Free COVID Tests Available Through June 2023
Free COVID-19 Tests Still Available for All Kansas Communities Through June 2023.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) today announced a change to the Project Access COVID Tests program (Project ACT), allowing all Kansas households to request free, at-home COVID-19 tests through June 15, 2023. Residents are encouraged to order additional free tests while supplies last.
All Kansas households can order free COVID-19 tests through AccessCovidTests.org. Each household can place an order for 5 at-home COVID-19 test kits. Amazon will deliver the test kits directly to your house. Kansans who need more support to order tests may call 866-534-3463 (866-KDHEINF).
KDHE has already distributed 308,615 tests to Kansas families through Project ACT.
“The ending of the public health emergency is expected to change access to free testing, but our partnership with Project ACT helps us continue to ease access for households with limited access to health care,” said Joan Duve, M.D., state health officer. “Testing continues to help Kansans know whether to stay home or to seek treatment.”
Individuals should check their test’s expiration date before using it. If the date has passed, the test may still be appropriate to use; check for an FDA extension at fda.gov/medical-devices/
The Project ACT program is made possible through a partnership between KDHE and The Rockefeller Foundation’s public charity, RF Catalytic Capital.
Tom Robertson To Retire From Buck Run Center after 23 Years
Tom Robertson, 55, has been the Buck Run Community Center Recreation Director since May 2000.
His last day on the job is June 30 ,2023.
Robertson said he has served the Fort Scott community to the best of his ability, developing relationships with many community leaders, and representing the Fort Scott Recreation Commission and BRCC with “high moral values and leadership.”
“Th best part of my job was to improve the quality of life for the Fort Scott families,” he said. “Dealing with all ages that want to be active, serving the community through offering of programs, events or facilities.”
The biggest challenges of his job?
“Finding quality, responsible volunteers and staff to carry out the programs that we offer,” he said. “And staying within a restricted budget.” Also working evening, weekends and holiday hours, ” when the patrons want to be active.”
Thinking back over the 23 years he feels his accomplishments are:
- Working to not increase the mill levy, a tax.
- Helping organize “Pennies in the Park” with the Youth Activity Team and also three concerts that featured Country singers Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. All money raised went to providing a sand volleyball court, outdoor basketball court, lighting at two ball fields, a walking trail at Ellis Park.
- Hosting various district and state Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth baseball tournaments.
- Helping to secure a half-cent 10 year sales tax to build an additional phase to Buck Run Community Center and the renovation of the Fort Scott Aquatic Center.
- Hosting community events: Corporate Olympics, corn hole and pickle ball tournaments, as well as others.
- Renovating unused tennis courts to four lighted outdoor pickleball courts.
- Serving on the Gunn Park Committee that hosted many Christmas in the Park events as well as Independence Day, Halloween and other holiday activities in the park.
There have been many changes in the Buck Run Community Center in his tenure:
- The new phase of the center that included a fitness center, locker rooms, racketball court, additional office and lobby space in 2012.
- The renovation of the center’s kitchen in 2020.
- The renovation of the youth dance studio upstairs in 2020.
- New services introduced in his tenure:
- Youth indoor soccer, pickleball tournaments and open play, co-sponsored camps with the Fort Scott High School, corn hole leagues and tournaments.
- An annual fundraiser for Adopt a Family, that included garage sales, corn hole tourneys and middle school dances.
- The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Competitions for the community to become more health conscience.
Robertson has big plans for his retirement.
“I’m getting married the first day of retirement, July 1,” he said. “To Becky Colding from Chanute. She will be moving to Fort Scott. She has accepted the job of administrative assistant for the Bourbon County Public Works Department.”
He plans on staying active but also spending time with his family.
“I want to find a job that is rewarding but not stressful,” he said. “(And) being the best dad, grandpa, husband, son, brother and friend I can be.”
About the Fort Scott Recreation Commission
All employees of FSRC work for U.S.D. # 234, that levies taxes. The city of Fort Scott has contracted the FSRC to manage Buck Run Community Center. The FSRC has their own budget and board.
The mission of the Fort Scott Recreation Commission is to promote the development of a healthy and productive life for the citizens who reside in the USD #234 School District through broad based recreational opportunities, according to its Facebook page.
The Fort Scott Recreation Commission has a board consisting of five members serving three or four terms. These are non compensated positions. Tammy Hill is the chairperson, board membersare Adam Lancaster, Stewart Gulager, Mike Chipman and Susan Marbery.
