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Kansas DCF named to National Child Welfare Workforce Institute Collaborative
The 16-month series will focus on the recruitment and retention of the child welfare workforce
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) recently joined the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute’s Breakthrough Series Collaborative. The 16-month program launched in April and will focus on the recruitment and retention of the child welfare workforce and building cultures that value justice, equity, diversity and belonging.
The Breakthrough Series Collaborative brings together multidisciplinary teams to engage in a dynamic learning process that cultivates a healthy, equitable, sustainable workforce. Other states named to the collaborative include Illinois, New Mexico, Washington state and Westchester County (NY).
“We aren’t simply looking at the issues from the top down,” shared Laura Howard, Secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families. “Our teams, which are comprised of community partners, educational institutions, and DCF staff and leaders will learn up as we experiment with small and large approaches to recruiting and retaining child welfare workers.”
Kansas is represented with two teams focusing on the Northwest and Northeast regions of the state, which includes 41 Kansas counties and the cities of Colby, Hays, Salina, Manhattan, Hiawatha and Topeka. The teams include new and veteran DCF staff in leadership, child protection and human resource roles, and partners such as Saint Francis Ministries and Fort Hays State University.
“Staff at all levels want to be part of the solution to improve workforce recruitment and retention,” said Deanne Dinkel, DCF’s director of safety and thriving families and performance improvement. “This Breakthrough Series will provide this opportunity for staff to engage, learn, and be a part of the solution.”
The Collaborative requires the teams to meet monthly to discuss the test strategies they have and are planning to implement, while collecting data to track progress and share with other states and counties involved in the program.
The teams are focused on five domains in the Collaborative’s Change Framework. They are Mattering at Work, Opportunity for Growth, Community & Connection, Protection from Harm, and Work-Life Harmony. The Kansas teams are first looking at Protection from Harm and believes that progress made in this domain will impact the Work-Life Harmony domain.
“One approach we are taking in Protection from Harm is expanding our emergency contacts list,” shared Caroline Hastings, Northeast Kansas regional director and Northeast team manager. “We will begin to offer family members/emergency contacts of our child protection employees with supervisor’s work contact information.
“So, if a worker is late, their family member has someone to contact if they cannot reach their loved one,” she continued.
Other areas of exploration within Protection from Harm involves engagement with Fort Hays State University and Saint Francis Ministries in a more holistic approach to preparing students and staff for the work.
“We have begun educating our staff on secondary traumatic stress and tactics to deal with this,” explained Pamela Beach, Northwest Kansas regional director and Northwest team manager. “Although our agency has improved immensely in areas of communication, transparency, and being culturally responsive, we continue search for effective ways to support staff and buffer burnout as well as provide immediate in-house supports for trauma and therapeutic processes.”
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End of the Year Fort Scott Tiger Newsletter
Have an awesome Summer Break! See you in August.
— Pam Hutchison
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85th Session of American Legion Boys State of Kansas Set for June 4-10 in Manhattan
85th Session of American Legion Boys State of Kansas Set for June 4-10 in Manhattan
May 22, 2023 — High school students from across the State of Kansas will participate in the 2023 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, Sunday, June 4, through Saturday, June 10, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 31st consecutive session at KSU and 85th overall.
The Kansas Boys State program includes students who have just completed their junior year of high school (will be seniors in the fall) and sophomore year of high school (will be juniors in the fall).
The objective of the ALBSK is to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Kansas Boys State provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.
Among the major events during the week (the below events are open to the public unless noted; members of the media are invited to attend all events):
Sunday, June 4
- Delegate check-in, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Goodnow Hall
This event is not open to the public.
- Opening ceremonies, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., McCain Auditorium
o Keynote speaker: Kendall Gammon, 15-year NFL veteran with the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers. Considered the best long-snapper in the NFL, Gammon, a 1987 graduate of Rose Hill (Kan.) High School and 1991 graduate of Pittsburg (Kan.) State University, was a member of Pitt State’s 1991 NCAA Division II national championship team. He also played in Super Bowl 30 and in the 2005 Pro Bowl. Gammon talk will draw on personal life challenges with a message threaded with vulnerability and authentic stories to inspire attendees to use emotional strength to embrace change, build strong relationships and positively impact growth and success.
