U.S. Senate Passes Historic Toxic Exposure Legislation

On Thursday, the Senate passed the most comprehensive toxic exposure package ever considered in our nation’s history. The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 will deliver all veterans suffering from toxic exposure health care and benefits under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Since September 11, 2001, up to 3.5 million deployed servicemembers have potentially encountered toxic exposures from burn pits. During deployment to a war zone, military personnel are often exposed to toxic hazards, many of which have been associated with chronic health issues. Until almost 2010, the U.S. military kept burn pits on bases for the disposal of chemicals, plastics, medical waste and other substances that were burned with jet fuel, creating toxic smoke.

Currently, the VA can provide service-connected disability claims related to burn pit exposures. However, due to a lack of evidence, scientific data and information from the Department of Defense, at least 70% of claims are denied.

As a nation, we recognize the physical, obvious wounds of war. We are improving our ability to recognize and treat the mental wounds of war, though we still have a long ways to go. No longer can we ignore the wounds of war from toxic exposures. Veterans suffering from toxic exposures have been relying on a broken system cobbled together through decades of patchwork fixes that often leaves them without health care or benefits.

Over the past two years, nearly every veterans service organization (VSO) has testified before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and emphasized the importance of fixing the process VA uses to provide health care and benefits to toxic-exposed veterans. Sen. Jon Tester and I have worked in a bipartisan fashion with these VSOs, veterans, advocates, the VA and our Senate colleagues to craft a comprehensive bill to deliver all generations of toxic-exposed veterans long-overdue health care and benefits.

This bipartisan legislation I introduced with Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) as leaders of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee took a consequential step to honor our commitment to care for America’s veterans and their families and will provide comprehensive relief for all generations of veterans, from Agent Orange to the post-9/11 veterans exposed to burn pits during their deployments.

Once signed into law, our nation’s veterans and their families will no longer have to fear being turned away the VA for illnesses related to toxic exposures.

You can read my op-ed with Sen. Tester here in Stars & Stripes. You can also watch my full remarks on the U.S. Senate Floor before the final vote here.

In Honor of SFC Heath Robinson
This legislation is named in honor of SFC Heath Robinson, an Ohio Army National Guardsman who answered the call to serve our nation in the years following 9/11. He was a son, husband and father. After his service, he was diagnosed with a rare cancer caused by prolonged exposure to toxic substances. In 2020, the cancer cost him his life. Heath left behind an 8-year-old daughter, a wife and an extended family who are now committed to ensuring this country provides other veterans suffering from toxic exposures health care and benefits.

For far too long, our nation’s veterans have been living with chronic illnesses as a result of exposures during their time in uniform. This week, the Senate took the opportunity to right this wrong and provide veterans and their families with the health care and benefits they have earned and deserve.

What Kansas Veterans Are Saying
This bill is culmination of years of work, informed by veterans both in Kansas and across the nation. The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson PACT Act would not have been on the floor this week without the hard work of numerous Veterans Service Organizations, veteran families, survivors and advocates and veterans themselves who came to Washington to meet with Sen. Tester and I, and who testified before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Thank you for your service and thank you for your work in helping us deliver long-lasting solutions and comprehensive reforms for those who served our country.

Lee Hursey, Commander for the State of Kansas Veterans of Foreign Wars:
“On Behalf of the State of Kansas Veterans of foreign Wars, VFW and its 16,000 plus members and especially those veterans and their families that will be drastically affected by the PACT Act we thank and salute you for your efforts to get this bill to the floor of the United States Senate to be voted on. Your desire to get the best possible outcome for those veterans exposed to Toxic substances that could endanger their health has been noted and appreciated. Kansas VFW realizes the work that you do so tirelessly for veterans and all citizens of the United States and wants you to know that you are truly appreciated.”

Jeremy Ehart, Department Commander of the Department of Kansas The American Legion:
“The Kansas Department of The American Legion wholeheartedly endorses and supports the proposed legislation that Sen. Moran and Tester have worked in a bipartisan fashion with the VA, other VSOs, and advocates to craft the SFC Heath Robinson Act.”

William Turner, Director of Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office and former Deputy Commanding General of Support for Fort Riley’s First Infantry Division:
“I greatly appreciate the extensive research and work that has been done by Senators Moran and Tester to effect legislation that rightfully would guarantee veterans who have been exposed to toxic environments and are suffering respiratory conditions, cancer and other associated illnesses permanent access to VA health care. Our Veterans have served in multiple locations where they have been exposed to a number of toxins that have resulted in them developing serious illnesses and they often struggle to gain access to health care and benefits that can help alleviate some of the pain and suffering they are experiencing. It is absolutely imperative that we enact the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Pact Act of 2022, as amended, to both guarantee exposed Veterans the permanent access to VA health care and also continue to establish a list of conditions that are presumed linkages to the toxic exposures thus enabling Veterans to receive their full benefits.”

Eric Owens, Disabled American Veterans Department of Kansas Adjutant:
“On behalf of the DAV Department of Kansas and our members, we fully support the Honoring Our PACT Act. It will provide healthcare and benefits to thousands of Kansas veterans that have been exposed to Agent Orange, radiation, contaminated water, burn pits and other environmental hazards. Many of our members are suffering from illnesses caused by these exposures and in many cases, they do not have access to VA health care and benefits. We are extremely grateful for Senator Moran’s leadership, bipartisanship and commitment to the men and women who have served this nation. The Honoring Our PACT Act will have a lasting positive impact on toxic exposed veterans, their families, and survivors. Again, we thank Senator Moran for his dedication to finding a solution to the puzzle of exposure legislation.”

Lee Tafanelli, Major General (Ret.) and former Adjutant General of Kansas:
“Our veterans have fought for this country. By no means should they have to fight the bureaucracy to get the necessary medical care they deserve. This landmark legislation fulfills the basic and sacred promise that we make to our veterans when we send them off to war. The promise that we will provide them the necessary VA medical care and disability benefits when they return must be honored. The legislation that you championed will have a great impact in the lives of our veterans long after their service. The knowledge that the obstacles formerly in their way have now been streamlined will provide peace of mind as our veterans move on with their lives. Access to the necessary healthcare for illnesses that have occurred as a result of their exposure to toxins during their deployment is an absolute necessity.”

David T. Dennis, Colonel, United States Air Force (Ret.) and Sedgwick County Commissioner:
“On behalf of all my brothers and sisters who wore the uniform of the United States to support and defend our Constitution, I strongly support the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring PACT Act of 2022. As a member of the Sedgwick County Board of Health, and the Chairman of the Sedgwick County Commission, it is our job to provide health services to those in need. As a retired Air Force Colonel, it is my job to use my position to advocate for all active duty and military veterans. I sincerely appreciate your dedicated support for this legislation and for your steadfast support for our nation’s veterans.”

Dr. Arthur DeGroat, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret)., U.S. Army, Kansas Governor’s Military Council:
“As a combat veteran and military leader, I saw firsthand the effects of burn pits and its subsequent toxic exposure impacts on the lives of my soldiers. I have also witnessed many technical and manufacturing (packaging) innovations that would reduce the logistical waste that results in the primitive use of fire to burn refuse at great risk to soldiers, civilians, host nationals and the physical environment. This primitive martial practice must be stopped—and I feel your legislation will not only care for those effected—but improve the overall nature of combat deployments. Moreover, advances in military logistics will now have the impetus to innovate to reduce the waste footprint of harmful byproducts of wartime materials. I commend your expert leadership in this very important policy matter as both a veteran and citizen leader.”