Chamber Coffee at Lavender Patch Farm on June 7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Defaulting on our National Debt in no way Benefits Kansans or Americans
Reckless spending can be the demise of our country’s well-being and endless deficit spending will eliminate the American dream for our children and grandchildren. The Fiscal Responsibility Act is not legislation I would introduce. However, no deal is not a solution, and defaulting on the national debt in no way benefits Kansans or Americans.
Defaulting on our debt would send a message to the world that we are a nation that cannot be trusted to pay our bills. China is watching our ability to govern and would like nothing more than for our standing in the world to be damaged due to default. It is vital to our economy and our national security that we do not default and we preserve the dollar as the world’s primary reserve currency. Governing in a divided government is challenging. It requires negotiation and finding common ground. Unfortunately, President Biden refused to negotiate with House Republicans for months in an effort to intimidate Republicans and pass an unaltered debt increase. This would have opened the door for the Democratic majority to spend even more with no strings attached.
The debt-ceiling agreement does accomplish key conservative priorities that will benefit America and help put our nation on a better path towards fiscal responsibility. This legislation will slow the rate of spending through implementing non-defense caps, cutting COVID-19 relief funds, blocking new tax hikes, slashing billions in funding to the IRS, adding new work requirements for SNAP and promoting American energy production. Additionally, we must fulfill the most important responsibility of the federal government: to protect and defend our country and to keep our promise to the men and women who served our country. The debt-ceiling deal delivers on our commitment to support our veterans. The deal also secures the full funding for toxic-exposed veterans as authorized by the recently passed PACT Act.
Raising the debt limit is not something I or any of my colleagues should take lightly. The debate cannot end with President Biden signing the Fiscal Responsibility Act into law. Congress should not have to wait for a crisis or the debt ceiling to consider fiscally responsible measures. The federal government must spend less, set limits and stop waste. This should become the norm for every Member of Congress and the President. Without a serious long-term plan and subsequent action to reduce spending, we will be back in this position way too soon and will jeopardize the American dream. We must confront this threat head on and – using the debt-ceiling deal as a blueprint – develop a more fiscally responsible legislative agenda.
You can watch my full remarks on the debt ceiling agreement here.
Introducing Legislation to Support Aviation Safety & Accessibility
This week, as lead Republican of the Commerce Aviation Subcommittee, I introduced the Joint Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials and Safety Act with Commerce Committee Chair Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.). In 2004, the FAA established the Joint Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials, formed by the collaborative efforts of Wichita State University and the University of Washington. This legislation broadens the scope of research conducted at the Centers of Excellence to include testing for accessible air travel for people with disabilities, such as in-cabin wheelchair users and passengers with mobility challenges, as well as increases federal resources for the consortium to accommodate additional research capabilities.
Our universities are necessary partners and pivotal contributors to aviation safety research. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, we need to make certain our research partners can continue identifying solutions for advanced structures and materials issues, while meeting the demands of a changing ecosystem to ensure that any passenger who chooses to fly can do so and in a safe manner. I am pleased this legislation will continue to support and invest in the important work conducted at Wichita State University.
VA Deputy Secretary Nominee Testifies before Senate VA Committee
As lead Republican of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I led a hearing this week to consider the nomination of the current Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Chief of Staff Tanya Bradsher to be the next Deputy Secretary of the VA. The Deputy Secretary position, often described as the Chief Operating Officer of the department, was left vacant when Donald Remy resigned on April 1.
If confirmed by the Senate, Ms. Bradsher would direct organization and policy for the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration and the National Cemetery Administration while also carrying primary responsibility for the rollout of the new Oracle Cerner Electronic Health Record across the VA health care system.
Ms. Bradsher is a combat veteran and Bronze Star recipient who served for 20 years in the United States Army. I appreciated meeting Ms. Bradsher and her family at the hearing and the opportunity to hear her testimony about her priorities for the VA if confirmed to this important role.
You can watch my remarks here.
Defense Appropriations Hearing on National Guard & Reserve Budget
This week, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing with the National Guard and Reserve Service Chiefs regarding the FY2024 Guard and Reserves budget. Our Guard and Reserves are called upon to meet the needs of both the nation and their local communities. Ensuring they are properly manned, equipped and trained is a top priority for me.
During the hearing, I asked General Hokanson, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, for his best military advice on the establishment of the Space National Guard and its associated costs. I want to make sure the Space Force has the necessary reserve forces to achieve success, while also focusing on cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency during the transition from the Air National Guard to the Space Force reserve element. Of all the potential options, the Space National Guard meets this intent.
