Monthly Archives: March 2020

Business, Government

Serving Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

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USDA Stands Up New Team to Better Serve Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2020 ─The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is standing up a new team of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) staff that will lead a department-wide effort focused on serving beginning farmers and ranchers. 

 

“More than a quarter of producers are beginning farmers,” said USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky. “We need to support the next generation of agricultural producers who we will soon rely upon to grow our nation’s food and fiber.”

 

To institutionalize support for beginning farmers and ranchers and to build upon prior agency work, the 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to create a national coordinator position in the agency and state-level coordinators for four of its agencies – Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Risk Management Agency (RMA), and Rural Development (RD).

 

Sarah Campbell was selected as the national coordinator to lead USDA’s efforts. A beginning farmer herself, Campbell held previous positions with USDA and has a wealth of experience working on issues impacting beginning farmers and ranchers. She recently served as acting director of customer experience for the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center, where she led the piloting of innovative, customer-centric initiatives. 

 

In her new role, she will work closely with the state coordinators to develop goals and create plans to increase beginning farmer participation and access to programs while coordinating nationwide efforts on beginning farmers and ranchers.

 

“We know starting a new farm business is extremely challenging, and we know our customers value and benefit from being able to work directly with our field employees, especially beginning farmers,” Campbell said. “These new coordinators will be a key resource at the local level and will help beginning farmers get the support they need. I look forward to working with them.”

 

Each state coordinator will receive training and develop tailored beginning farmer outreach plans for their state. Coordinators will help field employees better reach and serve beginning farmers and ranchers and will also be available to assist beginning farmers who need help navigating the variety of resources USDA has to offer. 

 

More on Beginning Farmers

 

Twenty seven percent of farmers were categorized as new and beginning producers, with 10 years or less of experience in agriculture, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture.

 

USDA offers a variety of farm loan, risk management, disaster assistance, and conservation programs to support farmers, including beginning farmers and ranchers. Additionally, a number of these programs have provisions specifically for beginning farmers, including targeted funding for loans and conservation programs as well as waivers and exemptions.

 

More Information 

Learn more about USDA’s resources for beginning farmers as well as more information on the national and state-level coordinators at newfarmers.usda.gov and farmers.gov. For more information on available programs in your area, contact your local USDA service center.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Government, Kansas

March 17, 2020 Public Update COVID-19

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Situation Overview

KDHE continues to closely monitor an outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19). The outbreak first started in Wuhan, China, but cases have been identified around the world including in the United States. The first case in the United States was announced January 21, 2020. Five new cases announced today. (Please note: Residents of other states tested in Kansas are counted in their resident state’s numbers by the CDC and are not included in Kansas numbers. Those are 1 positive from Oregon and 1 from Missouri, testing positive in Ford and Miami Counties.)

KDHE Response Activities
• On March 15, KDHE released new guidance on quarantine recommendations for those who have traveled. Please review this on our website at www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.
• KDHE has created a toolkit of Kansas-specific guidance to help local public health departments engage with their community partners on COVID-19 planning. It can be found on the KDHE website: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus. New information is added daily.
• KDHE has a phone-bank operation staffed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. The phone number is 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF). KDHE also has an email address for general inquiries, [email protected]. These are for general questions and cannot provide you with medical evaluations. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and call your healthcare provider.

For more information: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kansas Test Results
Updated 3/17/20 at 2:30 p.m.

Positive (confirmed)
16
(1 death included)
Negative
417

Positive Case Information
County Number

Butler County
1
Douglas County
1
Franklin County
1
Johnson County
10
Wyandotte County
3

Bourbon County, Business

Dollar General Dedicates First Shopping Hour to Senior Citizens Starting March 17

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The freezer and cooler section were expanded in the recent Dollar General remodel.

Dollar General Corporation announced plans to dedicate the first hour of each shopping day to senior shoppers, as well as amend store operating hours beginning March 17, 2020.

Senior Hour Encouragement
“Dollar General is strongly encouraging that the first hour of operations each day be dedicated solely for the shopping needs of senior customers, who are one of the groups most vulnerable to the COVID-19 coronavirus. In keeping with the Company’s mission of Serving Others,”  according to its’ website. “Dollar General wants to provide these at-risk customers with the ability to purchase the items they need and want at the beginning of each day to avoid busier and more crowded shopping periods.”