Media note: Starting at approximately 2 p.m., the KBS delegates will walk
from Wefald Hall to McCain Auditorium – great photo/video opportunity.
Monday, June 5
- Swearing in of Kansas Boys State mayors, 7 p.m., Kansas Boys State Assembly Area (Goodnow Hall/Marlatt Hall parking lot [between buildings on Claflin Road]).
- Party caucuses, 7:30 to 10 p.m., Federalist Party, Fiedler Hall, Room 1107; Nationalist Party, Rathbone Hall, Room 1073 (each party will select their candidates for the six state offices and formulate their party platforms.)
This event is not open to the public.
Tuesday, June 6
- Kansas Boys State governor candidates’ debate, 1 to 2 p.m., McCain Auditorium
- Announcement of Kansas Boys State general election winners for state offices and swearing in ceremony, 7 p.m., KBS Assembly Area.
Wednesday, June 8
- Flag retirement ceremony, 7:30 p.m., World War II Memorial in front of McCain Auditorium. The event is an observance of the proper respect for the American flag and how unserviceable flags are properly disposed. The honor guard from American Legion Pearce-Keller Post No.17 in Manhattan will present the ceremony. Dr. John Lindholm, a 1949 KSU graduate who provided the dog tags as a model for the “Tags of Honor” sculpture at the Memorial, was a longtime Kansas Boys State staff member as a Legionnaire advisor before passing away in January 2020.
Media note: This event is a great photo/video opportunity.
- Evening ceremonies, 8 p.m., McCain Auditorium.
o 2023 Kansas Boys State governor’s inaugural address.
o Address by Jeremy Ehart, Hutchinson, Kan., American Legion Department of Kansas commander, and introduction of Kansas American Legion dignitaries
Watch and read Ehart’s cover story from the February 2017 issue of The American Legion magazine.
o Kansas Boys State band, chorus and talent show.
Friday, June 9
- Announcement of delegates who will represent Kansas Boys State as senators at Boys Nation in July, 8:30 a.m., KBS Assembly Area.
Saturday, June 10
- Closing ceremonies, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., McCain Auditorium
o Announcement of Kansas Boys State outstanding citizens, Kansas Boys State Samsung American Legion Scholarship winner and various awards, including Advisor of the Year, Counselor of the Year, New Counselor of the Year, William “Bill” F. Stahl Outstanding Justice Award, Outstanding Senator Award and Outstanding State Representative Award.
- Final State Assembly/Final Flag Lowering, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., KBS Assembly Area
In addition to the above events, the public is invited to view the daily morning assembly/flag raising at 8:30 a.m. (8:45 a.m. on Saturday) and evening retreat/flag lowering at 7 p.m. (6:50 p.m. on Monday). For those who cannot attend these events, Boys State of Kansas will provide updates during the week on its Facebook page, facebook.com/KansasBoysState.
— #KSBoysState —
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.
The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.
Upcoming Meetings at Fort Scott City Hall
MAY
5/22 at 4:00PM – Planning Commission Meeting for Evergy zoning change and final plat request for construction of Infantry Substation
5/22 at 6:00PM – City Commission Special Meeting
5/23 at 2:00PM – Bid Opening for Airport Runway Project
5/31 at 2:00PM – Hay Bids Opening
Elks Fishing Derby Turn-out Was High on May 20
It was the highest number of children to participate in the Elks Fishing Derby for years.
“The best turn-out we’ve had in three to five years,” said Millie Lipscomb with the Fort Scott Elks Lodge.
Fifty-six youth aged 2 to 12 years old participated in the event held at Fort Scott Community College Lake for two hours on May 20. In addition there were many accompanying adults.
“Ronnie Coulter started this event at least 25 years ago,” Lipscomb said. It is a catch-and- release the fish event.
The tournament gave prizes for the most amount of fish caught and the largest fish caught in the time period.
