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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 5
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
March 1, 2024
Halfway into session there has been debate on taxes, education, elections, health care, and other topics. There is still much work to be completed and not much time left if the rumors are true that session will end the second week of April or before.
Where do we go from here? Committees will continue to work on bills. Most of the committees will be hearing bills that passed over from the other chamber. However, there will be some hearings on bills that didn’t make it out of the originating chamber.
Legislative Post Audit reported on the Angel Investor Tax Credit program. Investors who replied to survey questions had positive comments about the program. Of course – they get a tax credit that they can use or sell. A 2020 audit and the 2024 audit couldn’t determine if the businesses created jobs or stayed in business. The audit recommends that the Department of Commerce develop processes to review the program and measurer outcomes.
Another Legislative Post Audit reviewed major economic development programs managed by the Department of Commerce. The report stated that $436 million was awarded via several different programs, PEAK, JCF, KIT, and KIR from 2017 through 2021. The staggering number was the HPIP program. More than $3 billion was awarded in HPIP tax credits from 2017 to 2020. Businesses can use those credits up to 16 years after they are awarded. These and other programs giveaway billions of dollars that could be used to “buy down” taxes for all Kansans, instead of government picking winners and losers. It would make more sense to provide tax relief for all.
All of the audits reported by Legislative Post Audit can be found online at https://www.kslpa.org/.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission on February 26
February 26, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Cherri Walrod, Clint Walker, Jason Silvers, Michael Hoyt, Deb McCoy, Teri Hulsey, Trevor Jacobs, Mark Mcoy, Anne Dare, Patty Ropp, Debbie Martin, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting. .
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 2-12-24 and 2-20-24, approval of payroll totaling $293,310.56 and approval of accounts payable totaling $327,719.27. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Cherri Walrod, Community Liaison for Core Community Bourbon County, invited the Commissioners to a Bridges out of Poverty workshop that will be held on March 2nd. Cherri stated the workshop will be lead by Deborah Factor, CEO of Youth Core Ministries, and participants will review a mental model of poverty, examine a theory of change, and analyze poverty through the prism of housing, the hidden rules of class and resources.
Clint Walker discussed other communities who have passed resolutions in favor of Medicaid expansion, suggested Bourbon County do the same, and said he doesn’t like to send his money elsewhere.
Mark McCoy, with Bourbon County Emergency Management, said there is currently a red flag warning and urged residents not to burn as there will be wind gusts up to 50 mph.
Nelson presented a resolution 04-24 opposing the settlement of illegal immigrants in Bourbon County and made a motion to adopt it. The motion died due to a lack of a second. Nelson said resolutions make statements and he believed many residents of Bourbon County would agree and said you need to stand up for what you believe in or what you think is right. Clifton stated the first part of the resolution is already a law and that the only way he would vote in favor of passing the resolution is if wording is changed to state Washington DC failed not just the Biden Administration. Clifton also said he doesn’t agree with the bottom section and stated he will not go against a church helping little kids and said in his opinion this was political mudslinging. Jim read a resolution prepared by the County Counselor that is in favor of the settlement of legal immigrants in Bourbon County. Trevor Jacobs, District 4 State Representative, thanked the Commissioners for allowing him to speak. Trevor said he appreciates Nelson for bringing this up as it is our Constitutional right to protect the border and that if people think that immigrants are not coming here, they are foolish. Jim discussed the resolution Nelson presented and said he has a problem with the section stating the Biden Administration and churches as well.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented a utility permit for 1997 195th for the final approval signatures. Eric said the work has been completed and meets their specifications. Eric presented the Bi-annual inspections agreement with Schwab Eaton. 111 bridges will be inspected and put on the KDOT portal for $19,622. Eric said the new miner training for MSHA will take place this week. The DWR permit has been obtained for the location east of 130th Street on Kansas Road, so they have ordered four 48-inch culverts to complete the project. Eric said they are still waiting on the DWR permit for 225th and Tomahawk Road. The bridge project at 160th Street and Fern Road is scheduled to start April 1st but could be as soon as March 11 as they are finalizing utilizes now. Nelson asked where the bridge project at 60th and Grand Road stands and Eric said it is in the inspection phase. Eric said they met with an asphalt contractor for Eagle Road and they took core samples and are waiting to hear results back. Eric said they may not have enough fines in the mixture now that the rock crusher is producing cleaner chips. Eric said they are aware there is some unraveling on the road and will be able to correct this by putting a surface coat on. Eric said a meeting is scheduled with the City of Bronson to visit about asphalt and he said he will send Nelson the time and date of the meeting. There was a hailstorm in April 2022 and there was damage done to the roof at the public works building. Eric said the insurance adjuster would like to visit and he asked permission for Clifton to be present since he has experience with metal roofing. Jim and Nelson agreed to allow Clifton to visit with Eric and the insurance adjuster. Eric stated they had to raise tire prices at the landfill from 9 cents per pound to 10 cents per pound due to the company we use to dispose of the tires raised their prices. Eric said there have been questions about the motor graders and if they have GPS capabilities. Every motor grader has GPS and a report can be generated to show what time the graders start, fuel consumption, where the machine has graded, and even how much time the grader sits idle. Eric said he has asked his graders to do daily maintenance such as greasing and that is why they may be at their homes before 3:30. Eric said his door is always open if anybody has questions about purchases they make to give him a call.
Matt Quick, County Appraiser, stated property valuations will be sent out March 1st. Due to the housing market everything is going up and it is approximately 9% this year. Matt said the market side is showing an increase of at least 30%. Matt said commercial property is on cost as they cannot use market value and those properties have gone up because costs have gone up. Dry crop land is down some this year while grass land is up some. Matt stated that residents have 30 days to appeal their valuations and his office will review the property and schedule a meeting to sit down and go over everything with them. Matt said he wanted residents to be aware of the increase and stated the value doesn’t set the taxes the mill levy does. Jim asked if the majority of what Matt does is dictated by the state and Matt said everything is set by the state. Michael Hoyt asked if there is a hunting land classification and Matt stated no, there is dry crop and grass land which is broken down into tame for hay ground and native for pastures. Matt said that last year we were not compliant due to our residential values being too low. Matt said he wishes he could lower them but that is not what the state dictates.
Jim made a motion to table the discussion of healthcare sales tax due to Justin being sick and unable to attend tonight. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Susan Walker, CFO, stated she has previously asked to use the state setoff program for public works and the landfill. Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, has spoken to the state setoff program and they currently collect for approximately 53 EMS agencies with good luck. Teri said they can collect off of not only income tax returns but also casino winnings from casinos in Kansas. Susan said we currently write off $3,000-$10,000 per month for EMS bills. Jim asked if the state charges to use their setoff program. Susan said they charge 19% of what is collected. Susan said Teri and her staff would have to submit reports to the state and Teri stated she has a letter drafted that they would send out to individuals before they are sent to the setoff program. Currently OMNI, the third-party vendor who bills for our EMS services, sends out two statements and a final letter and will write off if no payment is received. Michael Hoyt asked how long that takes because sometimes it takes insurance longer than 90 days to pay on a claim. Susan said it is usually 120 days past due when OMNI sends the final notice letter. Nelson made a motion to allow EMS to start using the state setoff program to help collect on EMS billings. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. Teri presented an agreement that needs to be signed to before they can use the program. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the agreement. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Susan stated a few weeks ago the Sheriff’s department asked to replace a totaled vehicle. They originally were looking at using ARPA funds but Susan said she has been working with Patty on an additional distribution that will take place next week. There will be approximately $38,000 received from the extra distribution and Susan suggested the funds be used to purchase a patrol vehicle outright instead of financing. Nelson made a motion to allow the extra distribution to pay for the patrol vehicle for the Sheriff’s Department. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, received a letter stating that Mark McCoy’s appointment to the non-lawyer member position of the 6th District Judicial Nominating Commission will expire in March. Mark McCoy stated he would be honored to serve again if the Commissioners wish to re-appoint him. Nelson made a motion to re-appoint Mark Mcoy to the non-lawyer member position of the 6th District Judicial Nominating Commission. Jennifer stated in the past the county has received a bad audit for not completing inventory yearly so she presented a 2023 inventory certificate for the Commissioners to sign so the county is in compliance with state statute. Clifton made a motion to approve the 2023 inventory list. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer presented a letter from the county’s insurance provider, KCAMP, informing those with historical courthouses that they may want to consider purchasing coverage on a reproductive cost valuation basis. After discussion it was decided to remain with the coverage the county currently has for replacement cost basis. Jennifer asked if more than one Commissioner planned to attend the Bridges out of Poverty workshop with Jim being the only Commissioner who plans to attend. Jennifer stated the Presidential Preference Primary election will be held on March 19th with early voting beginning March 11 at the courthouse. The early voting will take place from 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday, 8:00-12:00 on Saturday, and 8:30-12:00 on Monday, March 18th. In the past the Commissioners have not held a meeting on the day before the election since the Clerk’s office is busy with setting up election sites and the Commissioners agreed to not hold a meeting on March 18th. Jennifer asked if the Commissioners would like to advertise for hay bids for Elm Creek Lake, the old landfill site near 225th and Native Road, and the radio tower site on 250th Street. Eric Bailey said that he would like to do them this year again. Jennifer will place the bids in the newspaper and the website.
Clifton said he gets called out by people online and said he is accused of not having a thick skin and stated there is a member of the audience who pressed charges against someone who raised their voice and said at some point you lose patience. Clifton said he hears what people say about him not being conservative enough but that he’s sitting in this seat and if someone is staring and pointing at me and slaps hard on the table he feels threatened. Clifton said he has been called disrespectful but stated the audience is as well. Jim said Trevor called him after the last meeting and he told him he wanted Justin to review the resolution and make some changes and he would approve it. Jim said he has to support his thoughts as wells as yours and was surprised that Justin’s resolution wasn’t passed tonight. Deb Martin said that they have no problem with legal immigration but Justin’s resolution doesn’t state illegal immigration and she thinks we need to focus on the illegal aspect. Michael Hoyt asked if there will be al election in April since the healthcare tax has been delayed. Jennifer Hawkins stated they will not be able to hold the election on April 16th due to the timing restrictions she has to follow to publish notification of a special election. Jim said he feels a lot of people were rude speaking towards them. Nelson said a prayer during his Commission comment time.
Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:53. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
3-4-2024 Approved Date
Walk Kansas registration is open
Walk Kansas registration is open
March 4, 2024
The weather is warming up, which is a sign that it is almost time for Walk Kansas! Walk Kansas is an eight-week healthy lifestyle challenge that will inspire you to lead a healthier life by being more active and making better nutrition choices. You are part of a six-member team which selects a goal and supports one another in reaching it. If you don’t have a team, you can be assigned to one or you can fly solo! The cost to participate is $10 per adult. Registration is open now at WalkKansas.org, and the program will take place from March 31st through May 25th. The benefits of participating in Walk Kansas include:
- Weekly newsletters filled with motivational healthy lifestyle information, resources, and recipes;
- Access to the online tracking system, as well as the Walk Kansas app, to help keep you on track as you work to reach your goals;
- Support in working towards leading a healthier life, including support gained from your teammates and exclusive membership in a closed Walk Kansas Facebook group;
- And more!
For more information, contact Clara Misenhelter with the Southwind Extension District at (620) 365-2242 or [email protected].
# # #
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K – State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Amended Bo Co Commission Meeting Agenda for This Evening
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
March 4, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes 2/26/2024
- Public Comments
- Thomas Russell-Resolution 04-24
- Healthcare Sales Tax Ballot Language
- Matt Quick 6:00 Conference Call with Property Valuation Division
- Commission Comments
- 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.
Landmark Bancorp Announces New CEO in Leadership Transition
Abigail Wendel joins from UMB Bank to lead growing institution;
Michael Scheopner announces planned retirement
MANHATTAN, Kan., March 4, 2024 – Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) announced that it has appointed Abigail (Abby) Wendel to serve as president and chief executive officer of the Company and Landmark National Bank, its wholly-owned bank subsidiary (the “Bank”), effective March 29, 2024. Wendel also will join the respective boards of directors of the company and bank. She succeeds current President and CEO, Michael Scheopner, who will serve in a non-executive role until his retirement at the end of the year.
Wendel comes to the Company from UMB Bank, N.A., a regional bank headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, with more than $44.0 billion in assets. Wendel most recently served as president of the consumer division. In that role, she oversaw more than 800 associates and was responsible for the retail, mortgage and private banking functions as well as corresponding consumer banking initiatives, focused on customer acquisition and experience. She brings to the role extensive experience in the banking industry and has proven performance for delivering positive results for teams and customers. While at UMB, she also previously served as senior vice president and director of corporate strategy, government & investor relations and as executive vice president, chief strategy officer. Prior to UMB, Wendel spent more than a decade at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. She is also involved in numerous charitable causes and civic initiatives in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
“During my time at Landmark National Bank, we have grown a diverse platform of banking services that meets the unique deposit and credit needs of clients in the communities we serve,” said Michael Scheopner, outgoing chief executive officer. “From small business loans to industrial product offerings and numerous solutions in between, we have listened and responded to our customers’ needs. I am extremely proud of what our team has achieved in partnership with our customers and look forward to Landmark’s continued growth and success under Abby’s leadership.”
Scheopner joined one of Landmark National’s predecessor banks, Security National Bank in 1996, and in 2001 was named executive vice president and credit risk manager. In May 2013, Scheopner was named president of Landmark National Bank and chief executive officer in January 2014.
Wendel’s appointment reflects the completion of a search process led by Patrick Alexander, chair of the board of directors. A special committee of the board, consisting of independent directors assisted by a nationally recognized executive recruiting firm, conducted the search.
“We are grateful for Michael’s leadership and strategic direction that has brought Landmark National Bank to this pivotal moment in our organization’s history,” said Patrick Alexander, board chairman. “We are extremely excited to welcome Abby to the bank. Her selection was a unanimous decision by our board and for good reason. Abby’s unique skill set blends results and experience, positioning Landmark National Bank for new growth and depth of relationships with our valued current and future customers.”
Wendel will be based in the Kansas City metro, with frequent site visits across Kansas to Landmark National Bank locations.
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About Landmark Bancorp, Inc.
Landmark Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and is engaged in the banking business through its wholly owned subsidiary, Landmark National Bank. Landmark Bancorp is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “LARK.”
Landmark National Bank is a Kansas community banking organization dedicated to providing quality financial and banking services to its local communities. Landmark National Bank is headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas and has 31 community banking locations in 24 communities across the state of Kansas
Evergy: Upgrading to Enhance Electric Service Reliability
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Evergy provides electrical service connection and repair to most of Bourbon County.
The company has acquired the property needed for the new Fort Scott substation which has frontage on North National Avenue.
Dirt work has begun at the new site, adjacent to the former equipment site.
“We have relocated conflicting utilities and are preparing the site for construction,” said Kaley Bohlen, Evergy Communications Manager.
The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.
“The upgrades will enhance electric reliability and support growth in the area, as well as strengthen the regional power grid,” Bohlen said. “The new equipment will be stronger, more efficient and incorporate technology that can help reduce power outages, both in frequency and length.”
“Because the project will benefit Evergy customers, costs will be reflected in customer rates,” Bohlen said.
The Kansas Corporation Commission has been sending out press releases to explain the process of the rate increase to upgrade electric services. To learn more, see the end of this story for the links to the press releases. The public was requested to comment during the process.
“The average monthly impact to residential customers will be an increase of $4.64 per month for Evergy Kansas Central customers and a decrease of $6.07 per month for Evergy Metro customers. The new rates will take effect based on the customer billing cycle date beginning December 21, 2023,” according to a press release in November 2023 : Evergy/KCC Settlement Announced
Bourbon County is in the Evergy Kansas Central service area.
Evergy Kansas Central serves 736,000 customers in Topeka, Lawrence, Olathe, Leavenworth, Atchison, Manhattan, Salina, Hutchinson, Emporia, Parsons, Wichita, Arkansas City, El Dorado, Newton, Fort Scott, Pittsburg and Independence, among other towns and rural areas, according to a KCC press release. Evergy Kansas Metro serves approximately 273,000 customers in Lenexa, Overland Park and other communities near the Kansas City metro area.
The contractor for the Fort Scott project is Wolf Construction, Bohlen said.
The new Infantry Substation will be about 1.75 acres and will replace the former Fort Scott Substation that was damaged by fire in August 2022., according to Bohlen in a prior interview.
“The new substation will provide additional capacity to enhance electric reliability for the Fort Scott area, as well as strengthen the regional power grid,” she said in a prior interview. “Automated switching capabilities and grid automation will help improve outage response times.”
“Construction has begun and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024,” she said in the prior interview. “Once the new substation is operational, we will decommission the current Fort Scott Substation and remove all structures and equipment that are no longer in use. The existing Fort Scott Service Center utilized for personnel and offices will remain. Once the new Infantry Substation is built and operational, the existing Fort Scott Substation equipment and poles will be removed.”
