MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
9:00 – 9:30 Eric Bailey, Road & Bridge
9:30 – 9:45 Monica Murnan, SPARK
9:45 – 10:00 Omni Lockbox
10:00 – 10:45 2020 Budget Amendment Discussion
10:45 – 10:50 Anne Dare, BEDCO & COVID
10:50 – 11:00 David Neville, Executive Session, Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
11:00 – 12:00 Jody Hoener, Executive Session, Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Tax Reform Council Encourages Congress to Deliver Stimulus Bill, Support State/Local Aid
TOPEKA – The Kansas Governor’s Council on Tax Reform has joined Governor Laura Kelly and countless small businesses and individuals in encouraging Congress to support enactment of another round of federal stimulus legislation as soon as possible.
At its November 19th meeting, the Council unanimously approved a motion to memorialize for congressional leadership and the Kansas delegation in Washington, D.C., regarding the importance of the stimulus package, with a special emphasis on provisions relating to funding for state and local governments that would enable them to backfill a portion of receipts that have collapsed in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.
The letter to Senator Mitch McConnell, Senator Chuck Schumer, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Representative Kevin McCarthy, signed by bipartisan Co-Chairs Janis Lee and Steve Morris, notes that because Kansas cannot constitutionally operate with a negative budget balance, the state would be facing a “litany of unattractive policy options,” and be less likely to give serious consideration to certain tax relief measures championed by the Kansas Chamber and others absent enactment of some form of the state-and-local revenue sharing component in the federal legislation.
“We need Congress to get back to the negotiating table,” the Co-Chairs said. “It is beyond ridiculous that the second stimulus package has been bogged down amid partisan bickering all summer and fall alongside ever-changing and mixed signals from the outgoing administration.”
Council member Chris Courtwright added that unless the stalemate gets broken, “the magnitude of budget cuts, sleight-of-hand budget tricks and other unattractive options under consideration in Kansas will be much worse as a direct result of the federal failure to provide another round of state and local aid. At that point, anyone upset about tax and budget decisions around our state in 2021 should be able to draw a straight line back to the people who obstructed the legislation in Washington, D.C., this summer and fall.”
Governor Kelly on December 1 also called on Congress to act as soon as possible, emphasizing the increasing likelihood of another recession in 2021 in the absence of a second stimulus package.
“Without economic relief from Washington, there is a growing concern of a national recession in the foreseeable future,” Governor Kelly said. “My administration renews its requests to Congress to prioritize and pass economic relief so we can keep Kansas’ businesses open and our kids in school.”
Nancy Susan Townsend, age 76, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, went to be with Jesus Thursday, December 3, 2020, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.
She was born June 10, 1944, in Bourbon County, KS, the daughter of Charles Orlando and Mary Josephine Pitts Michael. She graduated from Uniontown high school. Nancy married Roy Townsend on March 30, 1964, in Miami, OK.
She worked several jobs over her career in Ft. Scott including Western Insurance Company, Medicalodge, Consumers, Value Merchandisers, Ft. Scott USD234 cook, as well as babysitting. Nancy enjoyed sewing, gardening, anything outdoors, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was involved with Boy Scouts and a leader for the Awana program at church. She was a member of the Bethel Community Baptist Church.
Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
Survivors include her husband Roy of the home; two sons, Perry Townsend and wife Jane, Redfield, KS, and Jerry Townsend and wife Amber, Chanute, KS; a brother, Ernie Michael and wife Mary Ann, Redfield, KS; four sisters, Nola Hughes and husband Jerry, Stotesbury, MO, Margaret Parker and Merle Mayfield, Ft. Scott, Rose Lowe, Chanute, KS, and Charlotte Michael, Nevada, MO; two grandchildren, Adam Townsend and Sarah Bower and husband Justin; a great-granddaughter on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Private graveside services will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Tuesday December 8th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either Ronald McDonald House or Bethel Community Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
The Fort Scott Rotary Club is working with The Beacon
again this year to bring Christmas bicycles to Fort Scott children.
We really came together last year and met the needs and
think we can do it again this year. We need over
80 bicycles, scooters, or tricycles this year.
How can you help?
– Buy a bicycle, scooter, or tricycle and bring it to
Rotary c/o Rhonda Dunn 13 S. National between 9-6 Mon-Fri.
– Make a donation for bicycles and we will do the shopping for you. Mail it to: Fort Scott Rotary Club at 13 S. National Fort Scott.
– Click here to make a donation online via the Chamber’s PayPal and we will forward the money to Rotary.
– PM or call Rhonda @ 620.224.1186 with questions or for more info.
