The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 31
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 24
March 24, 2021 Wednesday 3:30 pm
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: Shane Walker, Brian Allen, Anne Dare and Kim Simons.
Justin Meeks said there would be action after the session and said there may be a need to discuss the option of an additional administrator.
Jim made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 2:47 pm, Clifton seconded and all approved (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). After the session, at 2:47, Lynne made a motion to come out of executive session and resume the special meeting, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Justin Meeks said he needed the authority to respond to legal counsel regarding issues with BWERC; Jim made a motion to allow Justin to respond to legal counsel regarding issues with BWERC, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Jim made a motion to allow Commissioner Beth to be the point person to talk to the Clerk’s office regarding HR functions, Lynne seconded and all approved.
Justin said he needed a Commissioner to take on HR functions and investigate an HR issue along with the Clerk’s office. Justin said that Lynne already had the ability to deal with all of the Spark’s issues. Clifton made a motion to allow Lynne to continue to be the lead on any Spark’s issues and to take on HR functions, Jim seconded and all approved.
Justin suggested that the Commissioners consider getting help for HR functions, (such as exit interviews, pre-screening for new employees and dealing with HR problems). Lynne suggested allowing the Commissioners to call Justin to discuss an HR director; Justin suggested the discussion be held in open session. Justin said there is a potential for shared services regarding getting someone to handle HR issues. The Commissioners asked that the last item on the March 30th agenda be for them to discuss an HR director. Justin said they wouldn’t have to pay any extra money for this function because they felt there were already areas where the money is being spent.
Justin said he needed someone to help with an employment matter right now; Lynne made a motion to allow Justin to seek outside legal counsel for input (for 3-5 hours) on an employment issue, Clifton seconded and all approved. Justin said he is a potential witness in this matter, he said in the past the one thing that has created conflict is when he is doing HR work and County Counselor work.
At 2:57, Jim made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
March 30, 2021, Approved Date
K-State’s Garden Hour – “Raised Bed & Container Gardening”
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
The K-State Garden Hour – a popular online program featuring horticulture experts from across the state – will discuss ways to enjoy gardening with limited growing space on Wednesday, April 7th at 12 Noon. Learn how to take advantage of any space using raised beds and container gardening to conquer the challenges of balconies, decks, driveways, or other implantable areas with poor soil.
Garden hour programs will continue two times a month through the summer. To register and participate in the K-State Garden Hour, visit www.ksre-learn.com/KStateGardenHour-register
For more information, please contact Krista Harding, horticulture agent, at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
FSCC announces the 2021 Outstanding Alumni
Fort Scott Community College Foundation is proud to announce the 2021 Outstanding Alumni, Richard “Rick” Mayhew.
As a 1973 FSCC alum, Mayhew has many accomplishments in his life.
In 1976, Richard obtained his Bachelors of General Science from Pittsburg State University and in 2003 he received his Masters in Financial Planning from Kansas State University. His degrees led him to careers in the insurance and financial field. During this period, he also volunteered his time and expertise to many organizations such as Big Brother/Little Brother Program, Fenton, MO Planning & Zoning Commissioner, Society of Certified Insurance Counselors, Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter Society, Boy Scout Review Board for Eagle Scouts, local music events, and a contributor to the Jazz St. Louis youth programs. Mayhew is an author, producer, microcomputer system management developer, and consulted for Domino’s Pizza in Paris, France. He is a published author in Forbes Agent & Broker Magazine.
With Mayhew’s impressive pedigree, he has always given back to the FSCC Greyhounds. “Rick Mayhew has gone above and beyond in his willingness to help the students of FSCC”, says Business Instructor, Deb Cummings. “Richard has given FSCC students the opportunity to attend a Q&A session with Warren Buffett at no expense to them. FSCC students have attended sessions with Warren Buffett and his daughter.”
“I have a feeling there are more accomplished graduates, but I doubt there are many who appreciate FSCC as much as I do. It was a formative time in my life, and it turned out that FSCC was the perfect place for me. I will always be grateful”, said Mayhew.
There will be a reception to honor Mr. Mayhew as this years Outstanding Alumni on May 1st at 11:00 a.m. in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center. There will also be a gathering in his honor on April 30th with the FSCC Board of Trustees. No business will be conducted at the get-together.
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$10,000 Cash For Classroom Grant For FSHS FCS Program
Fort Scott High School’s Family and Consumer Science Program receives $10,000 Cash for Classrooms Grant from Casey’s to help fund new program needs.
