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News Release for immediate publication

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For Immediate Release:         
June 2, 2020

 

Contact:         

Lauren Fitzgerald, Press Secretary         

785.581.4730           

lauren.fitzgerald@ks.gov   

 

66 Kansas cities and counties to receive Community Development
Block Grants to support coronavirus response

 

Governor Laura Kelly announced today the award of nearly $9 million in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV) funds to 66 Kansas communities.

 

“Kansans have faced unprecedented challenges during the past few months due to COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “Our communities need relief – and they need it now. I’m pleased to announce additional resources to help Kansans navigate through the recovery process. These grants will help our communities rebuild their economies and support Kansas families.”

 

Grants were available in two categories – Economic Development and Meal Programs. Economic Development grants provide communities with funding to help local businesses retain jobs for low-to-moderate income people by covering working capital expenses such as inventory, wages and utilities. Meal Program grants 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.

 

“The COVID-19 crisis has left many communities searching for resources to support their residents and businesses,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The CDBG-CV award provides cities and counties the ability to determine where the greatest need in their community lies and to provide some relief as we move into the recovery phase of the crisis.”

 

CDBG funds are one of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities. CDBG-CV grants are part of the state’s allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and are designed to help Kansas communities respond to the needs of their residents and businesses during the reopening phase of the state.

 

The following communities are recipients of CDBG-CV awards.

 

 

Recipient

Award Amount

Abilene

$132,000

Allen County

$132,000

Anderson County

$132,000

Atchison

$132,000

Baldwin City

$132,000

Beloit

$132,000

Bourbon County

$132,000

Chanute

$132,000

Cherokee County

$169,200

Cimarron

$132,000

Clay County

$132,000

Cloud County

$132,000

Coffeyville

$167,000

Crawford County

$132,000

Derby

$132,000

Dodge City

$132,000

Ellsworth  

$132,000

Ellsworth County

$132,000

Emporia

$167,000

Eudora

$132,000

Eureka

$167,000

Fort Scott

$132,000

Franklin County

$132,000

Garden City

$132,000

Garnett

$132,000

Girard

$169,200

Gove County

$132,000

Graham County

$167,000

Harper

$152,000

Horton

$167,000

Hoxie

$173,600

Hutchinson

$132,000

Independence

$167,000

Jackson County

$132,000

Jewell County

$132,000

Junction City

$167,000

Labette County

$132,000

Liberal

$132,000

Linn County

$132,000

Louisburg

$132,000

Marion County

$167,000

Marquette

$66,000

Marshall County

$132,000

McPherson

$132,000

Mitchell County

$132,000

Montgomery County

$132,000

Mulvane

$132,000

Neosho County

$169,200

Oberlin

$80,600

Osborne County

$132,000

Ottawa

$132,000

Parsons

$132,000

Phillips County

$132,000

Pittsburg

$170,300

Pleasanton

$132,000

Reno County

$132,000

Russell County

$173,600

Scott County

$132,000

Sheridan County

$132,000

Sherman County

$132,000

Smith County

$132,000

Thomas County

$132,000

Unified Greeley County

$55,000

Wallace County

$132,000

Wilson

$77,000

Wilson County

$132,000

 

To date, the Department of Commerce has received 106 award applications totaling more than $32 million. Applications were processed on a first-come, first-served basis. While all funds for this round of CDBG-CV have been awarded, the Department of Commerce expects to receive approximately $7 million in additional funding in a second round of CDBG funds through the CARES Act. More information will be announced as it’s made available from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

 

For more information on the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement program visit www.kansascommerce.gov/cdbg-cv/.

 

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

 

###

 

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

APPLICATION FOR CDBG FUNDS

BOURBON COUNTY

 

Bourbon County will hold a public hearing on Friday May 22, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. in the County Commission Room, County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave, Fort Scott, KS, for the purpose of considering an application to be submitted to the Kansas Department of Commerce for Small Cities Community Development Block Grant funds under the CDBG-CV category. The specific project application to be discussed is for the Economic Development program within the county limits of Bourbon County, excluding the city limits of Fort Scott. The maximum amount of the grant request will be for $300,000 for both micro and regular business assistance category.

 

Due to health and safety concerns, the County Courthouse is closed to the public.  The meeting will be livestreamed via the Bourbon County’s Official Facebook site and can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/bourboncountyks/.

 

Oral and written comments will be recorded and become a part of the County’s CDBG Citizen Participation Plan.

 

Reasonable accommodations will be made available to persons with disabilities. Requests should be submitted to the County Clerk, at 620-223-3800, before noon, May 21, 2020.

