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Government

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

January 12, 2024

 

New Session new hope.  Anything is possible.  I have high hope for a successful session for Kansas.  The Senate has passed exempting Social Security from state income tax several times in the past few years.  It’s nice the Governor has seen how important this is to Kansans and has joined in support.  There are many other items I have been leading an effort to pass into law.  We lost most of the provisions last year because some people want their way or the “highway”, not what they claim is the middle of the road.  Hopefully, others will join me in putting our constituents first.

 

Working with the House Tax Chairman and others, we will put together a tax plan to simplify the income tax code.  It will be a sustainable tax cut for all and help those in need.  Leadership provided a ‘vehicle’, a bill that allows Tax Conference Committee to meet and work on a tax package.  It is unusual for conference this early in session, but it makes sense because Kansas legislators have recently debated and passed the policy being considered.

 

A Property Tax Freeze program for seniors in need and disabled veterans, named Homestead II, passed in 2022.  Last year the legislature passed expansion of the program so more people would qualify.  The Governor vetoed it and there wasn’t time for an override.  I’m working with others to pass this legislation into law.

 

Property Taxable Valuation Limits on Increases passed the Senate last year in a Constitutional Amendment. We started at a 3% limit in SCR 1610.  It fell one vote short, so we passed a 4% limit in SCR 1611.  It requires 2/3 majority in both chambers to get it on the ballot for voters to decide.  It passed with a super majority 28 to 11.  Hopefully, the House and Senate will lower the limit and pass the SCR giving voters a chance to be heard on taxable valuation increases.

 

Transparency – bills, hearings, floor debate, and other information can be found at www.KSLegislature.org.  I can be reached by email at [email protected] or phone 785.296.6838 during session.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

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Outcasts and Misfits by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

 

 

My earliest memory of feeling sorry and sad for someone who was considered a misfit was hearing the song “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Music has always deeply affected me. The specific lyrics I’m referring to are: “All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names. They wouldn’t let poor Rudolph play in any reindeer games.“ My little child heart was tender and compassionate and the thought of Rudolph being treated as a misfit, just because he was different, really hurt me.

 

I think that the manner in which this Christmas song affected me as a young child is partially what Jesus was referring to in these scriptures: “Jesus called a little child to Him and put the child among them. Then He said, ’I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven‘“ (Matthew 18:2-4.) Jesus taught that all believers must be childlike (innocent, trusting, tender). He is not condoning a childish (immature) lifestyle; there’s a ton of difference between childlike and childish.

 

Jesus said, “…I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts” (Matthew 9:13 TEV.)  If you don’t feel like you fit in, be comforted in knowing that Jesus came for you too. You’re not left out — you’re wanted and included. Jesus loves you enough that He was willing to die for you so you could have an overflowing life of God’s goodness.  The Prince of Peace came to piece together the broken lives of outcasts, misfits, and sinners. Jesus makes it clear that all are sinners who need to come to Him for salvation. However, those who think they’re already on the right path will reject Jesus’ invitation to a restored life. Jesus’ unmerited mercy transforms everyone who comes to Him for salvation.

 

If friends have thrown you under the bus, Jesus will reach under it and pull you out. If family have rejected you and made you feel like you don’t fit in, Jesus will accept you. If life has slammed you to the floor, Jesus will pick you up and walk with you all the way to heaven. If you think Jesus’ true-blue promise of restoration is too good to be true, just ask Him and find out for yourself. “…I [Jesus] came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10 RSV.)

 

Whether you’re an outcast, misfit, sinner, or the nicest person in the whole world, Jesus came for you. His own mother, the virgin Mary, was ostracized when the news broke out that she was with child and unmarried. Although she and Joseph knew that the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit, society rejected the truth of this supernatural birth. Nevertheless, Mary praised the Lord, realized she was blessed, and delivered the Messiah according to God’s perfect plan of redemption.

 

Jesus loves you without exception and He will accept you as you are. You don’t have to try to be righteous first; simply accept His invitation and come to Him in honest confession and repentance. The Savior is an expert at taking the broken pieces of outcasts, misfits, and sinners and making them whole and holy.

