Government

New Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture Meets March 23-24   

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WASHINGTON, March 8, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host the first public meeting of the inaugural Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production on March 23-24, 2022.  The public – including urban producers– is encouraged to attend.    

   

“I look forward to working with this new urban agriculture federal advisory committee,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The committee’s valuable insights and expertise will provide critical guidance to help us better serve urban agricultural producers, strengthen local food systems, and increase equity and access to healthy, local food.”   

   

The new federal advisory committee is part of USDA’s efforts to support urban agriculture, creating a network for feedback. Members were announced last month, and include agricultural producers, and representatives from the areas of higher education or extension programs, non-profits, business and economic development, supply chains and financing.   

   

About the Meeting   

   

USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production is coordinating the meeting, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET on March 23 and 24, 2022. To attend, register by March 18, 2022.   

  

At the meeting, committee members will discuss administrative matters and consult on the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Urban, Indoor and Emerging Agriculture grants.   

   

Members of the public who wish to submit comments or questions related to urban agriculture may submit them via www.regulations.gov.  

   

Comments must be submitted by March 18, 2022.   

   

For special accommodations, please contact Leslie Glover at (602) 395-9536 or [email protected].    

 

Additional details are available in the March 8, 2022 Federal Register notice and online at farmers.gov/urban or on the committee’s webpage.   

   

USDA and Urban Agriculture   

   

The Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production is part of a broad USDA investment in urban agriculture. Other efforts include:   

 

  • Grants that target areas of food access, education, business and start-up costs for new farmers, and policy development related to zoning and other urban production needs.   
  • Cooperative agreements that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans.   
  • Investing $260,000 for risk management training and crop insurance education for historically underserved and urban producers through partnerships between USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) and the University of Maryland, University of Connecticut, and Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.   
  • Providing technical and financial assistance through conservation programs offered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).   
  • Organizing 11 Farm Service Agency (FSA) urban and suburban county committees. FSA will organize additional committees.   

   

The Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production was established through the 2018 Farm Bill. It is led by NRCS and works in partnership with numerous USDA agencies that support urban agriculture. Its mission is to encourage and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices, including community composting and food waste reduction.   

   

More information is available at farmers.gov/urban and the new Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production website at www.usda.gov/partnerships/advisory-committee-urban-ag-innovative-production.   

   

Additional resources that may be of interest to urban agriculture entities include grants from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture as well as FSA loans.   

   

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.   

  

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.  

Obituary

Obituary of Richard Hedges

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Richard (Dick) Daniel Hedges was born August 22, 1938 to Lawrence and Marjorie (Daniel) Hedges in Fort Scott, KS. He grew up on a farm near Blue Mound, attended Blue Mound schools graduating from Blue Mound High School in 1956.

Growing up, he was involved in a number of school activities including sports, music, FFA, annual and school paper staff. His senior year he was invited to participate in the National FFA band playing his clarinet.

After an active athletic career in high school, Dick enrolled at Baker University and made an impact on the football team playing center and nose guard. Weighing in at 170 lbs., he made up for his lack of size by playing with intensity. He lettered all four years and was named to the 1st team All-Kansas Athletic Conference team his junior and senior years. He was inducted into the Baker University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.

Following graduation from Baker, he began a career that would take him from teaching and coaching in several high schools in Kansas to the presidency at Fort Scott Community College and being named to the Kansas Board of Regents. He managed by walking around, making recorded lists, delegating tasks and was very good at “getting things done”.

He married Karen Prather, a co-teacher at Baldwin High School December 27, 1964. They had two sons, Lance and Kyle. Both Karen and Dick were active in their respective schools, church and community. As a family they enjoyed a wide variety of sports, outdoor activities, hunting, fishing and traveling . Karen died unexpectedly in August of 2006.

A Christmas note reconnected Dick to Janice (Jan) Strecker in 2010. Their families had become good friends during the two years Dick worked in Hutchinson, KS. Dick and Jan were married August 14, 2011. After three retirements by each of them, they opened a bookstore, Hedgehog.INK!, in downtown Fort Scott in October of 2018.

