Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 6

Leave a comment

April 6, 2021                                                 Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Oharah and Harris present, (Commissioner Beth arrived at 9:20) the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

 

Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Jeremy Frazier, Susan Bancroft and Nancy Van Etten.

 

Lynne made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, Jim seconded and all approved and signed the minutes.

 

Eric Bailey previously received a request to move an oversized load on the County roads; he said he has the insurance paperwork from this requestor and that Justin Meeks had reviewed and approved it.  Lynne made a motion to approve the moving permit, Jim seconded and the motion passed.

 

Eric Bailey reported that they have finished capping the C&D at the Landfill.

 

Eric reported three trees had fallen across the road last week, which they have pushed off of the side of the road.

 

Eric said they hope to be crushing at the Beth Quarry by the last part of the week.

 

Eric reported that the burner on the oil tank quit, but the part has been ordered for repairs.  He said they are working on repairs to the laydown machine.

 

Eric reported the low water crossing at 60th & Grand had given out, he said engineer Frank Young is involved and they are putting in temporary culverts there.

 

Eric asked Jim Harris about the crossing at 115th & Range to the north; Jim suggesting asking Frank Young to pull the review of this crossing.

 

Eric briefly discussed the windfarm project; he said the contractors are 13% complete on capping the roads and said they are working on 40th & 50th and at 39 & Cavalry Road.  He said weight limit signs have been put up at a few crossings.

Continue reading Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 6 →

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

DEADLINE TODAY 4/14 FOR Chamber of Commerce AWARD NOMINATIONS!

Leave a comment
DEADLINE TODAY 4/14 FOR AWARD NOMINATIONS!
CLICK BELOW AND SUBMIT IT TO THE CHAMBER.
2021 Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration
hosted by the
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
Here are ways you may participate:
*Make your award nominations by April 14th. Click here for the online nomination form. Click here for a printable form. For your reference in making nominations, you may click here to view prior winners, and click here for a full Chamber member listing.
* Make your dinner reservation and/or confirm sponsorship by April 23rd, see pricing options & contact info. below ~
You will need to specify a choice of soup or salad, and
choice of prime rib or chicken when making your reservation.
Click here for the full menu.
* Click to email us if your business/organization would like to decorate a table for fun advertising & promotion.
* Click to email us if your business/organization would like to donate a silent or live auction item for advertising & promotion.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
We are looking forward to a fun evening of
celebrating our community!
The Chamber is supported solely by membership investment and fundraising efforts. Proceeds from this event contribute to the work of the Chamber to benefit Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the surrounding area. Your participation in any way is sincerely appreciated!
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Fort Scott Christian Heights School on April 15

Leave a comment
Welcome to the
Chamber Coffee hosted by
Fort Scott Christian Heights
1101 S. Barbee St.
8 am
VISIT THE FORT SCOTT CHRISTIAN HEIGHTS FACEBOOK PAGE!
Chamber Members & Guests are welcome
to make any announcement for $1 to the Chamber about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or any other specials!
You may wear a mask at your own discretion.
Social distancing is encouraged.
Upcoming Chamber Coffee Schedule:
4/22 Coffee hosted by Bourbon County Conservation District
4/29 Coffee hosted by Papa Don’s – Celebrating 10 Years in
May 2021 for being in this location.
5/6 ~ Nu Grille Celebrating Anniversary!
5/13 ~ Billard, Hammer, Hartman Insurance Agency
 5/13 ~ KOMB FM 103.9 & 98.3
5/27 ~ Sharky’s Pub & Grub, Celebrating 10 years!
Area News

2021 Cruise Night Online Auction

Leave a comment

Tri-Valley’s signature event, Cruise Night, is an annual fundraiser for our organization. The event includes dinner, drinks, music, and silent and live auctions.  For 2021, we are holding an online event.  Please join us April 12th – April 15th as we hold our first online auction.  Come back often to check your bids!

​

CN Website Photo.jpg
CRUISE NIGHT 2021 Online Auction

DATE: April 12th  – 15th, 2021

LOCATION: Online Auction

​

DETAILS:

Due to Covid-19, we have decided to switch things up for 2021.  Instead of an in-person event, we are holding an online auction.  In 2022, we return to our normal fun-filled in-person event.

