Service Notice
Jackie Lee Kountz, age 70, resident of Lamar, MO, died Monday, June 22, 2020, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO. Graveside services will be held Friday in the U.S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, KS. Memorials are suggested to the Jackie Kountz Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoener announces the Bourbon County CDBG-CV program is now officially open to accept applications.
To be eligible, your business must be located within Bourbon County but outside the city limits of City of Fort Scott.
You can view other eligibility criteria and program parameters online here: https://www.bourboncountyks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Bourbon-County-CDBG-CV-Plan.pdf.
Submit your online application today here: https://www.bourboncountyks.org/emergency-funding-application/ and we will follow up with an email for supporting documentation.
Also, feel free to pick up a paper application packet in the County Clerk’s office and return to me in paper form or electronically.
Gunn Park will be closed starting Wednesday, June 24th, 2020 to vehicle traffic, so street repairs can be made. If you desire to fish, you can park at the top of the park and then walk down to the first lake.
Thank you for your understanding .
COVID-19 Case at Osawatomie State Hospital; Kansas Neurological Institute Reports 12 Cases
TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced today that one staff member at Osawatomie State Hospital (OSH) has tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first positive case at OSH in either residents or staff. Howard also announced the Kansas Neurological Institute (KNI) has 12 new positives cases in five staff members and seven residents.
To protect the identity of staff and residents at each hospital, no further information will be released.
Friday, June 19, an employee at OSH reported a positive test result to the hospital’s infection control nurse. In coordination with the Miami County Health Department, all 11 residents on the unit who were in close contact with the positive employee will be tested as a priority. A testing strategy that reaches beyond those working or living on the unit is currently being discussed and several steps have been taken to further maximize safety precautions already in place to minimize risk of further exposure:
“This is an extremely stressful time for patients, their loved ones and our staff members,” OSH Superintendent Kristin Feeback said. “We recognize that communication with patients, families and staff is critically important, especially after a confirmed COVID-19 case. I appreciate our staff being so responsive and adaptive to the instructions given by local health officials to make sure we do all we can to prevent the spread of the virus as effectively as possible.”
Thursday, June 18, KNI reported one staff member and one resident in the same home on campus tested positive for COVID-19 and at least one more staff member was symptomatic. Officials at KNI worked in collaboration with the Kansas Department for Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Shawnee County Health Department to administer more than 80 tests to all staff working in the affected home as well as all residents in the building where that home is located. At the time of this release, those tests have resulted in positive cases in five staff members and seven residents in three living units covering two campus buildings. Three of the 12 positive cases at KNI are symptomatic, but zero currently require hospitalization.
KDHE and KNI and local health department officials are expanding testing on campus in the coming days to include all staff in potentially affected areas with a goal of an additional 200 staff tested by end of day today. Residents in all three affected living units have already been tested. KNI continues to follow similar PPE practices to those implemented at OSH.
“We are thankful to the health officials at the state and local level for their quick and effective communication and response,” KNI Superintendent Brent Widick said. “Our residents are like family and we work very hard to keep them safe, so this kind of news takes a real emotional toll on our staff.”
KNI reported its first two cases of staff members on April 17 this year. Both of those cases have been cleared.
For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, and to sign up for updates, go to the KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center at kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.
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SEK Multi-County Health Departments
Bourbon County, Kansas
PRESS RELEASE:
NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19
June 22, 2020;
“Governor Kelly and her officials recommend that we stay in phase 3 for 2 more weeks (July 6th at the earliest),” Rebecca Johnson, with the multi-county health department, said. ” I, as the SEK Health Officer, recommend Allen, Anderson, Bourbon and Woodson Counties stay in phase 3 until July 6th. See covid.ks.gov for the Ad Astra plan.”
Bourbon County, KS has had 3 more positive COVID-19 tests confirmed today. This makes total positive tests for Bourbon County 14. The testing was confirmed through a reference laboratory that was used. The individual’s symptoms range from minimal to moderate. They are isolated in their home and their family is in quarantine. The cases are travel-related, with travel out of county and out of state. The Bourbon County Public Health Department is diligently working to complete the investigation at this time.
The Bourbon County Public Health Department urges the public to continue to take appropriate actions. Individuals should continue to practice social distancing, clean/disinfect any high touched surfaces, wash their hands with soap and water routinely, use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available and avoid touching your face (especially eyes, nose & mouth).
Please remember if you have the symptoms to:
Call before going to a Clinic, Hospital, ER, or Health Department
Close contact means: 6 foot or less for 10 minutes or more, with a positive case.
STAY HOME IF SICK!
If you are experiencing life threatening symptoms, PLEASE CALL 911.
For more information you may call the SEK Multi-County Health Department: Bourbon: (620)223-4464 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm OR the COVID-19 Hotline: (866)534-3463.You may also visit the COVID-19 Resource Center at: https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/OR Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments on Facebook or our website: www.sekmchd.com for local updates.
Governor Laura Kelly Recommends Kansas Stay in Phase 3 of “Ad Astra” Plan
TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly announced that her administration, as well as officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, recommend that communities do not move into Phase Out of “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” which was originally planned to begin June 22, and instead stay in Phase 3 for at least two more weeks.
“Though many Kansans and communities have been social distancing, wearing masks, and working hard over the past few weeks to mitigate the spread of the virus, we have unfortunately seen an increase in disease spread,” Governor Kelly said. “After consulting with Secretary Norman’s team at KDHE, I have decided that our state is not ready to move into the final phase of the ‘Ad Astra’ plan until July 6, 2020, at the earliest.”
The emergency disaster declaration issued by the Governor on May 26 transfers reopening decisions back to local officials, which means counties continuing with Phase 3 of the plan is only a recommendation. However, the State continues to monitor health metrics daily, and remains committed to supporting local communities in a safe, gradual transition.
“My administration is dedicated to getting Kansans back to work and back to school, in the safest way possible. We can’t do that if every person and community does not follow the Phase 3 guidelines,” Governor Kelly said. “Please wear a mask, socially distance, and wash your hands often. Our state’s economic recovery depends on it.”
Key Phase 3 highlights for communities:
As always, Kansans should continue to adhere to hygiene and social distancing protocols, including:
“Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” is available in full at covid.ks.gov, in addition to industry-specific guidance for Kansas businesses.
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: June 23, 2020
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
9:00 – 9:45 JT Heckman
9:45 – 10:00 Jody Hoener, Adopt CDBG Application Process
10:00 – 10:15 Kendell Mason, 2021 Budget Review
10:15 – 10:25 Justin Meeks, Exec Session, Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
10:25 – 10:45 Justin Meeks, Exec Session, Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
10:45 – 10:55 Justin Meeks, Exec Session, Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency
which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
10:55 – 11:15 Justin Meeks, Exec Session, 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
11:15 – 11:30 Bobby Reed, Exec Session, Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Justifications for Executive Session:
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
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
June 9, 2020 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present on the front east lawn of the Courthouse.
Also present were Kim Simons and Mary Pemberton, Mark McCoy was present for a portion of the meeting.
Jim Harris met with the Commissioners; he said they have been ditching near the Fort Scott Lake and installing driveway culverts on the Lake Road. They did work on 165th and did the first two miles on Birch Road. Jim said they will overlay one block on Andrick for the City of Fort Scott, (Jim said he recommended that the City do a compaction test on the road prior to the overlaying). They finished the concrete work at the Landfill and should finish the entrance in the next few days. Jim said they have done the prep work and are getting ready to overlay Native Road (near KOA Campground). Nick asked Jim to let him know when they start putting oil down there so he can notify KOA of this. Jim said they have chemicals they can use on vehicles that get oil on them from the County roads. Jeff questioned if there was room for a bike path on this road; Jim said yes, he said he would measure the road and see what could be done.
Jim said the overlay equipment is ready for the season. He said they got chips from the Thomas Quarry and plan to blast at the Blake Quarry next week.
Jim said that the City of Bronson has a pothole that they want cold patch for; Lynne told Jim to fix the pothole and then they will see what the City and County could trade for the repairs. Jeff said they needed to establish rates for this work so that the cost is consistent for all entities.
Nick reported that Jason Allen questioned when a culvert would be done for him near Limestone and Slick Rock Road.
Lynne reported a drainage issue on Reeder hill going north to Range Road.
Jeff discussed having evening meetings and having the paving program discussions for public input during the meetings as well as having the budget hearings during the evening meetings. No date was discussed for the next evening meeting.
Jeff said he met with City officials regarding the Fort Scott Lake; he said the City maintains that the County Commissioners are the sewer board, Lynne said they needed to review this with Justin Meeks, Jeff said it would make sense to set it up with the idea of appointing or amending the board so it’s not the County’s responsibility, but transferring the board to the people that live in the Sewer District.
Lynne reported the overtime for the payroll that was paid on 6/5/2020; the County Attorney’s office had 7.50 hours, the Sheriff’s department had 26 hours and the jail had 13.25 hours.
Mark McCoy questioned (due to COVID-19) if the usual polling places would be used for the upcoming elections; Kendell said yes we plan to use the same locations, the State is providing safety equipment to be used during the elections to help keep the poll workers and the voters safe. Kendell said it may be necessary to have advance voting in the Courthouse in the Commission room (due to the need to social distance) instead of the Clerk’s office. The Commissioners were ok using the Commission room for advance voting if necessary.
Lynne made a motion to approve the 2019 annual summaries, Jeff seconded and all approved.
Jeff questioned why the transfer of funds ended between Fire District #5 and Fire District #3; Kendell and Lynne told him to discuss this with the fire districts.
Lynne made a motion to approve the 2020 firework permits for the following stands, Jake’s Fireworks at Wall and Goodlander, Jake’s Fireworks at 2322 S. Main, Crazy Debbie’s Fireworks at 2500 S. Main, Hale Fireworks at 2409 S. Main and Jubilee Fireworks LLC at 2400 S. Main, Jeff seconded and all approved, and Lynne and Kendell signed the permits.
Economic Development Director Jody Hoener met with the Commissioners to discuss the CDBG Grant; she said she had applied for $300,000 worth of funds and was rewarded $132,000 (Jody said she used the social media to help identify the needs for the grant, she included the City of Bronson and the City of Uniontown with the County’s application, but said the City of Fort Scott applied for their own funds). Jody said this is the first time the County has been a CDBG grant. She is working with the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission for them to be the grant administrator. Lynne made a motion that he be allowed to sign the direct deposit form for the funds, Nick seconded and all approved and Lynne signed the form. Lynne made a motion that he sign the contract for the CDBG grant, Nick seconded and all approved and Lynne signed the contract. Lynne made a motion that he be allowed to sign the authorized signature request for payment form, Nick seconded and all approved and Lynne signed the form. Lynne made a motion that he be allowed to sign the addendum agreement (decreasing the administrative fees since the full application amount had not been awarded), Nick seconded and all approved and Lynne signed the form. Jody presented a draft document of the point system for priority ranking she has been working on for the distribution of the grant funds; she said businesses that hadn’t been awarded other grant funds, are a part of the food system and have year round employees will receive a higher priority for the funds than others. She said that farmers and ranchers would not be eligible for this grant since there are other grants they can apply for through the USDA.
Jeff made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Jody Hoener). No action was taken.
The Commissioners discussed re-opening the Courthouse; Lynne made a motion that on 6/15/2020 the north lobby of the Courthouse be opened and business be conducted at the direction of the elected officials, Jeff seconded and all approved. The Clerk’s office will do business through a window in the office; the Treasurer’s office will do business by appointment. The lobby will be marked for social distancing. On the South side of the building the Register of Deeds and the Appraiser’s office will do business by appointment. Lynne will notify the Court’s that the north lobby will be open.
The 6/16/2020 Commission meeting will be held in the Commission room with 6’ distancing and a maximum amount of people attending.
The Commissioners received the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center’s 2021 budget request; they requested $100,786.
At 10:40, 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
June 16, 2020, Approved Date
Tonya Sue Belle, age 46, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, June 20, 2020, at her home.
She was born June 4, 1974, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Edward and Linda Ogle Coulter.
She married Jessee Belle on May 25, 2013, in Ft. Scott.
She worked as a CNA at Guest Home Estates.
Tonya enjoyed fishing and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband Jessee of the home; 3 daughters, Ashlei Goddard and husband Jordan, Nikola Goodwin and fiancé Aaron Brown, and Windy Goodwin and fiancé Antonio Juarez, all of Ft. Scott; 3 step children, Domanick Belle, Kaidence Belle, Aurora, MO, and Bailey Belle, Purdy, MO; 2 sisters, Mariann Mackley and husband Norman “Marie”, Ft. Scott, and Tami Eaton, Neodesha, KS; 3 brothers, Eddie Coulter and wife Kelly, Chanute, KS, Lance Coulter and wife Erin, Uniontown, KS, and Anthony Ogle, Ft. Scott; her father, Edward Coulter, Ft. Scott; 5 grandchildren, Aaydan, Braydan, Caydan, and Jaydan Goddard, and Connor Brown and one grandson on the way; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces , great nephews, aunts and uncles.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Linda Lee Coulter; stepdaughter Francise Belle; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Pastor Larry Stevicks will conduct graveside services at 10:00 Thursday June 25th, in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Tonya Belle Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.
Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