Dick has been a member of the Fort Scott United Methodist Church for 54 years, he wrote a weekly column for the Fort Scott Tribune for 52 years. He was a teacher, coach, principal and FSCC president three different times. He had short stints in private industry, Greenbush Educational Center and Johnson County Technical School. He served the community of Fort Scott as a city commissioner – 14 years and mayor 3 years. He served on the Mercy Hospital Board, FSCC Board of Trustees and Endowment committee, Area Community Foundation Board, as well as many other leadership roles. He was instrumental in the building of the Ellis Fine Arts Center and creating the Gordon Parks Museum. He was a member of the Fort Scott Rotary Club.

Dick is preceded in death by an infant brother, his parents, his wife Karen and son Lance.

Survivors include his wife, Jan of the home, son Kyle and wife Tina Keating Hedges, Bolivar, MO, daughter-in-law Stacey Hedges, Garnett, KS, step-sons Scott Strecker Portland, OR and Stuart Strecker Lawrence, KS, one brother Tom Hedges, Kansas City, MO, one sister Donna and husband Wilfred Lehmann, LeRoy, KS. Six grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren with one more to arrive in July. A number of nieces, nephews and friends.

Dick has impacted the lives of more people than he will ever know. His style of teaching, coaching and leadership have inspired those who knew and worked with him to reach higher, to learn more and to pay it forward. He was a true public servant in every sense of the word.

Rev. Christopher Eshleman will conduct funeral services Wednesday, March 16, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery Fort Scott, KS.

A visitation will be held at Cheney Witt Chapel Tuesday, March 15 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Fort Scott Community College Foundation or Fort Scott First United Methodist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Briggs Auto on March 17

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the Chamber Coffee this Thursday, March 17th at 8am. This week’s coffee will be hosted by Briggs of Fort Scott as they celebrate their 6th year anniversary. Located in the Ford Showroom at 1819 S. Main St. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

At Briggs of Fort Scott their No.1 focus is on building business relationships with their customers. Their goal isn’t to sell you a car, but to listen so they can make your experience fast, easy, and hassle-free. Whether you’re buying a car or are bringing your vehicle in for service, you can count on their team to make the entire process a breeze. Most importantly, you can expect this level of award-winning, VIP customer service consistently at each of their four Briggs of Fort Scott locations. These include Briggs Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM of Fort Scott, Briggs Ford of Fort Scott, Briggs Toyota of Fort Scott and Briggs Chevrolet of Fort Scott.  See for yourself just how fast, easy, and fun it is to shop at Briggs of Fort Scott with a visit to any of their locations today!

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

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Fort Scott, Youth

Joshua Kobernat: New Keyhole Ministry Director

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Joshua Kobernat. Submitted photo.
Joshua Kobernat, 19, is the new director of the Keyhole Ministry,  1002 S. Main Street, Fort Scott.
“The ministry provides the community a safe space for youth from 6th to 12th grade to hang out,” Kobertnat said. “The Keyhole has video games, TV, board games, puzzles, a basketball court, and concessions.”
They have special gatherings as well.
“Our next event will be a St. Patrick’s day party on March 17,” Kobernat said. “We’ll be giving out free food and playing games to win prizes. We also hope to start up a weekly Bible study in April.”
Kobernat graduated high school in 2020 and took a year of Bible college at Heartland Baptist Bible College, Oklahoma City, OK.
He is the oldest of ten children of  Dan and Amy Kobernat.
“They serve the community through Bethel Community Baptist Church and Christian Learning Center,” he said.
He also is a member of Bethel Community Baptist Church, whose members provide the community with the Living Nativity and other Christmas events and also offers the Reformers Unanimous ministry for those who are struggling with addictions.

He has served with assisting his church’s Vacation Bible School and taught Sunday School classes.