General Mike Dodson (Ret.) former commander of Fort Riley First Infantry Division and Kansas State Representative:
“As a veteran myself, I have in the past given little thought to the hazards other than those presented by the enemy or those who would do us harm and what I might characterize as the standard health and safety measures we have practiced for decades. The first ‘non-standard hazard’ I encountered was ‘Agent Orange.’ The dangers were not known to us during our service in Vietnam, but certainly became an issue some years later. Likewise, in Desert Storm, while we were aware of some of the possible hazards (such as chemicals), the locations were largely unknow. The dangers presented by oil fires and burn pits were certainly suspected, but not easy to avoid. Servicemen and women have suffered various ailments and have long sought to have these hazards recognized by the VA as being causal factors. I applaud your actions and that of your Senate colleagues. This legislation will give hope to those veterans who are searching for answers to their suffering. It will also fulfill our commitment to them for the sacrifices they have made in the service of our country.”

Herbert Schwartzkopf, Kansas VFW Adjutant/Quartermaster:
“On behalf of Ransom VFW Post 7972, Ransom, Kansas, and the millions of United States Veterans out there, I wish to sincerely thank you for bringing the PACT ACT to the floor of the Senate for a vote. I know you will eventually do as you originally planned to get dates and dollars implemented into this bill so it will benefit not only the veterans and their families affected, but the entire nation. The work that you do so tirelessly for veterans and all citizens of the United States is totally appreciated and will not be forgotten.”

Pat Proctor, Colonel (Ret.) U.S. Army and Kansas State Representative:
“As a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, I know so many of my fellow veterans who are suffering from the negative effects of toxic exposure during their service in-theater. And there is no telling how many of us will be impacted as we get older. I am so incredibly grateful to Senator Moran for leading this effort, standing with those of us who served, and seeing that our nation meets its obligation to those who risked their lives in its defense.”

Paul Chapa, founder of Friends in Service of Heroes:
“Senator Moran and Senator Tester have my thanks and that of Friends In Service of Heroes for not forgetting our veterans. This is indeed a long time in the making and only pray it will save the lives of those that have suffered from the various toxic exposure. Thank you for letting them all know, that service mattered and still matters today.”

Timothy Marlar, Colonel (Ret), of Newton:
“It took too long for the VA provide relief for those exposed to Agent Orange. We cannot pass on the opportunity pass the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 and recognize the hazards of the exposure of military personnel to toxic substances. Our military personnel served overseas or stationed at home has been an ongoing issue. These exposures have resulted in conditions and illnesses among veterans which can have far reaching effects on health and quality of life of these heroes. I believe the PACT Act is move in the right direction towards honoring the service of our service members and providing medical treatment and disability compensation they have earned.”

John C. Buckley, Colonel, (Ret.) U.S. Army of Andover:
“I unequivocally support the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Pact Act of 2022. During my 33 years of military service, I sometimes had to order my troops to go into harm’s way. During training, I sometimes expected them to do very dangerous things. But before I ordered them to do those things, I assessed the risk and instituted the best mitigating actions which would ensure their safety and survival. Reinforcing my actions was my firm belief that we would take care of them, or their family, if they suffered an injury or fatality during any of these missions. ‘To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.’ Our Soldiers were put into dangerous situations in Iraq and Afghanistan. And many who suffered from their wounds or made the ultimate sacrifice have been cared for by our nation. Unfortunately, many too have been overlooked and ignored. Especially those who are suffering injuries after having recurring and prolonged exposure to toxic fumes, burn pits and other environmental hazards. Our country has turned their back on these heroes. These overlooked men and women are clearly suffering from the toll of armed conflict. I commend you for your interest in our veteran community. And I sincerely applaud the bipartisan effort and support to deliver the care to our veterans who sacrificed everything to ensure our country sustained its freedom and liberty. My Soldiers, our nation’s treasure, followed my difficult orders and directions because they trusted me, and they trusted that their nation would take care of them or their families if our mission went awry. Your Act will re-establish this trust that our service men and women, and their families have in our nation’s leaders, that they will honor the pact.”

Wounded Warrior Project CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington:

“This toxic exposure bill will literally save the lives of countless veterans. Thousands of veterans and supporters made their voices heard on Capitol Hill. We want to thank every U.S. Senator who supported the vital legislation. Sen. Moran deserves a lot of credit for working in a bipartisan way to get this bill across the finish line. Now we’re calling on the U.S. House to quickly follow suit and send this bill to President Biden for his signature.”

Recognizing Juneteenth

Nearly two months after the Civil War ended, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of the end of the war and that they were now free. Kansas is known as the state “where slavery began to die.”

Our state has an important history and role in ending slavery in the U.S., and this Juneteenth we honor freedom and continue striving to form a more perfect union.

Happy Father’s Day

Being a dad to my two girls is the greatest joy in my life, except for maybe being “Pop.”

My dad was someone I greatly admired and looked up to. I want to wish all my fellow dads a happy Father’s Day.

Kansas City Scores World Cup Bid

The FIFA World Cup is coming to Kansas City! Over the past five years, the greater Kansas City area has pulled together in remarkable ways to demonstrate to those around the globe that “We Want The World Cup.” And that hard work has paid off. I have no doubt Kansas City will be an outstanding host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and I look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to the heartland!

Oversight of the VA Budget

This week, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs FY2023 budget request. This budget request sets another record for the VA at more than $300 billion for the delivery of veterans health care, disability compensation payments, educational assistance, veterans cemeteries and other programs. When we send our nation’s men and women to war, we commit to provide them any needed support when they come home, and I believe we must not shrink from delivering that support regardless of the cost. Our duty as stewards of taxpayer dollars is to ensure VA, in its request for funding and in its expenditures, has the resources it needs for its mission and delivers the health care and benefits veterans deserve in a fiscally responsible way. I was pleased VA Secretary Denis McDonough was able to certify to me and to our committee that VA would have the resources it needs to implement the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act, which the Senate passed this week.

A major factor in VA budgeting is how and where veterans access health care. The VA MISSION Act required clear standards for when veterans could choose between care in a VA facility or non-VA facility, along with a review of those standards to ensure they were meeting the goal of timely access to care for veterans. I shared my frustration with Secretary McDonough that VA has missed its deadline to share the findings of this review. Any consideration of VA spending on medical care must incorporate how veterans will access care in the community, and VA’s delay in sharing this information hurts our ability to deliver VA the resources it needs. Veterans, caregivers, and advocates have all become very familiar with the current access standards. We cannot allow bureaucrats at VA to chip away at the veteran’s legal right to choose where and when they get the care that best meets their needs.

Supporting Emerging Aviation Sector

Earlier this week, the House passed two pieces of legislation involving my efforts to support Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). AAM is an emerging sector of the aviation industry with the potential to create new jobs, transportation options and further develop economic activity.

The first piece of legislation was a companion bill to my Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Act. This bill lays the groundwork for the emerging AAM industry by establishing a pilot planning grant program to help prepare for the infrastructure needed to support these operations. It is a complementary effort to my Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, which also passed the House this week. That legislation would instruct the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation to lead a working group comprised of members from nine government agencies to engage and work with the civil aviation industry. The working group would review policies and programs to help advance the maturation of AAM aircraft operations and create recommendations regarding safety, security and federal investments necessary for the development of AAM.