Fort Scott Dollar General  Manager LaDonna Sandstoe said today that the “plan came through from headquarters,” and “there was a “conference call this morning.”
“It didn’t work too well this morning,” Sandstoe said. “We had teenagers coming through here with the seniors.”
“But 8 to 9 a.m. is designated for the elderly,” she said.
Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sandstoe said.
The following is from the Dollar General website;

“Other customers are encouraged to plan their shopping trips around this window of time to allow the most susceptible customers in our communities the ability to shop during the first hour that stores are open.

Store Hour Adjustments
Additionally, all stores plan to close one hour earlier than current close times to allow employees to clean and re-stock store shelves, as well as for their health and wellbeing.  Stores will continue to maintain current opening hours. Normal operating hours by individual store locations are available here.

Dollar General remains committed to providing customers and employees with a safe, clean and pleasant shopping environment at all stores and seeks for customers to feel confident when shopping its stores.

Quote from Todd Vasos, CEO
“In keeping with our mission and our ongoing commitment to serve our communities, we are dedicating the first hour of each day to seniors.  We appreciate our customers’ understanding of our decision and request they visit our stores later in the morning to allow at-risk populations the ability to purchase the items they need at affordable prices,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s CEO. “During these unprecedented times, Dollar General is diligently working to meet the ongoing needs of our customers and communities. We are proud to live our mission and provide customers with everyday low prices on the household essentials that are used and replenished most often.”

About Dollar General Corporation
Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for more than 80 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Dollar General operated 16,278 stores in 44 states as of January 31, 2020. In addition to high-quality private brands, Dollar General sells products from America’s most-trusted manufacturers such as Clorox, Energizer, Procter & Gamble, Hanes, Coca-Cola, Mars, Unilever, Nestle, Kimberly-Clark, Kellogg’s, General Mills, and PepsiCo. Learn more about Dollar General at www.dollargeneral.com.”
Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Will Assist Elderly With Shopping

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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office will be assisting the elderly with shopping for items that are needed during COVID 19/Coronavirus event.

If you are or know of an elderly person in need of groceries or basic personal hygiene items and they are unable to get out or fear of exposure to the general public at this unsure and unsettling time, please reach out to Major Bobby Reed at the sheriff’s office at 223-2380 (option 1)

. We are here to help our neighbors in need.
If you are interested in donating your time or money to help, Major Reed will be happy to hear from you as well.

Submitted by Sheriff Bill Martin

Government, Kansas

Governor: New Executive Orders

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Governor Kelly outlines new Executive Orders to improve public safety regarding COVID-19 pandemic

 

Governor Kelly announced Executive Order #20-04 and Executive Order #20-05 to keep Kansans safe and healthy, ensuring all families are protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

In light of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance released on Sunday, March 15, 2020, Governor Kelly’s latest Executive Order follows the CDC’s recommendation to limit group gatherings to no more than 50 individuals in a single area.

 

“This is a difficult but essential step to further encourage social distancing and stem the spread of COVID-19,” Kelly said. “We must flatten the curve and hinder the spread of this disease. I urge all businesses, restaurants, bars, entertainment and recreational facilities to exercise responsible judgment and follow these guidelines.”

 

Kelly remains in close consultation with the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association, the National Federation of Independent Business Owners and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism as events unfold.

 

“While public health and safety must always come first, COVID-19 will undoubtedly have a devastating economic impact on Kansas small business owners and workers,” Kelly said. “I am actively engaged with the business community to identify how the state can best support Kansas businesses and their employees as we navigate this unprecedented challenge together.”

 

In addition, Governor Kelly asked the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) to suspend utility disconnects until April 15. This directive covers all electrical, natural gas, water and telecommunications utilities under the KCC’s jurisdiction. Kelly announced a second Executive Order, (E.O. #20-05) regarding utility disconnects advising the same directive for the utility companies not under the jurisdiction of the KCC.  

 

“It’s imperative we provide relief to our most vulnerable Kansans during these unprecedented times,” Kelly said.

 

Kelly emphasized that certain populations are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than others, and it is imperative that all Kansans play a part in keeping communities safe.

 

“While all of these measures represent a dramatic change from what we’re accustomed to, I know Kansans will rise to the challenge,” Kelly said.

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

KDHE Hotline: 1-866-KDHEINF (1-866-534-3463)

Government, Kansas

KANSASWORKS issues Workforce Centers operations update

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Topeka, Kan. – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, KANSASWORKS Workforce Centers will be taking actions to reduce contact and maintain social distancing as directed by the Centers for Disease Control.

 

KANSASWORKS Workforce Centers will remain open, but with limited services to the public. Individuals should call (877) 509-6757 to ensure their local Workforce Center location is open to in-person visits prior to arriving. Previously scheduled appointments for essential services will still occur unless otherwise indicated. All non-essential services will be provided via telephone, email or online at www.kansasworks.com.

 

The Public Access Computer area will be closed to the public until further notice. All workshops, large meetings and job fairs through April 5, 2020, have been cancelled. They will be rescheduled at a later date in accordance with direction from state and local officials. This includes testing and meetings for the Youth Employment Program, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Rapid Response.

 

Any Kansan needing employment or reemployment services can call (877) 509-6757 to schedule a time to speak to a representative. Messages should include the individual’s name, phone number and email address. Calls will be returned in the order they are received. Services may also be accessed via the live chat function at www.kansasworks.com.

 

Individual program updates are below.

 

Dislocated Worker

Individuals enrolled in the Dislocated Worker program will be contacted by a case manager by March 20 to arrange for paperwork to be completed and submitted via email.

 

Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA)

Individuals participating in the RESEA program should contact (877) 509-6757. When leaving a voicemail message, individuals should be sure to include their full name and phone number for a return call. Individuals who have an assigned case manager should also include their case manager’s name in the message. RESEA staff will return calls as soon as possible.

 

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)

TAA meetings scheduled for March 30-31 in the Wichita Community have been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.  Please contact Tonya Carlson at [email protected] if you have questions.

 

Employer Services

  • Job Fairs

All job fairs scheduled through April 5, 2020, including the Statewide Job Fair on April 2, have been canceled. Please call (877) 509-6757 with any questions.

 

  • Rapid Response

Employers in need of Rapid Response Layoff Assistance should contact Shelly Thompson at [email protected].

 

Additional guidance from the Department of Labor on emergency Unemployment Insurance Filings related to COVID-19 can be found at www.dol.ks.gov/covid19response.

 

  • Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan

The Kansas Department of Commerce is working closely with the Kansas Department of Emergency Management (KDEM) to complete the required steps for requesting an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Declaration. Additional information is available at www.kansascommerce.gov/about-us/sba-coronavirus-assistance-resources/.

 

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report and Notice of Office Closed March 17

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Our office is closed to all outside visitors until further notice.   This includes all Attorney, DCF, Parole, and mental health ECT…    if you need to contact us or an inmate please do so by phone.

 

Major Bob Reed

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office

O: (620) 223-2380

 

Click below for the daily reports:

03-17-2020R

03-17-2020A

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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March 13, 2020

 

There was no work on the senate floor during week 9 of the 2020 session, even though senators were present.  It was disappointing.  The messaging was that it was intentional.  If that was the case, it would have been helpful to convey that message before the week’s end.  Next week could be very busy on the floor, while committees are trying to finish the work before them.

 

Legislation 101 Senate Bill (SB) 294, the bill we are following in these updates, that brings transparency to your property tax increases, has been scheduled for a hearing March 16 in the House Tax Committee.  There is another attempt by taxpayer-funded lobbyists to weaken or kill the bill.  I would ask that they listen to Kansans.  People across the state are frustrated and some are very angry with property tax increases.  SB 294 is an important step to stop hidden and automatic property tax increases.  Hidden because who will take responsibility for the property tax increase?  And automatic because no action is required to raise your property taxes.  SB 294 would have the governing body notify voters of a proposed increase and the meeting time and location when they will be voting on the increase.

