Agenda for the Uniontown School District can be accessed:
Monday, February 12, 2024 Agenda
Natural disasters, family changes such as divorce, death, serious injury, or community violence can be traumatic for both children and adults. Everyone needs time to process the traumatic events. Children often experience disasters differently than adults and they need to have developmentally appropriate explanations of them.
Children can experience the effects of disasters months and years after the events. Some will express the effects outwardly through behaviors. Others will focus internally on their own thoughts and emotions. Keep in mind that neither response is preferable to the other, and both can have negative effects on a child’s development.
Parents and other trusted adults need to be prepared to address questions and responses to the disaster. It is okay to struggle to figure out what to say when a disaster occurs. Finding the appropriate words when children are not coping well is also challenging. Here are some things you can do to help a child’s sense of well-being from Dr. Wiles and Dr. Kiss of K-State Research and Extension:
Children and adults experience and adjust to disasters in a variety of ways. It is up to everyone in a community to recognize negative effects, help children cope with disasters, and take care of children and themselves in the aftermath of traumatic events. While the passage of time can help, there is no substitute for patient, caring, honest, and supportive adults helping children who are recovering from traumatic events in their lives.
For more information on Youth Development or 4-H, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, District 4-H Youth Development Agent – Southwind Extension District at 620-223-3720 or [email protected].
By Clara Misenhelter
Southwind Extension District
Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in our country? February is American Heart Month, which makes it a great time to focus on your heart health. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following healthy habits for preventing heart disease:
You can learn more about the CDC’s recommendations at cdc.gov/heartdisease/prevention.htm.
It may sound easy enough to implement these healthy habits, but adopting new habits can be easier said than done. “One of the best ways to build a new habit is to identify a current habit you already do each day and then stack your new behavior on top. This is called habit stacking,” according to James Clear, author of Atomic Habits. For example, if you want to make regular physical activity a habit that lasts long beyond Heart Month, you might consider trying habit stacking. One habit you probably already do every day is take your shoes off after work. On his website (jamesclear.com/habit-stacking), Clear suggests that you can try stacking that current habit with a new behavior of immediately changing into clothes and shoes to exercise.
The American Heart Association also has helpful habit stacking recommendations. For example, they recommend stacking the daily habit of brushing your teeth with a little bit of movement (like doing five squats). They also suggest stacking the habit of going to the grocery store with parking further away so that you can get more steps in. You can learn more about their suggestions at heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/habits/fit-bits.
I encourage you to join me in picking a new habit to try stacking this Heart Month! For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242. To receive the “Wellness For You and Community, Too!” e-newsletter published monthly by the Southwind District, visit bit.ly/southwindnews.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
If you have ever tried to start plants from seed, you know it can be tricky. But is very rewarding when you have success! Here are eight steps to help ensure you have nice healthy transplants when planting time arrives.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to have adequate light to ensure the growth of healthy plants. It is fairly easy and inexpensive to make a homemade grow light using a four-foot shop light and PVC pipe. We have a supply list and instructions available in our office if you would like to make a DIY grow light.
If you would like to attend an in-person seed starting class, we have four scheduled for this month – February 13 – Thayer; February 15 – Toronto; February 20 – Uniontown; and February 22 – Humboldt. Classes are from 6-7 pm and the fee is $5. To register, please call 620-365-2242.
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.
“Better in Bourbon started as a pop-up concept, but thanks to the incredible support received, a permanent location was established in late 2021,” she said.
“We sell women’s and ‘tween girl clothing and accessories. We also offer permanent jewelry,” Pruitt said.
“In the Fall of 2023, I experienced the loss of my father following a determined battle with cancer,” Pruitt said. “Tragically, my mother also fell unexpectedly ill and passed away. Facing the loss of both parents within such a short period, I found myself in desperate need of support.”
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Conversation Heart Dish POP-UP Class Tonight!!Starting at 5 tonight you can come into the studio and make your own conversation heart dish! Use it just for you or give it to someone special!! Walk-ins welcome!! |
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Thanks for LOVING Local! |
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TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism has announced the spring round of applications are open for the Tourism Attraction Development Grant Program. Attraction Development Grants are designed to assist in the development of sustainable travel experiences by developing new tourism attractions or enhancing existing attractions that will spur new visitation and increase visitor spending. A total of $500,000 will be granted during this round. Applications are due by April 1, 2024.
“Tourism is a key element to invigorating local economies,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through strategic investments in developing new tourism opportunities, we create jobs and increase a community’s appeal as a place to live and do business.”
The goals of the Attraction Development Grants are to spur economic growth, increase visitation to the state, enhance the visitor experience and improve quality of life.
“The development of new attractions offers fresh avenues for exploration and discovery,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “This is one way we can encourage visitors to come back over and over to continually uncover more about Kansas each time they visit.”
For more information about the Attraction Development Grants, click here, or contact Kansas Tourism Grant Program Manager Carrie Doud here.
For a full list of grants offered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, click here.
About Kansas Tourism:
The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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Attachments:
2024 Financials – Jan Monthly Transaction Report
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart
CITIZENS REQUESTS
Shane Kober – speed bumps
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Codes Enforcement:
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Insurance renewal conditional provisions
Website hosting price increase
Update on software progress
Court Clerks Conference, March 1, Wichita
CCMFOA Conference, March 20-22, Manhattan
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
Rabies Clinic –
Motion by ____________, Second by _____________, Approved ________ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties and benefits of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at _______.
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
The Regular Council Meeting on January 8, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Oath of Office was administered to newly elected councilmembers by Clerk Johnson.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the December 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $243,781.59, Receipts $73,292.55, Transfers Out $19,054.68, Expenditures $62,540.26, Checking Account Closing Balance $235,479.20. Bank Statement Balance $244,368.14, including Checking Account Interest of $53.92, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,888.94, Reconciled Balance $235,479.20. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,083.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,153.58, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,862.06, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $332,578.04. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $923.79, and Utility CDs $1,091.36 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,015.15. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. December Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 to General Fund $2,000, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $1,000; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to General Fund $3,000, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $1,000, to Security Meter Deposit $9.56; from Gas Utility Fund to General Fund $3,000, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $3,000, to Security meter Deposit $19.12; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $3,000 for Total Transfers of $19,054.68. Net Loss for the month of December $8,302.39, Year-to-Date Net Loss $108,072.77. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $124,626.63 (102.0%), Expenditures $119,097.15 (74.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $36,864.03 (100%), Expenditures $34,036.23 (82.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $137,399.07 (87.7%), Expenditures $163,108.78 (72.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $207,072.57 (138.3%), Expenditures $156,498.76 (84.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $9,525.56 (75.6%). The January 2024 estimated payables to date in the amount of $28,498.47 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich requested to shut off water and close public restroom for the winter. After water is shut off, the doors will be locked and signs will be placed on the doors.
He gave an update on the sewer issue at 100 Second St – the issue is on the property owner’s side of the sewer service. It is recommended that when new line is tapped into main it includes a trace wire (all utilities).
The sewer main in the alley between Hill St and Clay St was backing up. A screen was used when cleaned out to see what was blocking the flow. Screen was full of feminine hygiene products. A request to not flush certain items was put in the January newsletter.
The quote from CAS Constructors, LLC for labor to replace the butterfly water valve at the master meter is $4,720. Valve, actuator, and solenoid have been ordered and still several weeks from delivery.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to accept quote in the amount of $4,720 from CAS Constructors, LLC to remove existing butterfly valve and replace with new actuated butterfly valve
Mayor Jurgensen asked for a followup on the standing water in the drainage ditch from midway between Third St and Second St to the railroad right-of-way box culvert. Source of water is still undetermined.
Mayor Jurgensen reported that he spoke to owner of 201 Second St about the fallen fence and yard. Tenants have picked up and stacked fallen fence and cleaned up yard. It was also reported that improvements at 404 Washington are continuing.
Clerk Johnson reported the Kansas Health and Environment Labs schedule of fees are projected to increase 35% effective May, 2024.
She gave an update on the finance and utility billing software implementation.
Johnson received information regarding National Flood Insurance Plan training. As Uniontown has not significant flood risk, she will not attend but will pass on information to her replacement.
Also received a notice regarding Information Technology/Operational Technology Essentials Workshop. Council did not feel anyone should attend, but Superintendent Rich could attend if he wanted to.