Wichita leads the world in aviation, and both of the AAM bills will make certain Kansas aviation leaders have a role in developing policies designed to shape a new chapter in aviation.

Discussing College Athlete Compensation with NCAA President

This week, I met with the President of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Mark Emmert to continue our conversations related to the modernization of rules related to a student athlete’s name, image and likeness (NIL) rights. Since our last discussion, the NCAA adopted a temporary policy to suspend its rules related to student athlete compensation for the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL).

This decision by the NCAA to adopt interim rules to allow college athletes to profit from the use of their (NIL) was a step in the right direction as states continued to enact their own student athlete compensation laws. However, since the temporary rule took effect, many shortcomings have surfaced and further demonstrated that Congress must act to establish a consistent, federal standard on NIL. Creating a level playing field regarding student athlete protection and compensation through federal legislation will empower amateur athletes while maintaining the integrity of college sports that we all know and love.

This is why I introduced the Amateur Athlete Protection and Compensation Act last year ahead of the July 1 rule change. My legislation would create a national standard of guidelines to make certain student athletes can benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness without hurting their eligibility to compete as a student athlete. While at the same time protecting the existing model of college athletics that has afforded so many young athletes an opportunity to pursue an education. Athletics teach young men and women many valuable skills that serve them throughout their life, and Kansas has an unparalleled history of college athletics that includes several premier programs attracting student athletes from all over the nation and the world. I will continue to work to ensure NIL legislation strikes the appropriate balance of empowering amateur athletes while maintaining the integrity of college sports that we all know and love.

Meeting with Kansans in Washington, D.C.

Kansas FFA Students
This week, I enjoyed speaking with Kansas FFA members participating in the Washington Leadership Conference. FFA is a great opportunity for young Kansans to develop their leadership skills and participate in hands-on agricultural education opportunities. Developing aspiring young leaders in agriculture is vital to our future as a nation. I look forward to seeing what these inspiring individuals accomplish in the future.

Kansas Livestock Association
On Wednesday, I was pleased to meet with members of the Kansas Livestock Association. We discussed the detrimental effects high input costs, inflation, and energy prices have on our farmers, ranchers and communities across Kansas. Although there are no simple solutions, I urge the Biden Administration to reverse its anti-energy policies to provide much-needed relief to American families. KLA members also mentioned the extreme heat western Kansas has been experiencing throughout the pass week and the resulting cattle loss. My heart goes out to the cattle producers who have experienced this devastating loss, and I urge everyone to stay safe and take care of themselves amidst these sweltering conditions.

Homebuilders Association of Greater Kansas City and Wichita
I also met with both the Wichita Area Builders Association and the Homebuilders Association of Greater Kansas City on Wednesday. We discussed how trade barriers and excess regulations drive up the cost of housing, pushing more Kansans out of the housing market. At a time when all Americans are dealing with high inflation, lowering the cost of affordable home building is essential for economic prosperity. In order to sustain the generational wealth that can come with owning a home, we need to pursue policies that bring down the price of housing and expand access for Kansans of all income levels. I will continue using my position on the Senate Banking Committee to find solutions for affordable housing.

Citizenship Washington Focus 4-H Group
I also enjoyed meeting with students from the Citizenship Washington Focus 4-H Group from Franklin & Osage Counties. My office was able to give them a tour of the United States Capitol, and I was pleased they were excited to discuss the history of our nation and learn more about how to participate in the democratic process.

Capitol Tours
It was great to visit with the Davis family from Wichita while they were in the office for their tour of the U.S. Capitol. Welcoming Kansans to the Capitol is one of the highlights of the week.

Wheat Harvest in Kansas

Wheat harvest is underway in Kansas. We are one step closer to feeding a hungry world.

On Saturday, KSU President Richard Linton and I joined Justin Knopf, President of Kansas Wheat, and his family to take part in the wheat harvest at their family farm near Gypsum. While there, Justin shared with President Linton and me how he works to preserve soil health on his farm so that the next generation of the Knopf family will have the means to grow plentiful crops that feed and fuel the world for many years to come. The importance of Kansas farmers and the crops they grow is more vital than ever due to the current food crisis created by Russia’s war in Ukraine. I will continue to do everything within my power to make sure that Kansas families like the Knopfs are able to pass along their operations to the next generation and are able to thrive in rural America. Thank you the Knopf family for letting me join them during harvest, and thank you to Justin’s son Andrew for letting me ride in the grain cart with him.

Groundbreaking of SEK Soybean Crushing Facility

It was great to be in Cherryvale for the Bartlett Soybean Crushing Facility groundbreaking on Friday. This $375 million investment in Montgomery County will bring 50 new jobs to the area and provide a new market opportunity for soybean farmers throughout southeast Kansas. Once operational in 2024, it will process 38.5 million bushels of soybeans annually.

Bartlett has operated in Kansas for more than 100 years, and I’m pleased to see them once again expanding their footprint. It’s investments like this one that keep rural communities like Cherryvale thriving and offer opportunities for generations to come.

I’d like to thank President Bob Knief and Vice President Bill Webster for the invitation to join this celebration. The groundwork to make this facility possible was a major group and state effort, and I appreciate the work of local officials, including the Montgomery County Action Council and Montgomery County Commission.

Following the groundbreaking, I joined Bartlett employees and community leaders for a celebratory luncheon at the Cherryvale Community Center. During the luncheon, Bartlett leaders were able to give the local leaders more insight into this significant project and its progress thus far. When I was invited to address the group, I emphasized how important of a moment this is for Cherryvale and the surrounding area. The event Friday marked an important beginning to an investment that will continue to pay dividends to future generations of Kansans.

Thank you to the Thompson Brothers for a great BBQ lunch.

Progress on Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant Cleanup

On Monday before heading to Washington, D.C., I visited the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant to review the progress of cleaning up the hazardous materials that were left on the site during decades of use by the military. From its activation during World War II to it being declared excess by the U.S. Army in 1998, the Sunflower Plant produced hundreds of millions of pounds of propellants used by the military in munitions deployed during the conflicts of the 20th Century. The manufacturing process created numerous locations within the plant site that require remediation due to the presence of hazardous chemicals. I have previously conducted oversight of the cleanup process, including when I held a Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee hearing about the site in 2017. I will continue to work with local and federal leaders to make certain this site is cleaned up in an efficient and transparent manner and will be ready for public usability.

Thank you to DeSoto Mayor Rick Walker, DeSoto City Administrator Mike Brungardt, Army Corps KC District Commander Col. Travis Rayfield, and Jill Fraley and Kathy Baker, both with the Army Corps, for joining me during my visit.

Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.

Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C. office.

Very truly yours,
Jerry

My email address is only equipped to send messages. I encourage you to send me a message through my website: www.moran.senate.gov. To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click here.