To view the prior story:
Evergy Will Move Substation Equipment and Poles
To view prior press releases on Evergy within the last six months:
1.66 Percent Increase Justified to Provide Electricity to Evergy Central Customers.
Evergy Rate Increase Request July 27
Preparing for prom: Fairy Godmother Boutique set for March 16
PITTSBURG — Thanks to generous donors and the Fairy Godmother Boutique, area high school students can pick out new and gently used dresses. Many don’t look forward to prom
because they can’t afford to purchase a dress and accessories.
“The Fairy Godmother Boutique was created to help these students get the prom experience we all dream of — the perfect dress, the hair, the shoes,” Patient Education & Support Manager
Julie Laverack says.
The pop-up boutique is set for Saturday, March 16, at CHC/SEK in Pittsburg, at 3011 N. Michigan (Pittsburg). To shop for a free dress, prom goers must book an appointment by calling 620-231-
9873 and ask for a Family Resource Specialist.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas staff and community recently gathered their lightly used and nearly new prom dresses to give to the Fairy Godmother Boutique. Additionally,
sponsor Sara Loree’s Bridal and Formal, donated many dresses as well.
“We’ve had tremendous community support,” Laverack says. “Thank you all for donating these beautiful dresses. Another huge thank you to those who signed up to be volunteer stylists during the event.”
There will be dresses sizes 0-20 in a variety of styles. Personal stylists, makeup consultants and private dressing rooms will be available.
There are still opportunities to sign up and volunteer by reaching Laverack at 620-231-9873.
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Kansas February Total Tax Collections at $521.4M; 6.0% Below Estimate
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends February 2024 with total tax collections at $521.4 million. That is $33.1 million, or 6.0%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 5.2% from February 2023.
“Falling short of estimates for the fourth consecutive month reiterates that Kansas must pass a tax cut plan that is sustainable and fiscally responsible,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That’s why I have proposed a bipartisan tax cut package that would benefit all Kansans without jeopardizing our long-term economic growth or ability to continue fully funding essential services.”
Individual income tax collections were $173.6 million. That is $46.4 million, or 21.1%, below the estimate, and down 17.9% from February 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $21.1 million. That is $5.1 million, or 31.6%, above the estimate and up 37.5% from February 2023.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $252.6 million, which is $10.4 million, or 4.0%, below the estimate and down $15.4 million, or 5.7%, from February 2023.
Click to here view the February 2024 revenue numbers.
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 4
Fruit Tree Dormant Oil Application
February brought us above normal temperatures. I’ve heard the frogs signing on several days, which is always a welcome sound to my ears because I know spring is near! When the nice, warm days grace us in March, make time to apply a dormant oil on your fruit trees.
There are a number of dormant sprays used on fruit trees and other plants to control various diseases and insects. However, a dormant oil spray is designed to control scale insects, aphids and mites. Just like the name implies, dormant oils are applied before the tree begins to bud. Dormant oil sprays are important because some pests attack before visible growth even begins. If you have a problem with scale, now is the time to start watching the weather and look for an opportunity to spray.
Scale insects can be seen easily this time of year since there a no leaves. Scale insects are easily overlooked because they are small and immobile most of their lives, and they do not resemble most other insects. Many of them resemble small shells that are oval or circular. Coloring varies but can include white, tan and brown. Plants that should be inspected for scales include apple, pear, other fruit trees, lilac, crabapple, oak, ash, elm, maple, arborvitae, juniper, pine, spruce, euonymus and yew.
Plants are not harmed if only a few scales are present, but scale population can increase dramatically during the growing season. Heavy scale infestations can damage fruit crops, destroy branches and kill entire plants.
Normally sprays should be applied around March 1, especially with peaches and nectarines. Apples are tougher and application may be delayed up to the green tip stage. Temperatures need to be at least 40 degrees so spray has a chance to dry before freezing. If the spray does freeze before it dries, plant injury can occur. Applying the spray during the morning will help insure that it dries properly. It is much easier to achieve good spray coverage if the tree is pruned before spraying.
The Extension office has several publications outlining the fruit spray schedule for the entire growing season.
Now is an excellent time to prune. Pruning can be done in March. Prune on days when the temperature is above 20 degrees to prevent injury. Prune older trees first because older, larger wood tolerates lower temperatures than young trees with small diameter wood.
If your trees are overgrown, out of control and you just don’t know where to begin, stop by the Extension office and pick up a pruning publication. This publication offers step-by-step instructions on pruning overgrown trees and it also has nice diagrams.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.