Fort Scott, Government

New FS City Manager Starts Feb. 1: Jeremy Frazier

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Jeremy Frazier. Submitted photo.

Jeremy  Frazier was selected by the Fort Scott City Commission in a unanimous vote to become the next city manager in January 2021.

 

He starts in that position next Monday, February 1.

 

He replaces Dave Martin, who retired in October 2020.

 

Frazier will bring new vision and ideas to the city, according to a January 21 Fort Scott City Commission press release.

To view the city’s press release:

Jeremy Frazier To Begin As Fort Scott City Manager on Feb. 1

 

“Jeremy brings to this position over a decade of public sector experience,” according to the press release.

 

Frazier has managed cities of various size towns of from 1,800 people to his most recent in El Reno, Oklahoma, population approximately 20,000 people, according to the release.

 

He will earn $115,000 per year plus benefits as the new city manager.

To view the entire contract:

FedEx Scan 2021-01-20_14-12-31(1)

 

The following is from an email interview with Frazier.

Why did you pursue your career? Was there someone who inspired you?

“I chose to pursue city management as a career because after graduating from college and landing a position with a great company, I found myself financially secure but unfulfilled and lacking passion within my organization.”
“So I put serious thought into what I enjoy, how I could serve others, and how I could create lasting changes in the lives of others. I knew that I felt a calling to public service but was unsure as to how best to execute it. After all, I knew very few public servants at the time.”
“Fortunately, I met some great public servants through the Oklahoma Municipal League such as Missy Dean and the City Management Association of Oklahoma which include Tim Rundel, Eric Benson, Jason Orr, and many others.”
“While the opportunity that I desired did not materialize immediately, I stayed close to the industry and received encouragement from various industry professionals for which I had great respect and admiration.”
“Finally,  a few years later, I was offered an opportunity to serve in a small community of 1,800. There the city manager felt it important that I learn every position and task from code enforcement to billing and collections and public works. At the time I did not appreciate these lessons as I thought I was hired to be more of an administrator, in my mind.”
“In hindsight, this was the best learning experience that I could have ever asked for and I’ve been hooked on public service every since, building upon my knowledge and skills with each community that I’ve served.”
“Now I look forward to bringing my passion for public service, skills, and knowledge to serve the community and residents of Fort Scott.”
What affiliations/community involvement interests you outside of your employment?
“I have served as a board of trustees appointee to a local university, worked closely with local volunteer organizations to perform community projects, served as a member of local civic organizations such as Toastmaster’s International and the Lions Club, and was active with local government organizations such as the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) and the City Management Association of Oklahoma (CMAO).”
“I hope to be active in similar organizations in the state of Kansas. I might also find interest in local home building or restoration non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity and others.”
Frazier said he has been married “nearly 15 years to a wonderful woman and mother and I have two young boys.”
COVID-19, Government

Farm Loans Debt Collections Suspended

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USDA Temporarily Suspends Debt Collections, Foreclosures and Other Activities on Farm Loans for Several Thousand Distressed Borrowers Due to Coronavirus

 

Manhattan, Kansas, Jan. 27, 2021 – Due to the national public health emergency caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the temporary suspension of past-due debt collections and foreclosures for distressed borrowers under the Farm Storage Facility Loan and the Direct Farm Loan programs administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). USDA will temporarily suspend non-judicial foreclosures, debt offsets or wage garnishments, and referring foreclosures to the Department of Justice. USDA will work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to stop judicial foreclosures and evictions on accounts that were previously referred to the Department of Justice. Additionally, USDA has extended deadlines for producers to respond to loan servicing actions, including loan deferral consideration for financially distressed and delinquent borrowers. In addition, for the Guaranteed Loan program, flexibilities have been made available to lenders to assist in servicing their customers.

 

Today’s announcement by USDA expands previous actions undertaken by the Department to lessen financial hardship. According to USDA data, more than 12,000 borrowers—approximately 10% of all borrowers—are eligible for the relief announced today. Overall, FSA lends to more than 129,000 farmers, ranchers and producers.

 

“USDA and the Biden Administration are committed to bringing relief and support to farmers, ranchers and producers of all backgrounds and financial status, including by ensuring producers have access to temporary debt relief,” said Robert Bonnie, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary. “Not only is USDA suspending the pipeline of adverse actions that can lead to foreclosure and debt collection, we are also working with the Departments of Justice and Treasury to suspend any actions already referred to the applicable Agency. Additionally, we are evaluating ways to improve and address farm related debt with the intent to keep farmers on their farms earning living expenses, providing for emergency needs, and maintaining cash flow.”

