer courses offered by the Kansas Association of Code Enforcement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of January 15th, 2019.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1231-A totaling $589,319.33.
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Approval of 2019 Cereal Malt Beverage License – Package Sales – GW2 DBA Cash Saver, 911 E. 6th Street
Mitchell moved the Consent Agenda. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
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APPEARANCE: Jerry Witt, Riverfront Lighting – Jerry Witt, Chairperson of the Riverfront Committee, appeared before the Commission and informed them that three years ago the Riverfront Committee received a grant from Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to construct a pavilion and an overlook. Both of these have been constructed and there are still some funds available. He contacted the State to see if lighting could be included under this grant and the State said it could be. He has visited with the Fort Scott National Historic Site and the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office (SHIPO) regarding the lighting. He also talked to K.D.O.T. who informed him that all materials have to be American made. It took him about two months, but he finally located a company with all American made lighting. He is working with Max Fanning who will be installing the lighting. They will have 14 lights at an estimated cost of $18,000. This lighting will be on the north side of the river. The City has stated they are willing to dig a ditch to lay the electrical. He asked for approval to install the lights at the north side of Riverfront Park.
Nichols moved to approve the lighting at Riverfront Park. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED LIGHTING ON THE NORTH SIDE OF RIVERFRONT PARK TO BE PAID WITH REMAINING KDWP GRANT FUNDS.
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) – None
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
CONSIDERATION:
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Consideration of Resolution 4-2019 declaring it necessary to acquire Fire Fighting Equipment for use by the Fire Department of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas and to issue General Obligation Bonds of said City to pay the costs thereof; and providing for the giving of notice of intention to acquire said equipment and to issue said General Obligation Bonds – Garth Hermann, Gilmore & Bell, informed the Commission that this is the first step to secure funding for the two fire trucks the City needs to purchase. A public Notice of Intent will be published in the February 9th and February 16th newspaper notifying the public that the governing body has declared it necessary to acquire firefighting equipment at an estimated cost of $1,751,748.72. The costs of the equipment, interest on interim financing and associated financing costs will be paid from the proceeds of General Obligation Bonds of the City in an amount not to exceed $1,915,000 to be issued by the City. This notice shall be published for two consecutive weeks and if, within 60 days following the date of the last publication, a petition signed by not less than 5% of the qualified electors of the City is filed with the City Clerk, no such bonds shall be issued until the issuance shall have been approved by a majority of the qualified electors of the City voting on the question. If no petition is timely filed, the governing body of the City will proceed with the acquisition of the equipment and issuance of the bonds.
Paul Ballou, Fire Chief, updated the Commission on the age of the two fire trucks and the issues they have been causing. Parts are getting very hard to find due to their age.
Parker moved to approve Resolution 4-2019. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
Approved Resolution 4-2019 declaring it necessary to acquire Fire Fighting Equipment for use by the Fire Department of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas and to issue General Obligation Bonds of said City to pay the costs thereof; and providing for the giving of notice of intention to acquire said equipment and to issue said General Obligation Bonds.
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Consideration of appointments to Golf Course Advisory Board – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commission that the Golf Course Advisory Board met on January 17th, 2019 at the Golf Course Clubhouse. It was discovered due to the inactivity of meeting, that their terms had all expired. All the board members were willing to be reappointed. She asked for the reappointment of John Leek, Kenneth Holt, Mitch Quick, Steve Harry, and Jeffrey Sweetser for a two year term respectively expiring on December 31, 2021.
Nichols moved to approve the reappointment of the Golf Course Advisory Board members. Adams seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RE-APPOINTMENTS TO THE GOLF COURSE ADVISORY BOARD FOR JOHN LEEK, KENNETH HOLT, MITCH QUICK, STEVE HARRY, AND JEFFREY SWEETSER EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2021.
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Approval of 2019 ADM Contract – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that after some minor changes, A.D.M. has finally signed the contract for purchasing reused water from our Wastewater Treatment Plant and paying for the treatment of the wastewater they haul to our lagoons. Approval is recommended.
Adamson moved to approve the 2019 ADM contract. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED 2019 A.D.M. CONTRACT.
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Approval to purchase sewer push camera – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that he has received a proposal for a sewer push camera. This camera will enable the City to inspect sewer lines that are small or hard to reach. The main camera is limited to 8” or larger and also required good access to the manhole with our large camera van. This push camera is extremely light weight and portable. It will greatly increase our efficiency with sewer visual inspections. This camera is from Key Equipment in Kansas City and costs $10,995.00. This is a budgeted item.