​

“Cruise Night ” is a fun filled evening that includes dinner, music, door prizes, and both live and silent auctions.  All money raised from the evening goes toward our mission of providing quality and affordable homes as well as aid in the delivery of services to our neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities in the counties of Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson in Southeast Kansas.

BUY TICKETS
Questions?

With state funding dwindling, fundraising events like Cruise Night are essential to keeping our services and clients thriving. We hope to raise more than $25,000 each year through this event and the proceeds will be used to provide quality and affordable housing for our neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Through fundraising efforts, the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation has been able to build six homes, acquire three homes and a duplex, as well as renovate properties as the needs arise in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson counites.  In January 2020, the Foundation expanded services into Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, and Wilson counties.  .  Our thirteen houses are now “home” to 61 of our neighbors with I/DD. Please join us for the 2020 event and help us further our mission of belonging!

CONTACT US

A Few Auction Items

 – Unique photos of Fort Scott Historical Site

 –  Autographed NCIS New Orleans Script

 – Wine Connoisseur Baskets

–  plus many, many more unique items.

2021 CRUISE NIGHT SPONSORS
Government, Kansas

Kansas Workforce Development Improvement Begins

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly’s Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council Holds First Meeting on Improving Workforce Development in Kansas

TOPEKA – The Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council held its first meeting Monday, officially beginning its work to implement Governor Laura Kelly’s vision of Kansas having the best educated, most skilled workforce in the Midwest.

The Governor signed an Executive Order in March establishing the Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council, which creates a statewide forum for crafting policy and legislative proposals aimed at workforce development.

“This council will align our education system with the needs of business and industry to build the robust pipeline of skilled workers needed to ensure we don’t fall behind in a constantly-evolving economy,” Governor Kelly said. “We must invest in our children and our businesses to create opportunities for all Kansans.”

During Tuesday’s meeting, the Council committed itself to the Governor’s 5-year vision of being the best in the Midwest in three key areas:

  1. Post-secondary readiness and success;
  2. Preparation for high-wage, high-demand, high-skilled, critical need occupations and;
  3. Business expansion, attraction, and retention.

The Council reviewed findings surrounding Kansas’s economic competitiveness from the state’s new economic development strategy, the Framework for Growth. After assessing the state’s existing advantages and areas for growth, the Council delved into educational attainment data in Kansas, identifying information gaps and metrics to assess growth in workforce development opportunities like apprenticeships, certifications, and more. The group concluded the meeting by organizing itself into three workgroups, each focused on one of three priority areas identified by the Governor:

  • The Jump Start Kansas team will work on post-secondary readiness and success, helping to improve work based and applied learning opportunities in the state;
  • The Talent Ready Kansas team will focus on preparation for high-wage, high-demand,, high-skilled, critical need occupations in Kansas, working to expand apprenticeship programs and increasing industry preparation in higher-education;
  • The Opportunity Kansas team will center its work on business expansion, attraction, and retention, helping to make Kansas the best place to live, invest, and grow.

The Advantage Kansas Council will meet monthly, with the next full-council meeting scheduled for May 12th. All meetings will be streamed live and notice will be posted via Public Square. Members of the public can view the meeting on the Board of Regent’s YouTube page here and access the meeting documents here.

Governor Kelly appointed the following members:

  • Alan Cobb, Topeka, Co-Chair
  • Shelly Kiblinger, Cherryvale, Co-Chair
  • Vijay Ramasamy, Topeka, Governor’s Office Representative
  • Dr. Cindy Lane, Kansas City, Governor’s Office Representative
  • Ann Mah, Topeka, State Board of Education Representative
  • Jean Clifford, Garden City, State Board of Education Representative
  • Dr. Randy Watson, McPherson, KS Commissioner of Education
  • Dr. Blake Flanders, Topeka, President and CEO of KBOR
  • Trent Armbrust, Manhattan, KS Department of Commerce
  • Matt Lindsey, Lawrence, Kansas Independent Colleges Association
  • Becky Wolfe, Augusta, Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas
  • Bob Hale, Kansas City, Organized Labor Association Representative

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

DOWNTOWN SPRING CLEAN DATE MOVED DUE TO FORECAST

Leave a comment

 

The Downtown Division of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that the Downtown Spring Clean event planned for this Friday, April 16th has been moved to Friday, April 23rd from 3 to 6pm due to the forecast of inclement weather.