 

The temporary suspension is in place until further notice and is expected to continue while the national COVID-19 disaster declaration is in place.

 

USDA’s Farm Service Agency provides several different loans for producers, which fall under two main categories:

 

  • Guaranteed loans are made and serviced by commercial lenders, such as banks, the Farm Credit System, credit unions and other non-traditional lenders. FSA guarantees the lender’s loan against loss, up to 95%.
  • Direct loans are made and serviced by FSA using funds from the federal government.

 

The most common loan types are Farm Ownership, Farm Operating and Farm Storage Facility Loans, with Microloans for each:

 

  • Farm Ownership: Helps producers purchase or enlarge a farm or ranch, construct a new or improve an existing farm or ranch building, pay closing costs and pay for soil and water conservation and protection.
  • Farm Operating: Helps producers purchase livestock and equipment and pay for minor real estate repairs and annual operating expenses.
  • Farm Storage Facility Loans are made directly to producers for the construction of cold or dry storage and includes handling equipment and mobile storage such as refrigerated trucks.
  • Microloans: Direct Farm Ownership, Operating Loans and Farm Storage Facility Loans have a shortened application process and reduced paperwork designed to meet the needs of smaller, non-traditional and niche-type operations.

 

Contact FSA

FSA encourages producers to contact their county office to discuss these programs and temporary changes to farm loan deadlines and the loan servicing options available. For Service Center contact information, visit farmers.gov/coronavirus. For servicing information, access farmers.gov.

 

 

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender

 

Area News, Health Care

Nevada Hospital Receives First COVID 19 Vaccines For Phase 1B

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NRMC to Host Phase 1B Vaccine Clinics

Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) has received their first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines for Phase 1B. Only individuals registered through waiting lists will be notified and scheduled for one of two upcoming mass vaccination clinics that will provide more than 500 individuals with their first dose of a two-part Moderna vaccine. Second doses will be given at follow-up clinics four weeks after the initial clinics. It is important to note that COVID-19 vaccination may only be done by appointment and walk-ins are not accepted.

As supplies continue to come in, NRMC will continue to reach out to those who have requested a vaccination. Anyone who believes they fall into one of the tiers in Phase 1B and wishes to be notified when an appointment for vaccination is available may call NRMC’s vaccine call center at (417) 448-2120 or visit the hospital’s website at www.nrmchealth.com to register online.

The vaccine call center is open 24/7 and staffed by live receptionists. In the interest of making scheduling as efficient as possible, NRMC requests that individuals register for the notification list only once as multiple requests are unnecessary and not helpful.

So who exactly is eligible right now? Here’s the breakdown:

Phase 1B – Tier 1: Protecting those who keep us safe and help during emergencies

• First Responders

• Non-Patient Facing Public Health Infrastructure

• Emergency Management and Public Works

• Emergency Services Sector

Phase 1B – Tier 2: Protecting those who are at increased risk for severe illness

• Anyone aged 65 and older

• Any adult with one or more of the following conditions: Cancer, Chronic Kidney Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Intellectual and/or developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Heart Conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies), Immunocompromised state from a solid organ transplant, Severe Obesity (BMI greater than 40), Pregnancy, Sickle Cell Disease, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“Getting a vaccine to everyone that wants one is not going to be a fast process,” said NRMC Chief Executive Officer Steve Branstetter. “However, we are dedicated to not wasting any vaccine that we receive and ensuring the most efficient and safe vaccination process that we can for our community. We are as anxious as everyone else to start a new chapter in this story, where we defeat our antagonist, the virus.”

NRMC reminds readers to frequently check local media and the hospital’s Facebook page for updates on COVID-19 vaccines.

###

About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Local Author Brian Allen: Book Idea Originated In History Club

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Brian Allen works as a teacher’s aide in an automotive technology class at Fort Scott High School. Because of a special interest in history, Allen sponsors the high school history club that meets monthly.

He is also president of the Bourbon County Historical Preservation Association.

 

Because of this love of history and wanting to create interest in the students, he started telling stories of local murders during a period of the late 1800s in Bourbon County.

 

 

“I started researching stories for the high school kids in history club (at the school) and found that they liked a good murder mystery or story,” Allen said. ” I did 30 years’ worth of short stories and asked Fred Campbell (a  local historian) to proof-read it for me. When he finished he insisted that I have it published.”

 

 

“The name of the book is Murder and Mayhem, and covers Bourbon County murders that occurred between 1868 and 1898,” he said.

 

 

 

“I never thought about doing it, but (Campbell’s) enthusiasm pushed me to go ahead and look into it,” he said. “This is the first book I have had published, but I do have three more manuscripts completed and am working on a fourth.”