Additionally, I sought insights from Lieutenant General Daniels, the Chief of the Army Reserve, regarding the significance of the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account for the US Army Reserve’s ability to meet its requirements. This annual appropriation plays a crucial role in facilitating equipment modernization for the National Guard and all other Reserve Components. Without adequate modernization, their readiness to defend our nation abroad would be compromised.
The National Guard and Reserve Components hold a critical and unique position in safeguarding our nation’s security. However, without the necessary resources and support from Congress, they would encounter difficulties in meeting the needs of their troops and fulfilling their missions. To address this, I will continue advocating for proportional and concurrent allocation of resources for our Guard and Reserve Components. I am deeply grateful for the men and women who have chosen to serve our nation in their local communities and their dedication deserves our unwavering support.
You can watch my full remarks here.
Senate Votes to Repeal Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan
On Wednesday, I voted in favor of a resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the Biden administration’s decision to forgive federal student loan debt. The decision to forgive federal student loan debt is an overreach of executive power, circumvents the authority of Congress and the Supreme Court is currently reviewing its constitutionality after hearing oral arguments this past spring.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, President Biden’s student loan cancellation plan is estimated to cost taxpayers $400 billion. The student loan cancellation program reflects unprecedented executive overreach by ignoring the fiscal powers vested exclusively in Congress. Where the President has failed in his duty to faithfully execute the law, it is the province and duty of Congress to remind him of that obligation.
Meeting with Kansans
John Leslie, KSU & State Department Fellow
On Wednesday, I met with John Leslie, PhD, a Kansas State University distinguished professor of plant pathology, who is currently serving as a Jefferson Science Fellow at the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Food Security in Washington, D.C. We discussed the challenges with global food security and how U.S. agricultural innovations and technologies can help to bridge the gap with food systems in challenged nations. I appreciate his time and insight into the important work being done to feed a hungry world.
Norton Junior High School
I enjoyed the chance to visit with students, parents and faculty from Norton Junior High School during their trip to Washington, D.C. this week. We discussed the importance of public service and how vital it is to be an active, engaged member of one’s community. Thank you to Coach Lucas Melvin and this great group of students for taking the time to visit.
David & Julie Pope of Topeka
It was great to catch up with David and Julie Pope of Topeka on Wednesday before their tour of the U.S. Capitol. During our conversation, I appreciated hearing an update from David on water issues in Kansas and his work in this area.
Michael, Anne & Joseph Perryman of Lawrence
Thank you to Michael Perryman and his children Anne and Joseph for taking a few minutes to speak with me this week during their visit to my Washington, D.C. office. I always appreciate the opportunity to visit with Kansans during their trips to the nation’s capital.
Update from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
On Thursday, I hosted the Deputy Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol to hear an update on global food security efforts. Director Bechdol spoke about the global food security challenges around the world, with nearly 258 million people in need of emergency food aid. One of the major challenges we discussed is the need to shift and transform aid to provide global farmers and ranchers with new tools and technical assistance for agricultural development and resiliency. As Co-Chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I am committed to working to find ways to bridge these gaps.
Meeting with Chief of National Guard Bureau
On Wednesday, I met with General Daniel Hokanson, the Chief of National Guard Bureau, to discuss the needs and priorities of the Guard. General Hokanson and his team effectively represent the interests of more than 430,000 guardsmen and women across all states and territories within the highest levels of the Department of Defense (DoD). However, the existing rank disparity for General Hokanson’s Vice Chief limits its ability to advocate for soldiers and airmen at the same level and with equal authority as the sister services. I am committed to collaborating with the DoD to address this bureaucratic issue and make certain the Guard’s voice is heard equally.
We also addressed the Guard’s recruitment efforts and its positive results despite the broader recruiting challenges faced by the military. The Army National Guard is projected to meet its recruiting goals, while the Air National Guard is expected to achieve nearly 97% of its target. This success speaks to the Guard’s impact on our communities and its appeal to young men and women.
Additionally, I expressed my support for extending the DoD STARBASE program in Kansas, especially to rural communities. General Hokanson emphasized the program’s positive influence in engaging young minds and fostering interest in STEM. It is crucial to make certain that children have access to the resources necessary for them to achieve success right here in Kansas. I look forward to continuing to partner with General Hokanson to further achieve this goal for our state.
As a steadfast advocate for our servicemembers, I will continue to fight for the resources and support needed to address the Guard’s priorities and to support its critical role in national security and our communities. The Kansas Guard plays an important role, and I am dedicated to making certain that both the Kansas Guard and members of the Guard nationwide have the necessary tools for success.