Kobernat started on March 2.
“The majority of my job involves overseeing the students that come in, as well as scheduling and preparing for events,” he said.
“I have always loved working with the youth,” Kobernat said. “I think that the Keyhole is a unique establishment through which these students can be themselves and I am blessed to play a small role in their lives.”
The facility is located across from Fort Scott High School at 1002 S. Main. The phone number is 620-223-4700.
The current board members of the Keyhole are Amber Goodbody,

Ryan Goodbody, Emily Diebolt, Judy Hood and Marge Madison.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Soil Testing – First Step in Garden Preparation

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

 

Whether you are new to gardening or have been gardening for years, all gardeners should think about their soil fertility levels. Just looking at your plants won’t provide the proper information. Soil fertility is something that cannot be seen, felt or guessed about. As we get ready for planting time, consider having a soil analysis on your garden soil.

A soil test reveals the base line nutritional values of soil. From this test, the type and amount of fertilizer to be used can be determined. In addition, a soil test will find the pH level of the soil. This kind of information is basic for developing a good plant nutrition program. For example, if your soil doesn’t need phosphorus or potassium – which may very well be the case – applying it is a waste of time and money.

Nutrient levels can change over time of course. K-State recommends testing garden soil every three to five years. But soil tests are only as good as the samples submitted. To take a soil sample, follow these steps:

 

  1. Mentally divide your garden into areas. Each area should be fairly uniform in soil color, texture and slope, as well as ability to grow plants. Avoid or sample separately any places that could give misleading results: low spots, old fence rows, etc.

 

  1. You will need a clean bucket and a soil probe or spade. Take 10 thin core or slices from different spots in the garden. Include soil down 6 to 8 inches deep. This is much easier to do if you don’t take samples when the soil is really wet.

 

  1. Put all samples into a bucket, crumble and mix them thoroughly. Remove any stones, grass, roots and thatch. Then take out a cup to a pint’s worth of soil, air dry it, and put it in a sealable container. You can spread the soil out on a newspaper to dry.

 

  1. Put soil into a lock-seal plastic bag or plastic food container. Label each container with your name, mailing address and phone number.
  1. Bring soil sample to the Southwind District Extension Office in Erie, Iola, Fort Scott or Yates Center. Chanute residents can drop soil of at Breiner’s Feed Store for pick-up. Soil sampling is $15 per sample. Sample results are usually available in 7 to 10 days.

Phosphorus and potassium levels tend to build up in the soil. Excess can harm growth, or worse yet, leach out and pollute streams and lakes. In recent years, the soil testing lab at K-State has found some Kansas garden and landscape samples contained so much phosphorus and potassium that testing couldn’t measure the amounts. The results literally were “off the charts.” By soil testing, you can determine if these nutrients need to be applied or not.

Did your garden just not perform the way you wanted it to last year? It could have been because the soil fertility level is not what it should be or the soil pH is off. Soil testing will determine that.

Don’t put off sampling until after the garden is planted. Do it now so soil fertility corrections can be made!

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

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

Government, Kansas

KS Program Supports Innovation Technology For Companies

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Proof of Concepts Applications Open through the End of the Month

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the Kansas Innovation & Technology Enterprises (KITE) Proof of Concept (POC) applications for the third quarter of fiscal year 2022 are being accepted through Thursday, March 31. The POC program helps cultivate and support innovation in Kansas by supporting companies with advanced, innovative technology.

The program is designed to fill a need for support where typical funding mechanisms are not available, acting as a bridge to commercialization and funding by angel or venture investors. The program aims to assist in:

  • the establishment of promising new technology-based entrepreneurial ventures within the State; and
  • the commercialization of inventions resulting from research conducted at Kansas public universities.

“Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship is one of the key initiatives in our Framework for Growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Driving innovation in our economy is a critical component to attracting businesses and people to Kansas. I’m pleased we are able to offer this funding to help Kansas entrepreneurs develop new technologies and reach their goals.”

The POC funding is designed to help develop a project/product to the point where the entity can raise significant amounts of external capital. Typically, these awards will be used for commercial assessment and/or technology validation, such as advanced testing or prototype development.

Applications for POC funding are accepted throughout the year. The POC review committee meets on a quarterly basis to review proposals and make recommendations for funding in two categories: For-profit Entity and Faculty Led. Award amounts can be between $5,000 – $25,000 per application. Award notifications for the application period ending March 31 will be made in late April.