We will be collecting bicycles until December 16 and delivering them on December 17 to the Community Christian Church for distributions to the families on December 18.
Let’s make Christmas special for local families!
Thank you in advance for your consideration and possible contribution to this project!
Pictured is Alivia Kraft, owner of Laree + Co, located at 3 S. National Avenue. Submitted photo.
A new business is opening at the corner of National Avenue and Wall Street in Fort Scott. This building is part of a renewal of the historic buildings on and adjacent to this corner, by resident Jennifer LaRoche.
The LaRoche Building, August 2020. Laree + Co is now located in the corner spot, with entry doors on the National Avenue side.Laree + Co, on December 3, 2020. Submitted photo.
The Common Ground Coffee Company and Kenny Felt Photography opened this year on the Wall Street side of the corner and E3 Meat Co. and Laree + Co. on the National Avenue side.
Beginning this Saturday, Dec.t 5, Laree+Co Boutique will have its’ grand opening at 3 S. National.
Trendy clothing and baby items will be featured items at the boutique.
Laree + Co. offers superior-quality tees, women’s apparel, holiday apparel, vinyl and fabric bows, shoes, headwraps, and more. Home décor and other furnishings will come in the future, according to the press release..
Support this local business by stopping in this Saturday at Laree + Co.’s grand opening, for light refreshments, drinks, and door prizes.
The store’s hours will be Monday-Friday from 9 am – 6 pm.
Business In Honor of Lillian
Owner Alivia Kraft originally started the business in honor of her daughter, Lillian, who was diagnosed with Trisomy 18. Though Lillian wasn’t expected to live past birth, she celebrated her fourth birthday in August.
Lillian’s determination for life inspired Alivia to do something she had always dreamed of, opening a boutique, according to a press release from the business.
Laree+Co’s mission in part is to spread awareness of medically-complex children and their illnesses through naming products after fellow “warriors” and angels, according to the press release.
The family has decided that 10 percent of the business profits will be donated to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, the hospital that has saved Lillian’s life on numerous occasions.
This was a hard week. Two ZOOM Bible studies brought news no one wants to hear. Monday night’s group has prayed for Adam, a thirty-two-year-old husband and father, for months. Today, Karen, his mother and ZOOM member, forwarded the email he sent her: The tumor in my colon did not shrink nearly as well as the surgeon had hoped. So there will be no reconnection after my colon is removed. Additionally, the lesion is right up against my prostate, meaning my surgeon is unsure if just removing the colon will be enough, and potentially the prostate will need to come out as well, and if that’s the case, there is the potential that they may need to remove my bladder too. Finally, the liver will need to be addressed after all of this takes place.
Again, my surgeon said that she is going to do her best, and if the Lord wills it, I am more than willing to sacrifice my “quality of life” to spend more time with my wife and children.
“If you all could be praying for me and my family. This looks to be a very deep valley that we are currently walking through, but we know that God is good through it all.
Our current prayer is for nothing short of a miracle, as we move closer to surgery. At the very least, we are praying that the cancer can be clearly removed without touching the prostate/bladder, and that God halts the cancers growth and spread in the liver. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support of my family as we continue to walk with God through this. Praying that He blesses you all for the blessing you have been to us. We love you all.
Please pray for Adam and his family.
Tuesday’s ZOOM call had its own share of tough news. My dear friend’s beloved father passed away that morning. When she found out he did not have much time left, she booked her flight to Switzerland, only to be told that because of Covid, she would need to be quarantined for two weeks before visiting him, and if she stayed with her mother, her mother would not be able to visit her father. She canceled her flight and will have to settle for visiting her dad’s gravesite at a future date.
The same day, a text shared a Pet Scan revealing a friend’s esophageal cancer has spread.
We all have our stories, and through our tears, we cry out to God, the One who knows our beginning and our end, the One who can make a difference, imploring Him to fix things. Sometimes we see the miracle; sometimes not. Still, we know that Jesus lacks nothing in the miracle department. The book of John gives seven signs demonstrating Christ’s vast powers:
1. Water changed into wine—Jesus’ power over quality
2. The nobleman’s son healed—Jesus’ power over distance
3. The impotent man healed—Jesus’ power over time
4. The five thousand fed—Jesus’ power over quantity
5. Walking on the water—Jesus’ power over natural law
6. The blind man healed—Jesus’ power over helplessness
7. Lazarus raised from the dead—Jesus’ power over death
Of course, the fact that Jesus can does not mean he will. Our job is not to second-guess but to know that—for all of us– the end-game of this life on earth is death. Unless we are raptured, it is a certainty we cannot deny. We. Will. Die. The key for all of us is to be prepared. All three of the men mentioned above made Jesus the Lord of their lives, and because of that, they will spend eternity with him. I pray you do the same.
