July 7, 2020 Tuesday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

Also present were the following (some were present for a portion of the meeting, some were present for the entire meeting), Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Sparky Schroeder, Dale Arnold, Mary Pemberton, Anne Dare, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Nancy Van Etten, Hazel Swartz, Jim Harris and Vance Eden.

Jeff made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Jeff discussed the Governors recommendation of wearing masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19; Bourbon County has been a member of the Multi-County Health Department and is under a contract to use their services. He read a letter from Dr. Becky Watson – the Medical Director over the SEK Multi-County Health Department, she said that masks were the best protection we have to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and said that if masks aren’t worn and the disease spreads further then the next measure could be another lockdown. Jeff asked Justin Meeks to give a copy of the letter from Dr. Watson to the audience. Lynne stated that Law enforcement has stated that they won’t enforce the mask wearing order; Mary Pemberton said a number of people are not wearing masks and questioned how to enforce the requirement to wear masks. A lengthy conversation took place regarding the COVID-19 cases, masks and preventing the spread of the disease. Nancy Van Etten has worked closely with COVID-19; she said there is a lot of fear and not really understanding how the disease would affect them and others, she said wearing masks does help and it is something that we can do to help keep businesses open and hopefully go back to school. Lynne said that the Health Board issued a directive to quarantine if tested positive and said the County Attorney said she would enforce the directive. Lynne stated that the County policy was that if an employee had a fever they needed to get tested and couldn’t come back to work until they had a negative test; Kendell later said the policy was for them to contact the Health Department and follow their guidelines.

Jerad Heckman with Road & Bridge said they patched the bridge on 235th north of Valley Road. They will do the prep work for KOA road Friday and plan to start working there next week. They are hauling gravel and chips; they have a couple of grader operators mowing around the County. They worked on drainage on Indian Road; Nancy Van Etten questioned if they were going to fix the drainage issue at Hackberry and 195th, Jerad said yes they would address this.

The Commissioners continued the COPS grant discussion that started on June 30th; Lynne said at the last meeting the Sheriff told them they are following the national trend of defunding the police, Lynne said the data doesn’t support that. Lynne read the Sheriff’s budget trend… in 2013 the Sheriff budget was $582,583 the actual amount spent was $472,623, in 2014 the Sheriff budget was $543,355 and the actual amount spent was $477,989, in 2015 the budget was $574,780 and the actual amount spent was $585,512, in 2016 the budget was $579,788 and the actual amount spent was $653,626. In 2017 the Sheriff presented options on the budget requests- he requested $672,631 or $678,338 and was awarded a budget of $589,872. In 2018 the requested options were $685,947, $703,039, $711,379 or $731,044 and were approved for $724,000 (raises were given this year). Jeff said that raises were allocated to help address a retention problem and to help avoid the cost of employee turnover, Jeff said they used data collected from salary studies that Bill Martin had provided. Lynne said Bourbon County wages were lower than other entities for both hourly and elected officials. In 2019 the Sheriff presented options of $908,488, $978,064, $995,525 or $1,016,480 and they were approved for $745,765 that budget was later amended and they spent $800,405. In 2020 they presented options of $837,449 or $893,702 and were approved for $800,239. Lynne said the trend has always been that their budget was increased, (Lynne said their budgets do not include the cost of employee benefits). Lynne said he previously had received a phone call stating that Bourbon County had received a grant from COPS for an officer for USD 235, Lynne said they requested he sign the grant, but Lynne said he couldn’t sign the grant until the Commissioners voted on accepting the grant. Lynne said he called the COPS grant response center and told them that in January the Courthouse had a position for courthouse security and the Commissioners and Judge Ward were informed that the position had been reassigned as a school resource officer for USD 235 and they weren’t going to do courthouse security any longer. The Commissioners at that time had to approve a position for courthouse security. Lynne asked the response center if the County could vacate the school resource officer and put the employee under the grant, the response center said no, the County would have to create another school resource officer for USD235; Vance Eden stated that they do not have a school resource officer for USD235 district, he said at times they have a deputy for 15 minutes to 1 hour a day. Lynne said the County couldn’t eliminate the position created when they moved Courthouse security person to the school resource position, the grant could be used to hire a new officer after the award start date. Lynne said if the Commissioners approve the grant it would mean additional staff. Vance said there may be a chance that the district could pay a portion of the salary for a school resource officer for USD235. Bill Martin, Ben Cole and Lesley Herrin arrived for the discussion; Bill questioned why he wasn’t given notice of the discussion of the COPS grant, he said he knew it was on the agenda, but felt he should have been invited to the discussion so he could answer any questions. Lynne said they had stated last week that they would discuss it again at the next commission meeting. Bill discussed the realignment of the deputy that had been assigned to Courthouse security, he said he pulled the position and assigned them to the school resource officer pending USD235 and the Commissioners if they didn’t get the grant. He said if the grant wasn’t approved he would go back to the school board for an agreement regarding the SRO. He said he has been budgeted for 9 deputies and the grant would open up for another position to 10 deputies (he said the 10th employee would be the school resource officer if approved). The grant if approved would be good for three years, it was discussed what would happen with the position after that 3rd year. Vance Eden stated having a school resource officer would mean 3 years of better service for the safety of the staff and students. Vance suggested that when the grant expires that they don’t rehire for the position or USD235 might be able to go into an agreement with the County Commissioners to keep the SRO (he said this hasn’t been approved and he wasn’t able to make this decision); he said what was important was the kids and faculty at Uniontown. Vance said there are a lot of situations where having a SRO would be of value for the district. Lynne said since 2015 the Sheriff has added 3 staff members, Bill said one of the positions was paid for through a COPS grant. Jeff questioned the training required for a SRO; Bill said it online training and training for one week would be required, Bill said they would hire someone who was already certified, Ben Cole said they wouldn’t hire someone without training and experience. Jeff questioned the funding for the SRO for USD234; Justin Meeks said that position was funded by the City of Fort Scott. The $118,000 grant is good for three years and the County portion for the 3 years is $39,000. Vance felt the grant gives them the best opportunity to add the SRO position. Bill said if the County turned down the grant it could be a red mark against the County for future grants. Nick made a motion to sign the COPS grant and give Lynne permission to sign the grant, Jeff seconded, Jeff said he understood this was an important decision and said during a crisis it could be a terrible situation without a SRO, he said they were not addressing USD234 at this point, all approved the motion. Lynne later stated that adding the SRO would eventually cost the taxpayers $80,000 annually.

David Neville addressed the Commissioners regarding the a/c on the 2nd floor of the Courthouse; he said it’s broken and would take approximately 2 months to get the parts, he said they are using portable units and fans but it is still warm in those offices. David felt they needed a backup unit, the Commissioners said a backup unit could possibly also be used in the data center. Jeff made a motion to authorize David to move forward with a backup cooling unit for 2nd floor, Nick seconded and all approved.

Sparky Schroeder asked the Commissioners if they had signed any agreements on the Mercy facility; the Commissioners said no. Lynne said they couldn’t move forward until they had a contract with the healthcare providers. Sparky asked if there were any restrictions on the title; the Commissioners said there would be restrictions. Sparky said Jody Hoener previously projected 73% occupancy by 2023, he questioned how it would be funded until then; the Commissioners said the $1 million donation from Mercy would help fill the $23,000 monthly shortfall. The roof of the building was discussed; the Commissioners said a portion of the roof needed replaced and estimated it to cost approximately $250,000. Sparky questioned if it didn’t work what the backup plan was; Jeff said if the building had to be torn down, Jim Harris previously stated that the building could be dumped in the Landfill for free, but said there would be a cost to tear it down. The tenants will be responsible for any renovations that they do.

Appraiser Clint Anderson presented his 2021 budget request to the Commissioners; he requested $284,185.

Treasurer Patty Love presented her 2021 budget request to the Commissioner; she requested $117,560. She requested a $1/hour raise for her current employees; she said she has reduced her staff by one employee and the other employees have to do extra work. Patty said she asked for a raise for her employees in 2020, but said the Commissioners gave the elected officials a raise instead.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). After the session, Lynne made a motion to have Herb Hall continue to do the door monitoring until the COVID-19 virus is over, and said they weren’t going to hire a part time employee for this position, Nick seconded and all approved.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 7 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Lynne made a motion that due to the Clerk using the Commission room for election (due to COVID-19) there would not be a Commission meeting on July 21, July 28 or August 4th, the Commissioners will call a special meeting if needed, Jeff seconded and all approved.

Lynne said that Shane Walker had informed him that the meetings could be televised for $50/meeting.

The Commissioners plan to have a budget work session on July 14th beginning at 1:30. The Commissioners plan to review the 2021 budget on July 20th at 1:30 on the 1st floor lobby; the public can attend the meeting.

Jeff made a motion to allow Lynne to have a conversation with Justin and if need be a special meeting will be called, Lynne seconded and all approved.

At 12:23, Nick made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner
(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
July 14, 2020, Approved Date

Government, Kansas

Update on Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Outbreak in Kansas

July 23, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has now identified positive cases of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in 20 counties in Kansas. KDA’s Division of Animal Health continues to respond to the outbreak that began in south central Kansas in mid-June and has now expanded its reach to the north and east. Nearly 90 premises have tested positive for VSV in Allen, Bourbon, Butler, Chase, Cherokee, Coffey, Cowley, Elk, Greenwood, Labette, Lyon, Marion, Miami, Montgomery, Morris, Neosho, Sedgwick, Sumner, Wilson and Woodson counties. In addition, KDA is awaiting laboratory results from symptomatic animals in other counties as the outbreak continues to spread.

All premises with confirmed cases of VSV in horses and cattle have been quarantined; in addition, any premises with animals showing clinical signs consistent with VSV are placed on quarantine. More than 90 premises are currently under quarantine. A quarantine for VSV lasts for at least 14 days from the onset of symptoms in the last animal on the premises. Quarantines are not lifted until a veterinarian has examined all susceptible animals on the premises. Over 90 premises have been released from quarantine.

“The VSV outbreak is still spreading, and all owners of horses, cattle, and other livestock must continue to take action to protect their animals,” said Dr. Justin Smith, Animal Health Commissioner. “You can help slow the spread of this virus by taking aggressive steps to limit exposure to insects that are the primary source of infection and by keeping your animals separate from other animals which may be infected. Meanwhile, you should monitor for symptoms of VSV, and call your veterinarian if you see anything of concern.”

What is VSV:

VSV is a viral disease which primarily affects horses, but can also affect cattle, sheep, goats, swine, llamas and alpacas. At this time, the vast majority of confirmed cases of VSV in Kansas have been horses, although some cattle have also been diagnosed. KDA has advised the beef industry to be vigilant in monitoring their cattle for symptoms.

In horses, VSV is typically characterized by lesions which appear as crusting scabs on the muzzle, lips, ears, coronary bands, or ventral abdomen. Other clinical signs of the disease include fever and the formation of blister-like lesions in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, ears, hooves and teats. Infected animals may refuse to eat and drink, which can lead to weight loss. Vesicular stomatitis can be painful for infected animals and costly to their owners. Although it is rare, humans can also become infected with the disease when handling affected animals and can develop flu-like symptoms. VSV is considered a reportable disease in Kansas. If you observe clinical signs among your animals, contact your veterinarian right away.

Disease prevention:

The primary way the virus is transmitted is from biting insects like black flies, sand flies and midges. Owners should institute robust measures to reduce flies and other insects where animals are housed. VSV can also be spread by nose-to-nose contact between animals. The virus itself usually runs its course in five to seven days, and it can take up to an additional seven days for the infected animal to recover from the symptoms. There are no approved vaccines for VSV.

KDA has developed guidelines to assist organizations which are hosting shows and fairs across the state, and have worked with many of them to consider how they can protect the health and safety of animals attending their events.

VSV in the U.S.:

VSV has also been confirmed in Arizona, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Because of the confirmed cases in Kansas, other states and Canada are likely to increase restrictions on livestock imports. Animal health officials strongly encourage all livestock owners and veterinarians to call the animal health authority in the destination location for the most current import requirements prior to travel.

More information:

Information about VSV can be found by contacting the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601 or on the KDA website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/VSV, with info about:

Documents describing symptoms of VSV
Recommendations for fly control practices
Guidelines for shows and fairs
Informational webinars about VSV
Current state and national situation reports

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Minutes of June 15, 2020

July 23, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Training
June 15, 2020

PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Dave Elliott, Kirk Hart, Bill Meyer, and Robert Nelson

ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff, and community members.

Chairman John Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Bartelsmeyer stated how appreciative he is of the “employees who have worked so diligently to move forward during these trying times.”
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the renewal of property insurance with a premium not to exceed $124,321 and give administration the latitude to make adjustments in the company carrying the coverage.
B. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the official
meeting dates as follows:
July 27, 2020 (to facilitate budget process)
August 10, 2020 (to facilitate budget process)
September 21, 2020
October 19, 2020
November 16, 2020
December 14, 2020 (Changed from December 21 due to Winter Break)
January 25, 2021 (Changed from January 18 due to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
February 15, 2021
March 22, 2021 (Changed from March 15 due to Spring Break)
April 19, 2021
May 17, 2021
June 21, 2021
C. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the revised 2020-21 calendar.
D. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the KSDE Migrant Education State Level Activities Application.
E. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the continuation agreement between Iowa Department of Education and Fort Scott Community College.
F. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to participate in the KASB Workers Compensation Fund, Inc. for the 20/21 fiscal year with a premium of $30,522.
G. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the renewal of the memberships and dues as provided for the 2020-21 school year.
9
H. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the disposal of broken, damaged, or non-functional IT equipment as listed.
I. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of additional faculty technology from CDWG for $16,737.31.
J. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the renewal of Panopto as FSCC’s video platform solution.
K. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of Lenovo L14s for the CAMP students for an amount not to exceed $27,040.

ITEMS FOR REVIEW:
Letters of appreciation and correspondence were reviewed by the Board.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Miami County Campus, Student Services, Instruction Office, Finance and Operations, and the President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 7:38 p.m. by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk
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Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Agenda for July 27

July 23, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

“We will begin with budget question/answer session and dinner at 5 in Cleaver-Boileau-Burris Hall,” Juley McDaniel, Director of Human Resources at Fort Scott Community College, said.

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, July 27, 2020. The meeting will be held in the Cleaver-Boileau-Burris Agriculture Hall.

5:00 p.m. Dinner in the Cleaver-Boileau-Burris Agriculture Hall at 5:00 p.m. followed by regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER AND BUDGET QUESTION/ANSWER SESSION
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2020/2021, 5
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICIALS, 6
CONSENT AGENDA, 58
A. Approval of Agenda, 8
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on June 15, 2020, 9
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 11
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 8
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 45
A. Review of Fall In-Service Agenda, 45
B. Approval of Disposal of Property – 2000 Thomas Bus, 47
C. Consideration of Athletic Insurance and Catastrophic Injury Insurance, 48
D. Approval of Property/Casualty/Auto/and Excess Liability Insurance, 51
E. Approval of IA DOE and FSCC Contract Amount Revision, 54
F. Consideration of Firm to Audit Financial Statements for June 30, 2020, 55
G. Consideration of COVID-19 Relief Fund (SPARK) Memorandum Of Understanding, 65
H. Consideration of Culinary Memorandum of Understanding Between SEKESC(Greenbush)and FSCC, 70
I. Approval of Budget Publication and Hearing Date, 72
J. Approval of Negotiated Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding with FSCAPE, 73
REPORTS, 106
A. Administrative Updates, 106
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 103
1
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 110
ADJOURNMENT, 111
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• June 15, 2020: Board Meeting
• August 7, 2020: In-service
• August 10, 2020: Fall semester begins
• September 2, 2020: Labor Day – Campus Closed
• November 19-24, 2020: Finals
• November 21, 2020: Graduation
• November 25 – 27, 2020: Thanksgiving Break – Campus Closed
• December 16, 2020 – January 4, 2021: Winter Break – Campus Closed
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on June 15,
2020.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS

1) Additions
a) Jacob Biller, Assistant Baseball Coach, effective July 1, 2020
b) Aaron Watts, Assistant Baseball coach, effective July 1, 2020
c) Tawny Pool, Web Developer, effective July 27, 2020
d) Chelsea Yount, Cheer and Dance Coach, effective August 1, 2020

2) Separations
a) Jaice Cross, Arena Coordinator, effective July 31, 2020
b) Larry Amer, Design and Art Production Specialist, effective July 31, 2020

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Special Meeting July 24

July 23, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: July 24, 2020

1^st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2^nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3^rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THE FIRST FLOOR LOBBY. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

1:30 Spark Grant

Fort Scott, Schools

Tiger Strong Fundraiser

July 23, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Fort Scott High School Dance team is doing a Tiger Strong Fundraiser and have an online store for purchasing merchandise.

On September 4th, the first FSHS Football game that was scheduled, they are asking that the town wears a Tiger Strong shirt or mask to show support to the Tiger Athletes.

https://stores.inksoft.com/tigerdance2020/shop/page/fshsdance

Submitted by Jayme Murphy

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Coffee Drive-Through Store Coming to South Fort Scott

July 23, 2020 Loretta George 1 Comment

Scooter’s Coffee is coming to Fort Scott.

The store will be located in the strip mall on Main Street, which is also 69 Hwy on the south end of town.

“We are very excited to open in Fort Scott,” said Demi Bouwens, director of operations for the franchise in Pittsburg and Fort Scott.

“The store will be located in the parking lot near the Hibbett’s Sports Store,” Bouwens said. “We are aiming for a November 2020 opening.”

“As we were building our location in Pittsburg last year we began to notice the community in Fort Scott,” she said. “We loved the warm, friendly environment as we spent time in the community. Because of this, we knew this community would be a great fit for Scooter’s brand.”

Not just coffee will be offered but other snack items will be sold at the drive-through only coffee store.

“We offer a variety of options from coffee, smoothies, teas, lattes, blenders, muffins, breakfast options, to cookies and our famous cinnamon roll,” she said. “This is a drive-through only model where you can count on amazing drinks served to you amazingly fast!”

What is the history of Scooters?

“In 1998, Scooter’s Coffee was born,” Bouwens said. “Co-founders Don and Linda Eckles began an amazing journey when they opened their first drive-thru coffeehouse in Bellevue, Nebraska. Their keys to success: find a great location and stay committed to high-quality drinks, speed of service, and a BIG smile. Scooter’s Coffee is fortunate to have over two decades of success due to its commitment to the original business principles and company core values. Amazing People, Amazing Drinks…Amazingly Fast!”

Obituary

Obituary of Edith I. Brillhart

July 23, 2020 Submitted Story 1 Comment

Edith Irene Brillhart passed from this life, on Wednesday evening, July 22, 2020, at the Olathe Medical Center Hospice House.

She was born December 10, 1928, the daughter of Ward and Edith Wellington of Mapleton, Kansas. She was a graduate of Blue Mound High School where she met and later married Carl Brillhart on June 29, 1946.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband Carl of 60 years who died January 2006, her brother Paul Wellington and wife Fay of Independence, Mo., her parents, Ward and Edith Wellington of Mapleton, Ks, and great-grandson, Rueben Brillhart of Hutchinson, Ks.

Irene is survived by her brother Joe Wellington and wife Betty of Edmond, OK, as well as four children, David Brillhart and wife Brenda of Aurora, CO, Sue Sackett and husband George if Olathe, KS, Steve Brillhart and wife Mary of Hutchinson, KS, and Sheila Marmon of Gainesville, TX, as well as 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Irene was a member and actively involved in the Community of Christ in Mapleton, KS. Her most important and valued positions in life were that of devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend.

She enjoyed an active social life with friends of the Scott Avenue Apartments where she lived and with longtime friends of her surrounding farm community.

Richard Long and David Nickelson will officiate at the graveside service at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 24^th, at Mapleton Cemetery under the direction of Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel.