She received notice of a rate increase from C2 today that will be effective with the January reading. Service fee will increase from $20 to $25/month, usage rate will increase $.23/1000 gallons, a 5.22% overall increase. Johnson presented options for city customer rate increase to be effective with the January readings to reflect the increase from C2.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to approve Ordinance No. 204 repealing Ordinance No. 195, relating to water rates and amending any previous ordinances for resolutions setting forth water rates for the City of Uniontown, Kansas with inside city limits minimum charge of $27.16 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $12.74/1,000 gallons over the first 1,000; for customers outside city limits minimum charge of $28.40 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $13.31/1,000 gallons over the first 1,000 to take effect on the January 26, 2024 billing
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – severe weather is forecasted for the weekend. A member update had not been received from KMGA as of meeting, Clerk Johnson will reach out for an update. He also reminded council that dog/cat registrations period is now until March 31. It was asked if we would host a rabies clinic again this year. Clerk Johnson with reach out to Dr Holeman for a late March date.
OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking project – Grant check has been received and work will begin when weather permits.
Pond Project – contractor is still waiting on county for rock.
NEW BUSINESS
Water Meter Replacement Plan – after discussion, we will start with a few this year and budget in the following years for more to have on hand and replace when needed. Superintendent Rich stated he would need help to remove/replace some of the meters as some of the meters are pretty deep in the well.
Clerk Johnson asked when and where to advertise for the City Clerk position. Mayor Jurgensen asked her to send the clerk’s job description to the council in next month’s packet and put a non-elected personnel executive session for on the agenda to discuss duties and benefits.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:33PM
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How long do we trustfully wait on God to answer our prayers? A few days? Months? Years? God told Abram that he would be the father of many nations, yet there he was, over 99 years old, and he and his wife, Sarai, had no kiddos. What was Abram thinking?
“Maybe God confused me with someone else.”
“Maybe I misunderstood. Maybe He said ‘kids.’ Yea, that’s it. He’s giving me a herd of goats.”
“Maybe I need to help God and make this happen myself. Yep, that’s what I’ll do. After all, God is busy. He probably forgot His promise.”
God had told Abram that his offspring would be numerous. Ten years later, Abram remained childless. When God came to Abram in a vision and promised to be Abram’s shield and great reward, Abram wasn’t too hepped about receiving that promise. “LORD God, what good will your gifts be if I continue to be childless?”
I get it. The only one in the picture to inherit Abram’s vast estate was Eliezer, his servant. God reassured him that he would have his own son and that his offspring would be more than the “dust of the earth” (Gen. 13:16) and later, the “stars of the sky” (Gen. 15:5).
But doubts began to creep in, so Abram took matters into his own, wrinkly hands. After all, what harm could it do? He finally, by golly, would have a “legitimate” heir. He impregnated his wife’s servant Hagar who birthed Ishmael, never realizing that, to this day, this royal mess-up would cause unending problems between the Israelis and the Arabs.
Abram impatiently moved forward to help God’s will come to pass. Surely we can’t blame him, right? Wrong. God lives in a timeless zone. What seems to us late, for God is on time. Perfect time.
Haven’t we all been there? We take our requests to God. And wait. And wait. And wait. Do we patiently endure, knowing that God will answer in His time? Do we continue to exude peace? Sure we do.
NOT! If you’ve read any of my columns, you know that I do not wait in peace. I “do” the first part of Matthew 7:7 well. Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” It’s the very next verse that causes me issues: “For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” I love the part that tells me I’m going to get what I want. I don’t love the part that fails to tell me how long it will be before I “receive” what I’m seeking. (Not proud to admit that.)
We read that God did for Abram what He said He would do. Sarai (meaning “my princess”), in her old age, birthed Isaac, and her name was changed to Sarah (“mother of nations”), while her husband’s name was changed to Abraham (“father of a multitude”). I love that God did that miracle in their old age. That way, they could give God all the credit. Scripture makes it clear that God will answer our prayers. He will. Sometimes He wants us to figure things out on our own. Other times, He wants us to grow our faith and trust in Him and His timing. (Sooooo hard, don’t you think?) And let’s not forget that little “motive” thing. Am I asking for something out of selfish ambition?
Mark 12:30 tells us that our relationship with God should have priority over any earthly matter. Do we keep that in mind when we make our requests? The way we answer that question likely determines the timing God uses to answer us.