Would anyone like to volunteer to bring snacks for this meeting?
**You may want to bring your own snacks if your kids will want some.** Thanks!
Parent Empowerment Circle
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Agenda
1:30 PM – Sign the attendance sheet and get name tag
1:30-1:45 PM – Meet and Greet Time with other attendees
1:45 PM – Round table introductions: Please briefly introduce yourself, why you are attending today and what you hope to gain from coming to this meeting. Please share a recent “WIN” that you are positive about.
2:00 PM – July Meeting: “Dealing with Discouragement”, guest speaker – Candy Turner
3:00 PM to 3:15 PM –
August Meeting: meet up at splash pad for a fun day, bring your own snacks, water to drink and lawn chairs. Invite friends!
September Meeting: “IEP’s and 504’s”, guest speaker – Tonya Barnes
October meeting: TBA
Other questions, comments, suggestions
3:15 PM – Dismiss meeting but you are welcome to chat with other attendees
3:15 PM to 3:30 PM – Clean up space and leave building
Next meeting: August 24, 2025, 1:30-3:30 PM at the Splash Pad, The Gathering Pavilion, North National, Fort Scott.
Barbara Jean Dawson Swearingen, a cherished soul known for her friendly demeanor, generous spirit, and passionate love for horses, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, in her hometown of Fort Scott, Kansas. Born on December 10, 1944, also in Fort Scott, Barbara’s life was a testament to her enduring love for her community and the people within it.
Barbara’s journey through life was marked by the joy she found in the simple pleasures. Trail riding and showing horses were not just hobbies for her; they were her passions. This love for equine companionship defined many of the happiest moments of her life. Barbara’s commitment to these interests brought her much recognition and many friendships within the equestrian community, all of whom will deeply feel her absence.
In her professional life, Barbara was a dedicated employee of the State of Kansas, where her work ethic and commitment to service made her a valued colleague and friend. Her involvement in various associations connected to her work reflected her dedication to her role and the community she served. Barbara’s colleagues will remember her as a beacon of kindness and a person who brought warmth and light to every interaction.
Barbara’s family was the cornerstone of her life. She is survived by her beloved brother Terry Dawson; her devoted sisters Connie Fritter and Debbie (Kenny) Clark; and her cherished sister Tina Dawson. Barbara also held a special place in her heart for her nephews Justin Fritter and Kenny Clark III, and her niece Jamie Sisseck. Each family member carries with them memories of Barbara’s boundless love and the countless ways she enriched their lives.
The words “friendly,” “generous,” and “passionate” only begin to scratch the surface of who Barbara was. She was the kind of person who greeted everyone with a smile that could brighten even the cloudiest of days. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she was always the first to offer help to anyone in need. Her passion for life was evident in everything she did, from her work to her leisure pursuits.
As we say goodbye to Barbara Jean Dawson Swearingen, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of love, laughter, and the pursuit of happiness. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched, in the trails she rode, and in the community that she so dearly loved. Barbara’s life was a beautiful ride, and although she has taken her final trail home, the paths she blazed will continue to be traveled by those who loved her most.
There was cremation. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at cheneywitt.com.
The United States is the richest nation in the world and we, the people, have historically supported programs to care for the less fortunate, underserved, desperate people of the world. In the dysfunction of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) dismantling of USAID, the shelf life of five hundred metric tons of life saving high energy biscuits expired. All five hundred tons were taken off the shelf and destroyed. Because of this, starving people, mostly children, will suffer and some will die. Their families will grieve. We should grieve with them.
Some USAID programs were to be shifted to the State Department. The Secretary of State told congress that how these programs were instituted would reflect the priorities of this administration. Abandoning desperate people is not government efficiency or even good foreign policy. It is moral bankruptcy and greed conceived and supported at the highest levels of our government. This is not the way to make America great. Is this what you voted for?
Patty LaRoche. 2023. Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection www.alittlefaithlift.com AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Last week, we looked at Samson, the man who began the work of deliverance for Israel from the Philistines but never saw its completion. His legacy would not be related to his leadership abilities but rather to his inability to recognize women who manipulated.
Most of us, thankfully, have not betrayed our spouses as Samson’s wives did. However, before we come down too hard on them, we must realize that too many married partners are master manipulators who use looks, threats, paybacks, pouts, tears, or anger if they don’t get their way. Many are so effective at pouting or verbal chastisement that the spouse tiptoes around them in an effort to avoid their partner’s wrath. Household, vacation, and child-rearing decisions are made simply to have “peace at all costs.”
Professional baseball gave me an opportunity to watch as big bucks passed hands to assuage the athletes’ guilt for the long road trips they endured. Diamonds got bigger. Furs got furrier. Purses and shoes got matchier. (You get the point).
Even if you, the reader, are not guilty of resorting to manipulative tactics, chances are you know people who are. Perhaps you will recognize a few of their behaviors in the following category of comparisons.
You have a tummy ache? I’ll have diverticulitis. After all, it’s all about me. Comparisons are typically directed at, and intended for, our spouse:
“Sally’s husband is so romantic. Did I tell you what he did for her last weekend?”
“I’ve never seen anyone who does more around the house than Karen’s husband.”
“Hey, Mark, I heard that you just bought your wife a new car. You must be doing very well.” (said, of course, in front of your husband)
This has to be one of the easiest forms of manipulation. A few words here, a few words there, and shazam! Suddenly we’ve planted some incredible seeds by which our spouses should measure their performance. And even if we have convinced ourselves we do not intend to compare (probably a lie), even if we have not one critical bone in our body and sincerely mean to compliment (probably another lie), what good do those comments do?
Put the shoe on the other foot. Any time our spouses are foolish enough to single out someone of our gender and praise his/her looks or behavior, we probably are a wee bit offended. Rarely (if ever) would we celebrate with them the beauty or accomplishments of this other person. Can’t you hear it? “Oh, honey, I agree. Colleen has lost so much weight I hardly recognized her. I think I’ll just get a few dozen Krispy Kremes and celebrate her success!
I don’t think there is a person alive who has not compared him/herself to others at one point or another. She is prettier. He is stronger. She is smarter. He is more spiritual. Our nature is to see how we measure up. That is a problem. But it’s a bigger problem when we have a twinge of delight when we find that we have it a little better than they do. Sadly, there is no win in comparison.
When we look at Philippians 2:3 (“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves”), we are reminded of the need to be humble enough to acknowledge others’ strengths and be delighted God has gifted them with gifts we need to appreciate, not covet. Samson learned the hard way. Let us not be as foolish as he.
Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin confirmed that Michael Olkowski of Fort Scott is still in the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center as of 10 a.m. today.
Olkowski was arrested for sexual exploitation of a child on July 23 at 920 West Park Avenue, Fort Scott, and is being held without bail.
The following was taken from the Kansas Missing and Exploited Facebook page
Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging announces they have been awarded a grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas for its 60+ Nutrition Program.
“In the last year, we have added two meal sites where people can get a tasty, healthy meal and visit with friends. Since 2022, the attendance at meal sites has doubled”, says Stacy Dickerhoof, Associate Director, “this is giving us the good problem of needing more utensils, glasses, and bowls to serve the food. We appreciate the Community Foundation supporting our seniors.”
Sometimes called Meals on Wheels, 60+ Nutrition serves a 9-county area and is a combination of home delivery, congregate meals sites, and restaurants.
The purpose of the program is to promote the general health and well-being of older Kansans. Participants are asked to provide a donation, but inability to donate does not prevent anyone from receiving a meal.
“Our seniors really enjoy having a place to go have a meal and see friends.”, says Tabitha Torres, Nutrition Coordinator. Sixty-three percent of SEKAAA 60+ Nutrition program participants report they eat alone most of the time. The National Institute on Aging has identified that social isolation increases health risk, such as high blood pressure, depression, and cognitive decline. “The meal is important, but we have found that participants find getting together with friends is just as important,” reports Torres.
For more information on SEKAAA 60+ Nutrition Program, please visit www.sekaaa.com or call 620-431-2980 for more information.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott! July 25th Weekly Newsletter
SAVE THE DATE!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees
Every Thursday at 8am
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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Fort Scott National Historic Site
Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset
Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!
Fort Scott Farmers Market
Saturdays | 8am-noon & Tuesdays | 4-6pm
Gathering Square Pavilion, 111 N. National
BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)
KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott
Every Tuesday 9am-4pm
Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.
620-231-4250
FS Public Library
*Wednesday Writers every Wed. @ 1:30-3pm
*Summer Reading June 3rd – July 29th!
201 S. National Ave.
Kansas Small Business Development Center
at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.
Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9am-4pm.
*Special orders should be planned to be picked up at 4PM on the Day of the event so we can guarantee it is High Quality we strive to provide. ( If a number can’t be reached, the order will be canceled before the event day)
John Sackett, age 65, passed away on Tuesday, July 22nd at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. John was born in Fort Scott, Kansas to William (Jim) and Mary Sackett (Monroe).
John enlisted in the Army in 1977. When he stepped onto the bus to travel to Fort Polk, Louisiana for boot camp, he looked back at that moment as the most defining decision of his life. His military career took him to Germany, where in 1980 he wed Margaret Anderson, Texas, Korea, Colorado, New York, (back to) Germany, and then returning to Kansas to finish his service at Ft. Riley, KS, retiring in 1998.
In 2002, John moved to Oklahoma for a supervisor position with the Transportation Security Administration after 9/11. In 2005, he married Christie (Borggren) and they made their home in Blackwell, Oklahoma. There they would host get-togethers where John would break out his DJ skills, vast music knowledge, and congregate with good friends. In 2007 John became a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service until his retirement in November 2019. As a mail carrier, he became the family’s weather/news man. John had numerous friends, many from his youth at Country Kitchen to his Ft. Riley group.
It has been said that John was everyone’s best friend.
John is survived by his wife Christie, daughter Jennifer Thurston (Justin) of Fort Scott, Kansas; daughter Mary Larsen (Chris) also of Fort Scott, Kansas; and son Ian Sackett of Sierra Vista, Arizona. Surviving siblings include brother Jim (Gayle) of Fort Scott, and sisters Jane Burgess (Bob) of Ponca City, OK, and Judy Wilmoth (Jerry) of Webb City, MO.
He has seven grandchildren: Jordan, Madi, Emily, Ryann, Sarina, Owen, and Chance, all of Fort Scott, KS; numerous nieces and nephews; and three godchildren: Deklan, Dawsen, and Kynleigh Moore.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday July 30th at Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm the evening before at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Bourbon County Commissioners considered using Emerson for the county’s payroll and benefits. Tim Emerson Jr. whose firm is in Kansas City, MO presented his company’s services and recommendations to the commissioners. This was done in response to the County Clerk’s office when they presented their 2026 budget request to hire another employee to deal with their work load.
Commissioner Mika Milburn said she wants to set up a sustainable process and create continuity so that the information needed for the payroll process doesn’t reside in one individual.
Emerson is from Ft. Scott originally and has worked with Dr. Steve Cohen, head of Bourbon County HR. Emerson recommends that each department submit time and attendance with final oversight by one person at the county level.
County Clerk Susan Walker had many logistical questions for Emerson about how the company he recommends to handle the county’s payroll would interface with the county’s current system. She also questioned the bringing in of Emerson in particular.
“Why are they not bid out like other things?…there could be other opportunities,” she asked. “Are we going to put these things out to bid, or are we just going to get one vendor out to look at it?”
“This would be an added cost, in my opinion, to the county. If my budget request cannot be funded, then that’s all you need to say…I was not consulted about any of this,” said Walker.
Commissioner David Beerbower wrapped up the comments in the meeting and said the process is just starting. No official decision was made.
Old Business
Hospital Equipment
Beerbower spoke with man from the gov.deals auction service. They are planning to be down during the week to get an auction date set and get the equipment out of the building.
Milburn asked to see the contract with gov.deals. The commission will address it in its July 28 meeting.
Fence Viewing
County Counselor Bob Johnson advised the commission to create a procedure for handling fence viewing requests.
“The biggest decision is whether you guys want to do it or whether you want to appoint someone,” he said. He also cautioned the commission about the liability they would be opening themselves up to if they got involved in fence viewing.
Beerbower asked how the state statute applies. Johnson said they should decide if they want to do the fence viewing themselves or appoint designees. He offered to get information from other Kansas county counselors, and Walker offered to get input from KCAMP, the county’s liability insurance provider.
The commission tabled the issue until the Aug. 17 meeting.
Termination of Juvenile Detention Agreement
The commission missed the July 1 window to end the current contract for Juvenile Detention services with the Girard Juvenile Detention Center. The county is unable to change services until 2027.
Beerbower moved to terminate juvenile detention services with the Girard Juvenile Detention Center for the 2027 budget year. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Works Safety Audit
The proposed public works safety audit is, “Just to clear things up and make sure we were up to speed, up to compliance,” said Milburn. The contractor will spend 2 days at Public Works at a cost of $1,500-2,000 and will deliver an analysis and plan to address the department’s safety.
Commissioner Samuel Tran commended the current safety program at Public Works. He said the audit is to make sure they are as safe as they should be by having another set of eyes on the program.
Walker suggested that they look into getting an audit from KWORKS, the county’s workman’s comp insurance provider.
The public works director agreed to do that and the issue was tabled until the July 28.
Commission Liaison Group
Tran wrote and read a letter to fellow commissioners stating that currently all commissioners are generalists needing to know everything about each department in the county. He proposed assigning specific functions within the county to each commissioner in order to focus each commissioner’s time, energy, and effort into improving these functions. He also acknowledged that with the expansion to five commissioners, they will have to reallocate those functions.
Tran made a motion to formulate the commissioner liaison group with himself caring for Public Works, Milburn caring for the courthouse and the county offices it houses, and Beerbower caring for the departments of the Sheriff, EMS, and Emergency Management.
His motion passed unanimously.
Zoning Discussion & Work Sessions
“We need to determine what we’ll do next,” with zoning, said Beerbower.
Milburn said it’s determined by statute.
County Counselor Johnson said the statute says the county needs a 5-9-member planning commission or zoning board, which would take the county commission’s recommendation and hold a public hearing, then they would report back to the county commissioners.
The next step is to draw up a resolution to establish a planning commission, which does not necessarily mean the county is zoned. The ultimate decision still rests with the commission.
Johnson will meet with the commission on Aug. 4 to discuss the resolution.
Hiring and Firing of Bourbon County Employees Memorandum
Beerbower brought a memorandum to the commission because of a lack in the current handbook. Termination is in the discipline steps of the handbook. The handbook also lacks job performance guidance.
The HR department is in the process of updating the handbook, but in the interim, hires and fires will be reported to the HR department and approved by the board of County Commissioners.
Tran expressed the desire to know the status of the various departments within the county. Milburn said she wants the departments to utilize the HR department for all hiring and firing, but that they should not necessarily require the approval of the commission.
Beerbower said he would bring a re-written memorandum to the July 28 meeting.
Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
Clay Campbell on Public Works
“I’m here right now to tell you guys that we have a problem at Public Works,” he said. “We’re in trouble,” because more people are leaving. “There is a morale problem out there (at public works).”
Campbell works 3 days a week as a mower for the public works department and offered to speak to the commission on behalf of his fellow department members. He expressed concern about the people trying to make a living by working for Public Works. There’s a pay issue and insurance issues, and rumors of more problems to come. “I don’t know how these young men working out there are supporting a family,” he said.
Even though free use of the landfill is a taxable benefit, removing it was “a slap in the face” to the public works employees.
“No matter how this goes down, we care,” said Tran. “Somebody spent a lot of money that we didn’t have, so now we have to pick up the pieces,” and the citizens and employees of the county will bear that burden.
