The Uniontown Eagles’ football team played their Homecoming game against the Pleasanton Blu-Jays on Friday, September 17th. They beat the Jays 30-6. Treden Buckman had a total of 113 rushing yards over 14 attacks during the game. He made 2 of the 4 touchdowns. Andrew Buckman made 1 touchdown and Luke Perry made the other. Byron Fry had 4 knockdowns and Rylan Lee had 3. Matthew Poyner had 10 total tackles, Byron Fry had 9, and Korbin Miller had 9. “We stayed focused throughout the day with Homecoming distractions and got the job done,” said center defensive lineman Korbin Miller.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas Joins Bipartisan, Multi-State National Security Initiative
~Kansas and Missouri join National Security Crossroads to improve national security in Heartland region~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly and Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced the launch of the National Security Crossroads, a bipartisan, multi-state initiative to raise awareness of and improve national security missions in the Heartland region.
“By leveraging our strategic location, strong military community, and existing cybersecurity partnerships, this initiative will make Kansas and Missouri integral to our national security for years to come,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I look forward to the bipartisan spirit of collaboration fostered by the National Security Crossroads initiative, which will not only improve security, but will also strengthen our growing economy by developing a more agile workforce and ensuring safer communities.”
The National Security Crossroads represents a regional branding effort to bring awareness in all levels of government, as well as around the country, of the expanding base of security-related operations in the area. As the “heartland” of the United States, with a convenient location to all areas of the country, the region is poised for a strategic advantage in security and mission critical operations.
Seven major military bases are housed within the Crossroads area, covering the Army, Navy and Air Force branches. The region also includes 11 national security installations, focusing on geospatial-intelligence, net-centric solutions, non-nuclear component manufacturing, combined arms preparations, strategic attack deterrents, bio-threat prevention, along with other critical technology and infrastructure concentrations.
“We are proud to be home to such robust military and defense industries, and this initiative will be a valuable asset in strengthening national security and our region as a whole,” MissouriGovernor Mike Parson said. “This partnership will leverage our region’s existing industry, dedicated personnel, and strategic location in the heart of the nation to support military missions and members, expand new technologies and industries, attract skilled workers, and drive economic growth through good-paying job creation for both Missouri and Kansas.”
The Crossroads region stretches from Wichita and Manhattan, Kansas, to the bi-state St. Louis area. With the development of the National Security Crossroads, the region continues to represent a growing base of operations for a variety of installations, including military, cybersecurity, and public-private partnerships.
The program facilitates workforce and talent growth and resiliency, as well as collaboration between installations that enable Crossroads’ members to be agile and resilient. The effort also seeks to educate state and federal legislators, as well as others in the region, on the value of the Crossroads and its associated missions.
The National Security Crossroads was a concept developed at the Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) to facilitate regional cooperation, collaboration, and other initiatives such as workforce development. The KCNSC is managed and operated by Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies (FM&T), LLC.
“The National Security Crossroads is a means for federal agencies to draw in potential partners and suppliers who can strengthen national security and velocity through an affiliated network,” Eric Wollerman, Honeywell FM&T President, said. “The Crossroads enables a smart network of partners to leverage contacts and information effectively throughout the region.”
The launch of National Security Crossroads includes the unveiling of the initiative’s new website, designed to introduce the public to the partners involved and communicate the ongoing efforts of the collaborative. Visitors to www.nationalsecuritycrossroads.com will also be able to access information on upcoming events, including webinars regarding regional updates.
National Security Crossroads
The mission of the National Security Crossroads is to brand the Kansas and Missouri region as a National Security strength and home for national security missions, educate people on the value of the Crossroads, and share best practices to enable members of the Crossroads to be agile and resilient. For more information, visit nationalsecuritycrossroads.com.
TOPEKA – The start of a new school year is an expensive time for families. If you are struggling to pay for phone and internet service while navigating back to school costs, help is available.
The Kansas Corporation Commission encourages Kansans in need of assistance to apply for Lifeline and the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). Both programs help low-income families and individuals stay connected so they can access healthcare, attend classes, find jobs, and call for help in an emergency. Anyone who qualifies for Lifeline also qualifies for Emergency Broadband.
Lifeline provides federal and state discounts up to $17.02 per month on phone service (wireless or residential) and broadband. The $3.2 billion federal Emergency Broadband Benefit, launched last May in response to the pandemic, provides a $50 per month broadband discount. Participants also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. Both programs offer additional discounts for subscribers living on tribal lands.
To be eligible for Lifeline, your household income must be at or below 135% of the poverty level or you receive one or more of the following benefits:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA)
Veterans Pension & Survivors Pension Benefit
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Head Start Tribal Programs (only those meeting its income qualifying standard)
The Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands.
To qualify for EBB, your household must meet one of the following requirements:
Meet the criteria for the Lifeline program
Receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, or did so in the 2019-2020 school year.
Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020.
Meet the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.
Kansans can apply for both programs directly through one of many participating providers in the state. More information is also available on the KCC website.
Media note – Links to flyers for Lifeline and the Emergency Broadband Benefit (English and Spanish) are included below for your use:
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to register for the Pioneer Harvest Parade that will take place on Thursday, September 30th at 6:00 pm.
This parade of antique and classic farm machinery & implements through the streets of Fort Scott’s historic downtown kicks off the weekend’s Pioneer Harvest Fiesta!
All types of entries are welcome and encouraged to enter ~ floats, foot units, horses, antique & classic cars, trucks, golf carts!
Jody Hoener, CEO of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
The Healthy Bourbon Action Team has created a community health needs survey to provide future grants to entities such as local governments, businesses, and schools.
The data needed for the grants must come from the community they serve.
“We need you to inform our work,” said Jody Hoenor, CEO of the team. “Take the community health needs survey today and earn $10 to spend at Fort Scott Farmers’ Market or Uniontown’s Union Station!”
“The survey is part of a bigger community health needs assessment. With this survey, we are getting information straight from our community member’s mouths on our health and wellness needs. As the saying goes, ‘Straight from the horse’s mouth.’ This information tells us where we need to focus our time, efforts, and financial resources. To put it bluntly: Where should we direct our money?”
How long will it take to do the survey?
“The survey can take up to 20 minutes to complete. We realize this can be a long survey. We are giving $10 vouchers to Farmers Market or Uniontown’s Union Station for responding to the survey because we understand there is some time spent on it.”
How will this survey benefit the community?
“This survey will provide the primary data for grant requests. We help write grants for local governments, businesses, schools, — the whole community. Because of the last community health needs assessment in 2016, we were awarded the BCBS Pathways to Healthy Kansas Grant. Since then we have brought in close to $2 million. This money is directed to projects throughout the entire county.”
The following are provided by Hoener as examples of previous grants :
“In Uniontown: Union Station Gas Station and Convenience Store was awarded grant funds around 2017 for promoting locally produced food.
Uniontown City Council drafted a plan for sidewalks and biking.
“Uniontown’s School District USD 235 was awarded funds for the flashing crosswalk, water bottle filling stations, healthy vending machine, brand new gym equipment, and money for the locker room/shower
Other examples:
“Worksites throughout the county received $12,500 for worksite wellness equipment
“16 Local grocery stores and restaurants were awarded grant dollars to encourage healthier environments and promote local food.
“Bike share was started with the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.
“Fort Scott’s School District .USD 234 was awarded funds for exercise equipment, the FSHS courtyard, and water bottle filling stations.
“Financial support for events like the Maramaton Massacre (a bike race event), Farm to Table events, and others that boost community morale and encourage healthy behaviors.
“Water bottle stations (still yet to come, grant funds have been given to the City of Fort Scott to purchase) throughout the community parks in Bronson, Uniontown, and Fort Scott.
“Lights for safe walking at trails like Riverfront Park and the Fort Scott Community College walking trail.
“FSCC received grant funding for the 24-hour access employee gym.
“The Bourbon County Courthouse has an entire workout room with weights, treadmill, and more.
“Trail equipment purchased to build and maintain walking or biking trails.
“The Nazarene Church was awarded $16,000 to start a truck farm and a program to mentor and help those on the outskirts of society (led by David Goodyear).
“Funds granted to Chamber of Commerce’s LEAD program to put together a Downtown Walking Trail that will have historical markers and education along the route in Downtown Fort Scott.”
“Plus lots more. We are constantly seeking grant funding to help our Bourbon County community members. We want to use our resources where the community tells us it is needed.”
What is the expected outcome?
“Many other community law enforcement agencies, governments, school districts, and non-profit organizations use these assessments and surveys to apply for outside funding. It will help every local entity with needed financial support for operations, programs, and projects.”
Who is collaborating with the survey?