POC applications can be found here. For additional information, please contact Wade Wiebe at [email protected].

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.

Opinion

Winds of Life by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

Wind is a natural movement of the air and it can be a powerful invisible force to be reckoned with. A few years ago on a warm sunny day, my husband and I headed east to Missouri on a bike ride. On the return trip, we encountered a strong southerly crosswind so Jimmy had to lean the Suzuki Boulevard heavily to the left just to keep it upright. He used counter pressure against the relentless high winds. A gentle breeze is always preferred, but you don’t always get what you want. We had no control over the weather, so he had to make appropriate maneuvers in order for us to make it back home in one piece. I knew I could trust my husband to get us safely home because he’d experienced rough rides before and knew how to handle them.

The apostle Paul experienced dangerous storms at sea in Acts Chapter 27. He and 275 others encountered strong headwinds that made it difficult to keep the ship on course. They had several days of rough sailing as they beat into the wind with great difficulty. They also encountered typhoon-strength winds and had to let the ship run before the gale. Even though the unstoppable storm raged several days, an angel told Paul not to be afraid and to take courage. They eventually shipwrecked on an inhabited island, but no lives were lost and the islanders treated them well.

Smooth sailing is not always on life’s appointment book. Spiritually speaking, I’ve had to batten down the hatches to do my part in keeping my ship from splintering into a million pieces. And that’s why it’s important to know and believe in the Master of the Wind. We can trust God to get us safely through the troubled waters when the breeze turns into an unexpected gale. “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord” (Psalm 112:7 AMP). I like the word “fixed“ because it means fastened securely in position; stable, rooted, or anchored. My part is to fix my heart on Jesus and believe the truth of His Word. Feelings are fickle, so I can’t be fixed on them. Believers are well prepared for a difficulty or crisis when they’re anchored in the Lord and trust confidently in His Word.

One of my favorite songs in the 1953 Lillenas hymnal is “I‘ve Anchored in Jesus,” written by L.E. Jones. The lyrics for verse one and the chorus are: “Upon life’s boundless ocean where mighty billows roll, I’ve fixed my hope in Jesus, blest Anchor of my soul. When trials fierce assail me as storms are gathering o’er, I rest upon His mercy and trust Him more. I’ve anchored in Jesus, the storms of life I’ll brave. I’ve anchored in Jesus, I fear no wind or wave. I’ve anchored in Jesus for He has power to save. I’ve anchored in the Rock of Ages.”

If Christians wait until the crisis hits to batten down the hatches, we’ve wasted valuable prep time. We have to live ready for a storm, not in fear but, anchored in trust and confidence in the Captain who’s never lost a ship. Jesus is our counter pressure against the fierce winds of life. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is for us today: “I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong” (Ephesians 3:16,17 NLT).

The Key: When the breeze turns into a gale, lay hold of The Anchor and ride it out.

Government, Kansas

Avian Flu Confirmed in Kansas

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USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Backyard Flock in Kansas

For Immediate Release:
March 12, 2022

For more information:
Heather Lansdowne
785-564-6706
[email protected]

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard mixed species flock (poultry) in Franklin County, Kansas. Samples from the flock were tested at the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and confirmed at the USDA–APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is working closely with USDA–APHIS on a joint incident response. KDA officials quarantined the affected premises, and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.

Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity on the KDA Division of Animal Health webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza. More biosecurity resources as well as updates on the current HPAI status nationwide can be found on the APHIS website at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. Attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.

If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. Birds and eggs from the infected flock will not enter the food system.  As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, federal and state partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flocks. The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.

For more information about HPAI, including current status of the confirmed cases in other states as well as more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza or call KDA at 833-765-2006.

Opinion

Morale by Gregg Motley

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Gregg Motley. President of the Regional Economic Development, Inc. Submitted photo.