 

 

Bourbon County Press Release

For Immediate Release

4/14/2020

March 14, 2020 Bourbon County Commission declared a state of disaster as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.  Shortly after on March 26, 2020 the Southeast Kansas Multi County Health Department Officer issued an order to stay at home.  Since that time there has been measurable progress at the county level, building a framework and preparing for when the Governor of Kansas tells Kansans we can reopen.

Bourbon County Commissioners realized the severity of the situation and acted swiftly in declaring an emergency existed.  This resulted in opening doors to federal resources. Bourbon County Emergency Management has worked diligently to keep our frontline healthcare workers safe with the necessary personal protective equipment, PPE.  Available relief has been communicated through Facebook, email, radio, webinars, and hosting teleconference meetings with state level government officials such as with David Toland our Secretary of Commerce.  In three weeks, we have spoken to almost one hundred different businesses and organizations on a regular basis.  At this time, we have reports of almost $4.6 million in relief to businesses awarded or applied for in our community. 

On April 14, Bourbon County Economic Development, Jody Hoener, presented the commission a framework and roadmap with a goal to facilitate an effective path forward. All three commissioners voiced their full support of the plan in moving forward.  “It’s an educational type of thing” stated Lynne Oharah, Bourbon County Commission Chair and COVID-19 Manager, “Educating the community on the plan. We need to move forward with this.  Jody’s done a great job getting the framework in place and now we need to get all the players on board and get it out to the targeted groups.”

Our community has responded to the crisis informed, safely, and appropriately.  Our framework, the roadmap to facilitate an effective path forward to reopening, has likewise been informed by experts in their field, researched heavily to ensure safety, and appropriate needs have been identified.  We do not have timeline, but we know what the triggers are to move to the next phase.  Planning for each phase now should begin so the infrastructure is in place when it is time to transition.  Phases are identified in the most well renowned plan called National Coronavirus Response: A Road Map to Recovery by the American Enterprise Institute.

The phase we are in right now is called “Slow the Spread.”  Experts are saying to move on we must see a slowed rate of infection and our healthcare infrastructure must be scaled up to safely manage the outbreak and care for the sick.  This includes using technology available to us, at its full potential, to keep our healthcare workforce, ambulance crews, and law enforcement officers safe.

The next phase is a State by State Reopening and will be determined by Governor Laura Kelly.  However, we anticipate there will continue to be some physical distancing measures and limitations mandated on gathering to prevent another accelerated outbreak.  

Phase three is when physical distancing restrictions can be lifted.  We can reach this point when we are using technology to screen our vulnerable populations and essential workers and collect data regionally, statewide, and perhaps even nationwide.  Of course, testing, once available, will be a key component. It is so important that it is worth repeating: Planning for each phase now should begin so the infrastructure is in place when it is time to transition. 

The County team diligently on the needed infrastructure for when we are allowed to transition out of the current phase of slowing the spread to the next phase and beyond. For the last three weeks, we have been very intentional and strategic with our efforts with a goal to facilitate an effective path forward.

We have identified our needs in a one pager:

These include:

  1. Rapid data collection of essential workers
  2. Increase communication between public/private healthcare sectors
  3. Improve patient communication
  4. Promote a consistent message

We have articulated the required inputs to reach our goals in our Quad Chart.

These required inputs include:

  1. Access to technology that can be used to tele-triage and screen our healthcare providers, the essential workforce, and the vulnerable populations. This allows for a more targeted approach to containing the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
  2. Build many partnerships with experts and essential businesses such as: MRGlobal, Heart to Heart International, the healthcare sector, KDHE, public health, emergency management, nursing homes and assisted livings, law enforcement agencies, and major employers.
  3. Funding through public/private relationships.
  4. Equipment to keep frontline workers safe with needed PPE, a data base with software to support the self-reporting tele- screening, collection, entry and analysis of data taken during triage, testing, and recovery, and finally ensure our healthcare providers have increased testing capabilities.

There are two critical components that will be required for our community to move forward:

  1. Screening and Data Collection
  2. Testing and Test Kits

The Federal Government has yet to bring forth a plan.  The most prominent plan widely used is the American Enterprise Institute’s Road Map to Reopening. This report calls for the need to screen and collect data on target populations. Like many chambers of commerce, cities, counties, and state governments, Bourbon County has created a roadmap and the framework to facilitate an effective path forward.  “We have to have a starting point, and this is our starting point” Lynne Oharah. “This is a long-term process. Our team does an extraordinary amount of data mining and researching expert advice.”

