Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Minutes of August 2

Leave a comment

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

August 2, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome:  21 members representing 15 agencies attended.  Billie Jo noted that she would forward messages from Megan Rogers, Safehouse Crisis Center, and Sandy Haggard, RSVP, who were not able to attend.  Sandy is needing volunteers to help with the August 17 and 18 Red Cross Blood Drive to be held at Buck Run Community Center; contact her at 620-432-0422 or shaggard@neosho.edu.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Rachel Carpenter, LHEAT: The transportation program through SEK CAP will launch in Fort Scott/Bourbon County on August 28 on a three day per week schedule.  Please complete the online survey to ensure hours that will provide for the greatest needs.  HBCAT will have a children’s business fair on September 30 at the Farmers’ Market.
  • Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department: Prenatal classes will be starting on Monday, August 7, at the Crawford County Health Center, 410 East Atkissson, Pittsburg.
  • Elizabeth Schafer, CASA and Pioneer Kiwanis: These organizations are always in need of volunteers.
  • Megan Rogers, Safehouse: Megan was not able to attend, but sent her information through email.  Members can also access www.safehousesek.org.
  • Stephanie Herring, Family Resource Center: Stephanie works with families in their homes to help them find the resources they need.
  • Heather Shepherd, CHC SEK Community Health Worker: Heather will be working in USD 234 spending two half days in each building.  In cooperation with SparkWheel, she is conducting a clothing and backpack drive from August 2 through August 16 to help provide essential items to schools.  For more information contact Heather at 620-704-8109.
  • Amy Hagan, CHC SEK Community Health Worker: Amy conducts home visits to help with resources and applications.
  • Lea Kay Karleskint, K-State Snap Education: She is the liaison between the food program at CHC and K-State. The “Families Eating Smart and Saving Money” class will be held in Chanute beginning next week. September’s program will be “Food Equals Health” which stresses that anyone can improve himself by eating better; this class requires a referral from a PCP.
  • Lindsey McNeil, COPE: Lindsey primarily works with the homeless.  At present in Fort Scott, we have seven homeless people living on the street and ten others who are couch surfing.
  • DeeDee LeFever, Greenbush Community Liaison: DeeDee matches needs with resources.  At present, autism testing in most places is several months away.
  • Megan Smith, CHC Family Resource specialist: Megan works mostly with pregnant individuals.
  • Shanna Willey, CHC: Shanna provides in-clinic help finding resources and completing various applications, etc.
  • Patty Simpson, FSHA: – Still taking applications but the waiting list for all size units is 3-6 months.
  • Tori Lewis, Mental Health Center: Tori works with the homeless and those about to be homeless.  The Center is working toward having a housing specialist in Bourbon County.
  • Kathy Romero, Angels Care Home Health: At present they have 180 patients; 40 are in in Bourbon County. A strength of their program is the Behavioral Health program.
  • Travis Wilcoxsin, Angels Care Home Health: Reminded members that they cannot take patients that have Medicaid as their primary insurance.

 

  1. Program:  We were privileged to have two excellent programs.  First, Cynthia Tucker with Loving Grace explained that Loving Grace is a home that aims to embrace every woman with the love of Christ to educate them with the tools they need to succeed and live an empowered life.  Loving Grace is located at 1408 Euclid Avenue, Joplin, MO 64801.  The facility works with 18-24 year old women and has the capacity for eight young women.  The program lasts from 18 to 21 months and provides save housing, educational assistance, career guidance, personal coaching, professional counseling, case management and meals.  For more information call 417-218-8255 or peruse the website at https://lovingrace.org.

 

April Jackson, Addition Prevention & Recovery Resources Director with Thrive Allen County, gave a brief overview of the SEK Substance Misuse Prevention Coalition.  The coalition’s mission is to provide leadership and share expertise in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with SUD/OUD in our communities by strengthening the capacity of collaboration for prevention, treatment, and recovery resources.