Mitchell moved to approve to purchase the sewer push camera in the amount of $10,995.00 from Key Equipment. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO PURCHASE THE SEWER PUSH CAMERA IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,995.00 FROM KEY EQUIPMENT OF KANSAS CITY.
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Approval to solicit bids for water leak correlator – Bill Lemke, Water Distribution Supervisor, informed the Commission he is requesting permission to solicit bids for the purchase of a leak correlator which is equipment that uses sensors to deter noise transmitted in the wall of the pipe and through water. Items such as meters, valves, and fire hydrants are used as access points to precisely pinpoint leaks between two points. He asked for permission to solicit bids for a leak correlator that will have the capabilities for both metallic and pvc pipe style piping. The estimated cost is $25,000. This is a budgeted item.
Mitchell moved to approve to solicit bids for the water leak correlator. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR THE WATER LEAK CORRELATOR.
City Manager commended Bill Lemke and his crew for working the water leaks during all times of the night.
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Consideration of new life insurance benefit offering – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that there is a new life insurance option to our benefit offerings. This life insurance product would be one the employee could take with them when they leave City employment without conversion to a higher premium rate. There is also the option for a paid up at 65 policy.
Discussion was held regarding giving other life insurance vendors an opportunity to submit this same type of benefit to the City.
City Manager suggested tabling this item until the February 19th, 2019 meeting.
Bartelsmeyer moved to table this item until the February 19th, 2019 meeting. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
TABLED THIS ITEM UNTIL THE FEBRUARY 19TH, 2019 MEETING.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
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Director Updates:
Ambulance Update: Paul Ballou, Fire Chief, informed the Commission that EMS has been very busy. In January there were 202 requests for service. Of those requests, there were 153 transports and 49 dry runs, which means an ambulance was called but did not transport a patient. As of February 5th, there were 25 requests already for service with five (5) of those being transports. Transports have been to Via Christi in Pittsburg, Girard, Allen County, and Nevada Regional Hospital. There are currently three ambulances and also the ambulance housed at the Fire Department. He thanked Tom Coffman, City Mechanic, for working on a fuel pump on an ambulance recently. It was out of rotation less than 24 hours which is great.
B. City Commission:
Nichols – He thanked the ambulance crews for the great job they are doing.
Adamson – Nothing to report.
Mitchell – Nothing to report.
Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.
Parker – She stated that she received a nice letter from a lady who visited Fort Scott recently. She said she had a great time but did mention she was concerned with a couple of areas where there was a lot of trash and debris. She asked the City Manager about how to address the trash issue.
City Manager said that the City will need to get tougher with people and the trash violations.
C. City Attorney: Not present.
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City Manager:
Health Care Update: City Manager said that last week was a good week for health care. He said that on October 1st our world fell out from beneath us with the announcement of the closure of Mercy Hospital. A task force was formed with three goals: Secure primary care; Ambulance service; and Emergency Room. He asked the public to be patient as the new Community Health Care Walk-In clinics are transitioned.
Meet and Greet: City Manager said that he attended this morning’s Meet and Greet in downtown Fort Scott. Parking downtown seems to be a big frustration to business owners. This is a good problem with all the development going on in downtown, but a frustration to others. It is public parking and business owners don’t own the parking in front of their store fronts. He asked them to be patient as this is public parking.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Parker moved to move into Executive Session for 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel to include City Commission, City Manager, and Human Resource Director. There is no action anticipated. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:10 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on February 19th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
DIANE K. CLAY
Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Agenda Feb. 19
AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
FORT SCOTT CITY HALL
COMMISSION ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN
FEBRUARY 19, 2019
6 p.m.
I. ROLL CALL:
ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER
II. FLAG SALUTE
III. INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, Grace Baptist Tabernacle
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
V. CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 5th, 2019.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1232-A totaling $505,644.58.
VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
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APPEARANCE: None
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen) –
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PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:
6:00 p.m. Final Closeout Public Hearing – 124 E Wall – CDBG Grant – Approval for Mayor to sign closing documents
VII. CONSIDERATION:
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Consideration to solicit RFP’s for new life insurance benefit offering
VIII. COMMENTS:
- Director Updates:
Ambulance Update: Dave Bruner or Paul Ballou
Health Care Update: Dave Martin
Finance Update: Rhonda Dunn
Legislative Update: Robert Uhler
- Commission:
- City Attorney:
- City Manager:
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE
SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO
(see below justification)
DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN
MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.
Justifications for Executive Sessions:
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Personnel matters of non-elected personnel
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Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
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Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency
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Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
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Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL