New U.S. 54 overpass to open June 22
Wednesday, June 22, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to open the new U.S. 54 railroad overpass to traffic at Moran. The bridge is expected to open before 5 p.m. Wednesday, weather permitting.
Drivers are reminded to use extra caution since the project area remains a work zone. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details.
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June 7, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Robert Harrington, Matt Crystal, Emily Diebolt, Kevin Davidson, Bill Martin, Jason Silvers, Bob Reed, and Susan Bancroft were present for most or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meeting minutes. Lynne seconded.
All approved.
Dustin Hall stated there were no permits. Trucks are out fixing washouts from all the rain. Staging asphalt equipment in Hiattville to get started there as soon as possible.
Jim asked if we did any work on a culvert south of Hubert’s around the curve going
east. There is a washout down there. Dustin said he would check on it and let Jim know. Lynne asked for an update on the new crusher. Dustin said that it is fast. It’s
hard to keep up with it.
Lynne had a report for Hackberry Road off of Hwy 3. Dustin
said that they put gravel on it this week. Jim asked if they were considering a second belly dump to move gravel while asphalting. Dustin said they have discussed it but there is no need for one at the moment as the rock isn’t there. We are going to try to
keep the belly dump we have moving all summer if possible. Jim said that if you guys decide to buy a second one I would be in agreement with that.
Jim asked how many bush hogs they have. Dustin said they have four, but one has a hole in the fuel tank and have been waiting for parts. The other three are mowing now.
Bill Martin regarding K9 Retirement Contract. Bill asked for chairman’s signature to release all liabilities along with the BB County Sheriff’s Department and for Kevin
Davidson, who is the current K9 handler, to take possession of his dog, Jeno. Lynne asked how old the dog is. Bill stated nine years old. He was two when he started with the county. Jim stated that we appreciate Kevin for taking him and giving him a good home. Jim made a motion to approve the contract presented by Sheriff Martin
allowing Mr. Davidson to take Jeno and give him a good home. Clifton seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the contract
allowing Kevin Davidson to keep Jeno. Kevin thanked the commission for allowing him to keep Jeno.
Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft and Shane Walker for seven minutes returning at
9:17am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:17am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Jim made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Rhonda Dunn, Shane Walker and Rob Harrington for 10 minutes returning at 9:30am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:30am with action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to allow Susan Bancroft to work with the city on a shared service to deal with the land bank. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to move the executive session & Justin Meeks time to the end of the meeting. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan Bancroft presented an EMS contract moving Dave Bruner from EMS Manager and putting Teri Hulsey in that position. Lynne made a motion to approve the EMS contract moving Dave Bruner from EMS Manager to Teri Hulsey and allow the chairman
to sign. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan discussed correcting some employee
contracts at the last meeting clarifying the language in the sick and vacation leave for the Public Works Director and Chief Information Officer. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the amended employment contracts. Lynne seconded.
All approved.
Susan discussed employee insurance and the possibility of getting a
broker to help consolidate ancillary benefits to provide the best benefits for our employees. She discussed creating a committee to select a broker that would best fitour needs. Jim asked how the broker will be paid. Susan stated that they are paid by
commission through the insurance company. Lynne made a motion to allow the
creation of a committee to look into a broker for benefits. Clifton seconded. All
approved. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to do away with the executive
session that Susan Bancroft had requested. It is no longer needed. Lynne seconded.
All approved.
Shane Walker – CIO: We are moving forward with the antennas up north. We had an engineer study done and know where we need to put them now. The towers will take 90 days or more. There will be two for now. We will probably add another one down
south where there is a dead spot. Jim asked if this would allow more people to get internet service. Shane said yes.
Public Comment: Rob Harrington introduced the newest members to the REDI organization. Emily Diebolt is our new grants manager. She will be here to help with grant writing. Also, Taten Majors, an intern for the next 8 weeks. He is a graduate from Wichita State. Clint Walker said it is about time someone help the county get
grants.
The commission took a 10 minute break.
Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to move his executive session to next week. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Commission Comment: Lynne stated that he and Susan Bancroft have been talking about the budget process. Lynne made a motion that budgets will need to be turned in to Susan by end of day this Friday, June 10th. Clifton seconded. All approved.
June 14, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the
County Clerk present.
Clinton Walker, Rachel Walker, Anne Dare, Matt Crystal, Jacob Bielenberg, Bill Martin, Bob
Reed, Ben Cole, Emily Diebolt, Tayton Majors, Rob Harrington, Susan Bancroft, Shane Walker
and Matt Quick were present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Lynne seconded.
All approved.
Eric Bailey presented a culvert permit for Patrick Wood at 1004 S 230th. The commission is going to check on whether they have to approve each culvert permit. If not, it will be
discontinued. Eric gave an update on the composting permit for soybeans. The permit is still on hold. Eric said that the holdup is on their side. We’ve done everything on our side. Eric stated
there has been training on the rock crusher. It puts out a lot of rock. We are cleaning up the overburden at Blake’s. We will start asphalting next week in Hiattville. The culvert crew has
been working on 215th cleaning out the ditches and getting the tubes in.
We had some trees down over the weekend from the storm and are working on cleaning that up. Eric received a call
from Iola Post Office. Unity and 62nd Terrace where there is a water plant and a house. There is a lane that goes down there. We’ve checked with Lora and we’ve looked on the GPS maps and
that road does not show as a platted road on either map and hasn’t been bladed and they’re unable to get down to the mailboxes. Does anyone know of any agreement in this case? Jim
said he didn’t think they ever bladed it
Eric stated he received a call from a councilman from Uniontown from our meeting we had out there, it was their understanding that we were going to lay asphalt for them. I need some guidance. Jim stated that was not his understanding. He said that we would review and see if we could help them or not. Justin said we can’t do that without an interlocal agreement. We can’t compete with private business.
Justin stated that there are two more trestle bridges in the county that are becoming a problem. We’ll have to make some big
decisions on probably three of them. Eric stated working on the area Lynne mentioned is go on each side of the bridge and put barricades up stating “bridge out” and put a dead end sign. We
will be working on correcting this in the very near future.
Lynne mentioned that on Unity between 95th and 105th there is an area that washes a trench out every time we get a few inches of
rain. I think it might be a ditch problem. Jim asked what Eric needs to be really aggressive with ditching? Jim asked Eric to bring a plan. Jim said it was no reflection on Eric’s operation because we had the same issues when he was in the position.
Ashley Shelton presented fireworks permits that need signed. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris and Ashley to sign the fireworks permits. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Ashley stated there would be one more next week.
Ashley spoke on Preservation of Ballots and
Election Records per KSA 25-2708 states the records shall be destroyed after 22 months from election. When the ballots are destroyed, I have to have two witnesses, one from each party. I
have reached out to Carol MacArthur, chairperson for Democratic party and also reached out to Mark McCoy who is the chairperson of the Republican party who recommended Anne Dare.
Those two people have to be appointed by the Board of Commissioners. Clifton made a motion to appoint Carol MacArthur and Anne Dare to witness the 22 month destruction of election
material. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Ashley stated that there have been complaints from
the people that the building at 108 W 2nd. There was work done last year and paid for but it is not completed. Jim asked if there is a check-off process for projects to make sure they are
completed prior to payment. Ashley said when we received the invoice and it has been signed, we assume the work is done.
Ashley asked if any of the commissioners planned to attend the
KAC conference on October 17-19. Jim asked that Ashley make reservations for him. Clifton and Lynne will be attending, also.
Bill Martin stated that over the last 5 years there have been 90 employees go through the jail as correctional officers. In the last week we’ve had four correction officers turn in their
resignations. That brings us down to 8 to operate the jail. I’m here to inform the commissioners that I’m shutting the jail down. We’ll be transferring the inmates out until we can figure out
what we can do in regards to the employees. We’ve had Facebook posts, job announcements by word of mouth to get people to come in and haven’t gotten one application. This is being done
for inmate and correction officer safety. Bobby Reed did everything he could do.
