Government, Kansas

Kansas Court of Appeals Vacancy

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Court of Appeals Nominating Commission Announces Application Deadline for Court of Appeals Vacancy

TOPEKA –The Court of Appeals Nominating Commission today announced the application deadline for individuals interested in applying for the impending vacancy to be created by the Supreme Court appointment of Melissa Taylor Standridge.

Applications will be due by 3:00 PM Wednesday, December 23. Individuals should contact [email protected] for application materials.

The interview days and schedule will be announced at a later date. All updates may be found at https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/press-releases/.

Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order 20-01 on January 28, 2020, establishing the Court of Appeals Nominating Commission. Under Kansas law, the Governor appoints judges to the Court of Appeals subject to confirmation by the Senate. The Commission will review each applicant’s background and qualifications, conduct interviews, and then submit three nominees for the Governor to consider.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Conference Call With Elected Officials Dec. 4

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Governor Kelly Convening Weekly Conference Call Friday with Elected Officials

TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly will be convening a biweekly conference call, Friday, December 4, 2020, with county commissioners, emergency managers, public health officers, legislators, and other community leaders for a COVID-19 update and Q&A with state response leaders, Major General Weishaar, the Adjutant General of Kansas, and Dr. Sam Antonios, the Chief Medical Officer for Ascension Via Christi.

Who:              Governor Laura Kelly, Major General David Weishaar, Dr. Sam Antonios

What:             COVID-19 Biweekly Update Conference Call

When:            10:00 a.m. Friday, December 4, 2020

Where:           To listen to the meeting, RSVP to Lauren Fitzgerald at [email protected]

To view the meeting’s agenda, click here.

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COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

“Stop the Spread. It’s Up to Us, Kansas”

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https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/31896_COVID_Campaign_Campaign_Collage_RUN-01.jpg

Governor Laura Kelly Launches COVID-19 Public Health Campaign “Stop the Spread. It’s Up to Us, Kansas”

~Creative campaign aims to help stop the spread and increase free testing statewide~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the State of Kansas today launched the “Stop the Spread. It’s Up to Us, Kansas” campaign to share the importance of getting tested, wearing masks and to encourage social distancing this holiday season to stop the further spread of COVID-19.

The campaign includes the launch of a new testing website, GoGetTested.com/Kansas, to quickly identify free testing locations throughout the state. It will run on television, radio, social media, print, outdoor and digital advertising starting today and throughout the month of December. GoGetTested.com/Kansas lists seven testing site locations, more locations will be added on a rolling basis to meet the needs of communities across the state.

“We are at a critical point of time in our fight against COVID-19 and our response requires the most urgent and creative solutions,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This campaign aims to reach every corner of our state with critical public health messages infused with some humor and holiday spirit to bring a smile and rally our strength.”

The campaign includes information on the COVID-19 unified testing strategy that aims to rapidly increase the state’s ability to provide COVID-19 diagnostic and screening tests to Kansans free of charge. The overall goal is to double the amount of testing in Kansas by the end of 2020. To date, approximately 812,000 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in the state.

“When testing supplies were limited, we only recommended that those with symptoms or risk of exposure get tested,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now that testing is more widely available, we are urging everyone to get tested so we can better control the spread of the virus throughout our communities, which ultimately will help us keep businesses, schools and the economy open.”

The campaign is part of a broader, all-of-the-above strategy to encourage Kansans to follow the best practices, encourage voluntary testing, avoid mass gatherings, and use face-coverings. The approach includes partnerships with the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Farm Bureau, the Kansas Leadership Center, and other stakeholders.

Additional information on testing is included below. For more information on testing sites in Kansas, please visit GoGetTested.com/Kansas.

Additional Testing Information

In addition to testing, there are several things which need to be implemented to successfully reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Kansas. This includes isolating positive individuals, investigating positive cases, quarantining those exposed, and implementing prevention protocols.

  • ISOLATING. When an individual tests positive for COVID-19, they are instructed to isolate from others for up to 10 days, depending upon their symptoms. Because the person may be infectious during this time, it is essential for them to follow this. This is also essential for those who are asymptomatic to follow as well, as they still may be infectious despite not having symptoms. Further guidance and instructions can be found on KDHE’s COVID-19 website.
  • QUARANTINE. Everyone who has been exposed to someone who tests positive is at risk of getting the virus. Public health seeks to locate those who have been close contacts of the infected person, and to advise those individuals to stay at home and away from others for two weeks. Since symptoms may take between 2-14 days after exposure to develop, it is essential for exposed individuals to stay at home away from others. This is referred to as quarantine.
  • CASE INVESTIGATION: After a positive case is identified, public health contacts the individual to determine where the individual may have become infected.
  • OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION: An outbreak is defined as two or more cases connected to one known exposure. When an outbreak occurs, public health works with the location to identify and test those potentially exposed and /or ill. Additional infection protocols will be implemented in congregate settings.
  • PREVENTION MEASURES: Until a vaccine is widely available, the best way to avoid COVID-19 is through prevention measures. This includes things such as social distancing, wearing masks, staying home if ill and avoiding large groups. In congregate settings, this includes things such as wearing and using the appropriate PPE and infection protocols.
Fort Scott, Government

FS City Board Vacancies

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City Board Vacancies

Please see below the above openings for City of Fort Scott Boards:

  • Five openings (Three County residents – Two City resident) on the Fort Scott Planning Commission.

  • One opening on the Board of Zoning Appeals (City resident)

  • Four openings on the Airport Advisory Board

  • Two openings on the Design Review Board (City residents)

The function of the Planning Commission is to review and adopt (as well as update) the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Fort Scott, to establish zoning districts and allowable uses, to review zoning regulations within the City and to review requests for special permits or conditional uses within certain zoning districts in the City. Also reviews site plans for planned areas and is responsible for zoning within the 3-mile limit of the City of Fort Scott. Their recommendations are given to the City Commission for final approval. They meet on an “as needed” basis.

The function of the Board of Zoning Appeals is to review requests for variances in zoning ordinance such as building setback requirements, building sizes, etc. They meet on an “as needed” basis.

The function of the Airport Advisory Board is to advise the City Manager and City Commissioners on matters pertaining to the continued growth and improvement of the airport. Their recommendations are given to the City Commission for final approval.

The function of the Design Review Board is to review requests for Certificate of Appropriateness in the historic district of our downtown. They meet on an “as needed” basis.

If you have a desire to serve on any of these Boards and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. She will then submit your letter of interest for consideration by the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on any of these boards, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by December 11th, 2020.

Fort Scott, Government

Josh Jones Chosen For FS City Commission

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Josh Jones. Submitted photo.

Josh Jones, 39, was sworn in this week to serve on the Fort Scott City Commission, replacing Jolynne Mitchel, who resigned.

Josh Jones is sworn in as a new Fort Scott Commissioner on Dec. 1. The commission meeting was held in Buck Run Community Center. Photo was taken from the City of Fort Scott’s Facebook page.

 

Jones was born and raised in Fort Scott and has several businesses in the community.

“I have rental houses and I run Bourbon County Cars,” he said. “I also work part-time as a bus driver for USD 234 and FSCC

 

Jones believes it’s a cumulation of life lessons learned that give him the experience and qualities to serve on the commission.

 

“I have made many mistakes in life but find a way to learn and grow with each mistake,” Jones said. ” My favorite quote is ‘Show me a man who never made a mistake and I will show you one who never tried anything.’”

 

“We have to understand we will make mistakes but how you learn and grow from those mistakes is what we need to focus on,” he said.

 

“I have always told my children if you want to come to me to complain about something, then you better follow it up with a solution to try,” he said.  “I feel like Fort Scott is in a period where we need some new ideas to continue to move forward and I felt like I wanted to help any way I could and felt like being a commissioner was a good way to bring solutions or ideas to concerns I had.”

 

“My duty as a commissioner is to serve the citizens of Fort Scott the best way I think is possible,” Jones said.  “Every decision we make comes back to one thing. Citizens.”

 

Jones said he has ideas about the future of Fort Scott.

 

“However I am one of five commissioners and I feel like it’s not about my ideas but rather about the ideas of the five of us as a whole,” he said. “I look forward to getting into the mentality that the five of us are a team and the new things on the horizons will be a collaborative effort from all of us.”

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Work Session Is Dec. 8

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The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas to hold a work session to discuss Charter Ordinance No. 31 and the upcoming sales tax ballot vote. This meeting is open to the public, but no action will be taken.

The work session will also be available on the City’s YouTube channel.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Design Review Board Meets Dec. 8

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The Design Review Board will meet on Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to discuss a Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 17 S. Main Street, and any others matters to be brought before the Board. This meeting is open to the public.

This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.

Government, Kansas

Rural Preservation Grants Available

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Rural Preservation Grant Applications Now Available

TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly today announced that applications are now available for the Kansas Historical Society’s Kansas Rural Preservation grant program through the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Earlier this year, the Kansas Historical Society received a $500,000 grant from the National Park Service’s Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program. Those funds are now being offered through this subgrant program to the owners of historic properties for repair and rehabilitation projects.

A complete program description, application information, and application link are available online at kshs.org/20430. The application deadline is midnight on March 1, 2021. Applications must be submitted online via the weblink above.

“The Kansas Historical Society has been actively working to preserve and share Kansas history for nearly 150 years,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Paul Bruhn grants will go a long way in ensuring historic properties across the state can get the upkeep and treatment they need, so we can continue to celebrate and learn about our rich history for generations to come.”

Applicants must own a property listed in the National Register of Historic Places individually or as a contributing property in a National Register-listed historic district or have their property determined eligible for listing before the grant application is submitted. Properties determined eligible must be listed officially to the National Register during the grant period. The property must be within a community with a population of less than 30,000 according to the 2010 U.S. Census and applicants must provide justification of their rural location as part of the application. Property owners may not be the State or federal governments.

Grantees can receive between $5,000 and $50,000. The grant reimburses 90 percent of eligible project activities up to the award amount and grant recipients shall provide 10 percent of the cost of eligible project activities as match.

All rehabilitation work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards & Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation. Eligible activities include professional services (architect and engineering fees) and projects involving the preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration of an eligible property. Repairs involving building components such as walls, doors, windows, chimneys, roofing, and foundations are eligible activities. Projects involving the preservation or restoration of non-building properties such as archeological sites, parks, cemeteries, bridges, and monuments are also eligible. Because this grant is supported by funding administered by the National Park Service, projects must follow federal project requirements including competitive selection of contractors and consultants. In addition, an easement will be placed on the property following the project completion.

Kansas Historical Society staff members will offer a free webinar with specifics for this program at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 17, 2020. Staff members will discuss the application process, approaches to writing the application, and answer questions about the program. Contact the Historic Preservation Office at 785-272-8681, ext. 240; or [email protected] to register for this workshop or to request additional information.

Government, Kansas

KCC Virtually Discusses Evergy’s Plan on Dec. 3

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The Kansas Corporation Commission will hold a virtual workshop tomorrow to discuss details of Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan
What:   The Kansas Corporation Commission is holding the first of four virtual workshops tomorrow, beginning immediately after the 10 a.m. business meeting, to learn more about Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP) and how it will affect ratepayers.
When:   Thursday, December 3, 2020 immediately after the 10 a.m. business meeting (approximately 10:30 a.m.).
Where:   The workshop will be broadcast on the KCC’s YouTube Channel.
Details:        Each workshop will cover a specific topic related to the plan. The subject of tomorrow’s workshop is Grid Modernization Investments. Evergy representatives will make a presentation followed by questions from Commissioners and intervenors in the general investigation docket. The Commission opened the investigation to evaluate whether the STP is in the public interest.
        The general investigation docket is available on the KCC’s website at:
Fort Scott Community College

FSCC receives generous donation from Robert and Sylvia Bailey

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FSCC receives generous donation from Robert & Sylvia Bailey

Fort Scott, Ks–Fort Scott Community College received a generous donation from former Greyhounds Robert (Bob) and Sylvia Bailey for $100,000. FSCC is extremely grateful to the Bailey family for their continued support of the FSCC foundation and the greater Fort Scott community

“I was overwhelmed with Bob and Sylvia’s generosity when I opened their letter and saw the check! Bob and Sylvia’s continued support of Fort Scott Community College reflect their belief in giving back to their community. The Baileys our passionate about giving FSCC students the opportunity to accomplish their dreams, and helping FSCC have a positive economic impact on Bourbon County,” FSCC President, Alysia Johnston said.

FSCC fosters an atmosphere of learning and supporting students to continue their education. The type of contribution given by Mr. and Mrs. Bailey is utilized to ensure students have a tremendous experience while attending FSCC and lay the framework for educating the next generation of leaders.

“I am extremely grateful for the unbelievably generous gift to the Fort Scott Community College foundation. Robert and Sylvia Bailey have been outstanding contributors to the college for many years. This latest gift shows their commitment to Fort Scott Community College and the future success of our campus,” said Chief Development Officer, Jeff Tadtman.

FSCC is extremely thankful for all of Mr. and Mrs. Bailey’s contributions, which continue to positively impact student learning.

COVID-19, Government, Health Care

CDC Shortens Quarantine Periods

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CDC Announces Shortened COVID-19 Quarantine Periods

Counties may opt in to similar guidance in Kansas

 

TOPEKA – In conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plan to reduce the quarantine period for those exposed to COVID-19, KDHE is issuing similar guidance in Kansas. Counties may choose to opt in to the shortened quarantine period, either 10 or 7 days with testing, or continue with the 14 days.

“KDHE continues to recommend the 14-day quarantine and monitoring after being exposed to COVID-19,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “The incubation for this disease is still 14 days. The guidance is being changed at a federal level to encourage more people to get tested and encourage better compliance with quarantines.”

With the shortened quarantine period there are two options, one with testing and one without, with both requiring the individual to be symptom-free. Due to high risk situations, those residents in long-term care and assisted facilities as well as offender populations in Kansas Department of Corrections prisons, are not eligible for shortened quarantine periods in any county.

Individuals should check with their local health departments regarding the quarantine recommendations specific to their county.

7-Day Quarantine (Testing and No Symptoms) 

  • After exposure, individual must monitor symptoms daily or participate in Public Health monitoring for 7 days.
  • If there are no symptoms during this time frame, on or after Day 5, the individual may get a PCR test (antigen and antibody tests are NOT allowed for this purpose).
  • If the test is negative and the person remains symptom-free, the individual can be removed from quarantine on or after Day 7.
  • If Testing Results are pending on Day 7, the individual must not leave quarantine until results are received.

10-Day Quarantine (No Testing and No Symptoms) 

  • After exposure, you monitor yourself for symptoms daily or participate in Public Health monitoring for 10 days.
  • If you have no symptoms during the 10 days, you can be released from the quarantine without a test.

KDHE recommends all exposed people should self-monitor for 14 days from exposure and contact healthcare provider if symptoms develop. The disease can still develop through day 14.

For questions in your community, please contact your local health department. For those contacts being monitored by the KDHE, the computer system is currently being transitioned to allow for the shortened time periods, so those participating with KDHE may continue to experience monitoring calls during the transition period.

Bourbon County Local News