	Hays 1200 Main St., Suite 402 P.O. Box 249 Hays, KS 67601 Phone: (785) 628-6401	Manhattan 1800 Kimball Avenue, Suite 270 Manhattan, KS 66052 Phone: (785) 539-8973 Fax: (785) 587-0789	Olathe 23600 College Blvd., Suite 201 P.O. Box 1154 Olathe, KS 66061 Phone: (913) 393-0711 Fax: (913) 768-1366
	Garden City 1511 East Fulton Terrace, Suite 1511-2 Garden City, KS 67846 Phone: (620) 260-3025	Wichita 100 North Broadway, Suite 210 Wichita, KS 67202 Phone: (316) 269-9257 Fax: (316) 269-9259	Pittsburg 306 N. Broadway, Suite 125 (rear entrance of bank) P.O. Box 1372 Pittsburg, KS 66762 Phone: (620) 232-2286 Fax: (620) 232-2284

Fort Scott, Government

City Offices Close At 3 p.m. This Friday

June 22, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The City of Fort Scott Administration Offices will close at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 24^th, 2022 due to the Fort Scott High School All School Reunion parade which begins at 5:00 p.m.

Government

Moran Hwy. 54 Bridge To Open Today

June 22, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

New U.S. 54 overpass to open June 22

Wednesday, June 22, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to open the new U.S. 54 railroad overpass to traffic at Moran. The bridge is expected to open before 5 p.m. Wednesday, weather permitting.

Drivers are reminded to use extra caution since the project area remains a work zone. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Health Insurance Info Sessions for Business/Organizations Today

June 22, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

REMINDER:

Attend 1 of 3 informational sessions tomorrow on the Chamber Health Insurance to be offered to members through BCBS of KS…

June 22nd (Wednesday)

8:30am, 12pm, or 3pm

Sleep Inn Conference Room

302 E. Wall St.

Your business/organization only needs

to have two W-2 employees to qualify

and no maximum number!

Fort Scott Area

Chamber of Commerce announces

Chamber Blue

Health Insurance Offering

We are excited to announce we are

joining forces with CCEKS (Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas),

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, and

37 other Chambers across the state to offer

an association health plan to our members for your business or organization.

Join us for an informational session about

the plan on Wednesday, June 22nd at the

Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Room:

3 time options of 8:30am, 12pm, 3pm

Click here to register to attend one of the sessions so we will know how many to expect.

See brochure below or click here to view more info. on Chamber Blue on our website.

*Businesses or organizations do not have to be a

Chamber member to attend the informational sessions to learn more and get rate quotes, but will need to become a member to enroll in the insurance when the time comes.

Click here for a printable copy of the brochure shown above.

Cristy Mitchell of BCBS of KS and Chamber member

Don Doherty of Northwestern Mutual Life,

RPS Benefits, Inc. will be in attendance at the informational sessions to provide all the details and answer questions.

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Uncategorized

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 7

June 22, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

June 7, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Robert Harrington, Matt Crystal, Emily Diebolt, Kevin Davidson, Bill Martin, Jason Silvers, Bob Reed, and Susan Bancroft were present for most or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meeting minutes. Lynne seconded.
All approved.
Dustin Hall stated there were no permits. Trucks are out fixing washouts from all the rain. Staging asphalt equipment in Hiattville to get started there as soon as possible.
Jim asked if we did any work on a culvert south of Hubert’s around the curve going
east. There is a washout down there. Dustin said he would check on it and let Jim know. Lynne asked for an update on the new crusher. Dustin said that it is fast. It’s
hard to keep up with it.

Lynne had a report for Hackberry Road off of Hwy 3. Dustin
said that they put gravel on it this week. Jim asked if they were considering a second belly dump to move gravel while asphalting. Dustin said they have discussed it but there is no need for one at the moment as the rock isn’t there. We are going to try to
keep the belly dump we have moving all summer if possible. Jim said that if you guys decide to buy a second one I would be in agreement with that.

Jim asked how many bush hogs they have. Dustin said they have four, but one has a hole in the fuel tank and have been waiting for parts. The other three are mowing now.

Bill Martin regarding K9 Retirement Contract. Bill asked for chairman’s signature to release all liabilities along with the BB County Sheriff’s Department and for Kevin
Davidson, who is the current K9 handler, to take possession of his dog, Jeno. Lynne asked how old the dog is. Bill stated nine years old. He was two when he started with the county. Jim stated that we appreciate Kevin for taking him and giving him a good home. Jim made a motion to approve the contract presented by Sheriff Martin
allowing Mr. Davidson to take Jeno and give him a good home. Clifton seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the contract
allowing Kevin Davidson to keep Jeno. Kevin thanked the commission for allowing him to keep Jeno.

Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft and Shane Walker for seven minutes returning at
9:17am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:17am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Jim made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Rhonda Dunn, Shane Walker and Rob Harrington for 10 minutes returning at 9:30am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:30am with action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to allow Susan Bancroft to work with the city on a shared service to deal with the land bank. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to move the executive session & Justin Meeks time to the end of the meeting. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan Bancroft presented an EMS contract moving Dave Bruner from EMS Manager and putting Teri Hulsey in that position. Lynne made a motion to approve the EMS contract moving Dave Bruner from EMS Manager to Teri Hulsey and allow the chairman
to sign. Clifton seconded. All approved.

Susan discussed correcting some employee
contracts at the last meeting clarifying the language in the sick and vacation leave for the Public Works Director and Chief Information Officer. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the amended employment contracts. Lynne seconded.
All approved.

Susan discussed employee insurance and the possibility of getting a
broker to help consolidate ancillary benefits to provide the best benefits for our employees. She discussed creating a committee to select a broker that would best fitour needs. Jim asked how the broker will be paid. Susan stated that they are paid by
commission through the insurance company. Lynne made a motion to allow the
creation of a committee to look into a broker for benefits. Clifton seconded. All
approved. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to do away with the executive
session that Susan Bancroft had requested. It is no longer needed. Lynne seconded.
All approved.

Shane Walker – CIO: We are moving forward with the antennas up north. We had an engineer study done and know where we need to put them now. The towers will take 90 days or more. There will be two for now. We will probably add another one down
south where there is a dead spot. Jim asked if this would allow more people to get internet service. Shane said yes.

Public Comment: Rob Harrington introduced the newest members to the REDI organization. Emily Diebolt is our new grants manager. She will be here to help with grant writing. Also, Taten Majors, an intern for the next 8 weeks. He is a graduate from Wichita State. Clint Walker said it is about time someone help the county get
grants.

The commission took a 10 minute break.
Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to move his executive session to next week. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Commission Comment: Lynne stated that he and Susan Bancroft have been talking about the budget process. Lynne made a motion that budgets will need to be turned in to Susan by end of day this Friday, June 10th. Clifton seconded. All approved.

Jim asked about getting a packet ready for the 17 county meeting in September.
Susan stated that we are hoping to send out a flyer by July 1.
At 10:09am Clifton made a motion to adjourn. Lynne seconded. All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk
June 14, 2021, Approved Date

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 14

June 22, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

June 14, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the
County Clerk present.
Clinton Walker, Rachel Walker, Anne Dare, Matt Crystal, Jacob Bielenberg, Bill Martin, Bob
Reed, Ben Cole, Emily Diebolt, Tayton Majors, Rob Harrington, Susan Bancroft, Shane Walker
and Matt Quick were present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Lynne seconded.
All approved.
Eric Bailey presented a culvert permit for Patrick Wood at 1004 S 230th. The commission is going to check on whether they have to approve each culvert permit. If not, it will be
discontinued. Eric gave an update on the composting permit for soybeans. The permit is still on hold. Eric said that the holdup is on their side. We’ve done everything on our side. Eric stated
there has been training on the rock crusher. It puts out a lot of rock. We are cleaning up the overburden at Blake’s. We will start asphalting next week in Hiattville. The culvert crew has
been working on 215th cleaning out the ditches and getting the tubes in.

We had some trees down over the weekend from the storm and are working on cleaning that up. Eric received a call
from Iola Post Office. Unity and 62nd Terrace where there is a water plant and a house. There is a lane that goes down there. We’ve checked with Lora and we’ve looked on the GPS maps and
that road does not show as a platted road on either map and hasn’t been bladed and they’re unable to get down to the mailboxes. Does anyone know of any agreement in this case? Jim
said he didn’t think they ever bladed it

Eric stated he received a call from a councilman from Uniontown from our meeting we had out there, it was their understanding that we were going to lay asphalt for them. I need some guidance. Jim stated that was not his understanding. He said that we would review and see if we could help them or not. Justin said we can’t do that without an interlocal agreement. We can’t compete with private business.

Justin stated that there are two more trestle bridges in the county that are becoming a problem. We’ll have to make some big
decisions on probably three of them. Eric stated working on the area Lynne mentioned is go on each side of the bridge and put barricades up stating “bridge out” and put a dead end sign. We
will be working on correcting this in the very near future.

Lynne mentioned that on Unity between 95th and 105th there is an area that washes a trench out every time we get a few inches of
rain. I think it might be a ditch problem. Jim asked what Eric needs to be really aggressive with ditching? Jim asked Eric to bring a plan. Jim said it was no reflection on Eric’s operation because we had the same issues when he was in the position.

Ashley Shelton presented fireworks permits that need signed. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris and Ashley to sign the fireworks permits. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Ashley stated there would be one more next week.

Ashley spoke on Preservation of Ballots and
Election Records per KSA 25-2708 states the records shall be destroyed after 22 months from election. When the ballots are destroyed, I have to have two witnesses, one from each party. I
have reached out to Carol MacArthur, chairperson for Democratic party and also reached out to Mark McCoy who is the chairperson of the Republican party who recommended Anne Dare.
Those two people have to be appointed by the Board of Commissioners. Clifton made a motion to appoint Carol MacArthur and Anne Dare to witness the 22 month destruction of election
material. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Ashley stated that there have been complaints from
the people that the building at 108 W 2nd. There was work done last year and paid for but it is not completed. Jim asked if there is a check-off process for projects to make sure they are
completed prior to payment. Ashley said when we received the invoice and it has been signed, we assume the work is done.

Ashley asked if any of the commissioners planned to attend the
KAC conference on October 17-19. Jim asked that Ashley make reservations for him. Clifton and Lynne will be attending, also.

Bill Martin stated that over the last 5 years there have been 90 employees go through the jail as correctional officers. In the last week we’ve had four correction officers turn in their
resignations. That brings us down to 8 to operate the jail. I’m here to inform the commissioners that I’m shutting the jail down. We’ll be transferring the inmates out until we can figure out
what we can do in regards to the employees. We’ve had Facebook posts, job announcements by word of mouth to get people to come in and haven’t gotten one application. This is being done
for inmate and correction officer safety. Bobby Reed did everything he could do.

Jim
mentioned that this is a nation-wide issue. Your situation is not unique. People don’t want to work. Bobby stated that this is a very difficult decision. I have 16 positions that are under my
control for correction staff, not including myself, my caption or my secretary. Next Tuesday, I will have 8 of those employees out of 16. Those 8 employees, if they stay, I have been told that
another one may be coming; I have another one coming at the end of August. Those 8 employees are staying on because we are not shutting the facility down completely. We are
moving all of the inmates out that we can to surrounding areas. I’ve been in contact with several sheriffs throughout SEK as far as Fredonia and we are going to have to keep those 8 people on
and figure out some sort of schedule so that when arrests are made they are still going to be booked into our system. They will then be transferred to another county. We still have to have
daily operations, depending on the court systems, we are still going to have to get the inmates to court. We will have to go get them from where they are being held to get them there. We will
still be responsible for their medical. This morning I have 62 inmates that are ours. Some counties are going to charge us $35.00/day/inmate, some counties will charge $40.00/day/inmate
and some will charge $45.00/day/inmate plus medical. Jim asked Bobby what he thought was contributing to the turnover. I

n the last couple of months, everyone that has resigned has filled
out the exit interview paperwork. I ask for details. Several years ago we opened our job pool to hire outside of Bourbon County. I had an employee who left two weeks ago that was driving from El Dorado Springs, MO. He found employment closer to home making more money. Gas prices are also playing a roll. I’ve contacted Cherokee, Crawford, Allen, Linn, Anderson and
Miami. Everyone, but Miami and Anderson County start out at $15.00/hr. They are struggling to stay fully staffed. When asked if they would take some of our prisoners they said in an
emergency they would but they are trying not to because they are short staffed as well. Miami and Anderson’s starting wage is $17.00/hr. Jim stated that according to records, their budget was
increased $48,000.00 for 2022. Bobby said back in 2018 we started out at $10.17/hr. In 2018 we got a $1.50/hr raise that brought us up to $12.17/hr. With the 3% that we got in 2022 that
brought the starting wage to $12.50/hr. Bobby stated that even if we brought the starting wage up to $15.00/hr., there is no guarantee it will bring us applicants. Bill asked about the increase
for 2022. Jim stated that there was an additional $48,000.00 for the correctional facility and an additional $50,000.00 for Sheriff’s side. When we did the budget last year we tried to address it

and tried to help. Bill stated that the report they received from Susan showed we are about 3%

below what we should be spending but we’re not familiar with what will happen in the future.
We are just finishing the 5th month going into the 6th and overtime is at $32,000.00. Given the
pay raise we feel that that is going to be over budget in regards to wages and salaries and we are
trying to watch that in regards to what is going on. Bobby and Ben have worked diligently
trying to figure out what to do and how to get this going. Law enforcement public safety, when
it comes to correctional officers, are just as important. Our hands are tied. We can’t even fill
from deputies because it takes away from their time off. Jim stated that when we increased your
budget $48,000.00, we were hoping that would bring the salary up enough to make people
happy. Bill stated that this is not to make anybody angry, but we’ve had several studies done to
show that we are below the minimum pay. We addressed that and they were in double-digit
figures. When you give raises in the single-digit figures it’s hard to make that up. We are open
for suggestions. We are willing to have a round table discussion at a later time, but right now
this is what we are faced with. Bobby said we need to come up with incentives for people to
want to stay. We need to pay our people well enough that they can’t afford to look. When there
is such a wide salary difference between us and the private sector it’s pretty common sense.
With 60 inmates at an average of $40.00/day that’s $2,400.00/day multiplying by 30 days that’s
$72,000.00/month. If this is long term, which I hope is not, we have roughly 180 days left in the
year. That’s $432,000.00 estimated to pay to other counties depending on our numbers. That
doesn’t include medication, fuel and wear and tear on vehicles. Susan asked about food service.
Bobby said that we are under contract and he hasn’t reached out to them. Worst case scenario,
we have to keep a few of our inmates because we can’t find housing, a bare minimum of maybe
under 10. Susan stated that because we are a government entity, contracts can be broken because
of budget constraints. Could we reduce the amount of food? Bill stated that we will have to get
with the contractor and find out once we get the numbers and negotiate. If we do away with that
contract, it will be difficult to find another vendor to come back in due to what is going on. This
contractor takes full responsibility for any food allergy reactions. They take that responsibility
during lawsuits so we have to negotiate and watch what we do. Bobby stated there are two
vendors. One is food service and the other is medical with CHC. Due to some of our inmates
going to other facilities that have CHC will have to work something out. If we pull off of that
then our costs go up considerably. CHC has saved Bourbon County a lot of money. I would
hate to do away with the contract. We are hoping this is short term. Jim stated some of our
larger correctional facilities are privately run. Is there any advantage to that? Have you looked
at anything like that? Bobby responded that the sheriff has control over the jail, the jail has to set
in the county seat. I’m almost 100% certain that the county has to have the jail and it can’t be
because if it was that easy every county would do it. Out of 105 counties in Kansas there are 102
jails within Kansas. Three or four are shut down because they are old and only have one or two
beds. Most of those that are privately run are like a prison and not a county jail. Those facilities
house post-trial or sentenced inmates. Bill stated that a private institution would pay more in
wages. That would not be feasible for Bourbon County. Clifton asked how many beds our jail
has. Bobby stated 74. This morning there are 69 inmates and 6 of those are Linn County so we
would be 61 or 62 inmates. Linn County will take their inmates and house them elsewhere this
week. I spoke to the sheriff in Linn County and their facility will not be open for another 2 or 3
weeks and that’s if all goes well. Bill stated that at the end of May we should have spent 41.5%
and is setting at 37% which is about 3% less which gives us some cushion for overtime. There is
going to be overtime on the sheriff’s side now because we have a deputy that resigned and that

position will have to be covered too with the possibility of one or two more leaving. This is not

about the sheriff’s office, I’ll handle that. Bobby has worked hard to find ways along with the
help of Undersheriff Cole and I believe they have done all they can. Clifton asked how many
people Bobby has today. Bobby stated that he has 11 as of today. He has 19 positions, 16 that
are assigned to the back that are 6 correction officers, 4 corporals, 4 sergeants and 2 lieutenants
that doesn’t include myself, my captain or my business secretary. Bill stated that he knows there
will be people in the public that will say that when we built the new jail we increased our staff
and that is incorrect. We hired one and that is the transportation officer. Bobby stated I’m not
asking for more staff because I can’t fill the positions I have now. Jim asked if they equate so
many employees per inmates. Bobby stated no that they would need a lot more staff handle it
that way. Bill said there was a study done that stated one correction officer per 8-10 inmates.
With the way the jail was designed we could handle the inmates with the current staff. Jim asked
if we were going to maintain eight employees could we keep 30% of the inmates. Bobby stated
that he doesn’t like to work with less than three employees due to safety or medical issues. Jim
asked Susan about the money they are talking about spending where is it coming from? Susan
stated at quick glance I can’t tell you. You may have to dip into some sales tax money of which
you don’t have a lot built up and if sales tax takes a dip that’s a little bit different. Susan stated
that looking at studies with counties with populations similar to ours. Of course, you have to
look at assessed valuation, property tax generated but what comes from that is Bourbon County
has the lowest assessed valuations in the comparisons and we’re the third highest in mill levy.
So, we are poor and are taxing at a high rate. We are second to lowest in what we can generate
in property taxes. It’s more about economic development and growth in our community. That is
a partnership between lots of entities. Bourbon County Redi, City of Fort Scott, our school
districts with everybody coming together and figuring out how we get our assessed valuations up
so we can lower our taxes, that’s housing development and industries coming in. Right now we
are a poor county when it comes to what we have to fund and the services we provide. I looked
at the American city, county government journal and it is a national problem. What is changed,
according to the article, is the private sector is offering high compensation, flexibility and rapid
career advancement. They are looking for younger workers. They are calling this the great
resignation. They’ve never seen anything like this. Turnover is unprecedented. For many the
pandemic prompted reflection about what is most important in their lives. Work, it turns out,
wasn’t as important as many had thought and people became less willing to center their lives
around their job. Further into the article it talked about a shift in worker attitudes. There are five
values that could be driving the change. A desire for flexibility across all dimension, work that
works for the person, among the young groups they are telling governments to rethink how
they’re giving incentives both wage and non-wage incentives to align better with new worker
values. We are not just talking about other industries; we are talking about people we are trying
to hire. They are saying be open to hiring senior workers. The report that they did said that if
we don’t change our approach to hiring and retention the oldest members of gen-x (those born
between 1997 and 2012) who are now 25 and the youngest just 10 years old the cohort will be
the target hires for the next decade or more and their interests are very different than those of the
baby boomers and the gen-xers who now occupy most senior rolls in government. We have to
rethink what we’re doing. Jim asked if the sales tax won’t cover it, will we do no-fund warrants?
Susan stated that could be a potential. You could have to do some serious budget cuts; you could
have to do some reduction in force. This is a very serious conversation. Bobby stated that it
costs a lot of money to fight crime and crime don’t care about money. This is a service that

every county has to provide but the people that are allegedly committing crimes don’t care if we
have an industrial park full of businesses or we have zero. Clifton stated that is what pays our
taxes. We don’t have a golden goose that lays eggs to pay for everything. Clifton verified with
Bobby that his staff work 12-hour shifts and that is a difficult thing to staff. Hospital systems
have spent billions of dollars trying to figure out how to do it effectively and they haven’t
figured it out either. Jim asked since we’ve built the new facility, what percent has the crime
gone up in Bourbon County? Bill said he could get some numbers for him in a couple of weeks.
Before closing out Bill asked if the public comments regarding what they’ve talked about could
be asked now as they would be leaving after their presentation. Clint Walker stated he reads
various county newspapers and they have sheriff’s report during commission meeting. Why
don’t we do that? Bobby said there is a report sent everyday to the newspaper and various other
e-mail addresses. Arrests, inmate count and releases are included in the report. There is a
website that you can get this information from as well. Jim said that when the jail was built it
was highly discussed about the money that was to be made by renting beds. Bobby said he
wasn’t going to go down that rabbit hole because it’s a conversation for another day. But, we
moved into that jail 6/18/18. When the jail was built we had 40 inmates here and 20 – 25 housed
out. So, we built that jail for 74, at the time we had 65. We have 1,100 feet currently at the jail
that pods could have been put in but weren’t at that time. Hindsight is 20/20, if we could go
back in time, I would bet at that time the cells would have been added in that space to house
them, we could have had it paid off in 2 ½ years and we would have 2 ½ years of revenue that
could have assisted in our budget for wages. Anne Dare reiterated that it is a national problem
and not just a sheriff problem; it is a society problem and the way our society is going. It is
going to take faith-based communities; medical communities, sheriff communities, school
communities to effectively change the culture of our county. The only thought I had was
implementing some type of ROTC type program. Is there anything that could be law
enforcement type classes in our high school and junior college to possibly help the education
process in order for them to come out ready to be hired. Clifton stated the junior college does
have classes. When someone is hired in law enforcement that person is sent to the state academy
in Hutchison. While there, he is being paid a salary. Once they graduate, they are certified in
the state of Kansas. By statute, once they finish academy, they have to work for that agency for
1 year. Jim asked Bobby if starting salary was $15.00/hr what would happen? Bobby stated he
didn’t know. I can only hope it would help. I don’t know if it is a fix-all because other counties
paying that amount are having trouble keeping help. The county just south of us is slightly
below that but as of the 27th of this month they will be raising it to $15.00/hr. I fear it will cause
a snowball effect in raising the starting wage to $15.00/hr then you would have to raise those
who’ve been there awhile higher and then that will affect other departments in wanting increases.
I think it is a step in the right direction but will cause a snowball effect and there is no guarantee.
I’m available for any questions, round table events to come up with a solution to this problem.
Clifton made a motion for executive session 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 including three commissioners, Justin Meeks, Susan Bancroft for 10 minutes
returning at 10:41am. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:41am with no
action. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session for Councilor Meeks for
attorney client privilege. Clifton made a motion for executive session 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 including three commissioners, Councilor Meeks for 10
minutes returning at 10:51am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return
to normal session with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to
financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual
proprietorships including three commissioners, Justin Meeks, Rob Harrington and Merrill
Atwater for 10 minutes returning at 11:03am. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session
at 11:03am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan Bancroft stated the SEK Multi-County Health Dept is doing a community baby shower
and our handbook does not allow for solicitation. We can make a donation as a county or can
put it out for our employees to see. The Commission gave permission to put it out. Susan stated
bank reconciliation for May is complete. There is nothing new, sales tax is up still. We did
reconcile. All departments are doing better in getting these done quickly. Jim asked about the
difference in the CD’s listed. Susan said she would get with Rhonda and Patty and look into
bidding those out again with the interest rates going up. Susan presented information from
Juvenile Detention Center as to what they will be charging next year. We’ve always budget
$110,000.00 and so that is still within range. Their estimate is $83,655.00. It is based on usage.
Susan requested an executive session. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-
4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their
privacy including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Shane Walker, and Justin Meeks for 5
minutes returning at 11:14am. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 11:14am
with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Shane Walker – CIO: No comment
Public Comment: Anne Dare stated she was looking at the May bank reconciliation and wanted
to know why we have 1.64million in CD’s. Susan stated they are certificates of deposit and
we’ve tied up our cash to get a little more interest on it. It is part of the budget. That protects us
from raising taxes. Anne asked about the funding for the Juvenile Detention Center. How many
juveniles do they house for Bourbon County for last year? Justin stated that you cannot house
juvenile offenders with adults. We looked at another facility but it was full. Anne wants a better
breakdown. Anne asked that they take another look at it to see if it is cost effective. Justin said
he and Susan would look at it again.
Ashley Shelton stated that Clear Ballot election equipment would be here this afternoon to
demonstrate their equipment. Public is welcome.
Commission Comment: Jim assured Anne that they would look at the juvenile detention center
again.
At 11:22am Clifton made a motion to adjourn. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Entertainment

Bingo This Thursday

June 22, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Bingo this Thursday night at 7:00 pm at Memorial Hall. Doors open at 6:00 pm. American Legion Riders will be selling Concessions.

Submitted by

Jessica Allison

Commander

American Legion Post #25

Fort Scott, KS

Obituary

Obituary of Betty Simpson

June 22, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Betty Jean Simpson, age 87, resident of Bronson, KS, died Monday, June 20, 2022, at her home. She was born October 10, 1934, in Ft. Scott, KS, the daughter of Samuel and Mable Brown Evans

She graduated from Uniontown High School in 1952. Betty married Forrest Simpson on August 23, 1954, in Ft. Scott. He preceded her in death on February 14, 1997.

She worked for Montgomery Ward from 1953 until 1973. She then worked for the Western Insurance Company from 1974 until retiring in 1987. Betty then worked part-time at Walmart for several years.

She enjoyed cross stitching, watching Andy Griffith shows, and collecting antiques. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include 3 grandchildren, Rachel Pearson and husband Arthur, Jenise Reinkens, and Samuel Reinkens; 6 great grandchildren; and 8 great-great grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Gayla Reinkens; 4 brothers, Norman, Samuel, Daniel, and James Evans; and a sister, Mary Simmons.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, June 27^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Betty Simpson Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

Healthcare In Fort Scott: It’s Complicated

June 21, 2022 Loretta George 2 Comments

Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed in December 2018. It currently houses Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department, and I AM Rehab.

In December 2018, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed its’ doors.

Following this, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas reopened a medical clinic at the site at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. and Ascension Via Christi Hospital opened an emergency department, sharing a portion of the former hospital.

They both have leases until December 2022.

Noble Health Corporation entered the picture in 2021.

They completed a feasibility study for the Bourbon County Commission for reopening a hospital.

The City of Fort Scott contributed $200,000, the county contributed $800,000 towards the feasibility study, according to the contract that was signed June 25, 2021. The local government entities used American Rescue Plan money from the federal government for the project, according to Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth in a prior interview with fortscott.biz.

Noble Health Announces Reopening a Hospital in Fort Scott

On June 3, Noble Health’s 179 page Feasibility Assessment to reopen the hospital in Fort Scott was published on the Bourbon County website.

It can be viewed here: BBCO-Hospitial-Feasibilty-Assessment

On June 15, a comprehensive investigative story on Noble Health from Sara Jane Tribble with Kaiser Health News, was posted online.

It reported that Noble Health has a troubled history with operating two hospitals in Missouri.

It can be viewed here: Noble Health: History of Failed Health Care For Patients

CHC Feasibility Study

A prior feasibility assessment by Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas had helped that health care system to make the decision to move to a different building, Krista Postai, CEO and President of CHC/SEK said.

In an interview with her, Postai was asked to compare the Noble Health Assessment to the CHC Assessment that was completed after CHC moved into the former Mercy Hospital building in 2018.

“We have a very comprehensive, detailed report county-by-county that has all the data one needs to make an informed decision on services, location, etc.,” she said. “We also have a strategic plan that is updated annually that maps out where we’re going, new services, etc. Prior to accepting Mercy’s offer to take their clinics, we had already prioritized Ft. Scott because we had almost 2,000 patients from Bourbon County which is enough to justify a site.”

“There was nothing new in Noble’s report that we already didn’t know or hadn’t already been discussed, including the rural emergency hospital concept that Ascension had always planned on pursuing if feasible,” she said. “In fact, much of our data is more current (2021) although, unfortunately, southeast Kansas isn’t getting healthier or wealthier so changes over the last 20 years have been minimal.”

Ascension Via Christ medical system brought an emergency department back to Fort Scott following Mercy Hospital’s closure and shares part of the former Mercy Hospital building with CHC.

“When we first agreed to transition Mercy’s clinic in the hospital over to us, Mercy indicated we had two years to find another location,” she said. “It was their belief that the building would ultimately be demolished unless we wanted to assume responsibility for it.”

“We sliced and diced all the costs based on actual operational data that Mercy supplied us and factored in roof replacement, the chillers and the boilers….all the things that were nearing the end of their useful life,” Postai said. “We also visited with multiple organizations about their interest in leasing space on a long-term basis that would cover the cost to operate and maintain it.”

“At that point, the county opted to present a counter proposal to Ascension at a much lower price per sq. ft. that would require the county to subsidize it, which they indicated they were willing to do. It seemed wise at that point to step back and let the county take the lead since emergency services was their priority.”

Decision to Move to Another Site

“Concerned about the ongoing costs of maintaining the building – and wanting a more efficient design plus a drive-in pharmacy, plus more diagnostic equipment and space to expand behavioral health services — we begin laying plans to move….and approached the Price Chopper owners about their building,” Postai said. “At that time, the asking price was way too high for us, so we asked Mercy for land on which to build which is how we got the eight acres behind the hospital. As we began design on a new building, the Price Chopper price dropped and we agreed it would be faster to renovate….and it was an ideal location. As we calculated, it was more financially feasible to own the building and make loan payments than it was to pay rent on space in a building with an uncertain future.”

