Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

February 03, 2023

 

Committee Work was still the main focus during the fourth week of session.  A record number of bills, including tax bills, have been introduced this year.  There have been several hearings.  Most likely, bills will be worked in the next week or so.  “Working” a bill is lingo for debating, amending, and/or voting on a bill.  Bills, schedules, and recordings of meetings can be found at http://www.kslegislature.org.

 

Taxes Collected (often referred to as “revenue”) continues to exceed estimates.  January taxes collected exceeded estimates by over $50 million.  That puts the fiscal year collection over $700 million above estimates.  Keep in mind this is after revenue estimate adjustments and tax cuts in 2021 and 2022, including reducing the state grocery sales tax to 4.0.  In 2021, the Governor called the income tax and other tax cuts “reckless”.  The legislature overrode her veto and implemented the cuts.  It is obvious with the increased “revenue”, there could have been more tax cuts.  There appears to be agreement, so the question is, what taxes get cut and by how much?

 

Energy Policy  A constituent at a legislative coffee asked why Kansas doesn’t have an energy policy and why electricity being produced in Kansas is being sent out of state with Kansas rates continuing to climb.  Excellent questions.  There have been a few bills introduced attempting to chip away at some of these problems.  One bill would elect the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) board members, who oversee utility companies in Kansas, instead of the Governor appointing them.  Almost everyone at the coffee agreed that there needs to be a balance of our energy supply and that Kansas should reap some benefit for having the energy production in our state.

 

Privacy Free Speech and Foreign Threats News of the China spy balloon this week should be a wake-up call.  However, it is not the first wake-up call.  For years, China, Russia, some technology companies, and others have been challenging the very protections created by our Founding Fathers.  They have been spying, limiting our speech, and manipulating information.  You may not have heard that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a $1.5 million fine to GoodRx for unauthorized disclosure of its users’ medication data with third parties for advertising.  Of course GoodRx denies it and said the fine was less expensive than fighting the accusation.  The notion of privacy is being eliminated.  Technology and complacency have moved us to a surveillance state.  There are a few bills that have been introduced in the Kansas Legislature, but the real change comes down to the choices we make, like choosing browsers and software that don’t track you, and educating yourself and others on threats.

 

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

Caryn

 

Marsha’s Deli Closed For Updating Feb. 6-11

Brian Lancaster, owner of Marsha’s Deli.

A local eatery known for its’ generous portions, is closed for some aesthetic improvement to the dining area.

“We will be closed February 6-11,” Brian Lancaster, owner, said.

H2 Painting LLC  will be painting the ceilings and walls.

“We are wanting to update and improve our dining room area,” Lancaster said.  “We are planning to update flooring and the kitchen area at a later date.”

The deli’s owner,  Marsha Lancaster, died on September 19, 2021, and on October 13, 2021 , her siblings became the owners of her decades-running restaurant.

Marsha’s Deli is located at 6 W. 18th Street in Fort Scott.

In July 2022, Marsha’s nephew, Brian Lancaster assumed ownership of the deli.

Brian Lancaster Assumes Ownership of Marsha’s Deli

Also last year, a Marsha Fest was started in memory of  Marsha Lancaster.

 

Marsha Fest Is March 5: Celebrating Her Life

This year’s  Marsha Fest is Saturday March 4, 2023
 from 8 to- 10 PM at the Liberty Theater, 113 S. Main.

Tickets are $35.

Poster from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce website.

To learn more about Marsha:

Obituary of Marsha Lancaster

Agenda for FS City Commission on Feb. 7

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR MEETING

OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET

February 7, 2023
6:00 P.M.

 

   Roll Call:

  1.       J. Jones     T. Van Hoecke    E. Woellhof     K. Harrington     M. Wells
  2.      Flag Salute:
  • Invocation: Led by: M. Wells
  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of January 24, 2023.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1329-A totaling $927,968.03

 

  1. Request to Pay – De Lage Landen Public Finance, LLC – $17,641.00

Golf Cart Rental Fee

 

  1. L. G. Barcus and Sons, Inc. – $84,390.97 – Dam Improvements

 

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – $33,084.08
  2.  1/6/2023 – City Engineer Monthly Fee – $4,120.00
  3.   1/9/2023 – S. Horton and W. 6th – Preliminary 50% – $10,350.00
  4.   1/9/2023 – System Designs Addenda phase II – $7,537.50 and

Phase III – $2,040.00

  1. 1/9/2023 – 2022 Sanitary Sewer Project – Final 90% – $7,250.00

and Bidding 10% – $450.00

  1.   1/9/2023 – South Industrial Park Waterline – Final – $590.00
  2.   1/9/2023 – GO Car Wash MEP Plan Review – Jason Dickman –

$568.00

  1. 1/9/2023 – Cooper Street Inspection – Trever Stoppel – $58.50

And Cylinder Breaks – $120.00

 

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering Change Order No. 2 –

$282,383.00 – 17th & Eddy Storm Water – Remobilization fees due to substantial delays in utility relocations.