In addition, the Elks provided a hot dog lunch for the children who fished.
Prizes were selected individually by the winners from a table with items appropriate to the age.
Following are the winners:
In the 2-6 year olds, first place for number of fish was Aubrey Thompson, second place was Cash Culberton and a tie for third, with Jackson Tash and Clayton Gander the winners.
For the largest fish caught, the winners were Aubrey Johnson, first place; Chance Hyer, second and Linden Bishop, third.
In the 7-11 years old category:
Number of fish caught winner: Birklee Culberton, first; Hunter Holtz-Sherifff, second; and James Logan, third place.
Size of fish winners were Hunter Holtz-Sheriff, first; Madison Tourtillot, second; Kendrick Simon, third.
In the 12-15 years old category:
Number of fish winners: Tristan McClune, first; Daniel Cook, second; and a tie for third place: Jordan Finnell and Ty Cooney.
Size of fish winners: Daniel Cook, first; Mason Tourtillot, second; and Jordan Bunnell, third.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 22
USD 234 Special Meeting Press Release from May 19
Friday, May 19, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023, for a special board meeting at the board office.
President Danny Brown opened the meeting.
The board went into executive session and then approved the Personnel Report as presented.
President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
May 19, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Schoenberger, Karleigh – Eugene Ware Elementary Paraprofessional at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Schoenberger, Karleigh – Fort Scott High School Assistant Volleyball Coach at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Dunkeson, Lewis – Fort Scott Middle School Head Football Coach and Fort Scott Middle School Summer Conditioning at the end of the 2022-23 school year
EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS:
- Lee, Rebecca – Transfer from Winfield Scott Speech Paraprofessional to 6.5-hour Fort Scott High School Cook
- Harris, Shelby – Eugene Ware Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher
- Magathan-Krone, Jane – Eugene Ware Counselor
- Wood, Lanette – Eugene Ware Elementary Paraprofessional
Obituary of Joyce Woods
Joyce E. Woods, 70, of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away on May 17th from health complications. Her two sons were with her at the time she left to be with her Lord and Savior.
Joyce was born on April 6, 1953, to Rachel Maxine Wright Woods in Fort Scott, KS. After graduating from FSHS in 1971, she studied at Fort Scott Community College followed by Pittsburg State University where she obtained her B.S. and M.S. degrees in education. After graduation she began her teaching career in USD 234 in Fort Scott. She was a kindergarten teacher for 29 years where she had an everlasting impact on many students she had taught throughout the years. She received many teaching awards throughout her career.
What made her the happiest and most proud were her two sons Ryan and Jordan. Ryan, a retired Army Veteran and currently working in IT, also gave her a granddaughter in 2005, Elyana Ryan Woods. Jordan, who followed in her footsteps in Education, is a teacher and a coach in Pittsburg. She loved to brag about her boys to anyone willing to listen even if they were not willing.
Being the God Fearing woman that she was, Joyce loved to praise and worship with everyone she came in contact with. She loved to share her love of God with people by reciting bible verses, praying, having bible studies, singing, and loving the way that Jesus did. Everyone that she came in contact with, she made sure to show her way of loving them, usually with a treat or some gift.
Lastly, Joyce would want to be remembered by her humor she brought into any and all situations, contagious laugh, and her love for ALL of God’s people.
Joyce was preceded in death by her mother, Rachel M. Woods, JoAnne Fewell (sister), Gerald L. Woods (brother), Marvin R. Woods (brother), Marita Eileen Woods (sister), Mickie E Brown (sister), and many friends and loved ones.
She is survived by her two sons Ryan of Kansas City and Jordan of Pittsburg, granddaughter Elyana, nieces, nephews, and many other loved ones.
A visitation will be at Konantz-Cheney in Fort Scott on May 23rd, from 6-7 p.m. and a Celebration of Life service May 24th at Community Christian Church at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, per Joyce’s request, the family will accept monetary donations that will go towards a memorial scholarship fund for educators. Memorial Donations may be sent to, or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
We are in TROUBLE by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
We are in T R O U B L E
While sitting at the table during a funeral dinner, my friend Mary Ann was asked how many head of cattle she had. Without missing a beat she responded, “More than I need with it as dry as it is.” My friend Tammy had been working in her yard and emailed: “I didn’t realize how dry it is….we are in trouble.” Another friend, Carie, recently commented that they had lost some trees because it was so dry last year. And then my friend Deborah told me they had some bushes that didn’t leaf out this spring because they’re dead. For two years, I’ve babied a Jane Magnolia tree that we planted in 2021 in memory of my late husband. Because of the significance of that special tree, it looks like I’ll need to keep watering it because I want it to live and bloom.
I awakened one morning with Tammy’s words, “We are in trouble,” on my mind. I realized that she’s right, but what could I do about it? The Lord brought the following scripture to my heart (He is responding to King Solomon‘s prayer at the dedication of the Lord’s Temple): “At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (2 Chronicles 7:13,14 NLT).
Until recent years, I misunderstood the true message of that scripture. I thought it was directed to out-and-out sinners. But no, God is referring to followers of Christ — “My people.“ I knew that I needed to ponder and obey this scripture. There’s more than one way to think, “It’s not about me.” Well, this time it is about me. And as I spent time with God, one of my devotional books confirmed my meditation because the writer mentioned (not once but twice) “humble yourself today…humble yourself today.” In 1 Corinthians, Paul instructs us to examine ourselves (not one another) and be repentant.
King David wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139: 23,24 NLT). Based off this heartfelt scripture, J. Edwin Orr penned the lyrics to a prayer-like hymn entitled, “Cleanse Me.“ Verse 1: Search me, O God and know my heart today. Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts I pray. See if there be some wicked way in me. Cleanse me from every sin and set me free.
This is pretty-serious stuff, but when we’re in trouble, it’s necessary business with God. Not just in times of trouble, but every day I need to be humble. Mac Davis is a gifted songwriter, but I don’t need to go around singing, “Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way…” I simply cannot think too highly of myself because that puts me in a scary place without God’s forgiveness, restoration, and favor. It’s my desire to practice humility in my daily walk with God: “And He gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, ’God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble‘” (James 4:6 NLT).
The Key: Let’s bow low before God and admit we’re doomed without His gracious forgiveness.
Let’s Celebrate Aging!
We had a vibrant and engaged group of individuals at our annual Aging with Attitude Expo in April. After witnessing this group, it is only fitting that the theme for the 60th Older American Month (OAM) is Aging Unbound!
Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) each May, OAM provides resources to help older Americans stay healthy and independent, and resources to help communities support and celebrate their diversity.
This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, offers an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and to promote the importance of enjoying independence and fulfillment by paving our own paths as we age. Here are some ways we can all participate in Aging Unbound:
- Embrace the opportunity to change. Find a new passion, go on an adventure, and push boundaries by not letting age define your limits. Invite creativity and purpose into your life by trying new activities in your community to bring in more growth, joy, and energy.
- Explore the rewards of growing older. With age comes knowledge, which provides insight and confidence to understand and experience the world more deeply. Continue to grow that knowledge through reading, listening, classes, and creative activities.
- Stay engaged in your community. Everyone benefits when everyone is connected and involved. Stay active by volunteering, working, mentoring, participating in social clubs, and taking part in activities at your local senior center or elsewhere in the community.
- Form relationships. As an essential ingredient of well-being, relationships can enhance your quality of life by introducing new ideas and unique perspectives. Invest time with people to discover deeper connections with family, friends, and community members.
Everyone is getting older, so let’s celebrate each day and challenge the aging narrative together! Find out more ways to do good in your community here https://bit.ly/436EPAq. For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or by calling 620-244-3826.
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.
Minutes of the Bo Co Commission on May 8
May 8, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Shirley Richard Locke, Deb McCoy, Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Teri Hulsey, Trace Evans, Don George with KDWP, Michael Hoyt, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from last week, approval of payroll totaling $210.758.69, and approval of accounts payable totaling $321,662.17. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the Commissioners with a Request for Quote for the overpass feasibility study. Eric stated the request will be published in the newspaper this Saturday. Jim clarified that the request has already been approved and Eric was just giving a copy to the Commissioners for review before publication. Nelson asked when the last overpass study was completed and it was discussed at least eleven years ago, and that location was for 23rd Street, which would not work out now due to the expansion of local businesses. Jim stated Jayhawk Road is not a locked in as the location, and that after the feasibility study, a better area might be suggested. Nelson questioned if we had to have the feasibility study before we applied for grants, and Jim replied yes. Jim explained it seems like a lot of money, but sales tax money can be used since it is a hard surface road. Eric updated the Commissioners that the house at 201 Crawford has been torn down, and they will finish hauling it off tomorrow. Eric thanked the Commissioners for giving him permission to purchase a truck for the landfill if one came available and gave details on the truck that was purchased. A 2018 Mack Pinnacle CXU613 with 156,000 miles and 505 horsepower was purchased for $74,000 delivered. Eric said the truck currently at the landfill will be moved to road and bridge to haul gravel with a belly dump trailer. Eric said the laydown machine is having motor issues again and they are waiting on a part to fix it, and they are looking at the later of the part of the week having it back. Eric said he wants to start the asphalt program right away as the oil prices are low right now. Eric said they are going to start at 245th and Valley and work east to the state line. Eric said the culvert crew replaced some culverts last week to be ready when they are able to start asphalting. Eric said the culvert crew is working down their list of culverts that need to be installed and the bridge crew is cutting trees and clearing decks.
At 5:45 the public hearing for the 5-Year Solid Waste Plan opened. Jim explained that per statute this plan has to be updated which generally includes updating the committee to reflect any new commissioners. Eric stated the other changes are we are now a composting facility at the landfill due to accepting soybean hulls and waste and adding sawdust to them to make compost. Jim opened the hearing to public comments and Clint Walker stated he think it’s wonderful that Bourbon County is doing composting. Clint questioned if the compost can be used for cover for the construction and demolition area, and Eric said yes. Michael Hoyt questioned where the soybean waste product was going before Bourbon County started accepting it, and Eric stated Arcadia. Michael voiced his concerns about the issues the city is having at the wastewater treatment plant and doesn’t want to move the problem from one location to another. Jim stated he was not sure what type of material the city was accepting but explained that the county is accepting hulls which can be fed to livestock, so it is pretty safe. Eric said that a sample of the soybean material was sent to K-State and the results came back good with it only being high in nitrogen and was told what to mix in to make it lower. Clifton made a motion to close the public hearing. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to adopt the 5-Year Solid Waste Plan and resolution 11-23. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds, handed out a map showing the location of a portion of road that has been requested to be closed. The road closure will be placed on the agenda again in a few weeks once the Commissioners and Public Works Director have a chance to look at the road.
Don George, with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, came to discuss other possible revenue sources to help with the repair of Elm Creek Lake dam. Don said the first step is to have a meeting to get the best estimate for repairs that we can. Jim asked if it would be good to get some contractors to come out and give estimates for the repair and asked Eric to meet with them. Eric said that would be a good idea to get an idea of how much it would cost so that we can make an educated decision. Don commented about the $165,000 estimate the engineer had previously submitted, but Eric said that was only to fix the initial problem and doesn’t include the valve or the areas to the west by where the drain is. Eric said when we tear into the dam, we need to fix it completely, not just put a Band-Aid on it. Clifton said he feels at least three contractors need to look at the dam to get their opinions. Clifton said there are several contractors in the area with the equipment and expertise to fix the dam. Eric asked if Jim would like to be involved with the contractors since he was here previously with repairs. Jim said he would if Eric would like him to be, and Clifton and Nelson both said that would be ok. Don said he had mentioned an opportunity to apply for an additional $40,000 grant and spoke of a new special account for lake renovations that just started this year. Mr. George said he wants to help Bourbon County but really needs to get solid numbers within the next three weeks. Don said he would like to be kept informed and the sooner the better.