Business and Energy Leaders Discuss Local Impact of Renewable Energy Projects in Kansas
Panel discussion covers economic benefits of wind and solar energy projects for local communities
Hutchinson, KS – Today, Boost Kansas hosted a panel discussion focusing on the benefits provided to local communities by the development and operation of a renewable energy project. The virtual event, “Boosting the Local Economy through Renewable Energy,” featured local leaders and industry experts who shared how the growth of Kansas’ wind and solar energy sectors are boosting local economies, creating good-paying jobs across the state, and creating economic opportunity in hard-hit communities, especially as the nation looks to rebuild during post-COVID-19 recovery efforts.
With 41 wind projects already online across the state and more in the works, renewable energy plays an integral role in supporting jobs and stimulating economic activity in local communities across the state.
Steve Sloan, CEO of Midwest Minerals, kicked off the conversation, “COVID-19 has emphasized the importance of growing the availability of good, reliable jobs. The wind industry is leading here in Kansas and has created substantial job opportunities for those employed by Midwest Minerals. We are looking forward to the future as the demand for a renewable energy workforce will only continue to grow.”
“Companies across the U.S are looking for space to power their operations. Kansas has the potential to be at the top of the list, creating massive investment opportunities for our state,” said Riley Scott, Executive Director of Boost Kansas.
More than $11.4 billion in capital financing has been invested in the state, providing unparalleled opportunities for workforce expansion and economic growth as a result of wind energy.
Jeff Martin, Vice President of Customer and Community Operations with Evergy added, “Evergy’s installment of Renewables Direct to provide competitive pricing for local renewable energy is a great tool to attract new businesses to our area and to meet the needs of current customers using our area’s abundant wind energy. It helps customers realize their sustainability goals while providing long-term price stability.”
Renewable energy – and the manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology that goes with it – is and will continue to be an essential driver of American industry, Kansas’ workforce, and the economic recovery.
And it’s been a driver for companies in Kansas.
“Renewable energy has taken off over the past few years and it has proven to be a successful partnership for Watco as we built a facility to store wind turbines during development,” said Casey Harbour, Kansas Sales Manager, Watco. “This has not only been a successful partnership for our company, but also for the state of Kansas.”
In Kansas, wind now supports 6,000 jobs and provides $29 million in revenue for state and local governments, leading to building new facilities, improving roads and bridges, and upgrading emergency services.
“Clean energy is the foundation for our energy future, and states embracing it are winning when major corporations move in or expand their operations,” said Chris Knapp, Apex Clean Energy. “Additionally, across the state Kansas landowners benefit from the $36 million in lease payments made by the industry provided for hosting projects on their land.”
To set up an interview with a panelist or speak with a Boost Kansas representative, please contact Riley Scott at [email protected] or (785) 766-3885.
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About Boost Kansas
Boost Kansas, an initiative of the American Wind Energy Association, is a statewide coalition of civic and business leaders supporting innovative policies that expand renewable and wind energy investment in the state. With commonsense federal and state policies, Kansas can continue to be a national leader in harnessing the power of wind and renewable energy development. Learn more at BoostKansas.com
About the American Council on Renewable Energy
Founded in 2001, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is the nation’s premier pan-renewable organization uniting finance, policy and technology to accelerate the transition to a renewable energy economy. For more information, please visit www.acore.org.
The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 20% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is a national trade association building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.
AWEA is the national trade association for the U.S. wind industry, the largest source of renewable energy in the country. We represent 1,000 member companies, 120,000 jobs in the U.S. economy, and a nationwide workforce located across all 50 states. AWEA serves as a powerful voice for how wind works for America. Members include global leaders in wind power and energy development, turbine manufacturing, and component and service suppliers. They gather each year at the Western Hemisphere’s most efficient and targeted event for utility-scale renewable companies, the AWEA CLEANPOWER Conference & Exhibition, next in Indianapolis, June 7-10, 2021. An outgrowth of the AWEA WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition, CLEANPOWER is the first trade show focused exclusively on the utility-scale renewable power sector, bringing together all the major developers, utilities, OEMs, suppliers, and buyers under one roof. Visit AWEA’swebsite
Court of Appeals Nominating Commission Announces Application Deadline for Court of Appeals Vacancy
TOPEKA –The Court of Appeals Nominating Commission today announced the application deadline for individuals interested in applying for the impending vacancy to be created by the Supreme Court appointment of Melissa Taylor Standridge.