 

  1. Judy’s Fuel & Oil LLC – $26,520.69 – Unleaded Gasoline

 

  1.   Public Comment:

Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion.

 

 

 

 

 

  1.  Old Business:  

 

  1. Consideration to remove “Interim” from Interim City Manager’s title

 

  1. B. Consideration of Splash Pad location

 

 

VII.      Appearances:

 

  1. Pat Bishop – Fort Scott Land Bank Manager- Introduction and Annual Report for the Commission.

 

  1. Shane Lamb and Susan Galemore/SEKEDC

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 6-2023                                                             A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT KANSAS HOUSING INVESTORS TAX CREDIT APPLICATION BY RURAL REDEVELOPMENT GROUP LLC FOR DEVELOPMENT OF RENTAL HOUSING LOCATED AT 736 S. HEYLMAN, FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.

  1. C. Justin Pergont regarding the Van Fossen Apartment Project

 

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 4-2023

A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN HOUSING WITHIN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS TO ACCOMPANY THE GRANT APPLICATION TO THE KANSAS HOUSING RESOURCES CORPORATION

 

  1.    Consideration of Resolution No. 5-2023

A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF A RURAL HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICT (RHID) AND AN INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BOND (IRB) ISSUE IN SUPPORT OF THE VAN FOSSEN APARTMENTS PROJECT TO BE LOCATED AT 19 S. MAIN AND 23 S. MAIN IN DOWNTOWN FORT SCOTT, KANSAS

 

  1. Patrick Wood

 

  1. Stacy Wood – Advisory Boards

 

 

 

 

VIII.     Public Hearing:

 

  1. Petitioner Robert Lembcke – 2010 E. 3rd Street, Fort Scott

Vacate the roadway easement on Barteau Street between 3rd and 4th Streets – Property described as: APPROXIMATELY 300’ x 60’ OF BARTEAU STREET LYING BETWEEN LOTS 1-13 BLOCK 16 AND LOTS 2-14 BLOCK 17 MCMILLAN’S ADDITION TO THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT KANSAS.

 

 

  1.  New Business:
  2. Consideration to publish for Request for Proposals – Ground Lease – Scott Flater
  3. Consideration to go out for bids – 2023 Mowing Season – Norm Nation
  4. Consideration to apply for Grant Project for Automatic External Defibrillator to be placed at City Hall, Buck Run, Fire Department, Airport, Golf Course, Public Works, and Memorial Hall – Dave Bruner
  5. Consideration to apply for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant to replace the Exhaust Removal Systems within truck bay areas of Fire Station 1 and Fire Station 2 – Dave Bruner
  6. Cape Seal for 2023
  7. Brick Crew Justification
  8. Reports and Comments:
  9. Interim City Manager Comments:
  10. RenoDry Report Regarding Moisture Control at Memorial Hall
  11. School Crosswalk Light on National Ave.
  12. Sidewalk and Curb Reimbursement Program
  13. Demolition Budget
  14. Audio-Visual Equipment for Commission Room

 

  1. Engineering Comments: Update included.

 

  1. Commissioners Comments:
  2. Jones –
  3. VanHoecke –
  4. Woellhof –
  5. Harrington –
  6. Wells –

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

 

XII.         Adjournment:

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of Jan. 24

 

 

Minutes of January 24th, 2023                                Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held January 24th, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, E. Woellhof were present with Mayor M. Wells.  Commissioner K. Harrington was absent.

 

FLAG SALUTE AND INVOCATION:  T. VanHoecke, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin, Interim City Manager, Travis Shelton, Police Chief, Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, Jason Dickman, City Engineer, Thomas Russell, Codes Enforcement Technician, Seth Simpson, Airport Director, Doug Guns, Sports Facilities Director, Bob Farmer, City Attorney, Lisa Lewis, City Clerk, Eddie Townley, Michael Buller, Steve Anthony, Justin Pregont, and Michael Hoyt.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:  M. Wells asked if anyone had additional items to add to the agenda for this meeting. L. Lewis stated that the agenda did need to be approved due to amendments made to the published agenda on January 20th, 2023.  J. Jones motioned to approve the January 24th, 2023, amended agenda.  T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE JANUARY 24, 2023, AMENDED AGENDA.

 

Continue reading Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of Jan. 24

Let’s Go! by Carolyn Tucker

Keys to the Kingdom

 

I asked my brother one day, “Why is it that I often find myself thinking back to yesteryear when I need a lede for a column?” He quickly responded, “It’s because we’re growing older,” and I knew that was the simple truth. So here goes: When I was a young girl, my Mom was the reporter for our church. She would submit articles to the local newspaper announcing upcoming revival services, and then later report on those services when they concluded. Around 2011, I was alone in my folks’ kitchen when I pulled out a Bavarian soup tureen and found numerous old newspaper clippings inside it. As I began reading one of the articles Mom had written, she had chosen this scripture, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1 KJV).

 

I’ve heard that some people start the day by saying, “Good morning, Lord!“ and some say, “Good Lord, it’s morning!” I usually sit up on the side of the bed and declare, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” After I said that aloud one Sunday morning, I immediately added, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.“ Apparently, I had hidden that verse in my heart because it just popped out of me.

 

It’s important that believers spend private time with God during the week. But going into the house of the Lord to worship Him in the beauty of holiness is the icing on the cake for me. The cake and the icing go hand in hand and both are wonderfully delicious.  However, if the cake has been haphazardly made and improperly baked, it’ll be less than desirable and possibly not even fit to eat. No matter how much lip-smacking icing you smear on it, the end result won’t taste good. We need to do our part during the week to enhance the flavor and texture of the cake. Then when we walk through the sanctuary doors we can, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…” (Psalm 34:8 KJV).

 

All my life I’ve heard, “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” I know what that means out in the world, but I beg to differ when it comes to worshipping God together in the house of the Lord. When we bring our dedicated piece of cake into His presence, God will be more than happy to add His blessing of icing. And that, my friends, will make us glad!

 

“Let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us cheer each other up with words of hope. Let us do it all the more as you see the day coming when Christ will return” (Hebrews 10:25 NIRV). When God’s dear children  meet together to worship in His presence, something wonderful beyond my limited vocabulary happens in my spirit.

 

“And they [Adam and Eve] heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, ’Where are you?’” (Genesis 3:8,9 ESV). When my church family meets together, I don’t want God to look down, notice I’m AWOL, and ask, “Carolyn, where are you?”

 

The Key: If the Lord isn’t tasting so good at church, try changing your cake recipe.

Creative Solutions for the Child Care Crisis

Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

 

There is a child care crisis and it is a community, family, business, and workforce issue.  Child Care Aware of Kansas estimates that the desired capacity of child care providers in the state meets only 49% of the potential demand.  I have been on the search for child care before and every week social media presents inquiries for quality childcare or a provider working to acquire licensure.

 

This issue can be addressed and opportunities are out there for businesses and communities!  I recently attended a Communities in Action Workshop for Bourbon and Crawford Counties and learned about the following possibilities that I invite you take a part in.

 

Child Care Community Partnership Grants

Child Care Aware of Kansas, in partnership with the Kansas Department for Children and Families, can help you create and implement community-driven solutions and unique strategies to ensure that young children and families in your community thrive. There will be two funding opportunities for communities working to address access to affordable, high-quality child care.

Learn more and start planning by registering for a Communities in Action Workshop:

 

Allen and Woodson

Date: Feb 28th, 9am-4pm

Location: Humboldt Sports Complex, Humboldt, KS

Registration: https://form.jotform.com/230023829219149

 

Neosho, Cherokee, Labette

Date: Tuesday, April 11th, 9am-4pm

Location: DCF Office, 300 N 17th St, Parsons

Registration: https://form.jotform.com/230165315113139

 

Business Tax Credit Expanded

All Kansas businesses, large or small, can now apply to receive a state income tax credit for providing child care for employees or helping employees pay for child care.

The expansion of the tax credit helps employers support their workforce, even if they are not big enough to create a child care program on their own. It also helps support children’s need for a stable early learning environment.  Learn more at https://ks.childcareaware.org/cctc/.

 

 

We can all invest in our youngest and in return all in our communities benefit.   For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or by calling 620-244-3826.

 

# # #

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

 

 

Kansas Radon Program to host info sessions

Clara Wikoff. Submitted photo.

Research shows that one in four homes in Kansas tests high for radon. Many home inspectors are now testing for radon, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking.

K-State Research and Extension is partnering with the Kansas Radon Program to bring three learning sessions to southeast Kansas. The hour-long program is free to attend and will feature information on radon risks and how to test your home. A light meal will be served.

Sessions will be held at the following locations:
Independence – Wed 2/15 at 12pm – 410 Peter Pan Rd.
Parsons – Wed 2/15 at 5:30pm – 25092 Ness Rd.
Iola – Thursday 2/16 at 12pm – 1006 N. State St.

While there is no cost to attend, registration is required to allow for food count. Register online at https://bit.ly/krpsekc or by calling (620) 365-2242.

This event is sponsored by Security 1st Title, with offices throughout southeast Kansas. Other sponsors include Kansas Radon Program and KSRE’s Southwind and Wildcat Districts.

For more information, contact Clara with the Southwind District at (620) 365-2242 or Julie with the Wildcat District at (620) 784-5337.

 

# # #

Illusionist Coming to Fort Scott on Feb. 17

Reza World Class Touring Illusionist!

Reza World Class Touring Illusionist is coming to Fort Scott! Come out enjoy a great event while supporting the Splash Pad and new sensory addition!

02.17.23 @ 7pm

Ellis Fine Arts Center on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College

Click here to get your tickets NOW!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Corbin Sheldon Arrested for Arson On Feb. 2

 

February 3, 2023

 

Yesterday, Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 1:32 am, officers from the Fort Scott Police Department along with personnel from the Fort Scott Fire Department, responded to a house fire in the 900 block of S Osbun, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

Due to the suspicious circumstances of the fire, the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office was requested to assist with the investigation.  This investigation revealed that the fire was started intentionally.

 

At around 7:30 pm, the FSPD Special Response Team (SRT), executed an arrest warrant on a 20 year old male, identified as Corbin Sheldon, at his residence.  Mr. Sheldon was taken into custody without incident.  A search warrant was also executed at Mr. Sheldon’s residence.  Mr. Sheldon was subsequently booked into the Bourbon County Jail on the charge(s) of:

 

  • 4 counts, Aggravated Arson, which is a Level 3 person felony

 

Mr. Sheldon is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  Our investigators are continuing to investigate this matter.  If you have any information regarding this case, please contact FSPD at, 620-223-1700.

Submitted by

Bill Downey Jr, Administrative Sergeant / Public Information Officer

Fort Scott Police Department

1604 S National Ave

Fort Scott, KS  66701

PD:  (620) 223-1700

O:  (620) 223-0550 x304

K-State Extension: New Family and Wellness Agent is Soloman-Smith

Tara Solomon-Smith, is the new Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for K-State Extension Service.

Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

She began work on January 9, 2023,  at her home office  in Erie, which serves Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties, which comprises the Southwind District.

Smith is in the Fort Scott office, located at the Bourbon County Courthouse on Thursdays.

Her hometown is Yates Center.

Smith earned a bachelors degree in Family Studies and Human Services from Kansas State University, and has been working in community education and engagement for over sixteen years.

The K-State Extension offers support to the community.

She offers these programs:

Walk with Ease and Stay Strong Stay Healthy:
Evidence based physical activity programs providing health

education and an avenue to safely and comfortably

increase activity.


Youth and Adult Financial Education:

Provide information and education to help increase your

financial well-being through programs such as
Check Your
Credit,
the interactive assessment game Money Habitudes,
and
Family Financial Story Walks

Bonding Thru Board Games:

A short term or series-based lesson using board games as

a tool to support child and youth development while

developing strong families and relationships

Mental Wellness and Resiliency:

Mental wellness is an important aspect of health.

Programming
includes Stress Less with Mindfulness,
Exploring Resilience, Ag Wellness,
and Your Thoughts Matter.

Senior Health Insurance Counseling of Kansas:

Assist older adults in navigating new to Medicare decisions

and yearly decisions regarding prescription drug plans.

In her spare time she enjoys being on the family farm and exploring the outdoors with her husband and two boys, Smith said.

 

 

 

Bourbon County Local News