The family asks that donations be made to your local Hospice House. Words of remembrance and condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Highway Patrol Announces Leadership Changes

July 23, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly’s Office announces conclusion of internal and independent investigations conducted at the Kansas Highway Patrol

TOPEKA – Today, the Kansas Highway Patrol announced Majors Scott Harrington and Josh Kellerman are no longer employed at the agency. The staff changes are part of Superintendent Colonel Herman Jones’ efforts to make the Kansas Highway Patrol as effective as possible in achieving the agency’s mission.

“Since my appointment last year, I have prioritized building a culture and a structure within our agency that will help our troopers best serve the people of Kansas,” Colonel Jones said. “I’m confident that the Kansas Highway Patrol will continue to grow stronger as an organization and improve our ability to carry out our mission.”

As a result of Governor Kelly’s and Colonel Jones’s commitment to a successful and transparent Kansas Highway Patrol, the Governor also released summaries of an internal and an independent investigation into complaints against Colonel Jones. The first investigation was conducted by the Department of Administration. The firm of Fisher, Patterson, Sayler & Smith, LLP was then retained to conduct a thorough and independent investigation, to ensure a review of the complaints that was separate from the Kelly Administration.

The investigation conducted by the Department of Administration provided an assessment, rather than a judgement of the accusations. The independent investigation, which was concluded this week, found the complaints of sexual harassment against Colonel Jones were unsubstantiated.

“My administration has a responsibility to make sure the agency and leadership are living up to the values that Kansans expect,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Kansas Highway Patrol is our state’s premiere law enforcement agency, and they have a responsibility to meet the standard that comes with this position. While my confidence in the men and women who make up our force of troopers has never wavered, there is no question that there were cultural issues and a lack of accountability that go back years. I believed when I appointed him, that Colonel Jones was the right man for the job and my belief has been reaffirmed. He has my full support.”

Three primary complaints regarding Colonel Jones were raised and investigated. In order to protect the identities and privacy of the complainants in the investigation, who are valued employees still serving at the Kansas Highway Patrol, the investigations have been summarized below.

Complaints of sexual harassment in the form of unwanted/unwelcome physical contact and verbal comments.
1. These complaints were raised by three KHP employees and generally alleged that Colonel Jones greeted the employees by slapping their backs, shaking their hands, patting their shoulders, hugging, standing close to the employee, and sometimes making awkward comments that were not of a sexual nature.
2. Investigators interviewed the complainants, other witnesses, and Colonel Jones. The employees did not allege that the physical contact or comments were of a sexual nature. Colonel Jones was interviewed and indicated that he did not know the physical nature of the greetings made the employees uncomfortable and would avoid such contact in the future.
3. The investigation exonerates Col. Jones with respect to the complaints of sexual harassment/discrimination.

Complaints of misuse of a state aircraft.
1. Another complaint alleged that Colonel Jones misused a state aircraft for his family to travel on vacation.
2. Investigators interviewed witnesses, obtained flight logs, and interviewed Colonel Jones.
3. The investigation determined that Colonel Jones has used a state aircraft only twice. In Spring 2019 he flew to Pratt for a funeral of a law enforcement officer in Greensburg and flew back to Wichita for a graduation ceremony. This was state business and an appropriate use of the aircraft. Colonel Jones also used a state aircraft in July 2019 to return early from a vacation in Eagle, Colorado, so that he could attend a Governor’s Cabinet meeting. The vacation had been scheduled and paid for long before Colonel Jones was appointed KHP Superintendent, and the Governor’s Cabinet meeting was mandatory for all Cabinet members. Colonel Jones left his vacation several days early to return to work and none of his family accompanied him on the flight. This was also an appropriate use of the aircraft for state business.

Complaint of gender discrimination.
1. Another complaint involved a KHP employee arising from a number of unrelated administrative actions. The employee did not initially feel any of the actions were motivated by gender discrimination. The employee raised the issue to Human Resources after another employee suggested an action may have been the result of gender bias.
2. The investigators interviewed the employee, Colonel Jones, and other witnesses.
3. The investigation determined Colonel Jones’ administrative actions and decisions were not motivated by gender discrimination but were instead consistent with various KHP policy and accountability priorities.

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office