Experts are telling us that to reopen society will require regular testing and a reliable, fast nationwide reporting network.  One of the ways identified to contain the virus is to screen patients.  Because the virus is so contagious even those who may have the virus need to be quarantined.

This roadmap has been our guide the last three weeks and we have made progress in our effort to facilitate an effective path forward by obtaining one of the key components.  We have been working with Dr. Roger Harris, past Vice President of MRIGlobal, on an ongoing basis and through this relationship we have been able to gain access to a screening and data collection software, at no cost to the county, through Heart to Heart International and MRIGlobal.  Both organizations are well regarded in their field and have relationships with the Department of Defense.  They have experience in responding to pandemics like Ebola with the same type of technology. Dr. Norman himself, our Secretary of KDHE, remarked positively on the two company’s credibility and reputation.

One of the features of the platform is it provides a self-assessment and guides people where to go should they show symptoms of Coronavirus. An algorithm is used to manage key patients over time. We have had measurable conversations with Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Bourbon County Emergency Management.   Randy Cason, President of Ascension Via Christi and Becky Johnson, Public Health Department Nurse have been engaged.  Community Health Centers of Southeast Kansas, our primary health provider, has been a critical component in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will also be an essential partner moving forward.  Our next steps will be to continue to reach out and engage our essential healthcare providers.  The new technology should be built and available to our community in the next week. 

 

March 23, 2020

 

For immediate release

 

Bourbon County State of Emergency Declaration

 

Sunday , March 22, 2020, Bourbon County Emergency Management announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19, Coronavirus, in Bourbon County. The announcement was followed by a Bourbon County Commission meeting where, after a short executive session, a COVID-19 Emergency Resolution was unanimously adopted.  The resolution declares a state of local health public emergency within Bourbon County for 60 days or until recovered earlier.

 

Pursuant to the power granted to the Local Public Health Officer in KSA 65-119 et seq and the Emergency Declarations of the Governments, Becky Johnson, Public Health Officer, issued a mandate to go into full force and effect at 8:00 PM Sunday March 22, 2020.  The order restricts or prohibits business activities for all non-essential businesses and made restrictions for essential business.  The full mandate is available online at bourboncountyks.org/covid-19.  Businesses with questions or concerns regarding the mandate can call the health department at (620)223-4464 for guidance.

 

Links to the United States Department of Labor (USDOL), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the Department for Children and Families and GetKansasBenefits.gov will be available on one page to make it easier for Kansans to keep updated on the virus and resources available to assist them during this challenging time at www.getkansasbenefits.gov  For the most up to date information on the COVID-19 Coronavirus, go to https://govstatus.egov.com/coronavirus.

 

We understand the substantial impact COVID-19 has on businesses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) have offered low interest loans as a response.  SBA Disaster relief loans are now open for all Kansas communities and available to apply online  at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.  The loan is low interest; no higher than 3.75%.  Each loan is made on a case by case basis, with terms up to 30 years, are based on ability to pay.  The maximum amount of the loan is $2 million.  There are no lending institutions involved in this process, the loan is straight through the SBA.  

 

The State of Kansas is offering the Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency (HIRE) loan.  This is a zero percent interest loan for a maximum of  $20,000 for 36 months.  There will be no principle or interest payment due for the first four months.  You can apply online here:  https://www.kansascommerce.gov/covid-19-response/hospitality-industry-relief-emergency-hire-fund/https://www.kansascommerce.gov/covid-19-response/hospitality-industry-relief-emergency-hire-fund/

 

Loan funds can be used for current fixed debt and short-term working capital.  Examples include making payments to commercial loan payments, commercial lease payments, utility bills, payroll, accounts payable or inventory.  “We are encouraging businesses to consolidate fixed debts into lower interest rate loans, while including short term working capital, when applying for relief loans,” Jody Hoener, Economic Development Director said. “We have intentionally made ourselves available to assist in the application process. Every day more and more businesses are reaching out.”

 

More information on the Bourbon County Economic Development or Emergency Management resources and assistance is available by contacting Jody Hoener, Economic Development Director, at 620-215-5725/jhoener@bourboncountyks.org or William Wallace, Emergency Management, at 620-223-3800 ext 124/em1@bourboncountyks.org

 

# # #

 

 

About Bourbon County Emergency Management (EM)

There are four key purposes to emergency management: Preparedness. Response. Recovery. Mitigation. Bourbon County Emergency Management (EM) is trained for disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. The COVID-19 pandemic poses a serious public health risk.  EM are the contact for state and federal emergency response programs for recovery of disaster situations.  For most up to date information check out the Bourbon County Corona Virus Updates page.