Clint Walker: Budget and First Responders
Walker came with newspapers from surrounding counties to give to the commissioners to give them information. He referred to a sheriff that raised $1.4 million by housing prisoners.
Randy McNulty: Solar Farm
McNulty lives between Bronson and Uniontown north of 54 Hwy. He is wondering about the status of the solar farm going in across the road from his house. He knows the county had to sign off on the approval for it. The taxpayers didn’t know it was coming and it’s reducing his property values. He also expressed concern about the health ramifications of solar panels for his farm animals and bees. Gail George owns the land across the street from him.
“It’s hard to get any information about what’s going on,” he said. “I don’t know if anybody cares.”
Milburn said she was working on getting solar projects in the county mapped out.
Tran told him to keep coming to the commission meetings and keep after them to get the information and help he needs.
New Business SEK Regional Planning Commission
Greg Motley spoke to the commissioner about the “Make my Move” program for helping those moving from a urban setting to a rural setting. The state of Kansas has entered an agreement witht he program providers, paying 80% of the costs. SEKRPC will manage it for SEK. It would cost the county $12,500, which would get them onto the international website for people looking to move to a rural area, allowing them to design their web page and listing.
“I think our county has the best amenities of all the other SEK counties,” and can distinguish itself by showing them said Motley. SEKRPC is the county’s economic development resource. He suggested approaching the city to pay part of the $12,500, since they have the main employers in Bourbon County.
No action was taken.
Dispatch/911
Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager, Ben Hart, and Sheriff Bill Martin spoke with the commission about changing who is in charge of the E911 services in Bourbon County.
Fort Scott has been providing Bourbon County with E911 services for the last 3 years. The city receives 57% of the 911 calls serviced and the county the remaining 43%. The county pays $50,000 to the city for the service. The city also receives $90,000 in tax dollars to help fund the service. The city pays all wages, benefits, training, and upgrades to the department. Total operating budget for the E911 department is $550,000.
Matkin feels it’s time for the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department to take over this service. Discussions with Sheriff Bill Martin and his financial advisor, Ben Hart, show them to be confident that it can be done financially, starting in 2026.
Bourbon County would receive a complete turn-key E911 communications department with a dedicated 8-member team, as well as all the equipment. Also $350,000 per year from Fort Scott for its share of the department in 2026 and 2027, with a planned adjustment in 2028 if the county’s financials would bear that. The county would keep the $50,000 they’ve been paying the City of Fort Scott, as well as the E911 tax of about $90,000.
“The county would need to budget $80,000-$100,000 for the department. This department is absolutely vital to our county as a whole, and it makes complete sense for the sheriff’s department to manage this department and eventually grow it into it’s own entity,” said Matkin.
“It spreads the expense more fairly if it’s a county tax,” said County Clerk Susan Walker.
“It’s coming out of taxes one way or the other,” said Beerbower.
Walker said that working out the logistics of this change will take its own work session.
“This is coming out of left field,” said Samuel Tran. “Either we grab a hold of it or shove it off until next year.” He was in favor of working on it in next year’s budget.
Tran asked what the biggest driving factor of asking for the change over is. Matkin said it will help the city’s budget and it makes sense to put it under the sheriff’s department.
Hart said that some of the sheriff’s revenue has increased and could be used to cover 911 services.
Matkin said he hasn’t come to the county for this until now because of the empty pond that the county has been, historically.
“I don’t think we have a choice,” said Milburn. “By statute, it’s ours and they’re giving it back.”
“Let’s see what we can do to make this work,” said Beerbower.
The commission decided to schedule a work session with the city and the county’s budget advisory committee.
Boards assigned to Commissioners
Each commissioner serves on a number of boards to represent the county. They decided that Beerbower will serve on the Juvenile Detention, Mental Health, and Health Department boards; Tran asked for the Rural Planning Commission, Area on Aging, and Bourbon County Senior Citizens. Milburn took Soil Conservation and the Fair Board.
Precincts Resolution 28-25
The commission approved the legal descriptions that will set up the precincts for moving from 3 to 5 commissioners.