Community members interested in volunteering for the downtown cleanup event are welcome to participate by contacting Bailey Lyons, Downtown Division Chair by phone 620-224-7795 or email [email protected]. Each volunteer will receive a free t-shirt courtesy of MyOne Stop and businesses/organizations who provide a donation for materials by April 19th will be listed on the back of the shirts. Donations may be made to the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and dropped off at 231 E. Wall St.

Over 200 volunteers are confirmed from Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott High School, Rotary Club, St. Martin’s Academy, local businesses, and other individuals. Projects include painting curbs, striping and numbering parking spaces, weeding, mulching, crosswalk art and more. The event will be a great community gathering to spruce up downtown.

COVID-19, Government

COVID 19 Brazilian Variant Identified in Sedgwick County

Leave a comment

 

TOPEKA – A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emerging Variant known as the Brazilian or P.1 variant has been identified in an individual in Sedgwick County. A case investigation is being conducted to determine how the person became infected with this particular variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as, if others may have been exposed. No further details will be released concerning the patient, including demographics.

The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

The P.1 variant was originally identified in four travelers from Brazil, who were tested during routine screening at Haneda airport outside Tokyo, Japan. This variant was detected in the U.S. at the end of January 2021 and has been found in 31 states and territories in the U.S. At this point, there is still much to learn about the transmission characteristics and potential severity of the P.1 variant. Although this strain can reduce the effectiveness of some vaccines, vaccines still provide strong protection against severe illness and death.

“We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions. This includes wearing a mask that fits snuggly around the nose and face and has multiple layers of fabric or layering thinner masks with an additional cloth face mask to improve the fit,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Kansans should also follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to.”

Two other variants of concern have been identified in Kansas, including the UK variant, B.1.1.7, and the South African variant, B.1.351. Variant information in Kansas can be found on the COVID-19 dashboard under the “Variants” tab.

“In addition to following these healthy behaviors, this finding also shows the importance of getting tested for COVID-19,” Adrienne Byrne, Sedgwick County Health Director, adds.

Testing is available and free for all Kansans. To find a location near you, visit: www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 16 Special Meeting

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: April 16, 2021

 

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              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.  MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

 

SPECIAL MEETING BEGINS AT 8:30AM

 

Call to Order

   

  • Flag Salute
  • Executive Session – BWERKS

 

Justifications for Executive Session:

          KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

          KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

          KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

K-3 surface recycle to begin April 19

Leave a comment

 

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to begin work on a K-3 resurfacing project on Monday, April 19. The project starts at the west K-3/K-39 junction and continues north to U.S. 54.

 

Project activity includes a one-inch surface recycle, followed by a chip seal. KDOT awarded the $868,508 construction contract to Dustrol Inc. of Towanda. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone; expect delays of 15 minutes or less. A 10-foot driving lane width restriction will also be in effect.

 

The road work should be completed in one month, weather permitting. Persons with questions may contact Iola Area Engineer Troy Howard, (620) 901-6557, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.

 

Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details. KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a work zone.

Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

Wunderly Farm Business: Plants, Produce And More

Leave a comment
Kerry and Kenny Wunderly are owners of 1553 Plants & Produce. Submitted photo.
Kenny and Kerry Wunderly saw a need in the community and have started a business to meet that need.
Their business is about helping people with their garden needs.
“With the whole process of lockdown over the past year due to COVID, people seem to be more aware of where their food comes from,” Kerry said.  “Originally, we wanted to be the link for folks who have space and the desire to grow their own (garden) but didn’t know where to start. It’s very frustrating to have great goals, plant a garden, have everything come up and then quickly go downhill.”
The problems of weeds, insects, improper site preparation, improper plant selection, or the need for soil amendments can ruin the best intentions for many, she said.
Submitted photos. 1553 Plants & Produce.
“Kenny’s degrees from Kansas State (University) in agribusiness and agronomy have given a wealth of knowledge that we want to share so everyone can be successful and avoid those frustrations,” Kerry said.
The Wunderly farm business name is 1553 Plants & Produce, and it’s located at 1553 205th Street a few miles northwest of Fort Scott. To get there go west on Hwy. 54 and go north on 205th Street almost two miles.
The stand at the Wunderley farm. Submitted photos.
This is the business’s first year, although in the past they have been part of Community Supported Agriculture, she said.
“Community Supported Agriculture consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production,” according to https://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/community-supported-agriculture

Kenny works full-time on the farm, and Kerry works full-time as a hospice nurse in Fort Scott.

