Monthly Archives: February 2021

Government, Kansas

PPP Update to Aid Kansas Recovery From Pandemic

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Governor Laura Kelly Provides Update on PPP Program to Aid Kansas’ Economic Recovery

~ Changes will increase access and relief for Kansas small businesses ~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly shared details regarding changes in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that will increase access and relief to businesses with under 20 employees and other business owners who previously had limited access to the program. For the next 14 days, only businesses with fewer than 20 employees will be able to apply for PPP support.

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of Kansas communities and I am committed to using every tool to ensure they prosper now and into the future,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “This targeted PPP support will make a huge difference to strengthen our small business community and economy statewide as we recover from COVID-19.”

The White House also made the following changes that will increase equitable access to the program:

  • Revising the loan calculation and setting aside $1 billion to support sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals;
  • Removing the restriction where any owner with 20% or more of the business must not have had a felony within the past year (excluding financial abuse fraud felonies or owners who are currently incarcerated);
  • Removing the restriction where any owner with 20% of more of the business must not be delinquent on student loans.

Kansas is already seeing the results of the 2021 available funding. As of January, over 17,000 Kansan small business owners have already been approved for over $800M in loans. Applications are still open through the end of March, and businesses can be eligible even if they received 2020 funding through PPP.

“I hope every small business in Kansas that needs support will consider applying to the Paycheck Protection Program. Kansas small businesses have shown great resilience throughout this pandemic and we hope this program will ease some of their burden,” said Lieutenant Governor David Toland.

Nation-wide, compared to the first round of PPP funding in 2020, the share of funding to small businesses with fewer than 10 employees increased by almost 60% and the share of funding to businesses in rural areas increased by nearly 30%.

For more information on the administrative changes to the Paycheck Protection Program, please visit the White House Fact Sheet here.

For information on the program overall and how to search for nearby lenders, please visit the Small Business Association Website here.

For general questions about Economic Development programs in Kansas, please visit https://www.kansascommerce.gov/.

Fort Scott National Historic Site

The Fort’s Survey: Needs, Motivations and Evaluation of NPS Digital Media

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The bike rack at Fort Scott National Historic Site.

The fort at the end of Main Street that has given Fort Scott its’ name, is reaching out to National Park Service visitors who want an online experience.

“Fort Scott National Historic Site is participating in a nationwide survey to characterize the NPS virtual visitor population so we can better meet their virtual needs, describe visitors’ motivations, and evaluate the effectiveness of NPS digital media products,” Carl Brenner, FSNHS Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Manager, said.

“We are part of a pilot/pre-test program consisting of a handful of National Park sites nationwide,” he said. “This survey will run four weeks, February 16 through March 14, 2021. These National Parks are making weekly posts, on each social media platform they support, to invite virtual visitors to participate in the survey once they have completed their virtual visit.”

 

“The virtual tour of the park is a series of 360-degree images from all of the rooms here at the site,” Brenner said. “The Virtual Visit, as it is called in the survey, is browsing the posts on each of the social media platforms to gain a deeper connection and understanding of the park.”

 

To take the virtual tour:

http://www.nps.gov/fosc/learn/photosmultimedia/360tours.htm

 

Fort Scott NHS participates on the following social media platforms:

www.facebook.com/FortScottNPS

www.instagram.com/fortscottnps

https://twitter.com/FortScottNPS

Fortscott.biz interviewed Brenner by email.

Here are the questions and responses.

What is it designed to do?

“The public expects nearly all desired information to be found quickly and easily through websites and social media channels. They also expect that organizations frequently update these assets. The National Park Service (NPS) directly manages thousands of digital media web pages, mobile app pages, and social media channels. They also supply content, directly or indirectly, for third-party providers that share digital media information with the public. Within this large digital ecosystem, millions of online users from around the world rely on these resources for a wide range of information. While NPS has an established program for measuring and monitoring physical visitation to its park units, the program for describing and evaluating virtual visitors to its online resources is still being developed.