Bourbon County Burning violations now subject to Citations

On Friday, August 10, 2012, the Bourbon County Board of Commissioners discussed the county-wide burn ban that they issued on all types of open fires and prescribed burning, which will continue until lifted by the Commissioners at a later date.  The Bourbon County Emergency Manager, Keith Jeffers, presented a suggestion from several of the county Fire Chiefs, that due to an apparent increase in the number of fires being caused by citizens burning trash, that the Commissioners direct the Sheriff to begin issuing Citations or tickets to land owners that are in violation of the Burn Ban.

Following discussion between Harold Coleman, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners and Ron Gray, Bourbon County Sheriff and William Martin, Undersheriff, as to the penalties that could be imposed, the Board of Commissioners agreed that this is a necessary step to prevent wildfires in Bourbon County.  The exact penalties that will be levied against individuals that are cited are still under legal review, and will be discussed with Bourbon County Attorney, Terri Johnson.

As stated in the Burn Ban which is Bourbon County Resolution 16-12, “all knowing and willful violations of the order (intentional burning) constitute a Class A Misdemeanor, and any person convicted of such violation shall be punished as provided by law. (K.S.A. 48-939).”

Covered Barbeque Grills are still allowed to be used, although it is highly recommended by the fire departments to maintain a close watch on grills to prevent any sparks from escaping into the dry vegetation nearby.

Extreme Fire Danger and Red Flag Fire Warnings are expected to continue at least through the month of August in most of the state of Kansas and Missouri.

Once there is sufficient rain across the region, the Bourbon County Commissioners will review the burn ban, and revoke it an an open meeting, when it is safe to do so.

The current drought situation continues to worsen.  The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) has now placed the north half of Bourbon County into a condition of D-4 Drought, or Exceptional Drought.  The south half of the county is at level D-3 Drought- Extreme.  This information is available at the website www.drought.gov.

During the Burn Ban, any person wanting to conduct open or outdoor burning activities, must obtain a Fire Permit from their local city or county fire department chief.  Certain permits could also be obtained through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

For more information regarding the burn ban or fire permits, contact your local fire chief or the Bourbon County Emergency Manager at 620-223-3800 extension 46.

Resolution 16-12

Bourbon County, Kansas

BURNING BAN

NATURE OF THE IMMINENT THREAT OF DISASTER:

Due to the extreme heat and little rain for the month of June, fire-hazard conditions in Bourbon County are very high.  Because of the limitations of water usage by rural fire districts, there is concern for the capabilities of those fire districts to address any fire.  Once started, with the present weather conditions, a fire will be difficult to control by fire departments.  Water usage is of great concern to all fire departments, and the availability of enough water to contain a fire.

The dry conditions, above-normal temperatures and fire danger will continue unabated until sufficient rainfall occurs across the area.

It is hereby proclaimed, directed and ordered by the Bourbon County Commissioners, in accordance with K.S.A. 48-932, that the following acts are prohibited within the boundaries of this County by all citizens and visitors:

1.     All outside burning, unless specifically approved in writing by the Fire Chief, with the exception of covered barbeque grills.

The knowing and willful violation of this order shall constitute a Class A misdemeanor and any person convicted of such violation shall be punished as provided by law. [K.S.A. 48-939]

This Proclamation shall be in full force and effect until lifted.

Passed in open session by the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas, this 6th day of July 2012.

THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Harold Coleman, Chairman 

(ss) Allen Warren, Commissioner 

(ss) Jingles Endicott, Commissioner

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

Resolution 15-12

Bourbon County, Kansas

BURNING BAN

NATURE OF THE IMMINENT THREAT OF DISASTER:

Due to the extreme heat and little rain for the month of June, fire-hazard conditions in Bourbon County are very high.  Because of the limitations of water usage by rural fire districts, there is concern for the capabilities of those fire districts to address any fire.  Once started, with the present weather conditions, a fire will be difficult to control by fire departments.  Water usage is of great concern to all fire departments, and the availability of enough water to contain a fire.

The dry conditions, above-normal temperatures and fire danger will continue unabated until sufficient rainfall occurs across the area.

It is hereby proclaimed, directed and ordered by the Bourbon County Commissioners, in accordance with K.S.A. 48-932, that the following acts are prohibited within the boundaries of this County by all citizens and visitors:

1.     All outside burning, unless specifically approved in writing by the Fire Chief, with the exception of fireworks and barbeque grills through July 5, 2012 only.