 

Since September, 2021, the Coalition has served 14 residents at the SEK Recovery House.  The Recovery House is only for males and has only five beds, but the Coalition is working on purchasing property to expand the program.

 

The Coalition will be offering the newly grant funded six-week class, “Smart Recovery,” beginning in September.  April also encouraged members to attend the conference in Kansas City which will include author Trish Luna who wrote “Lambi Learns About Addiction.  For more information on these things contact April at april@thriveallencounty.org or call 620-380-6823.

 

April then described how to tell if a person is suffering from a drug overdose and distributed and demonstrated how to administer Naloxone for overdose prevention.  Naloxone is certainly needed due to the amount of Fentinol on the streets and is now approved for OTC distribution.  April is available to give the full Naloxone training to those who wish to complete the course and obtain certification.

 

  1. Open Forum:  Nothing further came before the membership; when the September program is confirmed, it will be announced.

 

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be September 6.

 

Area News, Business

Tips to Prevent Digging Accidents

Leave a comment


Unearthing Safety: 811 Day (Aug. 11) Promotes Safe Digging
and Preventing Costly Mistakes Kansas Gas Service provides 5 helpful tips to prevent digging accidents
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Aug. 7, 2023 – Aug. 11, National 811 Day, is almost here!

This date, 8/11, serves as a valuable reminder about the importance of safe digging practices and
preventing damage to underground facilities.

“On Aug. 11 and throughout the year, we remind homeowners and professional contractors alike
to use the free 811 service before digging to reduce the risk of accidentally hitting an
underground facility,” said Sean Postlethwait, Kansas Gas Service vice president of Operations.
“Our highest priority is safety, and the best way to prevent injuries or disrupting service in your
neighborhood and community is by contacting 811.”

How 811 Works

Contacting 811 connects you to the local one-call center, which notifies utility companies of
your digging plans. These utilities may include natural gas, electric, water, sewer, cable and
telecommunications. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the
approximate locations of underground lines using flags, spray paint or both.

It’s a free service that only takes a few minutes and helps keep your community safe.

Kansas Gas Service encourages everyone to put safety first when undertaking any digging
project – whether large or small.

For a safer digging experience, here are 5 helpful tips to follow:

1. Contact 811. Call 811 or submit an online request at Kansas811.com at least two full
working days before you start your digging project. (If you hire a contractor, make sure
they have contacted 811.)

2. Verify the Marks Are Fresh and Complete. Verify that all utilities have marked their
facilities and wait for confirmation that the markings are complete by reviewing your
ticket with 811. Ensure the markings are not from a previous project.

3. Respect the Tolerance Zone. The tolerance zone is the area located 24 inches on either
side of the underground facility. Always hand dig within this area to avoid contact or
damage.

4. Only Dig within the Project Area. By contacting 811, the project area can be defined
and helps ensure digging occurs within that area.

5. Smell Gas, Act Fast! If you smell gas while digging or damage a natural gas line, leave
the area immediately then call 911 and Kansas Gas Service at 888-482-4950.

To learn more about safe digging, visit BeADigHeroKansas.com.

About Kansas Gas Service

Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 642,000 customers in
Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state, in terms of customers.

Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-
percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.”

ONE Gas is included in the S&PMidCap400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the
United States.

For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit
kansasgasservice.com and follow its social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

  Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Opens Annual Grant Process

Leave a comment

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) is now accepting applications for the 2023 General Funds Grant program.  Applications will be accepted through August 31, 2023.

The mission of FSACF is to serve the region by encouraging charitable giving benefiting the common good and improving the quality of life. The Foundation is committed to making a making a meaningful contribution in the areas of civic improvements, arts and humanities, health, education, human and social services, and the conservation and preservation of cultural and environmental resources.

Grant funds are available to local 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government agencies, and religious institutions.  The Foundation considers proposals based on how they improve the quality of life for residents, and is particularly interested in projects that are sustainable in the future. Collaborative projects are strongly encouraged.