Jim
mentioned that this is a nation-wide issue. Your situation is not unique. People don’t want to work. Bobby stated that this is a very difficult decision. I have 16 positions that are under my
control for correction staff, not including myself, my caption or my secretary. Next Tuesday, I will have 8 of those employees out of 16. Those 8 employees, if they stay, I have been told that
another one may be coming; I have another one coming at the end of August. Those 8 employees are staying on because we are not shutting the facility down completely. We are
moving all of the inmates out that we can to surrounding areas. I’ve been in contact with several sheriffs throughout SEK as far as Fredonia and we are going to have to keep those 8 people on
and figure out some sort of schedule so that when arrests are made they are still going to be booked into our system. They will then be transferred to another county. We still have to have
daily operations, depending on the court systems, we are still going to have to get the inmates to court. We will have to go get them from where they are being held to get them there. We will
still be responsible for their medical. This morning I have 62 inmates that are ours. Some counties are going to charge us $35.00/day/inmate, some counties will charge $40.00/day/inmate
and some will charge $45.00/day/inmate plus medical. Jim asked Bobby what he thought was contributing to the turnover. I
n the last couple of months, everyone that has resigned has filled
out the exit interview paperwork. I ask for details. Several years ago we opened our job pool to hire outside of Bourbon County. I had an employee who left two weeks ago that was driving from El Dorado Springs, MO. He found employment closer to home making more money. Gas prices are also playing a roll. I’ve contacted Cherokee, Crawford, Allen, Linn, Anderson and
Miami. Everyone, but Miami and Anderson County start out at $15.00/hr. They are struggling to stay fully staffed. When asked if they would take some of our prisoners they said in an
emergency they would but they are trying not to because they are short staffed as well. Miami and Anderson’s starting wage is $17.00/hr. Jim stated that according to records, their budget was
increased $48,000.00 for 2022. Bobby said back in 2018 we started out at $10.17/hr. In 2018 we got a $1.50/hr raise that brought us up to $12.17/hr. With the 3% that we got in 2022 that
brought the starting wage to $12.50/hr. Bobby stated that even if we brought the starting wage up to $15.00/hr., there is no guarantee it will bring us applicants. Bill asked about the increase
for 2022. Jim stated that there was an additional $48,000.00 for the correctional facility and an additional $50,000.00 for Sheriff’s side. When we did the budget last year we tried to address it
and tried to help. Bill stated that the report they received from Susan showed we are about 3%
about the sheriff’s office, I’ll handle that. Bobby has worked hard to find ways along with the
help of Undersheriff Cole and I believe they have done all they can. Clifton asked how many
people Bobby has today. Bobby stated that he has 11 as of today. He has 19 positions, 16 that
are assigned to the back that are 6 correction officers, 4 corporals, 4 sergeants and 2 lieutenants
that doesn’t include myself, my captain or my business secretary. Bill stated that he knows there
will be people in the public that will say that when we built the new jail we increased our staff
and that is incorrect. We hired one and that is the transportation officer. Bobby stated I’m not
asking for more staff because I can’t fill the positions I have now. Jim asked if they equate so
many employees per inmates. Bobby stated no that they would need a lot more staff handle it
that way. Bill said there was a study done that stated one correction officer per 8-10 inmates.
With the way the jail was designed we could handle the inmates with the current staff. Jim asked
if we were going to maintain eight employees could we keep 30% of the inmates. Bobby stated
that he doesn’t like to work with less than three employees due to safety or medical issues. Jim
asked Susan about the money they are talking about spending where is it coming from? Susan
stated at quick glance I can’t tell you. You may have to dip into some sales tax money of which
you don’t have a lot built up and if sales tax takes a dip that’s a little bit different. Susan stated
that looking at studies with counties with populations similar to ours. Of course, you have to
look at assessed valuation, property tax generated but what comes from that is Bourbon County
has the lowest assessed valuations in the comparisons and we’re the third highest in mill levy.
So, we are poor and are taxing at a high rate. We are second to lowest in what we can generate
in property taxes. It’s more about economic development and growth in our community. That is
a partnership between lots of entities. Bourbon County Redi, City of Fort Scott, our school
districts with everybody coming together and figuring out how we get our assessed valuations up
so we can lower our taxes, that’s housing development and industries coming in. Right now we
are a poor county when it comes to what we have to fund and the services we provide. I looked
at the American city, county government journal and it is a national problem. What is changed,
according to the article, is the private sector is offering high compensation, flexibility and rapid
career advancement. They are looking for younger workers. They are calling this the great
resignation. They’ve never seen anything like this. Turnover is unprecedented. For many the
pandemic prompted reflection about what is most important in their lives. Work, it turns out,
wasn’t as important as many had thought and people became less willing to center their lives
around their job. Further into the article it talked about a shift in worker attitudes. There are five
values that could be driving the change. A desire for flexibility across all dimension, work that
works for the person, among the young groups they are telling governments to rethink how
they’re giving incentives both wage and non-wage incentives to align better with new worker
values. We are not just talking about other industries; we are talking about people we are trying
to hire. They are saying be open to hiring senior workers. The report that they did said that if
we don’t change our approach to hiring and retention the oldest members of gen-x (those born
between 1997 and 2012) who are now 25 and the youngest just 10 years old the cohort will be
the target hires for the next decade or more and their interests are very different than those of the
baby boomers and the gen-xers who now occupy most senior rolls in government. We have to
rethink what we’re doing. Jim asked if the sales tax won’t cover it, will we do no-fund warrants?
Susan stated that could be a potential. You could have to do some serious budget cuts; you could
have to do some reduction in force. This is a very serious conversation. Bobby stated that it
costs a lot of money to fight crime and crime don’t care about money. This is a service that
every county has to provide but the people that are allegedly committing crimes don’t care if we
have an industrial park full of businesses or we have zero. Clifton stated that is what pays our
taxes. We don’t have a golden goose that lays eggs to pay for everything. Clifton verified with
Bobby that his staff work 12-hour shifts and that is a difficult thing to staff. Hospital systems
have spent billions of dollars trying to figure out how to do it effectively and they haven’t
figured it out either. Jim asked since we’ve built the new facility, what percent has the crime
gone up in Bourbon County? Bill said he could get some numbers for him in a couple of weeks.
Before closing out Bill asked if the public comments regarding what they’ve talked about could
be asked now as they would be leaving after their presentation. Clint Walker stated he reads
various county newspapers and they have sheriff’s report during commission meeting. Why
don’t we do that? Bobby said there is a report sent everyday to the newspaper and various other
e-mail addresses. Arrests, inmate count and releases are included in the report. There is a
website that you can get this information from as well. Jim said that when the jail was built it
was highly discussed about the money that was to be made by renting beds. Bobby said he
wasn’t going to go down that rabbit hole because it’s a conversation for another day. But, we
moved into that jail 6/18/18. When the jail was built we had 40 inmates here and 20 – 25 housed
out. So, we built that jail for 74, at the time we had 65. We have 1,100 feet currently at the jail
that pods could have been put in but weren’t at that time. Hindsight is 20/20, if we could go
back in time, I would bet at that time the cells would have been added in that space to house
them, we could have had it paid off in 2 ½ years and we would have 2 ½ years of revenue that
could have assisted in our budget for wages. Anne Dare reiterated that it is a national problem
and not just a sheriff problem; it is a society problem and the way our society is going. It is
going to take faith-based communities; medical communities, sheriff communities, school
communities to effectively change the culture of our county. The only thought I had was
implementing some type of ROTC type program. Is there anything that could be law
enforcement type classes in our high school and junior college to possibly help the education
process in order for them to come out ready to be hired. Clifton stated the junior college does
have classes. When someone is hired in law enforcement that person is sent to the state academy
in Hutchison. While there, he is being paid a salary. Once they graduate, they are certified in
the state of Kansas. By statute, once they finish academy, they have to work for that agency for
1 year. Jim asked Bobby if starting salary was $15.00/hr what would happen? Bobby stated he
didn’t know. I can only hope it would help. I don’t know if it is a fix-all because other counties
paying that amount are having trouble keeping help. The county just south of us is slightly
below that but as of the 27th of this month they will be raising it to $15.00/hr. I fear it will cause
a snowball effect in raising the starting wage to $15.00/hr then you would have to raise those
who’ve been there awhile higher and then that will affect other departments in wanting increases.
I think it is a step in the right direction but will cause a snowball effect and there is no guarantee.
I’m available for any questions, round table events to come up with a solution to this problem.