 

CODIV-19 coronavirus has resulted in an environment of uncertainty.  If you were planning a trip to the Capitol, please call my office 785.296.6838 before leaving home.  The Capitol is closed for events and groups.  Individuals testifying before a committee, staff, and legislators will attempt to conduct business as usual.  The Governor declared a state-of-emergency Level 2 on March 12.  As of Friday, March 13th, 8 cases of the virus had been reported in Kansas; one case in three counties: Franklin, Wyandotte, and Butler; five cases in Johnson County.

 

Kansas Health and Environment (KDHE) has established a website (www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus), phoneline (1.866.534.3463), and email address ([email protected]) with general information on the coronavirus.  The information is being updated Monday – Friday by 5 pm each day.  KDHE is recommending if you feel ill, please stay home and call your healthcare provider.

 

With all the daunting news, I’d like to share with you portions of Pastor Washington’s prayers, who is chaplain for the Kansas Senate, “Lord, help us to get our priorities in line with Yours… They say the virus is likely to have a 1 to 2% fatality rate but what do you say? Some say the seriousness is drastically underrated, while others are saying it’s severely over-rated. But still, what do you say? Some say we should stay home and avoid the public. Others are saying, ‘Just don’t shake hands while we do business as usual.’ But most importantly, what do you say? One set of experts is telling us one thing, while another set is saying something different — when to wear masks, and what kind, or when not to wear them. Lord, you have the words of life. In Genesis 1, all you did was speak, and the entire world was formed. So, Lord, all you have to do now is speak.”

 

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

Caryn

Government, Kansas

Government Services Online

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Kansas Department of Revenue reminds residents of online services

 

TOPEKA – To encourage basic preventative measures and social distancing practices, the Kansas Department of Revenue wants to remind the citizens of Kansas of the several government services which can be conducted online. Residents can go to ikan.ks.gov or download the official iKan app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

 

Online government services include:

  • Renewing vehicle registrations
  • Renewing driver’s licenses

This option is available to the following:

– Kansans ages 21-50 who did not use the online renewal at their most recent renewal period, and;

– Are not obtaining a Real ID for the first time, or;

– Are obtaining a “Not for Federal Use” license or identification card.

  • Ordering vital records copies (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.)
  • Purchasing state park passes

 

For more information about the iKan online services, please visit ikan.ks.gov.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Will Reevaluate Courthouse Closing March 23

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: March 23, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00 Executive Session, Reevaluating Opening the Courthouse

Government, Kansas

Cheney Witt Chapel Restrictions

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Due to the Governor’s directive, KDHE has imposed a ban on all gatherings of 50 or more.  Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel must limit all services and visitations to family only and even that to 50 or less until further notice.  Please keep families with loss in your thoughts and prayers.  You may still visit the funeral home to sign the guestbook or take advantage of our online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.  You may drop off memorial contributions to our physical location at 201 S. Main or mail them to P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

 

All previously announced services will be subject to this new gathering policy.  We will keep you informed as to any further policy changes.  We appreciate your understanding during this time of uncertainty.

 

Cheney Witt Chapel

Government, Kansas

Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program

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Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program

Exam and Training Update

 

TOPEKA –  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program has suspended operator examinations and Department sponsored classroom training until further notice.  Water and wastewater operator renewal timeframes will be extended, and additional examination dates will be scheduled.  Details will be provided soon concerning the renewal process.  Additional examination dates will be posted on the KDHE Operator Certification webpage:

www.kdheks.gov/water/www.html.

 

In addition to addressing operator renewal and examination concerns KDHE is developing guidance regarding alternative monitoring for the Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR), Continuity Of Operations Plans (COOP), and a streamlined process for temporary operator reciprocity. These documents will be posted on KDHE’s COVID-19 Resource Center webpage: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm.

 

Water and wastewater operators should continue to employ standard industry practices as discussed in the March 12, 2020 Guidance for Kansas Drinking Water and Wastewater Operators Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) Risks. This document can also be found on the COVID-19 Resource Center webpage: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm#undefined under the Drinking Water and Wastewater Operators menu link.

 

“KDHE is committed to helping water and wastewater systems address the uncertainty and its effect on utility operations the COVID-19 pandemic has created,” Cathy Tucker-Vogel, Section Chief for the Public Water Supply Section. “We will collectively work with utility operators to ensure public health and environmental protection.”