 

 

“It was published in December of 2020 and was printed by SeKan printing here in Fort Scott,” he said. “Don Banwart designed the cover, and I included a photo of the original courthouse on it. It took me about a year to write it as it was never my original intention to publish it. It is available at the Hedgehog Ink as well as the (Fort Scott) Chamber of Commerce.”

 

Hedgehog INK is a bookstore at 16 S. Main and the chamber is located at 231 E. Wall.

 

“My future books will be about World War 1, a second murder book, and other crime and punishment stories in Bourbon County,” he said.

 

 

Allen also volunteers as a member of the Fort Scott Street Advisory Committee.

 

 

He graduated from FSHS in 1985 and graduated from Fort Scott Community College.

 

Allen is married and has three children and four grandchildren.

 

 

 

Obituary

Funeral Service for Joyce Wilkins

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Joyce Elaine Wilkins, age 72, a resident of Bronson, Kansas, passed away December 18, 2020, at the Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

 

Pastor Michael Miller will conduct a memorial service at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 3rd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private burial will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at 306 E. 23rd on January 28

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Join us for our weekly Chamber Coffee hosted by
Stutesman’s Action Realty
NOTE THE LOCATION
will be @ one of their commercial listings:
306 E. 23rd St.
Thursday, January 28th, 8 am
Masks are strongly encouraged and masks will be available for those without one.
Click HEREfor their website.
Click HEREfor their Facebook page.
Jennifer Yarsulik, Broker/Owner of Stutesman’s Action Realty, founded the business in 1992. Stutesman’s Action Realty was established on honesty, professionalism, treating all people fairly, and providing the absolute best service in the area.
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!
Call the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce 620.223.3566
Upcoming Chamber Coffee Schedule
  • February 4th “OPEN” Call the Chamber to schedule
  • February 11th hosted by Sunshine Boutique
  • February 18th “OPEN” Call the Chamber to schedule
  • February 25th hosted by Ascension Via Christi ER Dept. celebrating 2nd yr in FS, Drive-Thru Chamber Coffee
  • March 4th “OPEN” Call the Chamber to schedule
  • March 11th “OPEN” Call the Chamber to schedule
  • March 18th hosted by Briggs Auto of FS – Celebrating Birthday week Anniversary (6 years)
  • March 25th hosted by NRMC – location TBA
COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Kansas COVID-19 Recovery Orders

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Governor Laura Kelly Re-Issues, Signs Executive Orders to Promote COVID-19 Recovery

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed Executive Orders #21-01 and #21-02 as part of her administration’s commitment to protect Kansans and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and facilitate effective virus recovery efforts.

E.O. #21-01 allows Kansas employers to continue to withhold income taxes based on the state of the employee’s primary work location, and not based on the state in which the employee is temporarily teleworking as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has altered many aspects of our lives – including how and where we do our jobs,” Governor Kelly said. “This order helps ensure that tax season can go on without a hitch for Kansas businesses that have adjusted working schedules and employee work sites to keep people safe during the pandemic by allowing them to proceed with income tax withholdings as usual.”

Several executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic were set to expire on Jan. 26 in conjunction the expiration of the state of disaster emergency. Because the Legislature enacted Senate Bill 14 to extend the state of disaster emergency until March 31, 2021, certain previous executive orders must also be extended. Under E.O. #21-02, the following executive orders already in place will be extended until rescinded or until the statewide state of disaster emergency expires, whichever is earlier:

  • 20-37 – Allowing certain deferred tax deadlines and payments during state of disaster emergency
  • 20-39 – Extending professional and occupational licenses during state of disaster emergency
  • 20-40 – Temporarily allowing notaries and witnesses to act via audio-video communication technology during state of disaster emergency
  • 20-43 – Temporary relief from certain restrictions concerning shared work programs during state of disaster emergency
  • 20-56 – Amended Licensure, Certification, and Registration for persons and Licensure of “Adult Care Homes” during state of disaster emergency
  • 20-61 – Temporarily prohibiting certain foreclosures and evictions
  • 20-66 – Amended provisions related to drivers’ license and vehicle registration and regulation during state of disaster emergency
  • 20-70 – Provisions related to drivers’ license and identification cards during the state of disaster emergency

“These Executive Orders allow Kansas to continue responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and assist our efforts to keep Kansans healthy, keep businesses open, and get our kids back to school as quickly as possible,” Governor Kelly said.

Today’s actions also affect rules regarding unemployment benefits for Kansans. Executive Order 20-50, which had been in place since June 30, 2020, had suspended the requirement to continue searching for work in order to receive unemployment insurance benefits. That order expired yesterday and will not be extended. Executive Order 20-71, issued previously, waives the requirement that new unemployment claimants wait a week before receiving benefits and will continue in effect because the Legislature did not include a waiting week waiver in the pandemic legislation passed last week.

View E.O. #21-01 here.

View E.O. #20-02 here.

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

UHS BASKETBALL GAME 10 RESULTS vs. Jayhawk-Linn

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

The Uniontown Eagles played the Jayhawk-Linn Jayhawks on Tuesday, January 26. Both of the Lady Eagle teams were victorious, and so were the boys’ teams.

The Lady Eagles Varsity team beat the Jayhawks 55-36. Danielle Howard led with 22 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals. Karleigh Schoenberger scored 19 points and had 5 boards. Sammie Hampton scored 10 points and also had 5 rebounds, as well as 4 steals. Freshman Rylee Coulter had 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals.

“We played well in the first half of our Varsity matchup, outscoring Jayhawk-Linn 29-12,” said Coach Miller. “We came out flat in the second half, but finished the game strong scoring 20 points in the final quarter to seal the win. We will enjoy the win for the evening, but we will get back to work tomorrow to prepare for a home matchup against Chetopa on Friday night.”

Of the JV game, Coach said, “Our Junior Varsity girls came out hungry tonight. Their dominating performance earned them a win, increasing their record to 2-0 in the league.” Some notable statistics of the game include Rylee Coulter’s and Brooklynn Dreisbach’s 6 rebounds and 5 steals each, Addysin Hall’s 4 steals, and Camryn Davis’ 5 rebounds.

The Varsity boys defeated the Jayhawks 58-44. Clay Sutterby and Cade Goodridge led the team in points, scoring 13 and 12 respectively. Sutterby also had 11 rebounds and 2 steals, and Goodridge was 2/3 from the free throw line. Jake Harvey scored 10 points and had 11 boards, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Dawson Dreisbach had 8 points and 3 blocks.

Coach Hays said, “We didn’t play our best game tonight. We turned the ball over and weren’t able to convert easy shots into points. I was really encouraged by our bench play. I thought Cade Goodridge and Drew Holt came in during the first half and gave us some really good minutes. Without those guys stepping up, it’s a totally different ballgame. We have plenty to work on in practice before Friday, but I know we will get some things fixed and be ready for Friday against Chetopa.”

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

Government, Kansas

Kansas Flags At Half-Staff to Honor Police Chief

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Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-staff in Honor of Leon Police Chief Jerry Farthing

TOPEKA – In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff in the City of Leon, Kansas, on Friday, January 29, until sunset in honor of Leon Police Chief Jerry Farthing.

“Chief Jerry Farthing served the people of Leon and Butler County well both as the leader of the Leon Police Department and as a volunteer firefighter in Cassoday,” Governor Kelly said. “He was a dedicated public servant and deeply involved in his community. I offer my condolences to Chief Farthing’s friends and family, and the Leon community, during this difficult time. He will be missed.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor

Fort Scott, K-State Extension

Starlite FCE Minutes of Jan. 21

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The January meeting of Starlite FCE was held on January 21st at the Yeager building at the Fairgrounds.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and Joyce Allen led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  Eleven members and one guest were in attendance.  The members reported seven hours of volunteer work and that they had recycled three hundred and eighty pounds of paper.  The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

 

Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’ report and reminded us to bring in our Best Choice labels.   Glenda Miller reported that the County Council had cancelled the Spring Tea for this year due to Covid.  She also went over the information presented in the FCE newsletter.

 

Old business consisted of the Valentines for the Tri-Valley clients.  Cards were signed by members and placed in treat bags.  Letha Johnson moved that the person in charge of event be given authority to purchase items for said event and receive reimbursement out of the club account.  Del Parks seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

It was announced that Lois Williams a longtime previous member had passed as well as Del Parks brother.  Megan Brillhart announced that Presbyterian Village residents have received their first round of Covid shots and that they should be able to start getting out in about six weeks.

 

Glenda Miller presented members with unity valentines and a trivia quiz on Kansas in celebration of Kansas Day January 29th.

 

Joy Miller presented the lesson to the club of “Taking a new look at Fermented Foods.”  Fermented foods include sauerkraut, wine, kimchi, sour dough bread and yogurt, to name a few.  Joy also passed out troubleshooting guide on fermentation, Information about the upcoming Aging with Attitude Regional expo and Dining with Diabetes online classes.

 

Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Jackie Warren seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.  After the meeting the members enjoyed cupcakes, cookies, M&M and water provided by Jackie Warren and Deb Woods.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

Bourbon County Local News