Clifton made a motion for executive session 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 including three commissioners, Justin Meeks, Susan Bancroft for 10 minutes
returning at 10:41am. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:41am with no
action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session for Councilor Meeks for
attorney client privilege. Clifton made a motion for executive session 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 including three commissioners, Councilor Meeks for 10
minutes returning at 10:51am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return
to normal session with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to
financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual
proprietorships including three commissioners, Justin Meeks, Rob Harrington and Merrill
Atwater for 10 minutes returning at 11:03am. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session
at 11:03am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan Bancroft stated the SEK Multi-County Health Dept is doing a community baby shower
and our handbook does not allow for solicitation. We can make a donation as a county or can
put it out for our employees to see. The Commission gave permission to put it out. Susan stated
bank reconciliation for May is complete. There is nothing new, sales tax is up still. We did
reconcile. All departments are doing better in getting these done quickly. Jim asked about the
difference in the CD’s listed. Susan said she would get with Rhonda and Patty and look into
bidding those out again with the interest rates going up. Susan presented information from
Juvenile Detention Center as to what they will be charging next year. We’ve always budget
$110,000.00 and so that is still within range. Their estimate is $83,655.00. It is based on usage.
Susan requested an executive session. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-
4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their
privacy including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Shane Walker, and Justin Meeks for 5
minutes returning at 11:14am. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 11:14am
with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Shane Walker – CIO: No comment
Public Comment: Anne Dare stated she was looking at the May bank reconciliation and wanted
to know why we have 1.64million in CD’s. Susan stated they are certificates of deposit and
we’ve tied up our cash to get a little more interest on it. It is part of the budget. That protects us
from raising taxes. Anne asked about the funding for the Juvenile Detention Center. How many
juveniles do they house for Bourbon County for last year? Justin stated that you cannot house
juvenile offenders with adults. We looked at another facility but it was full. Anne wants a better
breakdown. Anne asked that they take another look at it to see if it is cost effective. Justin said
he and Susan would look at it again.
Ashley Shelton stated that Clear Ballot election equipment would be here this afternoon to
demonstrate their equipment. Public is welcome.
Commission Comment: Jim assured Anne that they would look at the juvenile detention center
again.
At 11:22am Clifton made a motion to adjourn. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Betty Jean Simpson, age 87, resident of Bronson, KS, died Monday, June 20, 2022, at her home. She was born October 10, 1934, in Ft. Scott, KS, the daughter of Samuel and Mable Brown Evans
She graduated from Uniontown High School in 1952. Betty married Forrest Simpson on August 23, 1954, in Ft. Scott. He preceded her in death on February 14, 1997.
She worked for Montgomery Ward from 1953 until 1973. She then worked for the Western Insurance Company from 1974 until retiring in 1987. Betty then worked part-time at Walmart for several years.
She enjoyed cross stitching, watching Andy Griffith shows, and collecting antiques. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include 3 grandchildren, Rachel Pearson and husband Arthur, Jenise Reinkens, and Samuel Reinkens; 6 great grandchildren; and 8 great-great grandchildren.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Gayla Reinkens; 4 brothers, Norman, Samuel, Daniel, and James Evans; and a sister, Mary Simmons.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, June 27th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Betty Simpson Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
In December 2018, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed its’ doors.
Following this, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas reopened a medical clinic at the site at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. and Ascension Via Christi Hospital opened an emergency department, sharing a portion of the former hospital.
They both have leases until December 2022.
Noble Health Corporation entered the picture in 2021.
They completed a feasibility study for the Bourbon County Commission for reopening a hospital.
The City of Fort Scott contributed $200,000, the county contributed $800,000 towards the feasibility study, according to the contract that was signed June 25, 2021. The local government entities used American Rescue Plan money from the federal government for the project, according to Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth in a prior interview with fortscott.biz.
Noble Health Announces Reopening a Hospital in Fort Scott
On June 3, Noble Health’s 179 page Feasibility Assessment to reopen the hospital in Fort Scott was published on the Bourbon County website.
It can be viewed here: BBCO-Hospitial-Feasibilty-Assessment
On June 15, a comprehensive investigative story on Noble Health from Sara Jane Tribble with Kaiser Health News, was posted online.
It reported that Noble Health has a troubled history with operating two hospitals in Missouri.
It can be viewed here: Noble Health: History of Failed Health Care For Patients
CHC Feasibility Study
A prior feasibility assessment by Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas had helped that health care system to make the decision to move to a different building, Krista Postai, CEO and President of CHC/SEK said.
In an interview with her, Postai was asked to compare the Noble Health Assessment to the CHC Assessment that was completed after CHC moved into the former Mercy Hospital building in 2018.
“We have a very comprehensive, detailed report county-by-county that has all the data one needs to make an informed decision on services, location, etc.,” she said. “We also have a strategic plan that is updated annually that maps out where we’re going, new services, etc. Prior to accepting Mercy’s offer to take their clinics, we had already prioritized Ft. Scott because we had almost 2,000 patients from Bourbon County which is enough to justify a site.”
“There was nothing new in Noble’s report that we already didn’t know or hadn’t already been discussed, including the rural emergency hospital concept that Ascension had always planned on pursuing if feasible,” she said. “In fact, much of our data is more current (2021) although, unfortunately, southeast Kansas isn’t getting healthier or wealthier so changes over the last 20 years have been minimal.”
Ascension Via Christ medical system brought an emergency department back to Fort Scott following Mercy Hospital’s closure and shares part of the former Mercy Hospital building with CHC.
“When we first agreed to transition Mercy’s clinic in the hospital over to us, Mercy indicated we had two years to find another location,” she said. “It was their belief that the building would ultimately be demolished unless we wanted to assume responsibility for it.”
“We sliced and diced all the costs based on actual operational data that Mercy supplied us and factored in roof replacement, the chillers and the boilers….all the things that were nearing the end of their useful life,” Postai said. “We also visited with multiple organizations about their interest in leasing space on a long-term basis that would cover the cost to operate and maintain it.”
“At that point, the county opted to present a counter proposal to Ascension at a much lower price per sq. ft. that would require the county to subsidize it, which they indicated they were willing to do. It seemed wise at that point to step back and let the county take the lead since emergency services was their priority.”
Decision to Move to Another Site
“Concerned about the ongoing costs of maintaining the building – and wanting a more efficient design plus a drive-in pharmacy, plus more diagnostic equipment and space to expand behavioral health services — we begin laying plans to move….and approached the Price Chopper owners about their building,” Postai said. “At that time, the asking price was way too high for us, so we asked Mercy for land on which to build which is how we got the eight acres behind the hospital. As we began design on a new building, the Price Chopper price dropped and we agreed it would be faster to renovate….and it was an ideal location. As we calculated, it was more financially feasible to own the building and make loan payments than it was to pay rent on space in a building with an uncertain future.”
~~Child Care Providers Will Receive $750 to $2,500 Per Person
as a Thanks for Their Hard Work~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that her administration is giving a total of $53 million to eligible child care staff at licensed facilities as a reward for their incredibly essential, hard work. The funds will be made available through Child Care Workforce Appreciation Bonuses that will soon be directly distributed to approximately 22,650 early childhood care staff members across Kansas. Individual bonus amounts will range from $750 to $2,500 per person.
“Early childhood development is the smartest investment a community can make. Early childhood education programs benefit our kids in the long-term, both in and out of the classroom, and they make it possible for parents to enter and participate in the workforce,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That’s exactly why we’re making a total of $53 million available to nearly 23,000 child care providers throughout Kansas: We want to show our gratitude for all they do every single day.”
Eligible child care providers must be regularly working in a paid position at a licensed facility and have a minimum of six months continuous employment at their current employer or six months of combined continuous employment with a licensed provider. Home-based and relative providers may also qualify for the bonus program. There is also an opportunity for those who have worked less than six months at a licensed facility to receive a bonus. The Appreciation Bonus is a one-time payment that will begin in mid-to-late July and is funded through federal Child Care Development Funds.
Licensed facilities include child care centers, including all Head Start programs and preschools; school age programs; day care homes; and DCF relative providers.
“Working in child care is a calling, one that inspires and educates the minds of young Kansans, and plays an important role in strengthening Kansas families,” said Laura Howard, Secretary of Kansas Department for Children and Families. “We cannot say it enough — Thank you child care workers for everything you do for Kansas children!”
Child Care Aware of Kansas (CCAKS) will implement the program on behalf of the Kansas Department for Children and Families and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. All eligible child care workers will receive a letter in July outlining the process to accept the bonus and will have until Nov. 18 to act. CCAKS will offer educational webinars about the process as well. Learn more at www.ks.child careaware.org.