Speaking at 104th Annual Kansas American Legion State Convention
It was a great crowd at the 104th Annual Kansas American Legion Convention in Topeka on Saturday morning. It is always an honor to address this group and to recognize their service to our nation.
|
Bo Co Amended Agenda for June 5 at Uniontown Community Building
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Uniontown Community Center
June 5, 2023, 5:30 PM
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute and Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 5/16/2023 and 5/22/2023
- Approval of Payroll totaling $208,575.01
- Approval of Accounts Payable totaling $319,552.12
- Approval of Miscellaneous Disbursement Checks totaling $24,738.25
- Becky Johnson-Health Department Budget
- Department Updates
- Eric Bailey, Public Works Director
- Shane Walker, COO-Problem with Current Software CIC/Possible Solution
- Sheriff Bill Martin
- Finalization of Loan Documents for Patrol Vehicles
- Equitable Sharing Agreement Certification
- Jennifer Hawkins-County Clerk
- Resolution 12-23
- Hall Fence Viewing
- Jim Harris- Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
- Public Comments
- Commission Comments
- Meeting Adjourn
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.
Rural Workforce Summit June 22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bo Co Democrats Meet this Sunday at Gunn Park
The members of the Bourbon County Democratic party will meet on Sunday, June 11 at 2 p.m. in Gunn Park Shelter House #2.
Kansas Senator Ethan Corson will be updating on the latest Kansas legislation.
Interested parties are invited to attend.
Uniontown Receives Kansas Grant For a Mural
The City of Uniontown received a $2,250 grant from the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity to have a mural painted in the town.
The grant for the mural was initiated by Mary Pemberton, who with her husband owns Bandera Stone, a dimension stone business in town.
Recently, they renovated a brick building on the north side of Uniontown’s square, at 103 Third Street.
“I have been considering a mural since we started renovations on the building,” she said. “I always notice murals when I travel and I think this location by the park is a perfect place to bring a little art to Uniontown.”
The Bandera Stone building has a large exposed eastern side, which can be viewed from the city park, across the street.
Pemberton read about the grant opportunity from the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity and at first she wasn’t interested.
“But the promotion they do for the winners would get Uniontown some attention, not only locally but state-wide, so I decided to apply,” Pemberton said.
Danyell Miles, Fort Scott, is the artist selected by Pemberton to design and paint the mural.
Pemberton said they are finalizing all the details on the design but that it includes Bourbon County and Kansas iconic images with a special feature that pays homage to local authors.
“I have always been an avid reader so wanted to do something to incorporate books into the mural,” she said. “You’ll have to wait until the mural is finished and come see it in person to find this special feature. The mural is designed with a lot of elements that require you to spend a few minutes and look closely to really understand the significance of the details. The mural is also designed with selfie (photo) lovers in mind and will have one 3D element for photo opportunities. Danyell deserves all the credit for taking my unorganized ideas and putting them together to design a very unique and interesting mural.”
“Painting should start in late June,” Pemberton said. “We expect to have it completed in time for a grand reveal during the final Music in the Park event at Uniontown city park on August 11th.”
To prepare for the mural, the Pemberton’s had the brick wall tucked pointed and cleaned, plus put lighting along that side of the building.
The Grant
“Awardees are in communities across the state with less than 15,000 population,” according to a press release from Kansas Governor Kelly’s office. “The murals will highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions – and provide a welcome message for visitors and residents alike. Each of the projects requires a 1:1 match from the community, with the smallest of communities being allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. 75% of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several of the city projects plan to start in the next few weeks.”
Uniontown, in the western part of Bourbon County, has a population of approximately 300 people.
Fort Scott also received a grant for a mural through this program.
That story will be featured in an upcoming feature on fortscott.biz.
Friday Night Free Concert: The Hemphill Family Band
The Friday Night Concerts return this week with the Hemphill Family Band. They, along with friends, will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, June 9, at the Heritage Park Pavilion located at 1st and Main streets.
Members of the band are Jack Hemphill on keyboard and vocals, Sandy on fiddle and keyboard, and Brad on guitar and vocals. Friends who will perform are Floyd Feezell, who will sing, and Tammy Helm, who will play saxophone.
The Hemphills have performed at the pavilion many times in the past. They play classic country, including a little Hank and Lefty, and a lot of Merle Haggard. They will also play a variety of other songs during the concert.
Come out and spend the evening at the Pavilion. Seating is limited, so bring a lawn chair. In case of bad weather, the concert will moved to Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall St.