Mark McCoy had submitted his letter of resignation for the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department Board to the Clerk. Clifton Beth and Anne Dare are also Bourbon County representatives for the board. The Commissioners discussed the board and were unable to come up with an individual to appoint to the board. Clifton suggested putting a notice of the vacancy on the county website and Facebook asking for interested individuals to submit an application.
Lora Holdridge said she met with the City of Fort Scott and they brought her plat maps so that she could research the interior roads at the Fort Scott Lake. Lora said the maps the city brought were not signed, so she went through the maps in her closet and found signed maps that showed the only roads that are Bourbon County’s are 190th Street and 195th Street. Lora stated all interior roads and the common area belong to the City of Fort Scott. Jim asked what the process would be if the city wanted to give the county the roads and Lora stated they would have to do a Deed of Dedication. Beth Nuss thanked Jim for bringing the matter forward so the residents could know what is going on moving forward. Beth said it sounds like they need to visit with the City of Fort Scott. Frank Halsey questioned if a precedence was set about 20 years when the county was paving 190th Street and paved the access roads as well. Jim said the City of Fort Scott needs to get involved with this matter and fix the roads or start the process to petition the county to take over the roads.
Justin Meeks, on behalf of Susan Bancroft, asked the Commission to set up two days for reviewing department budgets. After discussion the it was determined to set up the budget meetings for June 12th and 13th starting at 8 a.m.
Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, and Trace Evans came to follow up on the discussion of purchasing an ambulance. Teri commended Trace for doing the leg work researching and trying to find available ambulances. Teri said they have spoken to Dave Vance at Osage, and they will hold the demo unit for delivery in fall 2024. Jim said he spoke to Susan and said that if it is purchased today, it would have to be paid for this year unless the company is willing to allow us to do a two-year lease purchase and make the first payment this year and pay it off next year. Clifton said there is cash basis law that we have to follow. Trace said he has been reassured that if we need to split payments, we can do that. Clifton asked if there is any reason to keep the old ambulance since we would only receive $10,000 for the trade in. Trace said it could be used as a backup and used as a standby unit for area football games. The Commissioners discussed the benefits of keeping the old unit and decided to keep the old ambulance. Clifton made a motion to accept the demo truck from Osage, keep the old ambulance for a backup, pay the full amount of $306,323.35, and to allow Chairman Harris to sign the purchase agreement. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton said that if we didn’t purchase this demo unit it would be 2026 before we would be able to get a new ambulance. Trace agreed and said he has reached out to other companies and the soonest they could get an ambulance would be spring 2026.
Clint Walker suggested reaching out to senators for money, like CHC has done. Clint also thanked the Commissioners for the gravel on Tomahawk Road.
Michael Hoyt handed out an article from the Kansas Bar Association outlining the position the Kansas Supreme Court has taken interpreting the Kansas Open Records Act. Mr. Hoyt said a few KORA requests that have been submitted to the Clerk’s Office have been denied for various reasons including identifiable personnel records. Michael said that the Supreme Court ruling says that individuals who submit KORA requests cannot be charged for paper copies if the documents can be submitted electronically.
A 5-minute break was taken, and normal session was resumed at 6:30.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 15-minute 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 for possible litigation to include the three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:45. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:45 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute 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 for possible litigation to include the three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:57. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:57 with action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Justin Meeks asked the Commissioners to give the Clerk the ability to schedule some employee training and if there is overtime to approve the overtime as well.
Clifton made a motion to allow the Clerk to set up employee training that could potentially result in overtime and to approve that overtime. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Clifton said last week he discussed talking to senators and received approval from the other Commissioners to ask for money. Clifton said as a taxpayer he would like to see everybody who is spending the tax dollars to submit an invoice for those expenditures, and Jim agreed. Jim said the Commissioners are responsible for the budgets, so they are requesting all department heads or elected officials submit invoices for all purchases to the Clerk and accounts payable for payment or it might be questioned if they are paid or not. Jim said he appreciates all Eric is doing for the roads, that he has called him about a few roads, and he has a quick response for our public.
Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:01. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
_______________, Approved Date