Applications will be due by 3:00 PM Wednesday, December 23. Individuals should contact [email protected] for application materials.
Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order 20-01 on January 28, 2020, establishing the Court of Appeals Nominating Commission. Under Kansas law, the Governor appoints judges to the Court of Appeals subject to confirmation by the Senate. The Commission will review each applicant’s background and qualifications, conduct interviews, and then submit three nominees for the Governor to consider.
Governor Kelly Convening Weekly Conference Call Friday with Elected Officials
TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly will be convening a biweekly conference call, Friday, December 4, 2020, with county commissioners, emergency managers, public health officers, legislators, and other community leaders for a COVID-19 update and Q&A with state response leaders, Major General Weishaar, the Adjutant General of Kansas, and Dr. Sam Antonios, the Chief Medical Officer for Ascension Via Christi.
Who: Governor Laura Kelly, Major General David Weishaar, Dr. Sam Antonios
What: COVID-19 Biweekly Update Conference Call
When: 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 4, 2020
Where: To listen to the meeting, RSVP to Lauren Fitzgerald at [email protected]
Governor Laura Kelly Launches COVID-19 Public Health Campaign “Stop the Spread. It’s Up to Us, Kansas”
~Creative campaign aims to help stop the spread and increase free testing statewide~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the State of Kansas today launched the “Stop the Spread. It’s Up to Us, Kansas” campaign to share the importance of getting tested, wearing masks and to encourage social distancing this holiday season to stop the further spread of COVID-19.
The campaign includes the launch of a new testing website, GoGetTested.com/Kansas, to quickly identify free testing locations throughout the state. It will run on television, radio, social media, print, outdoor and digital advertising starting today and throughout the month of December. GoGetTested.com/Kansas lists seven testing site locations, more locations will be added on a rolling basis to meet the needs of communities across the state.
“We are at a critical point of time in our fight against COVID-19 and our response requires the most urgent and creative solutions,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This campaign aims to reach every corner of our state with critical public health messages infused with some humor and holiday spirit to bring a smile and rally our strength.”
The campaign includes information on the COVID-19 unified testing strategy that aims to rapidly increase the state’s ability to provide COVID-19 diagnostic and screening tests to Kansans free of charge. The overall goal is to double the amount of testing in Kansas by the end of 2020. To date, approximately 812,000 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in the state.
“When testing supplies were limited, we only recommended that those with symptoms or risk of exposure get tested,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now that testing is more widely available, we are urging everyone to get tested so we can better control the spread of the virus throughout our communities, which ultimately will help us keep businesses, schools and the economy open.”
The campaign is part of a broader, all-of-the-above strategy to encourage Kansans to follow the best practices, encourage voluntary testing, avoid mass gatherings, and use face-coverings. The approach includes partnerships with the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Farm Bureau, the Kansas Leadership Center, and other stakeholders.
Additional information on testing is included below. For more information on testing sites in Kansas, please visit GoGetTested.com/Kansas.
Additional Testing Information
In addition to testing, there are several things which need to be implemented to successfully reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Kansas. This includes isolating positive individuals, investigating positive cases, quarantining those exposed, and implementing prevention protocols.
ISOLATING. When an individual tests positive for COVID-19, they are instructed to isolate from others for up to 10 days, depending upon their symptoms. Because the person may be infectious during this time, it is essential for them to follow this. This is also essential for those who are asymptomatic to follow as well, as they still may be infectious despite not having symptoms. Further guidance and instructions can be found on KDHE’s COVID-19 website.
QUARANTINE. Everyone who has been exposed to someone who tests positive is at risk of getting the virus. Public health seeks to locate those who have been close contacts of the infected person, and to advise those individuals to stay at home and away from others for two weeks. Since symptoms may take between 2-14 days after exposure to develop, it is essential for exposed individuals to stay at home away from others. This is referred to as quarantine.
CASE INVESTIGATION: After a positive case is identified, public health contacts the individual to determine where the individual may have become infected.
OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION: An outbreak is defined as two or more cases connected to one known exposure. When an outbreak occurs, public health works with the location to identify and test those potentially exposed and /or ill. Additional infection protocols will be implemented in congregate settings.
PREVENTION MEASURES: Until a vaccine is widely available, the best way to avoid COVID-19 is through prevention measures. This includes things such as social distancing, wearing masks, staying home if ill and avoiding large groups. In congregate settings, this includes things such as wearing and using the appropriate PPE and infection protocols.
