Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Special Meeting To Consider Cost Share/Engineer Services

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There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13th, 2020 at the City Hall Commission Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The City Commission will meet to consider approval to apply for the K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program, and approval for engineering services if needed.

The City Commission meeting will not be open to the public at this time due to the limited number of 10 allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting will be made available via the City’s Youtube channel at City of Fort Scott.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Special Meeting Agenda for May 13

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SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY COMMISSION ROOM

123 S. MAIN STREET

FORT SCOTT, KANSAS 66701

MAY 13, 2020

10:30 A.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Approval to apply for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program
  1. Approval to use Olsson Associates for engineering if needed for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

ADJOURNMENT:

Art, Bourbon County

Art Is Ageless Winners Announced

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Thyra Babcock won the Best of Show prize for her “Round of Robins” submission, in the amateur division of the Art Is Ageless juried competition at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village. All photos were submitted.

 

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, an assisted living facility,  recently honored winning artists in the annual Art Is Ageless juried competition, according to a press release.

“We are honored to exhibit artwork by seniors,” Becky Kellum, marketing director at the facility, said. “Our artists prove that art, in any form, is an ageless ambition.”

Winners are as follows:

In the professional division:

 

1)      The Tony Forelli piece, “Wilderness Knife”  won two ribbons  1) Mixed Media /Crafts Professional and  2) People’s Choice Professional.

 

 

2)      Sculpture 3/D Professional “ Forever” by Bobbie Kemna

 

 

3)      Quilting Professional “ American Flag” by Carolyn Crystal

 

 

4)      Photography Professional “ Sunrise at Fort Scott National Cemetery “  by Paul Milks

 

 

5)      Painting Professional “ Gossip “ by Carolyn Munsell

 

 

6)      Needlework Professional “ Flower Bag” by Carolyn Crystal

 

 

7)      Christmas  Professional ‘ Christmas Stocking “ by Carolyn Crystal

 

 

8)      Best of Show Professional “ Druzy Diamonds “ by John Bartlesmeyer

 

 

9)      Judges Choice Professional “ His Word” by Tony Fornelli

 

In the amateur division:

 

1)      Christmas Amateur  “Thompson Farm “ by Linda Thompson

 

 

2)      Needlework Amateur “ Flower Bouquet” by Charlotte Kite

 

 

3)      Fiber Arts Amateur “ Star of Bethlehem ” by Jean Strader

 

 

4)      Mixed Media/Crafts  Amateur “Joy in Motion”: Barbara Gibson

 

5)      Painting Amateur “ The Cottage “ Glenda Stevicks

 

6)      Sculpture 3/D ( Amateur ) “ G.E. lives Here!” by Gerald Elliott

 

7)      This piece, “The Clover Valley”  by Earline Foster, won two  ribbons  1) Quilting Amateur  2) Judges Choice  “ The Clover Valley “

 

 

8)  People’s Choice Amateur “ Flower Garden “ by Carolyn Eastwood

 

 

9)  Best of Show Amateur “ Round of Robins “ by Thyra Babcok

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kansas

U.S. 160 resurfacing project starts next week in Crawford County

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The week of May 18, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin a mill and overlay on U.S. 160 in Crawford County, weather permitting.

 

Work will start at the north U.S. 160/U.S. 69 junction and continue east to the Kansas-Missouri state line.

 

Flaggers and a pilot car will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone during daylight hours; expect delays of 15 minutes or less. The resurfacing project should be finished in a week, weather permitting.

 

KDOT awarded the $819,481 construction contract to Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Inc., of Topeka.

 

Drivers are reminded to obey the signs and flaggers, and to slow down in the work zone. Persons with questions may contact Bob Gudgen, (620) 308-7621, or Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.

 

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Health Care

COVID-19 RECOVERY DRIVE

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SEK Multi-County Health Department would like to announce we will be having a COVID-19 Recovery Drive, where we will be handing out care packages, which include a variety of basic necessities and food items, to Bourbon County residents that are in need. Donations will be handed out to the first 100 cars to come through.

Location: Bourbon County Health Department 524 S. Lowman St. Ft. Scott (Corner of 6th and Horton)

Date: May 14th

Time: 1-5PM

Residents will remain in their car during pickup. We ask that you enter through our east drive and exit through the west drive to keep things moving smoothly.

We would like to thank the Kansas Health Foundation, Valu Merchandisers, Fort Scott Fire Department, G&W Foods, Walmart, and community members for their assistance in making all of this drive possible.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Minutes of USD 234 Board of Education Meeting May 11

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Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met virtually on Monday, May 11, for their regular monthly meeting.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – April 17, 2020 – $1,375,747.90

D.    Financial Report

E.     Bond Proceeds Reconciliation

F.     Activity Fund Accounts

 

Stephanie George, KNEA President, presented a report.  Administrators from each building shared information with board members.

Superintendent Ted Hessong expressed thanks to administrators and directors for their leadership throughout the pandemic.  He also discussed competency-based learning, CARES federal money, a return-to-work plan, and the Return-to-School Committee.

Gina Shelton, Business Manager, discussed closing down the financials, CARES federal money, a food service/food distribution update, and insurance renewal.

Board members approved the following items:

·       Roof change order

·       Roof payment

·       2020-21 Calendar

·       2020-21 Fees

·       Greenbush Energy Group Participation Agreement and Hedging Authorization for 2020-21

·       LEA Assurances

The board also reviewed summer projects.

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.  The board then went into executive session to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations and returned to open meeting.

The board approved the following employment matters:

A.    Transfer of Rachelle Thomas, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher, to a fifth grade position for the 2020-21 school year

B.    Transfer of Rhonda Dawson, high school secretary, to high school activities/athletic secretary for the 2020-21 school year

C.    Transfer of Pam Hutchison, high school teacher aide, to high school secretary for the 2020-21 school year

D.    Contract extension for Angella Curran, high school debate/forensics sponsor

E.     Employment of Dalaina Smith as Director of Academics for the 2020-21 school year

F.     Employment of Paulette Howard as a K-12 gifted teacher for the 2020-21 school year

G.    Employment of Courtenay Slinkard as a high school English/Language Arts teacher for the 2020-21 school year

H.    Employment of Reyna Valenzuela as a high school English/Language Arts teacher for the 2020-21 school year

I.      Employment of Larry Amer as a high school art teacher for the 2020-21 school year

J.      Employment of Abigail Helt as high school/middle school choral teacher for the 2020-21 school year

K.    Employment of Danny Larsen as Eugene Ware physical education teacher for the 2020-21 school year

L.     Resignation of Curtis Horton as a high school assistant football coach, assistant basketball coach, and freshman boys’ head basketball coach at the end of the 2019-20 school year

M.   Resignation of Erica Clark as a high school assistant cheer sponsor at the end of the 2019-20 school year

N.    Resignation of Brendon Blackburn as a middle school football coach at the end of the 2019-20 school year

O.    Resignation of Jayci Cosens as a middle school second session intramural coach, 8th grade boys’ basketball coach, and intramural track coach at the end of the 2019-20 school year

P.     Resignation of Steve Williams, middle school boys’ assistant basketball coach, at the end of the 2019-20 school year

Q.    Employment of Kaitlin Arnold as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year

The board adjourned.

 

 

Bourbon County, COVID-19

Disaster Food Distribution May 14 For Western Bourbon County

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture will have another food distribution in May for those affected by the COVID 19 pandemic.

“We will have Disaster Household Distribution (DHD)food for the area again on May 14th,” Becky Shinn, coordinator of the West Bourbon County distribution, said.  “Here in Uniontown, it will be May 14th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Uniontown Baptist Church.”

People are asked to stay in their cars and those distributing will come to each car to get information on how many in the family.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Special Meeting May 12

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There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 at the City Hall Commission Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The City Commission will meet to consider a Resolution of Support to apply for CDBG funding, approval to apply for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program, and approval for engineering services if needed.

The City Commission meeting will not be open to the public at this time due to the limited number of 10 allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting will be made available by calling 620-724-9910, enter access code 515698#, and when prompted state your full name followed by the # tag.

Government, Kansas

Flags Half-Staff May 13

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Governor Laura Kelly orders flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Office Mike Mosher and Peace Officers Memorial Day

 

In accordance with Executive Order 20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, May 13, until sunset in honor of Overland Park Police Officer Mike Mosher.

 

“Officer Mosher tragically lost his life in the line of duty, while protecting his community,” Kelly said. “He was dedicated to service, and we owe him immeasurable gratitude for his career-long commitment to helping others.”

 

In accordance with Executive Order 20-30, the Governor also ordered all flags at public institutions throughout Kansas to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, May 15, in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day. President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation on Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week 2020 that called for the lowering of the flag.

 

“This week, as we honor the loss of one fallen officer, we also must recognize the continued sacrifices all of our law enforcement officers make as they serve and protect,” Kelly said. “We are able to live freely because of the brave women and men who suit up every day to protect our communities.”

COVID-19, Government

Grants To Support Community Responses To COVID 19 in Eco Devo and Meal Programs Offered

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Governor Kelly Announces $9 Million in Grants to
Support Community Responses to Coronavirus

Topeka, Kan. – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that more than $9 million in federal funding will be made available to the state’s Community Development Block Grant program to support community responses to the COVID-19 crisis.

The Kansas Department of Commerce will administer the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV), which is part of the state’s allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“The Community Development Block Grant program has been a powerful tool in developing communities and expanding economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income Kansans,” Kelly said. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to expand our support to these communities in this time of crisis.”

Grants are available to communities in two categories.

Economic Development
Economic development grants provide communities with funding to help local businesses retain jobs for low-to-moderate income people. Grant funds can be used for expenses such as working capital (e.g., wages, utilities, rent) or to purchase up to 60 days of inventory needed to reopen, once allowed to reopen.

Meal Programs
Meal program grants provide communities with funds for various programs that provide access to nutritious foods during the COVID-19 crisis. Grant funds can be directed toward organizations such as Meals on Wheels, local food banks or to support organizations providing meals for children affected by the loss of school meal programs.

“It’s our intent that by infusing an additional $9 million into communities to support urgent needs, we can help alleviate some of the stress caused by the COVID-19 crisis and allow Kansas to return to business as usual as quickly as possible,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “What’s great about the CDBG-CV program is that it allows decision making to happen at the local level by the people who know their communities – and their needs – best.”

Kansas cities and counties can find further details and apply for CDBG-CV grants by visiting kansascommerce.gov/cdbg-cv.

Applications for CDBG-CV open Tuesday, May 12. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been disbursed.

For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas go to covid.ks.gov.

Bourbon County Local News