This study is part of that development. It aims to characterize the NPS virtual visitor population so we can better meet their virtual needs, describe visitors’ motivations, and evaluate the effectiveness of NPS digital media products.”

 

What will be done with the results?

“Through this program, the NPS, and specifically Fort Scott NHS, can better understand and meet the needs of our virtual visitors. We will be able to better evaluate the effectiveness of our digital media products in terms of the virtual visitor experience. With this information we can better prepare visitors for future visits,  increase resource protection, build a deeper understanding of the history and stories of our nation’s heritage, and build better connections to and stewards of National Park Service resources. Additionally, NPS will determine if the current allocation of resources for digital media is generating congruent virtual visitor value, and the NPS will be positioned to more strategically deploy resources where digital information needs are not being sufficiently met and/or where the highest value is being provided.”

 

When will the survey results be collected and analyzed?

“The evaluation of the virtual visitors’ experiences and digital media effectiveness will begin immediately following the close of the survey and we are hoping to receive results by the end of the summer.”

 

 

The fort’s contact info:

Office – 620-223-0310

www.facebook.com/FortScottNPS

www.instagram.com/FortScottNPS

http://twitter.com/FortScottNPS

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

UHS BASKETBALL RESULTS vs. CHERRYVALE 2/22/2021

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

The Uniontown Eagles played some tough games on Monday against Cherryvale. The Chargers defeated both Varsity teams. The boys also played a game in Oswego last Friday, which they won.

The Lady Eagles were defeated by Cherryvale 39-45. Karleigh Schoenberger scored 22 points and had 12 rebounds and 3 assists. Gwen Fry had 5 rebounds, and Rylee Coulter had 4. Laney Covey, Camryn Davis, and Addisyn Hall each had 3 rebounds. Hall and Sammie Hampton also each had 2 steals. The JV team lost 31-36, Hall and Davis scoring 10 and 9 points, respectively. The two also led in rebounds, 6 and 4. Brooklyn Dreisbach and Davis each had 4 steals.

Coach Miller says, “The Varsity and Junior Varsity girls suffered a couple of tough losses tonight. The girls battled hard, but unfortunately fell short. We will put this game behind us and focus on taking on Girard for our final regular-season game.”

The boys lost to Cherryvale 51-68. Jake Harvey scored 22 points and had 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Luke Perry scored 10 points. Drew Perry had 3 assists, Dawson Dreisbach had 6 boards, and Clay Sutterby had 10 rebounds and 3 blocks.

“It was a tough night for our basketball team,” Coach Hays admits. “Cherryvale came out on fire from deep. I liked how we continued to fight and play hard all four quarters. It will be nice to get back to practice tomorrow and work on getting better. Things don’t get easier with Girard coming to town Thursday.”

Their Varsity team beat Oswego 44-25 on Friday. Jake Harvey scored 21 points and had 5 rebounds and 3 steals. Dawson Dreisbach scored 11 points, and had 5 rebounds and 3 steals as well. Luke Perry also had 5 rebounds, while Drew Perry had 3 assists. Clay Sutterby had 10 rebounds and 3 blocks.

“Our game against Oswego was a last second schedule change, as both Pleasanton and St. Paul were both unable to play us. I’m glad we were able to squeeze this game in and give our boys another chance to compete. Oswego is a team on the rise and played extremely hard. We were fortunate to pull away in the second half,” Coach Hays says.