In addition, Kerry provides all the marketing via social media as well as bookkeeping.
Kenny provides most of the labor and agricultural expertise.
Future Plans
” We have big plans for development,” Kerry said.  “Some of the things we are hoping to do this year are garden tours with discussions on appropriate up-to-date topics…(and) date night dinners with meat and produce from our farm with firepit and all.”
“A couple of years down the road we hope to be able to expand our community garden program to accommodate more local growers, expand our own garden site to be able to partner with local food banks and restaurants, and the addition of an on-site greenhouse,” she said.
The 1553 Plants & Produce stand. Submitted photos.
Not just plants and produce are sold by the Wunderly’s.
Here is a list of the other business offerings:
“1. Custom built raised beds to fit size, shape, location and budgets.
2. Garden consults- we visit your site and provide input for the best possible outcomes. The first visit is always free of charge!
3. Started plants- vegetables, herbs, wildflowers, decorative grasses.
4. Fresh vegetables and herbs in season available at our self-serve plant stand. We also have a you-pick section in the garden if you want to pick your own.
5. Rejuvenation of flower or vegetable beds that a grower already has in place.
6. Raised bed rentals through our community garden program.
7. Lawn mowing, maintenance, and clean-up.
8. Custom raised meat chickens on request. We will raise and either deliver live birds to you or to the processor for butchering.”
Contact the business by phone at 785-422-5770
They also have a Facebook page where you can get the latest news:
https://www.facebook.com/1553-Plants-Produce-105478608035108/
Besides their farm business, their community involvement is active membership at  Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, she said.
COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Kansas Pauses Johnson & Johnson Administration

Leave a comment

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces that Kansas will pause administration of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine following an announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this morning. There are reports of six recipients in the United States who developed a rare disorder involving blood clots within about two weeks of vaccination. No known cases have been reported in Kansas to date.

“Just as important as getting vaccines into arms — is making sure those vaccines are safe,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While this appears to have affected six people in the nearly seven million doses administered, out of an abundance of caution, Kansas will suspend Johnson and Johnson until the CDC and FDA clear it for use again. In the meantime, we anticipate our shipments of Pfizer and Moderna to continue and we will build on the one-third of Kansans who have already received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The federal government will further study links between the vaccine and the rare blood clotting disorder. An emergency meeting of the CDC’s advisory committee has been scheduled for Wednesday.

KDHE asks providers with Johnson & Johnson vaccine to pause administration of the vaccine immediately and to place the supply into storage while material is reviewed. After KDHE has reviewed the findings from the federal government, further guidance will be given to providers on next steps.

Those who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should contact their health care provider if they have any symptoms and report any illness to the VAERS Reporting System, https://vaers.hhs.gov.

The week of April 19th, Kansas is anticipated to receive the following doses:

  • 39,780 Pfizer Prime
  • 38,610 Pfizer Boost
  • 29,000 Moderna Prime
  • 27,800 Moderna Boost

Joint CDC and FDA Statement

As of April 12, more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine have been administered in the U.S. CDC and FDA are reviewing data involving six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the J&J vaccine. In these cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia). All six cases occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred 6 to 13 days after vaccination. Treatment of this specific type of blood clot is different from the treatment that might typically be administered. Usually, an anticoagulant drug called heparin is used to treat blood clots. In this setting, administration of heparin may be dangerous, and alternative treatments need to be given.

CDC will convene a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Wednesday to further review these cases and assess their potential significance. FDA will review that analysis as it also investigates these cases. Until that process is complete, we are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution. This is important, in part, to ensure that the health care provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can plan for proper recognition and management due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot.

Right now, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare. COVID-19 vaccine safety is a top priority for the federal government, and we take all reports of health problems following COVID-19 vaccination very seriously. People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider. Health care providers are asked to report adverse events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System at https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.htmlexternal icon.

CDC and FDA will provide additional information and answer questions later today at a media briefing. A recording of that media call will be available on the FDA’s YouTube channel.

###

Bourbon County Local News