 

The Key: Jesus can make a misfit fit perfectly on earth and in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Art, Bourbon County

Call for Entries – Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Art Exhibit – 2024

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The Bourbon County Arts Council announces its 32nd Annual Fine Arts Competition and Exhibit, to be held at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, Thursday, February 29th, through Saturday, March 9th.

The mixed media competition is open to artists aged 16 and older.  Categories include Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Art, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil & Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor.

A new themed category has been included; the theme this year is “ART OF EVERYDAY LIFE”.  An artist may create a piece in any of the above media categories, as it relates to the theme.

Entry fees are $7.50 per piece for Bourbon County Arts Council members and $10.00 per piece for non-members.

Artists may enter up to five pieces, but only three in any one category.  Entry deadline and payment are due by February 23rd, 2024.

Cash awards totaling over $3500.00 will be made, for Best of Show in 2D and 3D, First and Second Place winners in each category, and a Popular Vote winner.

Entry requested by calling Deb Anderson at 620-224-8650, Deb Halsey at (620)224-0684, or e-mailing [email protected].

PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer accepting pieces shipped to BCAC for entry into the exhibit.

The schedule for this year’s Exhibit is as follows:  Entry forms and payment, as stated above, are due by February 23rd

. No late entries will be accepted.  Artwork will be accepted at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on Sunday February 25th, between 1 and 4 pm.

 Juror critique of the artwork will occur on Wednesday February 28th; this is closed to artists and the public.

The BCAC will host a Chamber Coffee Thursday February 29th at 8:00 am at the Ellis Center.

A reception, open to the public, will be held for participating artists and the Juror that evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

The Exhibit will be open for public viewing on Thursday, February 29th through Friday March 8th, from 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm, and on Saturday, March 9th, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.

The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is located at 2108 Horton St., Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

 

 

 

K-State Extension

Fight the Post-Holiday Blues

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Clara Misenhelter (Wicoff) Submitted photo 2023

 

 

By Clara Misenhelter

Southwind Extension District

 

The transition from the holidays to the start of a new year can be difficult to navigate for many reasons. Post-holiday blues are just one reason why you might be feeling down this time of year. Do you remember Garfield the cat’s famous hate for Mondays? Post-holiday blues have been compared to these “Sunday scaries” or the “Sunday blues,” which are the letdown feelings that some people experience on Sunday because their weekend is ending. Similarly, post-holiday blues are the letdown feeling that many people experience after the holidays. According to Colorado State University, this can be accompanied by lower energy, increased fatigue, and resistance to going back to work.

 

So, what can be done to combat the post-holiday blues? Dr. Crystal Schiller, an associate professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, recommends planning to spend time with a friend you did not see over the holidays, doing something small (like listening to your favorite music) to bring yourself joy, and getting tasks done. The final item in this list can help raise your spirits by bringing you a sense of accomplishment. Other things you can try to combat post-holiday blues include practicing gratitude daily, engaging in physical activity, and watching something funny. Both physical activity and laughter release endorphins, which have been described as “the body’s natural painkillers” in one article from Harvard Health Publishing.

 

Practicing mindfulness is yet another thing you can try to combat post-holiday blues. In his book “Wherever You Go, There You Are,” Jon Kabat-Zinn writes: “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally. This kind of attention nurtures greater awareness, clarity, and acceptance of present-moment reality.” He also writes that it “provides a simple but powerful route for getting ourselves unstuck.” This route to getting unstuck is one that may be particularly useful in fighting post-holiday blues. Try committing just five minutes of your day to practicing mindfulness by focusing on your breathing and letting your thoughts float away like clouds. To learn more about practicing mindfulness, visit bit.ly/southwindmindfulness.

 

It is important to note that post-holiday blues differ from depression. If your symptoms worsen or do not go away, seek professional help. If you or someone you know is in crisis or seeking emotional support, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also chat with them online at 988lifeline.org/chat.

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

No Bourbon County Commission Meeting on January 15

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

 

There will not be a meeting held on Monday, January 15, 2024 due to the courthouse being closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! January 12th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Currently closed Wednesdays & Thursdays

until futher notice.

Visit your National Park!

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

1/13 ~ Kody West LIVE at Memorial Hall, doors open at 6:30pm, concert starts at 7:30pm, click here for tickets!

1/13 ~ Go Kansas City Chiefs! Several local establishments have shared that they will be streaming the game! Show your spirit for the game! Kick off is 7pm.

1/17 ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service “Canned & Non-Perishable Food Drive”, Gordon Parks Museum from 9am-1pm, click here for more info.

1/17 ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration Soup Dinner, Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, soup/drinks/dessert provided, free event provided by Great Western Dining, 12-1pm, click here for more info.

1/17 ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with Gospel Hymns and Inspirational Choir and Band Music Event at Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, free event and open to the public, 1pm, click here for more info!

1/16 ~ Snowman Storytime at Fort Scott Public Library, stories/snacks/crafts, this event will last 30-45 minutes, 10-11am, click here for more info.

1/18 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by CORE Community, will be held at the Sleep Inn, 8am

1/18 ~ Live Music Event at Brickstreet BBQ featuring Holly Crays, country/southern rock/original and cover songs, 6-8pm, click here for more info.

1/18 ~ BINGO at Memorial Hall hosted by the American Legion, doors open 6pm, games start 7pm. Color Guard will be serving vegetable soup as concessions, click here to get updates on FB.

1/19 ~ Retailer’s Roundtable at the Fort Scott Area Chamber, any retailers in the Downtown Historic District or otherwise are welcome to join us to look at the calendar for 2024 and plan shopping events, 8:30am, click herefor more info!

1/20 ~ Wreaths Across America Wreath Retirement at the National Cemetery, 8am, click here for more info.

1/23 ~ Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet at Papa Don’s Pizza, 8:30-9:30am, click here for more info!

1/24 ~ Join President Dr. Jason Kegler from Fort Scott Community College for an open conversation at the Ellis Fine Arts Center, the purpose of the conversation series is to engage the community on matters related to the college, 5:30pm, click here for more info.

1/25 ~ Southeast Kansas Women In Ag Seminar at Dutch Country Cafe in Garnett Kansas, doors open at 8:30am, to register contact Mandy Shoemaker at 620.223.3170, registration is required

by January 19th

1/27 ~ Care to Share “The Sharing Bucket” Pool Tournament at Holmtown Pub, $40/per team, lots of great raffles and auction items, 10am-3pm, click here for more information!

1/27 ~ RED – Taylor Swift Tribute LIVE at Memorial Hall, 7pm, click here for tickets!

1/27 ~ SEK INC Annual Meeting & Dinner at Neosho Memorial Impact Center in Chanute Kansas, click here for tickets.

1/31 ~ Bourbon County Conservation District 78th Annual Meeting at Clover Leaf 4-H Building on the Bourbon County Fair Grounds, 5:30pm, see flyer below for more information.

1/31 ~ STOP! Sex Trafficking Project sponsored by E3 Ranch Foundation and Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 Horton, no children please, for questions or concerns contact 620.215.2681.

SAVE THE DATE!

2/3 ~ 2024 Coyote Calling Contest (Care to Share Benefit), three man team, $75 per team, pre-registration required by Jan. 31st, click here for more information and to register.

2/4 ~ Botox and Brows at Blissful Aesthetics & Wellness with The Beauty Lounge Girls, special event pricing, deposit required, contact 620.215.0305 to register, 12-3pm, click here for more information.

2/6 ~ Southeast Kansas Day on the Hill in Topeka, breakfast and networking with Chambers across SEK, State Legislators, SEK businesses, and State Officials, 7:30am.

2/10 ~ Cupid’s Corner Holiday Craft at Buck Run Community Center, ages pre-k – 5th grade, $1/per person, 9-10:30am.

2/10 ~ Legislative Update/Outlook from our legislators hosted by the Chamber, 10am, location TBA.

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SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Kody West LIVE at Memorial Hall, January 13th!

click here for tickets!

Martin Luther King, Jr Celebration Schedule for January 17th!

Care to Share “The Sharing Bucket” – Pool Tournament, January 27th!

Bourbon County Conservation District 78th Annual Meeting!

STOP! Sex Trafficking Project sponsored by E3 Ranch Foundation and Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Uncategorized

Governor Kelly’s Disaster Declaration Temporarily Lifts Certain Commercial Vehicle Regulations

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TOPEKA – As severe winter weather conditions continue impacting Kansas roadways, Governor Kelly announced today that her recent disaster declaration temporarily lifts certain hours of service regulations typically imposed on commercial motor vehicles.

In accordance with 49 C.F.R. 390.23(b), the disaster declaration made on January 8, 2024, temporarily lifts the hours of service regulations found in 49 C.F.R. 395.3-5 for motor carriers or drivers operating commercial motor vehicles so long as the motor carriers or drivers are providing direct assistance during the emergency.

The temporary lifting of the regulations lasts until the emergency ends or 14 days from the date of the disaster declaration, whichever is less.

“Temporarily lifting these regulations ensures necessary supplies and relief from the extreme winter weather can reach communities as quickly as possible,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I encourage all Kansans to use caution over the coming days, including reconsidering travel, to be safe and warm.”

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Fort Scott, Gordon Parks Museum

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on January 17

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Celebrating The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

All events will be held at the Ellis Fine Arts Center (2108 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, Ks.)

Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – “Day of Service: Canned Food Drive” – Join us as we will collect

canned and non-perishable food items to donate to the Beacon in Fort Scott. Anyone in

the community is invited to drop off canned and non-perishable food.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – “Celebration Soup Lunch” – Come and join us for free soup

followed by a music celebration performance at 1:00 p.m. Soup, drinks and dessert

provided by Great Western Dining. Photo Promotion taken with the “I Stand For Signs”

provided by the Lowell Milken Center. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Lobby. FREE.

1:00 p.m. – “Celebrating Every Voice” An afternoon of celebration with great gospel

hymns and inspirational music. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Theatre. FREE.

For more information, please call 620.223.2700 ext. 5850
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Government, Kansas

Nearly $14 million to be Distributed to Kansas Families

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Supplemental P-EBT auto-issuance begins next week

TOPEKA – Kansas families with school-aged children will receive a one-time benefit of $120 per child as part of the Supplemental Pandemic Electronic Benefit (P-EBT) program. A total of $13.6 million will be distributed to approximately 114,000 school-aged children in January.

“The Supplemental P-EBT program helps parents and care providers access nutritious food for their families,” said Laura Howard, Secretary Kansas Department for Children and Families. “I am pleased that we are able to provide this benefit to Kansas children to reduce food insecurity for our youngest citizens.”

Supplemental P-EBT, a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the American Rescue Plan Act, is designed to benefit school-aged children who received free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program during the 2022-23 school year. Due to the complexity of gathering the data, the benefit is for the summer months of June, July, and August of 2023.

The benefit distribution will be auto-issued through a direct certification process Jan. 17-26. Parents and guardians who believe their children are eligible, but do not receive a benefit in January may request the Supplemental benefit using the DCF Self-Service Portal Feb. 1-29, 2024.

Recipients may use their P-EBT funds to purchase eligible foods from approved retailers that accept Food Assistance benefits like grocery stores and online at Aldi, Amazon, or Walmart. For additional information visit www.dcf.ks.gov, Food Assistance.

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The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) mission to protect children, strengthen families and promote adult self-sufficiency. DCF’s more than 35 service centers across the state offers a wide range of support services including food, utility, and child care assistance, child support services, and employment education and training. DCF also partners with grantees to provide foster care services to children including case planning, placement, life skills, and foster parent recruitment and training. DCF works in partnership with organizations, communities and other agencies to support families, children and vulnerable adults connecting them with resources, supports and networks in their home communities.