In 2022, the Foundation awarded $53,536 to 26 non-profit recipients through its General Funds Grant cycle. Projects in Fort Scott, Mapleton and Uniontown received funding.  A history of funded projects can be viewed at https://fsacf.com.

Interested organizations should submit their grant application through the online portal.  The link to the portal can be found on the FSACF website, or at this link: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=southeastkansas .

###

 

Bourbon County, Schools

New U235 Teachers: Sutterby and Sutcliffe

Leave a comment

This is part of a series profiling the new teachers in Uniontown School District USD 235.

The district’s open house is August 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.
The first day of class for students is August 16.

 

Rebessa Sutterby. Submitted photo.

Rebecca Sutterby will be teaching Digital Media Pathway Career and Technical Education classes at Uniontown High School:  Graphic Design Fundamentals, Digital Media Design and Production, 21st Century Journalism, Web Design, and Photo Imaging.

She earned bachelors degree in Graphic Arts and Web Design, and is currently working on a masters degree at Pittsburg State University to earn full teaching certification.

Sutterby has worked in the printing industry: logo design, typesetting, darkroom work, and plate burning, and has been the Uniontown elementary school secretary for the past five  years. She was also a professional cake artist for years-teaching classes,  doing demonstrations at cake conventions and  competed on Food Network Challenge and TLC’s Ultimate Cake-Off.

“I’ve done lots of different design work over the years,” she said. “I was actually on the yearbook staff as a student here at UHS, and I was also on the yearbook staff at PSU when I was a student there the first time. Most recently, I designed the 55 foot-long artwork on the WBE cafeteria windows and decals for several of our school vehicles.”

Three generations of her family have graduated from UHS.

Her parents graduated in 1970 and her husband and she graduated in 1992. Their sons graduated from Uniontown – in 2015, 2017, and 2021.

“I am a Uniontown Eagle to the core. I’m very excited to be here to teach our students about Graphic Design and help them put those skills to use in real life applications,” she said.

Carrie Sutcliffe. Submitted.
Carrie Sutcliffe is a new science teacher at Uniontown  who will teach Physical Science, Chemistry, Dual Credit Chemistry and Applied Biology and Chemistry.
She graduated Hume High School in Missouri in1988, and from the University of Central Missouri with a BSE in 1993, then a masters from UMKC in 2003.
Sutcliffe has 30 years teaching experience: three teaching Physical Science and Biology at Raymore Peculiar High School,  one year teaching GED classes, 26 years teaching 7-12 Science and was a Science Olympiad Coach at Hume.
“The best thing about teaching is interacting with students and encouraging them to do their best,” she said. “The challenges  that come with teaching are changing federal and state requirements.”

She is a member of Hume Christian Church, serves on Lawrence Cemetery Board and serves as a project leader in the County Line 4-H Club.

She lives on a small farm outside of Hume with husband, Tom, of 30 years and has three children, Derek, Megan and husband Cole Wooten and Tommy.
Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda For Bo Co Commission for August 7

Leave a comment

 

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

August 7, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 7/31/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Opening of Motor Grader Financing Bids
  3. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-KAC and SEK District Meetings
  • Susan Bancroft-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Jim Harris- Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  1. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  2. Commission Comments
  3. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Opinion

Kick Some Devil by Carolyn Tucker

Leave a comment

Keys to the Kingdom

 

 

One morning, while it was still fairly dark outside and my mind was fuzzy, I was making my bed by a dim light. Standing by the window, I peeked through the curtains and was confused that I couldn’t see anything. Then my brain kicked in and I realized the shade was still pulled down. Duh! I couldn’t see the reality of anything outside.

 

As believers, we cannot allow the devil to take advantage of us and pull the wool over our eyes. It’s a good day in hell when our enemy deceives an unsuspecting Christian who’s asleep at the wheel. Satan will tempt us to doubt that God loves us unconditionally, hears our prayers, or is even interested in anything that’s happening in our day-to-day lives. Doubting these basic truths will cause us to lose our trust in God’s unfailing faithfulness.