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

Ascension Via Christi, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At Ascension Via Christi Feb. 25: Drive-Through

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This week is a
DRIVE-THRU
Chamber Coffee!
Chamber members are invited to join Ascension Via Christi in Celebrating their 2nd Anniversary of operating the
Emergency Department in Fort Scott!
Thursday, February 25th
Drive-thru will be set up at the Emergency Department Helipad
401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
(south side of building)
Arrive any time between 8 to 9am
for donuts & coffee in a
complimentary reusable coffee cup!
Rain or Shine!
Drew Talbott, Ascension Via Christi President,
Tawny Sandifer, Vice President of Operations, and the ED staff
are excited to greet everyone and celebrate serving Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the area with emergency services.
Ascension Via Christi says THANK YOU to the
community for your support!
doctors-nurses.jpg
bronze-medicine-symbol.jpg
Masks are strongly encouraged for the
drive-thru event.
Tune in to the Chamber’s Facebook page
for a Facebook Live.
Call the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
with any questions ~ 620.223.3566.
Upcoming Chamber Coffee Schedule
  • March 4th “OPEN” Call the Chamber to schedule
  • March 11th “OPEN” Call the Chamber to schedule
  • March 18th hosted by Briggs Auto of FS – Celebrating Birthday week Anniversary (6 years)
  • March 25th hosted by NRMC – location TBA
  • April 1st hosted by Jose’s Barber Shop (New Business)
  • April 8th “OPEN” Call the Chamber to schedule
  • April 15th hosted by Fort Scott Christian Heights
  • April 22nd hosted by Bourbon County Conservation District
  • April 29th hosted by Papa Don’s Pizza
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

American Legion Scuttlebutt

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I have emailed Bourbon County schools about the Boys State program, Cadet Law Program and the end-of-year American Legion School (Medals) Awards.

Any boy going into the 12th grade can apply for the Boys State program. Any boy or girl going into the 12th grade or is a graduating senior can apply for the Cadet Law program.

These programs can be positive, life-changing experiences for our students. If you know of any student who may be interested in going to either program, please let me know.

The cost for each student to attend is $350 with the student paying $50. However, if the student is unable to pay their share, Post 25 will cover the cost.

Membership Incentive: Recruit a new Legion member and be entered into a drawing for $500. If the new member’s name is drawn, both the new member and the recruiter win $500. If you have a potential member, let me know. Their membership information must be submitted by the Post 25 Adjutant. If the new member joins online or through the mail, they cannot be entered into the $500 drawing

Nominations of Officers. We will hold nominations of officers for the 2021 – 22 Legion year at our March 1st meeting. If you wish to make  a difference in the American Legion and our community, please consider standing for an office.

If you are interested in holding an office but cannot attend Monday’s meeting, email me and I will nominate you for your desired office.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Saturday. February 27. American Legion Riders Chapter 25 meets at 10 AM in Memorial Hall.

Monday. March 1. American Legion Riders Chapter 25 meets at 10 AM in Memorial Hall.

Thursday. March 11. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 meets at 6 PM in Memorial Hall.

Thursday. March 11. American Legion Post 25 Color Guard meets at 7:15 PM in Memorial Hall.

Saturday. March 27. American Legion Riders Chapter 25 meets at 10 AM in Memorial Hall.

Your Post is member driven. Please contact your Executive Committee with your thoughts and suggestions for improving Post 25.

Submitted by Carl Jowers

Post 25 Commander

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Additional COVID-19 Vaccinators Authorized

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Governor Kelly Allows Temporary Authorization for Additional Vaccinators in Kansas

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly issued an executive order allowing temporary authorization for additional vaccinators during Kansas’ state of disaster emergency.

Executive Order #21-06 allows state healthcare professionals such as pharmacy students, dentists, paramedics and others who may administer injections or inoculations within their scope of practice to administer a coronavirus vaccine that is approved or authorized by the federal Food and Drug Administration.

“We must use every tool in our arsenal to vaccinate Kansans as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While there is still a vaccine shortage, this order will increase the number of vaccinators in our state so we can achieve our vaccination goals as soon as supply allows.”

To view E.O. #21-06, click here.

Obituary

Obituary of Howard Bovanizer

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Howard P. Bovanizer, age 59, a resident of Fulton, KS. passed away Sunday, February 21, 2021, at the Medicalodge of Frontenac. He was born, January 16, 1962 in Niagara Falls, New York. The son of Rodney and Mareta Bovanizer Jamieson. Howard had worked as an over-the-road truck driver. He enjoyed fishing, listening to music with his friends, and spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids.

He is survived by his son, Clarence LaRoche, Jr, of Fort Scott, and a daughter Eva Anderson, and husband James, of Fort Scott; brothers K.C. “Kenneth” Bovanizer, and wife Melisa, , John Jamieson, Rod D. Bovanizer, all of Niagara Falls, New York, sisters, Joanne Bovanizer, of New York, New York, Janice Bovanizer, Janet Neubauer, and husband Thomas, Mareta Bovanizer, all of Niagara Falls, New York; grandchildren, Lany Bovanizer, Maleigh Bovanizer, Yamka Bovanizer, Samantha Anderson, Anthony Anderson, Shane Aerts, Jr., Skylar Anderson, and Christopher Anderson; as well as many great-grandchildren

. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Jeffery Stanley Jamison, a sister Marla Jamieson Fadel; a grandson Howard Bovanizer; and a great-grandson Andrew Aerts.

There was cremation. The family will hold celebration of life at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Howard Bovanizer Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Unemployment Update

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Kansas Department of Labor Releases Unemployment Fraud Attempts, Fraud Payments

~KDOL has referred more than 50,000 cases to law enforcement through fraud crackdown strategy~

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) today issued data on the number of fraud attempts, the estimated amount of fraud payments the agency has paid, as well as law enforcement referrals.

Following an in-depth analysis and IRS Form 1099-G reconciliation, KDOL has determined that from Jan. 1, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2020, about $140 million in fraudulent claim payments were made from the Kansas regular unemployment insurance program. Additionally, more than $150 million in fraudulent payments are attributed to federal benefits programs, for a total of $290 million.

USDOL-OIG estimates that unemployment fraud has cost taxpayers roughly $36 billion nationwide since the start of the pandemic. The total amount of potential fraud is roughly eleven percent of total unemployment insurance payouts since the start of the pandemic. Other states to have publicly shared their fraud numbers include:

“Fraud is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. It’s stealing from taxpayers at the worst possible time and all attempts at fraud will be referred in the strongest possible manner to law enforcement,” Governor Kelly said. “All 50 states have been overrun with coordinated, sophisticated criminal fraud attempts, and that’s why I wrote a letter with fellow Governors, calling on Congress to provide funding to secure and modernize our systems.”

As part of a robust anti-fraud effort the agency has referred over 50,300 cases of alleged fraud to federal law enforcement partners for investigation and possible criminal prosecution, and is actively working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG) and the U.S. Attorney’s office to hold fraudsters to account.

“Congress opened the door for this historic level of fraud when they created multiple new pandemic-related unemployment programs, and at the same time prohibited states from asking basic verification questions,” Department of Labor Acting Secretary Shultz said. “It was not until the Continued Assistance Act was signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020 that states were able to take more aggressive action to verify claimant information in the federal programs.”

In early February, KDOL implemented a new fraud mitigation software solution that has drastically reduced the number of fraudulent claims that have been filed. Since its launch, this system has stopped more than 4.8 million bot attacks and fraudulent login attempts. As a result, KDOL’s fraud team has been able to focus their efforts on more sophisticated cases and investigations.

Since the beginning of 2020, KDOL stopped approximately 500,000 fraudulent claims that were the result of identity theft and other unemployment related fraud that could have cost more than $22 billion. These stopped claims are the result of many hours of effort from the KDOL fraud team who have worked tirelessly to combat sophisticated criminal rings, which have targeted the state’s unemployment system. The number also includes identity theft cases that have been reported by individuals and businesses.

Since March 15, 2020, KDOL has paid out over 4 million weekly claims totaling over $2.7 billion between regular unemployment and the federal pandemic programs.  For more information, or to apply for unemployment benefits, go to www.GetKansasBenefits.gov.