“Child care professionals are essential to a thriving Kansas economy, providing high-quality early care and education to young children while ensuring parents are able to work,” said Kelly Davydov, Executive Director of Child Care Aware of Kansas. “We’re grateful for their service to young children and families.”
The Child Care Workforce Appreciation Bonus program is one more way the Kelly Administration has supported child care providers to create real, sustainable change in child care in Kansas.
In total, the Kelly Administration has invested more than $272 million to support child care providers, including three rounds of Child Care Sustainability Grants to aid child care providers to meet the costs of operating their businesses through the remaining impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The third round of Child Care Sustainability Grants announced in March made more than $160 million available for child care businesses to use toward payroll expenses, costs of operations, and potential revenue losses. Rounds one and two of the Sustainability grants provided nearly $100 million in support to ensure child care centers and home-based providers were able to remain open.
HERO Relief Provider Funding assisted all open child care providers and related providers with funding supports during the immediate impact of COVID-19. More than $11 million was awarded to providers to assist with unexpected expenses related to the pandemic.
Governor Kelly also wrote a letter to licensed child care providers thanking them for their work and informing them of how to qualify for the bonus award. The letter is available here.
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The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Ben Nguyen, an Automation Technology and Robotics Teacher/Coach at Sunrise Mountain High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ben Nguyen arrived in Fort Scott on June 19th for a week of collaboration with LMC staff.
The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.
Ben Nguyen, an eighth-year high school science and Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Sunrise Mountain High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, was a 2019 Nevada Milken Educator. Ben works diligently to create pathways to career certification, gainful employment, and academic access for his students through his many engagements within his local and state communities. He actively participates in many events throughout each school year. These include his students’ participation in local STEAM competitions, his presentations on technology and research at conventions, frequent volunteering in the community, and leading workshops to teach and mentor other students.
Throughout his career as a teacher, Ben has been keenly involved with numerous organizations in the industries for which he prepares his students and with many different educational institutions. His efforts include working diligently as a teacher advisor with the Tesla K-12 Investment in Nevada on workforce development and education programs in 2019. He also serves as a board member in numerous nonprofit organizations to create opportunities for all students and community members through learning programs and activities each year. Ben works tirelessly to advance the capacity of his school and state to meet the challenges of rapidly changing industries, including his focus on advanced manufacturing through the building of his school’s program. In his free time, Ben enjoys rock climbing, reading nonfiction, and tinkering in his advanced manufacturing workshop.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Ben will be an asset to our 2022 LMC Fellows team. His vast experiences in the areas of STEAM education have made invaluable contributions in preparing students for entering today’s workforce. We know his expertise will enrich the experiences of all of our Fellows this year.”
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning through the creation of projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world
throughout history.
Join Fort Scott NHS for the Sights and Sounds of American Independence this Holiday Weekend
Fort Scott Kan. – Celebrate American independence with the sounds of a military band, cannon fire, and immersion in America’s history while honoring the service men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation.
Fort Scott National Historic Site will host the 35th Division Infantry Band on Wednesday, June 29, beginning at 6:30 pm. The performance will be on the bricks in front of the Post Hospital/Visitor Center. Bring your lawn chair to ensure seating. Saturday through Monday, July 2 through 4, Fort Scott NHS will have artillery demonstrations, tours, programs, and living history activities throughout the day.
Wednesday, June 29
6:30 pm – 35th Division Infantry Band performing a kaleidoscope of pops, classical, and patriotic music.
Saturday, July 2
10:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort
11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration
Noon – Historic Yard Games
1:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort
2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration
3:00 pm – Flash Flood: Fort Scott and Westward Expansion Discussion
Sunday, July 3
10:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort
11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration
Noon – Tales from the Trail: Santa Fe Trader Presentation
1:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort
2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration
3:00 pm – Independence Day II: Fireworks at High Tide Discussion
Monday, July 4
10:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort
11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration
1:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort
2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration
3:00 pm – Amputations and Ambulances: Civil War Medicine Discussion
Visitors and residents are reminded that fireworks are not permitted on the grounds of Fort Scott National Historic Site.
-NPS-
Credit Photo as: NPS Photo, W. Aker