Insurance Committee Guidelines Request
Milburn said that it is time to get letters of interest to create the advisory committee.
Two letters have been submitted so far. They are to keep the budget in mind, talk with other employees, and review recommendations.
Beerbower suggested sending out memos to the department heads. Kaety Bowers, parliamentarian, suggested asking department heads for their recommendations.
“I’d like the employees to have an input, so I hope they send in some letters,” said Milburn.
Open enrollment for insurance for county employees is in October, so there’s a limited time frame. The deadline for letters of interest is set for Aug. 4.
An audience member said it’s needed and encouraged employees to take part.
“If we’re going to formulate these committees, we’re not going to ignore these committees,” said Tran.
Marion Township Request
Tran heard from Steve Guyger, who requested a culvert across from the cemetery in Marion Township, asking for assistance with manpower to install it.
Tran said that the issue is not the cost but the precedent set for other entities. The plastic culverts the county has offered to install were used with the windmills when they were putting in temporary entrances and were given to the county after those entrances were removed.
“When you look at it in the broad scheme of things, it’s neighbors helping neighbors,” said Beerbower.
“The townships and cemeteries have very little funding coming in to them,” said Walker.
Tran specified that they will take requests like this on a case-by-case basis. He then moved that they approve Guyger’s request. The commission agreed.
Department Updates
Public Works
Public Works Director Eric Bailey said they have had Internet problems at Public Works and at the landfill, which takes down the credit card system. He expressed concern with the county’s new tech company being located in Joplin, not Fort Scott. Milburn said the kinks should be worked out soon.
Bailey also asked about the radio towers and the repeater. The county’s IT department has handled that in the past, but the repeater was down this weekend. Radios are essential for working in areas of the county that do not have cell cervice.
The Landfill Cost Closure Worksheet shows that $209, 017 must be set aside to close and reclaim the landfill. This must be turned in to the state to be in compliance. The commission voted to approve the worksheet and ensure that the needed funds are in reserve.
The five year solid waste plan needs renewal in 2028. Committee members need to be updated now, as all five that were on the committee in 2023 are not available to serve any more. Tran will work on filling that as the new liaison to the commission for Public Works.
Bailey updated the commission on the employee losses in Public Works, which will have no asphalt crew in two weeks.
“We will asphalt everything that we can asphalt with the crew that we have until we run out of crew members, but we’re not going to be able to get everything done that we said we’d get done,” said Bailey.
Tran expressed approval of allowing the current asphalt crew to work overtime for as long as possible to get as much asphalt laid as possible.
Commission Comments
Milburn addressed the problems of rising costs and the need to cut budgets. She said the county can’t continue to spend as they have and cuts are coming. The county’s main priority is public safety. “What, where, and how do we reorganize in a way that best serves our taxpayers?”
Tran said he’s learned a lot in the last week, and he is so proud of the caliber of people in Bourbon County. He’s racking his brain to find a way to fix all this without raising taxes. He asked for patience as they change things and find what works. He expressed the desire to continue to hear from the citizens of Bourbon County.
The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Monday, July 28 at 10:00 am in the Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall to approve personnel items.
President Trump Approves Request for
Major Presidential Disaster Declaration
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that President Donald Trump has granted her June 17 request for a federal disaster declaration for the state due to damages caused by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding during the period of May 18-19, 2025. Multiple counties sustained damage to utility infrastructure, roads, bridges, and some government-owned buildings.
“I thank President Trump for approving my request for federal disaster assistance,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The rural communities and small towns impacted by this severe weather are the heartbeat of our state. With these additional resources, my administration will continue our commitment to ensure these communities can rebuild and thrive.”
The declaration allows state and local levels of government, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations that provide vital and essential services, such as rural electric cooperatives, to apply for Public Assistance funds for emergency and permanent work for the repair or replacement of infrastructure damaged by the disaster.
The counties named in the declaration are Bourbon, Cheyenne, Edwards, Gove, Kiowa, Logan, Pratt, Reno, Scott, Sheridan, and Stafford counties.