“We are working with the University of Kansas on the community health needs assessment. They are paid through our Blue Cross Blue Shield KansasPathways Grant to help us with this process. The survey responses go directly to KU and are 100% anonymous. We are also collaborating locally with Ascension Via Christi and Community Health Centers of South East Kansas.”
Where can interested people get a hold of the survey?
“We are seeking 60% of all households to complete a survey. The survey link is on our website at HBCAT.org. Tablets and stands to fill out surveys are available at Via Christi Emergency Room and Primary Care Office (Dr. Burke), Uniontown’s Union Station, and soon to be placed at Community Health Centers of Southeast Kansas primary care in Fort Scott. Anyone is free to reach out to me at [email protected] for a paper survey.”
Barbara Jean Driscoll, age 75, a resident of Ft Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, September 18, 2021, at her home. She was born December 3, 1945, in Little Rock, Arkansas, the daughter of Richard Dallas Stone and Verlon Undine Henry Stone.
She married William R. Driscoll on July 12, 1969. They were later divorced.
Barbara lived for a time in Nevada, Wyoming and Arizona before moving to Ft. Scott. She had worked as a telephone operator, and as a CNA. Most recently, she had worked at IGA and later Woods Grocery Store.
Barbara enjoyed listening to rock and roll and dancing. She also liked to read and spend time with her family.
She attended Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.
Survivors include her two daughters, Shar Brumfield of Tucson, Arizona and Colleen Williams (Terry) of Olathe, Kansas; three grandchildren, Brittani Gregory, Ashlinn Nixon and Jon Stager and eight great-grandchildren, Tony, Miles, Rody Jr., Valentina “Little Beautiful”, Addy, Cooper, Trinity and Cameron. Also surviving are a brother, Gary “Buddy” Stone of Wichita, Kansas, Diana Kimmell of Ft. Scott and two nephews, Steven and Darren Belcher.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, September 24th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Reminder: COVID-19 Booster Doses Not Yet Approved ~~Official approval happens AFTER CDC adopts recommendations from FDA and ACIP~~
“The following are the COVID-19 vaccines our health departments are able to administer at this time: Moderna for individuals 18 years and older. Now carrying Pfizer, which is FDA approved for individuals 12 years and older,” Rebecca Johnson, Southeast Kansas Multi Health Department said. “We are also are able to give an additional dose of Moderna or Pfizer to those individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. We have a limited supply of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for those individuals 18 years and older.
“We also have flu shots available at this time for the public. Mondays are walk-in days. Call for an appointment otherwise. Allen County: (620)365-2191; Anderson County: (785)448-6559; Bourbon County: (620)223-4464; Woodson County: (620)625-2484.”
TOPEKA – On Friday, Sept. 17, the first step was completed in COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. However, there are three steps that still need to happen before certain Kansans can receive a booster shot.
What has been approved:
Friday, Sept. 17 – The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) voted 18-0 in favor of a Pfizer-BioNTech booster dose for adults aged 65 and over and individuals aged 16 and over at high risk for COVID-19.
They did not recommend boosters for all individuals aged 16 and over. The committee had concerns about the lack of robust data, especially safety data in younger populations. They felt that a booster dose would not significantly impact or mitigate the state of the pandemic.
What still needs to happen:
FDA authorization of booster dose.
The FDA is expected to authorize a booster vaccine for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine early this week.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Recommendation
The ACIP is scheduled to meet on 22 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. to consider the authorization from the FDA regarding booster doses.
The ACIP recommendation will likely provide more specifics as it relates to the length of time after initial series completion, eligible age groups and identified high-risk groups.
CDC Director Approval
Following the ACIP meeting, the CDC Director will make a final decision to approve, amend or reject the ACIP recommendations. Only this final decision by the CDC Director will allow for providers to begin administering booster doses.
In August 2021, an additional dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was approved for individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. These additional doses are not considered booster doses and remain available.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Board of Education Central Office on Monday, September 20, 2021, for a special board meeting.
President James Wood opened the meeting. Mr. Wood opened the Budget Hearing. Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, presented information regarding the 2021-22 budget. Mr. Wood closed the Budget Hearing
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Board of Education Central Office on Monday, September 20, 2021, for a special board meeting.
President James Wood opened the meeting. Mr. Wood opened the Revenue Neutral Hearing. Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, presented information regarding the Revenue Neutral Hearing. Mr. Wood closed the Revenue Neutral Hearing.
Board members approved the following:
· Resolution 21-07 – To Adopt LOB Percentage
· Resolution 21-08 – A Resolution expressing the Property Taxation Policy of USD 234 Fort Scott with Respect to Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for Financing the Annual Budget for 2021-22
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
Roll Call:
K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)
Approval of Agenda:
Proclamations/Recognitions:
Consent Agenda:
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 7th, 2021, and special meeting of September 13th, 2021.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1296-A totaling $344,867.81.
Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $2,895.01 – River Intake Project Engineering
Request to Pay – Allgeier Martin & Associates – $2,805.46 – Clarifier Painting engineering fees
Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – $2,978.50 – August legal fees
Parade Permit – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta – September 30th, 2021
Request to Pay – SE Kansas Regional Planning Commission – $3,000 – Administrative fees for Ladder Truck Grant
August financials
Engineering Firm Update:
Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
Public Hearings: None
Old Business:
Consideration of allocation to Bourbon County C.A.S.A. of the 6th Judicial District
Appearances:
Jody Hoener – Prairie Pathways
Kirk Sharp – Gordon Parks Celebration – October 7th to 9th, 2021
Finance Director Update:
Interim City Manager Update:
New Business:
Consideration of Change Order for Below-Grade Project – Owenby Construction and Pay Request #2 – $19,425.00
Discussion of definition of Emergency Purchase in the City’s purchase policy
Discussion of Codes in reference to having a bathroom and kitchen in a residence
Discussion of Buck Run Community Center safety fire lane
Discussion of additional mowing contractor
Discussion of Employee Benefits Program
Discussion of Infrastructure Program
Discussion of sale of Lake properties
Consideration of bid for French drain and sump pump on North National project
XIII. Reports and Comments:
a) Commissioners Reports and Comments:
b) City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XIV. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
XV. Adjournment:
Updated: Agenda
Updated: Minutes on 9/7/2021 (Changed verbiage on Kevin Allen invoice to show Discussion was held on the definition of emergency purchase) – Also on Cooper Street changed the turning lane to 23rd Street when I put 20th Street originally)
Removed: Discussion of HR Agreement between City and County (The agreement is not finalized yet – Bob is out of the office this week)
Removed: Tom Havron and Tom Robertson – Discussion of Ty Cullor field (The agreement is not finalized – Bob is out of the office this week)
Added: August financials paperwork
Added: Infrastructure Projects Funding documentation (Susan gave me her paperwork today)
Added: Appearance – Kirk Sharp – Gordon Parks Celebration (Received his request today)
Added: Consideration of Bid – French Drain and sump pump on North National project (City Manager asked that this be added)
Clara Brewer, 97, of Fort Scott, passed away, Saturday evening, September 18, 2021 at the home of her daughter, Mildred Hall. She was born, December 18, 1923 in Yates Center, Kansas the daughter of Albertis Orville “Bert” and Moma Mary Martin Hodge.
She married Ivan E. Brewer, August 2, 1941, in Pawnee Station, Kansas, and he preceded her in death on January 27, 1997.
Clara was a member of Fort Scott High School Class of 1941, and the Hiattville United Methodist Church. She was also a 75-year member of the Ideal Chapter #369 Order of the Eastern Star, and was active for 25 years with 4H work, as well as County Extension work. Clara was also a volunteer with the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary and The Beacon, Inc. for many years.
Clara is survived by a daughter, Mildred Hall of Fort Scott; a son, Charles Brewer and Paula of Fort Scott; five grandchildren, Donald Hall and Jolene, Dana Lea Ussery and Tim, Rachel Wagner and Kevin, Paul Brewer and Laura Vogelbacher and Barry, and twelve great grandchildren, Kole Wagner, Solomon Brewer, Gabe Harris, Kayla Wagner, Chloe Harris. Abby Harris, Payton Vogelbacher, Madeline Vogelbacher, Erin Hall, Ashten Lampe and Ben, Katie Ussery, and Brooke Ussery.
In addition to her husband, Ivan, she was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Mildred Hodge and a brother, Milton Hodge.
Rev. Carl K. Ellis will officiate funeral services for Clara Brewer, 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at the Hiattville United Methodist Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens of Bourbon County Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday evening, September 20, 2021, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hiattville United Methodist Church and may be left in the care of, the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 309, 15 W. Wall St, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