March 2021
Fort Scott High School’s Family and Consumer Science Program is a 2021 Casey’s Cash for Classrooms grant recipient.
The school will receive $10,000.
This project will help fund equipment to engage students in real-life, hands-on experiences.
“I feel honored to have been accepted for this Cash for Classrooms grant that will improve my students’ ability to learn and grow! I really appreciate what Casey’s has done for my program. My students are going to be thrilled about the new enhancements to their classes,” said school representative, Carissa Bowman, Family and Consumer Science educator.
“The past year has been unlike any other for schools, and our Cash for Classrooms grants will help schools through this difficult time as well as to improve the learning environment for the future. Casey’s is here for good and that means supporting students, teachers and families in our local communities,” said Katie Petru, Director of Community at Casey’s.
Carissa Bowman heads three Career and Technical Education state approved pathways and includes a student-led Career and Technical Organization called “Family Career and Community Leaders of America” (FCCLA). Classes included within the pathways include; Nutrition and Wellness, Culinary, Teaching as a Career, and Human Growth and Development to name a few.
For more information on Casey’s Cash for Classrooms grant program, visit:
www.caseys.com/community/cash-for-classrooms-grants. The 2022 grant program will open in the fall. In addition to the grant program, Casey’s guests can support schools year round by directing their Casey’s Rewards points toward a donation to their school of choice. Sign up for Casey’s Rewards at https://www.caseys.com/login?isAccountRegister=true.
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FSCC Fall 2021 Students Will Pay No General Fees
The federal government has created a relief fund to help college students attain their goal of higher education.
Fort Scott Community College is a recipient of the fund.
The college administration will not charge per credit hour fees for the fall semester, 2021.
Following is an email interview with FSCC President Alysia Johnston.
“The CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund-IHE/Student Aid provides funding to institutions to provide students with financial assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We feel not charging general fees of $55 per credit hour will financially benefit the most students.”
How much will this save the average student with say 9-12 hours per semester?
“If a student was enrolled in 12 hours they would save $660 for the semester ($55 x number of credit hours).”
How does a student get started on the process of enrolling with this program?
“Visit the Fort Scott website at fortscott.edu to apply and enroll. Contact the admissions office at [email protected] with any questions.”
What has been the response thus far?
“We just released the information last week and I have not heard much feedback yet.”
Any changes in curriculum for next year?
“This past year we had protocols in place to mitigate COVID-19, such as masks and social distancing; however, we did not alter our schedule much, and remained face-to-face for the majority of our classes. Due to the fact we did not change our schedule it will look very similar to past semesters and the majority of classes are ‘in-person.'”
According to the college website:
“The mission statement Fort Scott Community College is an institution of higher learning with a long history of culture and diversity that provides affordable academic, technical, and occupational programs to meet student needs while fostering a mutually supportive relationship between the college and its communities.”
Obituary of Edward Dalton
Edward Everett “Ed” Dalton, age 87, passed away on March 30, 2021 in Louisburg, KS. He was born on February 3, 1934 in Mapleton, KS to Ruth (Cook) Dalton & Thomas W. Dalton.
He attended Fort Scott Schools and worked at the Western Insurance/American States Insurance Companies, retiring in 1989 after 31 years.
He married Shirley I. Robinson in 1954. She passed away in 1969. He married Gloria A. (Stanley) Huff in 1974.
Both Ed and Gloria had 2 children, so they became a family of 6.
While living in Fort Scott, he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as both a deacon and an elder. He was a former member of the Masonic Lodge and the Lions Club.
He was proud of his military service having been in the Army and stationed in Germany and France from 1956-1958 as part of a heavy equipment battalion to rebuild Europe after World War II.
He was small in stature but big in heart and loved by many. Upon retirement, he and Gloria moved to Olathe, KS to be near their children and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his family and supporting his grandchildren in various sports and activities.
He is survived by his children Suzanne Hughes and her husband Mark of Monument, CO: Brenda Douglas and her husband Mark of Edgerton, KS; Greg Dalton and his wife Shelly of Louisburg, KS, and grandchildren Chris (Moira) Beveridge, Jake (Amanda) Douglas, Jared (Chloe) Douglas, Amberly (Aaron) Ramsey, Hannah Dalton and Thomas Dalton, as well as his brother Ron Dalton of Olathe, KS and several nieces and a nephew.
He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria, his daughter Penny Wicken, his brothers Robert, Charley and Floyd and sisters Margaret and Roberta.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 12:30 AM Friday, April 2nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Private family burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery, Ft. Scott, KS.