This intangible, invisible characteristic can mean the difference between success and failure, profit or loss, winning or losing and growth or shrinkage. Community morale is so important, and while largely unseen, someone new or visiting a small town can sense it in the air. Do you believe in Bourbon County and the communities therein, or have you been burned and disappointed so many times that you are apathetic? How a critical mass of our citizens answer that question can make or break us.

This point was hammered home to me when I read a recent article in the Wall Street Journal about the war in Ukraine. The whole world is wondering why a country five times bigger, far better equipped, and with nuclear capabilities cannot rapidly subdue this upstart country, established in 1991. I believe the answer is morale. The article contained a video in which captured Russian soldiers were interviewed, saying they did not know they were going to invade Ukraine, did not know why they were fighting, and when they asked their commanders, they were told to “Shut up and move forward!” Imagine the drop in morale when bullets started flying and their friends were dying around them.

Contrast that with the rag-tag Ukrainian military, many of which recently enlisted and have no fighting skills. They are defending their homeland, and are inspired by their political leaders who are donning helmets and heading towards the front. The morale and resolve of these men and women are making a huge difference in the outcome.

During my seven years in Bourbon County, I have been impressed with the community spirit and morale of many fellow citizens, and inspired by their resolve. In particular, the business community is active and vibrant, with a surprising large number of new businesses opening in recent years. If you doubt it, attend a chamber event, such as the Thursday morning Chamber Coffee, and you will be amongst an active, motivated group who love where they live and what they are doing; they genuinely enjoy being around each other.

I know that we have many problems, some within our control, others outside our influence. Several national megatrends are working against us; however, this is our home and this is the only life with which we are gifted. I encourage you to be part of the solution, rather than cursing the mistakes of the past and challenges of the future. Purposeless negativity does not help. Do not let others limit you and what we can be together.

I ask you to invest in the morale of Bourbon County. Put on your big boy/girl pants, get out of your safe little world, help with solutions, and be the kick in the morale someone else needs. Don your helmet, and head to the front; we are all counting on you.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Feb. 22

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February 22, 2022                                Tuesday 9:00 am

 

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

 

Ann Dare, Matt Crystal and Bill Martin were present for a part or all of the meeting.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Eric Bailey presented a permit for culvert extension that was completed for Russell Felt at 2431 Jayhawk.  All commissioners signed.

 

The bridge at 130th & Birch has the outer stringer in place and welded.  Concrete decking is put back in and now we’re working on getting guard rail back up.

Eric stated they are calling for storms again this week.  Material wise we are holding up.  We got truck 145 back last week.  We are on our way to get truck 146 so we’ll have 5 trucks to work with. Eric stated that we lost a previous employee over the weekend.  There will be several of us attending the funeral tomorrow just to let you know.  Landfill will stay open.Eric stated he met with Jeff Spangler last Tuesday after commission meeting and we went around and looked at some areas that IA is continuing to work on.  They are doing a good job and will be doing a final punch list soon.

 

Clifton stated he received a request for sidearm mower on the county road going east of Oakgrove Cemetery.  Eric stated they would take care of it.

 

Jim made a motion to sign a cereal malt beverage permit for 946 Hwy 69.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Ashley Shelton stated the Clerk’s office adds special assessments.  We have requests to remove special assessments (mowing, demo, clean up, etc.) from the city asking us to remove them.  The assessment requests are sent once a year to be added.  Once assessment removal requests are received, the chairman approves and the process is handled by the Clerk’s office, then passed on to the Treasurer’s for finalizing.

 

Justin Meeks reported work is being done to prepare for the next sales tax.  Demand letters will be going out soon for the sale in September.

 

Justin also reported that he has received revised contracts from Noble Health that he will be discussing with the Chairman.

 

Jim stated that in the past Justin mentioned about the county working with private investors at Elm Creek.  Is that still something we’re looking at?  Justin stated that five or six years ago we were approached by some people who were very interested in running an Airbnb or fixing up the cabins out there and having a private partnership.  With money as tight as it is I think it is a very good idea to have that happen.  It would be simple contracts.  Some of the cabins have repair needs.  Justin will check and see if the private investor is still interested.  Clifton stated this would have to be a bid out process to do this.

