Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Board Minutes of May 17

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
May 17, 2021
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Dave Elliott, Kirk Hart, Bill Meyer, and Robert Nelson (via Zoom)
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, and staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was opened
with the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Bartelsmeyer praised the maintenance and custodial crews at FSCC,
noting they are often behind the scenes but big contributors to the success of FSCC. “They’re not mentioned enough.
Thank you.”

CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve
the consent agenda.

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the COVID\ mitigation recommendation of FSCC’s COVID committee with the intent to amend for a provision for students and/or employees in settings that require a mask.
B. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of Zoom Room equipment from SKC for $114,391.46.
C. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of a mini excavator from OT Truck & Tractor Sales for $30,900.

ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of correspondence.

REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Miami County Campus,
Student Services, Athletics, Instruction, Finance and Operations, and the President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:28
p.m. by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Too Hot for Your Health?

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Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

It has been a scorcher the past week to say the least. The cooler temperatures this week will certainly be a welcome relief. However, we’ve just passed the Summer Solstice which means the official start of summer has begun. More hot days are on the way!

A priority in the summer months is not becoming overheated. Too much heat is not safe for anyone. It’s even riskier for older adults or if health problems are an issue.

Getting relief from the heat quickly is important. Initial symptoms of heat stress can include feelings of confusion or faintness. Being hot for too long can cause several other illnesses under the umbrella of hyperthermia.

The National Institute on Aging offers these definitions for different levels of heat stress along with recommendations should related symptoms occur.

A sudden dizziness can happen while a person is active during hot weather. This is known as heat syncope. If a beta blocker type heart medication is being taken at the time or you are not used to being in the heat, you are more likely to feel faint. Resting, putting your legs up and drinking water should make the dizziness go away.

Heat cramps are common – a painful tightening of muscles in the stomach, arms or legs. Cramps may accompany a high level of activity. The skin may feel moist and cool with the body temperature and pulse remaining normal. Find a way to cool down, drink plenty of fluids avoiding those with alcohol or caffeine.

Swelling in the ankles and feet when you’re hot is a symptom of heat edema. Put your legs up to help reduce the swelling. If that doesn’t work fairly quickly, check with your doctor.

Heat exhaustion is a clear warning that your body is no longer able to keep itself cool. You could feel thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated and nauseated. There may be a lot of sweating involved. Body temperature may remain normal, but the skin may feel cold and clammy. The pulse will likely be rapid. Again, rest in a cool place and drink plenty of fluids. If you don’t feel better soon, get medical care. If not careful, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Medical help is needed right away. Those who are dehydrated or may be dealing with chronic disease or alcoholism are at most risk. Signs of heat stroke include: Fainting (may be the first sign); becoming unconscious; a change in behavior (confusion, agitation, staggering), body temperature over 104 degrees F; dry, flushed skin and rapid pulse or slow pulse; and not sweating even if it’s hot.

Each year, most people who die from hyperthermia are over 50 years of age. Health problems and some drugs taken for chronic disease can contribute to hyperthermia. Being overweight or underweight can also be an issue.

Older adults can have a tough time dealing with heat and humidity. The temperature outside does not have to reach 100 degrees F to put them at risk for heat-related stress.

Pay attention to the temperature and humidity reports as we head into summer. Be safe, drink plenty of fluids, and keep cool!

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

Government, Kansas

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lake Due to Blue-Green Algae

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

 

Active Advisories

Warning

Marion County Lake, Marion County (upgraded 6/17)

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (new)

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Lake, Saline County

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (new)

 

Watch

Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County

South Lake, Johnson County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County (new)

 

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

 

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid

direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.

  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

If you observe a scum, a paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments, or the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

Government, K-State Extension

Reunification Month For Families

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Governor Laura Kelly Signs Proclamation Recognizing Reunification Month

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that, to recognize Kansans’ continuous efforts to strengthen families and communities, she has proclaimed June as Reunification Month in Kansas.

“All Kansas kids deserve a permanent, loving home,” Governor Kelly said. “This Reunification Month, I ask Kansans to join me in thanking our welfare agencies, courts, schools, businesses, individuals, and all those who put in the work to reunite the children in our foster care systems with their families.”

The proclamation states that reunification with their family is the preferred outcome for children placed in foster care. The care, love, security, and stability of a family unity provides a solid foundation for personal growth, development, and maturity.

From July 2020 to April 2021, 1,516 children were successfully reunified with their families in Kansas.

The proclamation reads:

“TO THE PEOPLE OF KANSAS, GREETINGS:

WHEREAS, reunification with family is the preferred outcome for children removed from their homes and placed in foster care; and

WHEREAS, for most children in foster care, reunification with their family is their best option for a permanent and loving home; and

WHEREAS, from July 2020 to April 2021, 1,516 children were successfully reunified with their families in Kansas; and

WHEREAS, all children need the care, love, security, and stability of family unity – including parents or guardians, siblings, grandparents, and/or other extended family members – to provide a solid foundation for personal growth, development, and maturity; and

WHEREAS, reunification takes work, commitment, and investment of time and resources by parents, family members, social workers, foster parents, service providers, attorneys, courts, and the community; and

WHEREAS, Kansas has been a leader and example in celebrating the accomplishments of families who overcome an array of challenges to reunify safely and successfully; and

WHEREAS, the State of Kansas encourages service, civic, and religious organizations as well as child welfare agencies, courts, schools, businesses, and individuals to join in commemorating Reunification Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities that recognize the importance of supporting our families and communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Laura Kelly, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF KANSAS, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as Reunification Month in Kansas and I urge all citizens to join in this observation.”

View the proclamation here.

Fort Scott, Government

Road Work Starts June 21 on National Avenue

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Road work is scheduled to begin on National Avenue starting Monday, June 21st. Pavement milling will be completed from 13th to 17th Street. Pavement milling and overlay will be completed from 17th Street to Highway 69.

The project is expected to be completed within two days. Please be aware that it may be difficult at times to traverse National Avenue from 13th to Highway 69. One lane will remain open at all times, but drivers should expect delays. When possible, please utilize alternate routes.

Please contact City Hall with any questions, 620-223-0550.

COVID-19

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to include the countries Kuwait, Mongolia and Saint Martin. The countries of India and Trinidad and Tobago have been removed. These changes are effective today, June 17.

A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine includes visitors and Kansans who have:

  • Traveled on or after June 17 to Kuwait, Mongolia or Saint Martin.
  • Traveled on or after June 3 to Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Suriname or Trinidad and Tobago.
  • Traveled on or after May 20 to the countries of Costa Rica or French Guiana.
  • Traveled on or after May 6 to the countries of India, Maldives or Seychelles.
  • Traveled on or after April 22 to the countries of Argentina or Bahrain.
  • Traveled on or after April 8 to the country of Uruguay.
  • Traveled between June 3 and June 17 to Trinidad and Tobago.
  • Traveled between May 6 and June 17 to India.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

The travel quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.

For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine).
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel.

Persons who do not meet the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
  • Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

Bourbon County, Government

Spradling Resigns as Bourbon County Attorney

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Bourbon County Attorney Jacqie Spradling.

Bourbon County Attorney Jacqie Spradling sent the following letter to Mark McCoy, Bourbon County Republican Chairman, on June 16.

“It has been my honor and privilege to have served Bourbon County as the Bourbon County Attorney for the last three years.

“I am retiring and tendering this resignation effective Wednesday, June 30, 2021.”

The process has begun for an interim Bourbon County Attorney, McCoy said.

“In this case, the Bourbon County Republican Party will convene a meeting with officers and committee persons, approximately 40 people,” McCoy said. “We have 14-21 days to convene a caucus, to select a candidate for Bourbon County Attorney to submit to Governor Kelly, to fill the position temporarily. I understand in 2022 that person will run for the position. Spradling had two years remaining, she was elected in  November 2020.”

“The date of the caucus is to be determined,” McCoy said. “Further notification will be coming out. This meeting is not open to the public.” Editor’s note: the caucus is scheduled tentatively for Thursday, July 1 at  6 p.m. at the Empress Event Center, 7. N. Main, according to McCoy on June 18, it is not open to the public.

“We will put out a notice to all interested parties (in the county attorney position) to submit a resume to me, Mark McCoy, 2138 Jayhawk Road, Fort Scott, KS 66701, applications will need to be submitted by June 28,” he said.

Brandon Cameron and Chad Taylor are the assistant county attorneys in Bourbon County, according to the Bourbon County Clerk’s office.

Spradling was selected as Bourbon County Attorney in 2018.

An attorney panel unanimously recommended the Kansas Supreme Court disbar Spradling for knowingly making false statements to juries during two high-profile trials and for misleading claims about her prosecutorial misconduct to justices of the state’s highest court, according to a story by Tim Carpenter of the Kansas Reflector news service this month.

To view the story:

KS Supreme Court Will Issue Decision on Bourbon County Attorney Jacquie Spradling

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Building For Lease

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member Bill Brittain
BUILDING FOR LEASE IN FORT SCOTT
LEASE AS ONE SITE OR
EACH BUILDING SEPARATE
Available July 1st!
PRIME LOCATION – US 69 & NATIONAL AVE.
Contact Bill Brittain for more information
on this property at 620-224-8657
or click here to email Bill.
The site was most recently used as the location
of the Bourbon County Cars dealership
for the past 8 years, and they will be relocating soon to an adjacent property they have purchased.
Great Visibility * Highway Traffic
KDOT reports daily traffic counts at this
location as 8,830 vehicles in 2020.
See additional pictures below.
Obituary

Obituary of Linda Moore

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Linda Moore, 67, of Redfield, passed away early Thursday morning, June 10, 2021, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born December 10, 1953, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Charles Franklin “Pete” Parker and Helen Juanita (Cowel) Parker. She married Larry Allen Moore June 30, 1973, and he preceded her in death December 23, 2000.

Linda is survived by her children, Brenda Martin (Kirby), Redfield, Melissa Mitchell (Arthur), Wichita, Kansas, and Larry Joe Gier, Jr., Fort Scott; three brothers, Charles Parker, Redfield, Ronald Parker (Debbie), Redfield, and Frank Parker (Lucy), Fort Scott; seven grandchildren, Jesse Keppen (Natasha), James Keppen (Sharlotte), Shelby Moore (Clinton Hazen), Allen Moore, Kylie Geir (Chandler Betts), Kiera Gier (Donald Adams), Tamia Johnson; five great-grandchildren, Clinton Jr., Karson, Hunter, Annabelle, and Parker; and one great-granddaughter due in September, Aleah. In addition to her husband Larry, Linda was also preceded in death by her parents, and four great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life Visitation Friday, June 18, 2021, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, Kansas. Following cremation, internment will be held privately at a later date. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Mary Jo DiNardo

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Mary Jo DiNardo, age 96, passed away June 14 at her home for the past 12 years at Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott.

Mary Jo was born January 9, 1925, to Myrle and Wilma Gunsaullus in Fort Scott, Kansas. She graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1943. She married James V. DiNardo on January 15, 1946, after meeting at the Tower Ballroom in Pittsburg when he was stationed at Camp Crowder. Together they had five children. She worked at Citizens National Bank for over 20 years.

Mary Jo, fondly known as “Mary Go” to her family, will be remembered for her “champagne taste.” She frequently threatened her children and grandchildren that they wouldn’t be going to the Ritz” if they didn’t behave. She had an affection for her many dogs over the years as they were her constant companions.

Mary Jo was an exceptional cook and came from the generation that took pride in preparing two daily meals with her specialties including spaghetti and meatballs and garlic potato salad. She enjoyed driving her convertibles, happy hours with family and friends, reading, and dinner out. She also loved live music, and when living in Florida was a regular on the live music scene. Mary Jo and Jim enjoyed it when the family would visit their condo in Naples where they lived after retirement for several years. Mary Jo loved going to the casino and in the 70’s and 80’s organized several group trips to Las Vegas. Her last outing was a trip to the casino a few weeks before her death.

Survivors include her children, Susan DiNardo of Fort Scott; John DiNardo, Frisco, TX; Lisa (Mark) Ward, Fort Scott; Tammy (Brad) Hill, Pittsburg, KS; and five grandchildren: James (Dorian) DiNardo of Sweet Home, OR; April (Darwin) Stubbs, Juno Beach, FL; Alex and Austin Ward, Los Angeles; Bella DiNardo, Plano, TX; and two great-grandchildren Cormac & Carson Stubbs. Mary Jo also leaves behind some very special people at Presbyterian Village who became like family to her. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her husband in 2009, a son Marc James DiNardo in 1987, her parents, and a brother.

Following cremation, private family graveside services will be held at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The guest book will be available at the funeral home until July 6, 2021.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Presbyterian Village and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

 

Bourbon County Local News