The family will receive friends from 11:30 until service time Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials may be made in Ed’s honor to Olathe Health Hospice or the American Lung Association and left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Fort Scott High School FCCLA Officers Medal at Districts
FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) officers Emma Scott and Carley Horton competed in the annual District H STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Event competitions on February 24th. Students from across southeast Kansas came together virtually to be recognized for their hard work and accomplishments this school year.
Emma Scott competed in the Career Investigation Event and received Gold! Her project covered an extensive research project that encouraged her to explore a career in education. Scott says, “I learned a lot researching elementary education. I have found that I am also interested in Family and Consumer Science education. I can see myself pursuing either career.”
Carley Horton competed in the Nutrition and Wellness Event and received Silver! She researched healthy lifestyle choices and created a nutrition and wellness plan based on her personal needs. “I learned communication skills,” Horton says.
About FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has more than 182,000 members and 5,253 chapters from 48 state associations, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
About STAR Events
STAR Events are competitive events in which members are recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. STAR Events allow students to compete individually or as a team. There are more than 30 STAR Events students can choose to compete in, all which recognize participants who demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities to actively identify an issue concerning families, careers, or communities, research the topic, and develop and implement a project to advocate for positive change.
Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening of Old 54 Cycles April 1
Chamber Coffee Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting to be hosted by Old 54 Cycles
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guest to a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting ceremony this Thursday, April 1st at 8 a.m. to celebrate the grand opening of New Chamber member Old 54 Cycles. The event will be held at 223 N. National Ave.
Coffee and donuts will be served, and attendees may register to win special drawing from Old 54 Cycles and meet Jesse Hazen, the owner. Also, Old 54 Cycles will be hosting a car and bike show, Saturday, April 3rd from 12pm until 2 pm to celebrate their community grand opening.
Attendees are strongly encouraged wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 30
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Weekly Newsletter
Hello,
Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.
Expanding the VA’s Vaccination Efforts to Spouses and Caregivers
This week, President Biden signed into law my legislation to expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to veterans, their spouses and their caregivers under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). I introduced the Strengthening and Amplifying Vaccination Efforts to Locally Immunize All Veterans and Every Spouse (SAVE LIVES) Act with my colleagues on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee on March 11 and am pleased President Biden quickly signed this critical legislation into law to protect veterans, their spouses and caregivers.
Prior to passage of the SAVES LIVES Act, the VA was only able to vaccinate VHA enrollees. While the VA will continue to prioritize vaccinating VHA enrolled veterans with its allocation of the COVID-19 vaccine, the new law authorizes the VA to vaccinate non-enrolled veterans, veteran spouses, caregivers, overseas veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries with excess COVID-19 vaccine supply. The law also urges the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to adjust VA’s vaccine allocation based on this increased eligibility pool, as much as the supply chain allows.
Military service is family service, and that is why the VA and our House and Senate VA Committees aim to care for both veterans and their families—especially as we navigate this unprecedented crisis. Veterans, caregivers, spouses, and CHAMPVA beneficiaries made eligible for VA vaccination under the new law should click here to register their interest in receiving the vaccine at the VA. Registered users will also receive regular updates on the VA’s vaccine rollout process and on the timing of when the VA will begin to offer vaccines to these newly authorized groups.
If you are a veteran, you can click here for more information about the VA’s COVID-19 testing and treatment resources. You can also sign up for updates about vaccine availability here.
Honoring Deputy Robert Kunze III
On Friday morning, I had the honor of presenting the Congressional Badge of Bravery to the family of Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Kunze III, who died in the line of duty on September 18, 2018.
There is no higher calling than to devote yourself to the protection of others. Deputy Robert Kunze wasted no time before stepping up to serve his community. He joined the Shawnee Sheriff’s department immediately after graduating from Washburn University with a degree in criminal justice – the perfect example of a committed individual that law enforcement needs. As a six-year veteran of the Shawnee Sheriff’s Department and a 12-year veteran in Sedgwick County, he was an exceptional deputy who dedicated his life to public service.
The Congressional Badge of Bravery was established by Congress in 2008 to honor exceptional acts of bravery performed by federal, state and local law enforcement officers in the line of duty. It deeply reflects the courage and heroism of those who receive it. Deputy Kunze made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his community, and his actions personify bravery. He was a man committed to making a difference in Sedgewick County, and I was honored to be a part of this ceremony.