 

Ashley Shelton wanted to discuss closing due to inclement weather.  Ashley has a call-tree to all department heads and they in turn notify their employees.  The clerk’s office is the switchboard for the building.  We need to know if a department is closed so that as we receive calls that information can be passed along.  We notify the radio station and we put posting on Facebook.

 

Susan stated that we have heard back from the state and they don’t like the contract that we had with the appraiser.  We have fixed that and we’ve done a new resolution to comply with their format.  In 2025 the resolution will need to be renewed again.  We need to get this sent to the state as soon as possible.  Clifton made a motion to accept the amended resolution for the appraiser’s contract (32-21).  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Susan stated that has been working very closely with the Treasurer and Clerk’s office on various things.  One of the things we’ve identified in the treasurer’s office is that it is difficult for Patty to not have a lot of interruptions where she is currently at.  We have the control room right off of her office and we are asking that she be allowed to move into that area and that would allow her privacy and be able to concentrate a little better with less interruptions.  Commissioners approved.

 

Susan stated that when going over the financial reports over the weekend there are a few entries that need to be corrected.  I’m going to make those and we should have final reports next week.  Patty and I are working on those.

 

Public Comment: Anne Dare asked for justification for a new parking lot.  Justin stated it is the property owned by the land bank that is just west of the DMV building.  The building currently includes Driver’s License Office, Probation Office and Spyder.  The CEO of Spyder made a presentation to the city of Fort Scott and they are on rapid growth mode.  They have a lot of room to grow.  Susan stated that the property has to be advertised for 30 days.  The grant that we are applying for is due February 28th contingent on us getting the property.  Justin stated there is a dilapidated house that needs to be torn down.  We are also looking at some basketball goals to be used by neighborhood children when not being used for a parking lot.  Susan stated that only cost to us would be if there is a clearing title.  Justin stated if there is a title issue he can take care of it.  Anne followed up with asking why it is our place to provide parking for Spyder.  Justin stated that this building is our incubator.  Susan stated that the grant we are applying for we have to identify the businesses that are in there now and that grant is specific for expansion of business and that’s why they were named in our conversation.  Susan stated the project is estimated at $150,000. for the project.  That is only if the grant comes through.  Anne stated that with ESSR funds the school district will receive $6,000,000 – $7,000,000 dollars that USD is going to receive on their own.  I’m encouraging you all to be as fiscally responsible as you can with ARPA, Spark, etc. funds when these other entities come and ask the county for more funds.  Susan stated that the Spark funds were the first funds released for Covid and then later on we had all these other funds that came out.  At the time, when it happened, it was really to mitigate safe environments like the college used a lot of their funding to create dorm space to isolate.  The school districts were spent more on masks and extra janitorial services.  I think the intent of those Spark funds were used correctly at the time it happened because it was the only thing available.  We haven’t had any requests from the educational facilities today for any of the funding the county is receiving.

 

Elected Official Comment: No Comment.

 

Five minute break was requested.

 

Commission Comments: Lynne commented on closing the courthouse due to inclement weather.  Sometimes it’s justified to be closed.  When you look at the overall scope of who has to show up to work.  The biggest part of our workforce is going to be here and we’re going to pay time and a half.  I do think it is a great idea that if the department heads don’t think we can make it in that’s the way we should go.  Safety first for the families.  Jim stated each department head should be in charge of their department.  Clifton stated that weather can be different across the county.  Bill Martin stated he agreed that it should be up to the department heads for their departments to be open.  He asked if a person doesn’t come in how are they paid?  They can take vacation time.  Bill stated that it is not figured in his budget for snow days and paying time and a half.  Asked that that be looked at when planning budgets.  Jim plans to allow each department head to decide whether to be here or not.  The courthouse will be open unless Eric states that no one should be out on the roads.

 

Clifton suggested having an evening commission meeting.  It was determined the commission meeting for Tuesday, March 8, will be at the Community Building in Uniontown at 6:00pm.  The meeting will not be available via YouTube.

 

At 9:59am, 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

March 1, 2022, Approved Date

 

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