 

What the imprisoned apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus is still the truth for us today. His letter is meant to ground, shape, and challenge all believers in their daily Christian walk. “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called — His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:18-20 NLT). The goodness and greatness of God flows through Christ Jesus into the hearts of every Christ follower. If it’s hard for you to believe that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is inside you, then decide right now to believe and accept this vital truth.

 

When a ripe-for-the-picking believer is lured into questioning and doubting, it’s because he/she has been sideswiped by the devil. Lucifer the Devious can’t be trusted any further than you can throw him because he hates, lies, cheats, deceives, and destroys.  Everything he touches turns to misery. Christians can’t afford to spare one minute listening to his slimy rubbish. “Don’t give the slanderous accuser, the Devil, an opportunity to manipulate you!” (Ephesians 4:17 TPT). Where I come from, we say: “I wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot pole.” Yep, Eve should’ve just walked away from that trap.

 

The apostle Paul knew there would be times when believers would face disappointment and frustration in their spiritual growth. He wrote to remind us that most of the progress we make comes little by little. Our spiritual battles are won through the light of practicing God’s Word. Even when we slip and miss the mark, the Lord  helps us to see clearly as we get up and continue walking in His marvelous light. “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand” (Psalm 37:23-24 NLT).

 

We must be on guard against the sly lies and strategies of Satan. Believers have the courage and strength to live boldly for God because all the forces of hell are anemic  compared to the supernatural power that is in us through Christ Jesus. This is a truth we need to grasp, activate, and practice every day.

 

The Key: Let’s pick up our sword (Bible) and kick some devil.

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Special Meeting Agenda for August 7

Leave a comment

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                     Superintendent                                                                                                                                             

BOARD OF EDUCATION SPECIAL MEETING

AUGUST 7, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC

 

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                  James Wood, Vice-President

 

2.0       Flag Salute

 

3.0       No Limits Rehabilitation Inc. Contract for Physical Therapy Services (Action Item)

 

4.0       Handbooks for the 2023-24 school year (Action Item)

 

5.0       Presentation of 2023-24 Budget and Needs Assessment (Discussion Item)

 

6.0       Other Business – Personnel Matters

6.1       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

6.2       Exit Executive Session

6.3       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

6.4       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

7.0       Adjourn Meeting

                       

K-State Extension

Preparing for the Next Storm

Leave a comment
Clara Wicoff. Submitted photo 2023

 

The recent stormy weather in southeast Kansas has left some without power for several days this month. In addition to losing power, this meant that some also lost food when their perishable food was not able to be refrigerated properly. So, how can you prepare to keep food safe during the next storm? Check out these tips from FoodSafety.gov:

  • Put an appliance thermometer in your refrigerator and in your freezer. The temperature in your refrigerator should be 40°F or below and the temperature in your freezer should be 0°F or below. In the case of a future power outage, these thermometers will help you figure out if the food in your refrigerator and freezer is safe.
  • If the power does go out, try to keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed. If unopened, a refrigerator will keep food safe for four hours. A full freezer will maintain its temperature for 48 hours (or 24 hours if it is half full).
  • Once the power is back on, check the temperature on the appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer to see if the food was kept at a safe temperature. Perishable foods which were not kept at a safe temperature should be thrown away. Never taste food to test if it is safe. When in doubt, throw it out!

 

To learn more about keeping food safe before, during, and after emergencies, visit bit.ly/preparingforthestorm. Please contact me with questions at clarawicoff@ksu.edu or 620-365-2242.

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

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

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Agenda For August 7

1 Comment

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

August 7, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 7/31/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Opening of Motor Grader Financing Bids
  3. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-KAC and SEK District Meetings
  • Susan Bancroft-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  1. Commission Comments
  2. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Bourbon County Local News