The Price Chopper building, 2322 S. Main, is currently being remodeled into a health care clinic by Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas.

Government, Kansas

KS Bonuses For Child Care Providers

June 21, 2022 Submitted Story 1 Comment

Governor Laura Kelly Announces $53 Million in Appreciation Bonuses for Child Care Providers

~~Child Care Providers Will Receive $750 to $2,500 Per Person
as a Thanks for Their Hard Work~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that her administration is giving a total of $53 million to eligible child care staff at licensed facilities as a reward for their incredibly essential, hard work. The funds will be made available through Child Care Workforce Appreciation Bonuses that will soon be directly distributed to approximately 22,650 early childhood care staff members across Kansas. Individual bonus amounts will range from $750 to $2,500 per person.

“Early childhood development is the smartest investment a community can make. Early childhood education programs benefit our kids in the long-term, both in and out of the classroom, and they make it possible for parents to enter and participate in the workforce,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That’s exactly why we’re making a total of $53 million available to nearly 23,000 child care providers throughout Kansas: We want to show our gratitude for all they do every single day.”

Eligible child care providers must be regularly working in a paid position at a licensed facility and have a minimum of six months continuous employment at their current employer or six months of combined continuous employment with a licensed provider. Home-based and relative providers may also qualify for the bonus program. There is also an opportunity for those who have worked less than six months at a licensed facility to receive a bonus. The Appreciation Bonus is a one-time payment that will begin in mid-to-late July and is funded through federal Child Care Development Funds.

Licensed facilities include child care centers, including all Head Start programs and preschools; school age programs; day care homes; and DCF relative providers.

“Working in child care is a calling, one that inspires and educates the minds of young Kansans, and plays an important role in strengthening Kansas families,” said Laura Howard, Secretary of Kansas Department for Children and Families. “We cannot say it enough — Thank you child care workers for everything you do for Kansas children!”

Child Care Aware of Kansas (CCAKS) will implement the program on behalf of the Kansas Department for Children and Families and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. All eligible child care workers will receive a letter in July outlining the process to accept the bonus and will have until Nov. 18 to act. CCAKS will offer educational webinars about the process as well. Learn more at www.ks.child careaware.org.

“Child care professionals are essential to a thriving Kansas economy, providing high-quality early care and education to young children while ensuring parents are able to work,” said Kelly Davydov, Executive Director of Child Care Aware of Kansas. “We’re grateful for their service to young children and families.”

The Child Care Workforce Appreciation Bonus program is one more way the Kelly Administration has supported child care providers to create real, sustainable change in child care in Kansas.

In total, the Kelly Administration has invested more than $272 million to support child care providers, including three rounds of Child Care Sustainability Grants to aid child care providers to meet the costs of operating their businesses through the remaining impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The third round of Child Care Sustainability Grants announced in March made more than $160 million available for child care businesses to use toward payroll expenses, costs of operations, and potential revenue losses. Rounds one and two of the Sustainability grants provided nearly $100 million in support to ensure child care centers and home-based providers were able to remain open.

HERO Relief Provider Funding assisted all open child care providers and related providers with funding supports during the immediate impact of COVID-19. More than $11 million was awarded to providers to assist with unexpected expenses related to the pandemic.

Governor Kelly also wrote a letter to licensed child care providers thanking them for their work and informing them of how to qualify for the bonus award. The letter is available here.

Bourbon County

Provide Input on Bourbon County Employee and Resident Survey

June 21, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Chamber Logo Transparent Background.png

EMPLOYEE & RESIDENT SURVEY

FORT SCOTT – BOURBON COUNTY AREA

Last chance to provide input on Bourbon County Employee and Resident survey!

YOUR RESPONSE IS APPRECIATED!

Do you work in Bourbon County? Do you live in Bourbon County? Either way or both, we want your thoughts about work and education. Our Chamber is assisting Bourbon County Regional Economic Inc on its workforce assessment. A few weeks ago, we asked for input from company leaders. Now, we want to know what employees and residents think. Even if you are not currently employed we want to know what you think. This survey only takes about five minutes and is completely confidential.

Thank you!

The Chamber is sending in

partnership with Bourbon County REDI

Greetings!

RE: Last chance to provide input on Bourbon County Employee and Resident Survey

This is your last chance to provide your input on the employee and resident survey. This survey is an important part of a larger workforce assessment being done by Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc, with support from your Chamber.

This Friday, June 24th is the deadline to make your voice heard.

In particular we need input from those 18-24. Please encourage everyone you know in that age range to take the survey now.

Please feel free to share this with those you know, especially in the 18-24 age range.

Thanks for helping Bourbon County’s efforts to keep and grow good jobs.

You will find the survey here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BourbonCountyResidentSurvey

Thank you!

Halle Striler

Communications & Events Coordinator

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED THE SURVEY,

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE

& PARTICIPATION!

Thank you to our Chamber Champions listed below.

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Ben Nguyen Named 2022 Lowell Milken Center Fellow

June 21, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Ben Nguyen, an Automation Technology and Robotics Teacher/Coach at Sunrise Mountain High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ben Nguyen arrived in Fort Scott on June 19^th for a week of collaboration with LMC staff.

The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.

Ben Nguyen, an eighth-year high school science and Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Sunrise Mountain High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, was a 2019 Nevada Milken Educator. Ben works diligently to create pathways to career certification, gainful employment, and academic access for his students through his many engagements within his local and state communities. He actively participates in many events throughout each school year. These include his students’ participation in local STEAM competitions, his presentations on technology and research at conventions, frequent volunteering in the community, and leading workshops to teach and mentor other students.

Throughout his career as a teacher, Ben has been keenly involved with numerous organizations in the industries for which he prepares his students and with many different educational institutions. His efforts include working diligently as a teacher advisor with the Tesla K-12 Investment in Nevada on workforce development and education programs in 2019. He also serves as a board member in numerous nonprofit organizations to create opportunities for all students and community members through learning programs and activities each year. Ben works tirelessly to advance the capacity of his school and state to meet the challenges of rapidly changing industries, including his focus on advanced manufacturing through the building of his school’s program. In his free time, Ben enjoys rock climbing, reading nonfiction, and tinkering in his advanced manufacturing workshop.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Ben will be an asset to our 2022 LMC Fellows team. His vast experiences in the areas of STEAM education have made invaluable contributions in preparing students for entering today’s workforce. We know his expertise will enrich the experiences of all of our Fellows this year.”

While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning through the creation of projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world

throughout history.

Fort Scott Biz

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Weekly Newsletter

My email address is only equipped to send messages. I encourage you to send me a message through my website: www.moran.senate.gov. To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click here.

City Offices Close At 3 p.m. This Friday

Moran Hwy. 54 Bridge To Open Today

Chamber Health Insurance Info Sessions for Business/Organizations Today

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 7

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 14

Bingo This Thursday

Obituary of Betty Simpson

Healthcare In Fort Scott: It’s Complicated

KS Bonuses For Child Care Providers

Governor Laura Kelly Announces $53 Million in Appreciation Bonuses for Child Care Providers

Provide Input on Bourbon County Employee and Resident Survey

Ben Nguyen Named 2022 Lowell Milken Center Fellow

Bourbon County Local News