The knowing and willful violation of this order shall constitute a Class A misdemeanor and any person convicted of such violation shall be punished as provided by law. [K.S.A. 48-939]

This Proclamation shall be in full force and effect until lifted.

Passed in open session by the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas, this 29thday of June 2012.

THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Harold Coleman, Chairman 

(ss) Allen Warren, Commissioner 

(ss) Jingles Endicott, Commissioner

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORT SCOTT-The Bourbon County Clerk’s Office asks voters to check their mailboxes in the next few days for a new voter’s registration certificate.

Due to redistricting of Kansas Senate and Kansas House, a majority of voters in Bourbon County will see some change to their registration.  A new card is being mailed to each voter for this reason.  In addition, a memo reminding voters to provide Photo ID when voting is included on the certificate.

Examples of acceptable ID are: a valid Driver’s License, valid Non-Driver’s License, US Passport, Government-issued photo identification, Public Assistance ID card, Kansas high school or accredited post-secondary student ID or Military ID.  Voters over the age of 65 may use an expired Driver’s or Non-Driver’s License.  If you don’t have ID at the time of voting, you’ll still be allowed to vote a Provisional Ballot.  You’ll need to show ID at the Election Office prior to the Canvass.

A breakdown of changes in districts follows:

                        1st Ward           South of Marmaton River-no change

                        1st Ward           North of Marmaton River-now KS Senate 12

                        2nd Ward           Now KS House 4

                        3rd Ward           Now KS House 4

                        4th Ward           No Change

                        5th Ward           No Change

                        6th Ward           No Change

                        7th Ward           No Change

                        Drywood           Now KS House 4

                        Franklin             Now KS Senate 12

                        Freedom           Now KS Senate 12

                        E. Marion          Now KS Senate 12 and KS House 2

                        W. Marion         Now KS Senate 12 and KS House 2

                        Marmaton         Now KS Senate 12

                        Millcreek           Now KS Senate 12

                        Osage              Now KS Senate 12

                        Pawnee           No Change

    NE Scott           Now KS Senate 12

    NW Scott          Now KS Senate 12

    S Scott             Now KS House 4

    Timberhill        Now KS Senate 12

    Walnut             Now KS House 2

The last day to register to vote, or to update your current registration, including party changes, is Tuesday, July 17th.  The Primary Election is Tuesday, August 7th.

##

Beginning 5/16/2012, the Bourbon County Vehicle Tag Office will close at 3:30 pm, until further notice.  Office hours will be 8:30 am – 3:30 pm.

The new system is very slow and the State Vehicle Office and the software company are continually working to take care of issues as they come up.

We appreciate your patience and apologize for the wait and inconvenience.

“(Terri Johnson has) been notified by the Kansas Attorney’s Office that they have made decisions regarding (her) request for them to review criminal charges and ouster proceedings involving Susan Quick.  They have advised (her) they are declining to proceed at this time.

Questions should be directed to Jeff Wagaman, Office of the Attorney General, 120 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612, 785-296-2216.”

The State of Kansas has announced upcoming furloughs for the District Courts across the state.  On April 13, April 27, May 11, May 25 and June 8, District Court will be closed.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

RESOLUTION 01-12

Bourbon County, Kansas

Holidays and Closed Days for Bourbon County Employees, including Landfill Employees

The following days will be observed as Holidays for the year 2012 for Bourbon County:

                                        New Year’s                                 January 2, 2012

                                        Martin Luther King, Jr. Day           January 16, 2012

                                        Presidents’ Day                           February 20, 2012

                                        Memorial Day                              May 28, 2012

                                        Independence Day                       July 4, 2012

                                        Labor Day                                   September 3, 2012

                                        Columbus Day                             October 8, 2012

                                        Veteran’s Day                             November 12, 2012

                                        Thanksgiving                              November 22, 2012

                                                                                        November 23, 2012

                                        Christmas Eve                            December 24, 2012

                                        Christmas                                  December 25, 2012

                                        New Year’s                               January 1, 2013

The hours of operation for the Transfer Station (Landfill) are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturdays.  The Transfer Station is closed on Sundays.

The Transfer Station will be closed on Saturdays preceding a Monday holiday and following a Friday holiday.

Passed in open session this 9th day of January 2012.

                                                                                   The Board of County Commissioners of

                                                                                   Bourbon County, Kansas

                                                                                   Harold Coleman, Chairman 

                                                                                   Jingles Endicott, Commissioner 

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk