Government, Kansas

New Kansas Executive Director of Native American Affairs

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Governor appoints executive director to the Office of Native American Affairs

 

Gov. Laura Kelly today announced the appointment of Chris Howell as executive director of the Office of Native American Affairs and Governor’s Tribal Liaison.

 

The Native American Affairs office serves as the liaison for the governor to ensure that Native American concerns and needs are addressed in state policymaking.

 

“Chris will step into this important role with a breadth of relevant and meaningful experience in both the public and private sector,” Gov. Laura Kelly said. “I appreciate his willingness to serve in such an important capacity, and help work toward positive state-tribal relations.”

 

Howell, of Lawrence, most recently served as Director of Tribal Relations for Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railway, and was involved in tribal outreach and communications with more than 86 tribal nations located along the BNSF railway system. Howell has served multiple state administrations, including as Interim Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Kansas Arts Commission. He graduated with a B.A. in business from Emporia State University.

 

Government, Kansas

New Director of Kansas Native American Affairs

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Governor appoints executive director to the Office of Native American Affairs

 

Gov. Laura Kelly today announced the appointment of Chris Howell as executive director of the Office of Native American Affairs and Governor’s Tribal Liaison.

 

The Native American Affairs office serves as the liaison for the governor to ensure that Native American concerns and needs are addressed in state policymaking.

 

“Chris will step into this important role with a breadth of relevant and meaningful experience in both the public and private sector,” Gov. Laura Kelly said. “I appreciate his willingness to serve in such an important capacity, and help work toward positive state-tribal relations.”

 

Howell, of Lawrence, most recently served as Director of Tribal Relations for Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railway, and was involved in tribal outreach and communications with more than 86 tribal nations located along the BNSF railway system. Howell has served multiple state administrations, including as Interim Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Kansas Arts Commission. He graduated with a B.A. in business from Emporia State University.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 25

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June 25, 2019                                                           Tuesday 1:00 pm

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune was also present.   Steve Hill was present for a portion of the meeting.

Kelly Stone – an intern with the City of Fort Scott was present for a portion of the meeting.

Nick made a motion to approve a budgeted transfer of $200,000 total for the 1st two quarters of 2019 from Road & Bridge Sales Tax to Road & Bridge, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.

Jim Harris reported that they are overlaying with the recently purchased paver on Condensory, 235th (Frank Young suggested not overlaying the bridge on 235th, but to patch the bridge) and Franklin. He said the paver machine is doing a great job. Nick thanked Jim’s employees for the good work they are doing.

Lynne reported to Jim Harris a request from Joe George for a field entrance ½ mile west of a little south of Paint Creek.

Jim reported that one of the Freightliner trucks has been in the shop approximately 10 days of the last 3 weeks; he said so far in 2019 the County has spent $10,000-$12,000 on repairs for this truck. The truck is used to haul asphalt and gravel and has a snow plow. Jim said that the City of Fort Scott has loaned him a truck and a driver to help since this truck is down; Jim said he had loaned the City the excavator.

Jeff discussed Justice Lane; he said that years ago the County dumped some fill in the area; a resident in the area wants the right-of-way maintained. Jeff discussed a possible drainage issue near a driveway entrance on Justice Lane. Jeff questioned if cost sharing regarding trimming and treating could be done with the utility companies using the right-of-ways.

Jeff Fischer discussed the areas that he wants overlaid this year; he said he based his decision on traffic count and the condition of the road. He suggested a surface thick enough to restore the surface for chip sealed condition.

  1. Industrial Park – patch and overlay on Liberty Bell Road past Value Merchandiser and then up to 69 Highway.
  2. The Horton Extension – overlaying south on 215th from the City limits to Indian Road.
  3. Ironwood Road
  4. Two miles on Jefferson Highway from Indian Road going south to the tracks.

Jody Hoener, Economic Development Director met with the Commissioners; she said that Peerless Products had bought a building for expansion in Nevada, Missouri. Jody said that she didn’t feel that Peerless had any intention of moving outside of Fort Scott.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Jody Hoener). No action was taken.

Jody reported that she had sent invitations to the cities in Bourbon County to inform them of the strategic plan and the 5 & 10 year goals. She said she had met with Bronson; their top three issues were businesses, housing and the roads. Jody said a representative from Fulton questioned how to get spraying done for mosquitos; Lynne suggested asking Uniontown who they use to spray them.

Nick made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Nick made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Jeff made a motion to have only a morning Commission meeting from 9-12 on July 2nd, Nick seconded and all approved.

Justin Meeks reviewed the Kansas Association of Counties legislative update and discussed KORA and KOMA guidelines with the Commissioners.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 20 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Dave Bruner). No action was taken.

Dave Bruner gave an EMS update; he said as of 6/24/2019 for June they have had 143 calls for service, 104 of those were transports, 61 were transfers (40 of those transfers were to Via Christi) and 39 dry runs. Dave said so far the maintenance the maintenance costs for the EMS vehicles was $9,363.79.

Lynne made a motion to approve the fireworks permit for Cathy Ramirez for 840 N. Main, Mapleton, KS, Nick seconded and all approved.

At 3:45, Jeff made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

07/02/2019, Approved Date

 

Government, Kansas

Facilitator Selected For Criminal Justice Reform

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Governor appoints facilitator to the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission

 

Today Governor Laura Kelly announced Reggie Robinson as the facilitator for the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission.

 

“Reggie has a distinct and esteemed background that will contribute greatly to this position,” Kelly said. “Kansas needs comprehensive criminal justice reform, and Reggie will be integral to this effort.”

 

Robinson, a Lawrence resident, currently serves as Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs at the University of Kansas. Previously, Robinson served as the director of the School of Public Affairs and Administration from July 2014 – August 2017. He was a professor of law and Director for the Center of Law and Government at Washburn University. Robinson was a White House Fellow and Special Assistant to Attorney General Janet Reno in 1993. He served as Deputy Associate Attorney General of the U.S. from 1996 – 1997, and Acting Director for Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime from 1997 – 1998.

 

Robinson received his undergraduate and graduate law degrees from the University of Kansas. He also served in the U.S. Army as an active duty field artillery officer.

 

The Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission was created as part of HB 2290, which passed during the 2019 legislative session. The governor appoints one criminal defense attorney or public defender, one member representative of the faith-based community, and one facilitator to provide administrative assistance to develop a project plan and assist the Commission in its duties. This facilitator is not a member of the Commission.

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Annual Flowers Need Attention to Keep Blooming

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

What an unusually rainy spring and summer we have had! Our soils have definitely been saturated for several weeks now. You may think that watering won’t be needed for quite some time since soil moisture levels are very high. However, watering may be needed much sooner than you think.

Excessive rain can drive oxygen out of the soil and literally drown roots. Therefore, as we enter hotter, drier weather, the plants with damaged root systems may be very susceptible to lack of water. Don’t forget to check your plants for signs of wilting or leaf scorching and water as needed.

The excessive rainfall has also depleted our soils of nitrogen. If your annual flowers haven’t been overly impressive yet, they may need a shot of fertilizer.

Annual flowers have been bred to flower early and over a long period of time. Providing nitrogen through the growing season (side-dressing) will help maintain flower display. A high nitrogen fertilizer applied every four to six weeks is helpful during a rainy summer or if flower beds are irrigated.

Common sources of nitrogen-only fertilizers include nitrate of soda, urea, and ammonium sulfate. Use only one of the listed fertilizers and apply at the rate given:

  • Nitrate of soda (16-0-0) – Apply ¾ pound fertilizer per 100 square feet
  • Urea (46-0-0) – Apply ¼ pound fertilizer per 100 square feet
  • Ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) – Apply ½ pound fertilizer per 100 square feet

If you cannot find the above materials, you can use a lawn fertilizer that is about 30 percent nitrogen (nitrogen is the first number in the set of three) and apply it at the rate of 1/3 pound per 100 square feet. Do not use a fertilizer that contains a weed killer or a weed preventer.

Removing spent flowers or “deadheading” will help some plants bloom more profusely. Annuals focus their energy on seed production to ensure that the species survives. If old flowers are removed, the energy normally used to produce seed is now available to produce more flowers. Deadheading is as easy as pinching the plant between the thumb and finger, but tough, wiry stems will require the use of scissors or pruning shears.

Plants that do increase blooms in response to deadheading include hardy geraniums, coreopsis, some petunias, marigolds, snapdragons, begonias, some roses, zinnias, sweet peas, salvia, blanket flower, and yarrow.

There are some “self-cleaning” plants on the market now. These plants drop their spent flowers and bloom again and do not require manual deadheading. In many cases, they are sterile varieties – bred not to produce seeds. The petunia and rose varieties that are “self-cleaning” continue to excel in the home garden market because of their low maintenance and blooming power.

If you need help with any horticulture topic, give me a call. My current office schedule is Monday and Friday – Erie; Tuesday – Iola; Wednesday morning – Yates Center; Wednesday afternoon – Chanute Recreation Commission and Thursday – Fort Scott.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 62-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Fort Scott, Government

Notice of City Commission of Fort Scott Budget Work Sessions

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Thursday, July 11th, 2019 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Thursday July 11th, 2019 – 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday, July 12th, 2019 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Friday, July 12th, 2019 – 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

There will be a work session of the Fort Scott City Commission held on Thursday, July 11th, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and then again from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Friday, July 12th, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street. This work session will be held to discuss the 2020 budget. No action will be taken at this work session. This meeting is open to the public.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda July 9

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: July 9th, 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

9:45-10:00-KAC

10:00-10:15-John Hill, City State Bank-3 Sheriff’s Vehicles

10:30-10:45-Tony Hanks-EMS

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

11:00-11:20-Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship

12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch

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

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Ribbon Cutting For Express Employment Professionals July 9

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REMINDER:
Join the Chamber of Commerce for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at
Express Employment Professionals
on Tuesday, July 9th
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
celebrating the opening of
Express Employment Professionals’
new Fort Scott location at 119 S. Main St.
The event will take place Tuesday, July 9th
at 5:15 p.m., with remarks and ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
In April 2019, Express opened an office in Fort Scott at 119 S. Main St. The franchise has been based out of Independence since 2004. The company provides businesses with their workforce needs by acquiring and supplying temporary or contract staff and also does temp-to-hire staffing. Express also provides a free service to job seekers by interviewing them and matching their skills with the appropriate employer.
Kai Rannells is the business developer and local representative, and can be reached at 620-644-5050. Visit Express’ website
by clicking HERE.
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566
or visit fortscott.com.
Business

Fort Scott Business Closing Its Doors

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Ron Palmer, president of Fort Scott Lumber LLC.

Fort Scott Lumber, 1905 S. Judson, is closing its doors.

The business venture started with 14 men, in 1991.

They formed a corporation called Fort Scott Lumber LLC following the closure of Comstock Lumber.

The corporation was comprised of Palmer, Gary Bukowski, Bob Carillo, Brent Cosens, Charles Johnston, Jack Karleskint, Craig McKenney, Larry Rogers, Ronald Rogers, Doug Ropp, Bob Tuchscherer, Bob West, Lloyd Wiley and Darrell Winter.

“Several of the men were contractors, they weren’t happy with just one lumber yard in town,” Ronald Palmer, president of the corporation of Fort Scott Lumber, said.

Comstock Lumber closed following the catastrophic flood of 1986 when much of the inventory was lost, Palmer said.

Fast forward from 1991 to 2019.

“We had the chance to sell it and all the owners are getting older, all retiring, two have died, so it’s just time,”  Palmer said.

“It’s been great serving the Fort Scott area with our business,” Palmer said.

Starting July 8, all the inventory of the business will be on sale, including lumber, doors, windows, hardware, siding, soffit materials and more, he said.

The building was sold to Ruster and Duster LLC, a corporation owned by Aaron and Lindsey Watts.

“With the progression of Smallville we have been in the market for a new location to expand for the last year,” Lindsay Watts said. “It is unfortunate to see such a great asset to our community closing, but the board’s decision to sell was a great opportunity for us to continue to expand and increase programs that we can provide. We are excited for the opportunity to both continue to grow and continue to serve this community for years to come.  We are working closely with the owners on their timeline however Ruster and Duster LLC will be purchasing the property and looking to close in September 2019.”

 

 

Bourbon County Local News