Monthly Archives: March 2021

Government, Kansas

Tax Collections Up

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February Total Tax Collections Outperform Estimate by $19.8 million

~ Governor Laura Kelly Calls for Equitable Distribution of Federal Aid ~

TOPEKA – Kansas’ total tax collections for February performed better than the estimate and better than the same month of Fiscal Year 2020. Total tax collections for the month were $455.9 million. That is $19.8 million, or 4.5%, more than the estimate and $7.6 million, or 1.7%, better than last February.

“Though tax receipt numbers continue to look encouraging, we must maintain fiscally-responsible, prudent practices as the economic impacts of the pandemic continue to take shape,” Governor Kelly said.

To assist states in COVID-19 recover efforts, over the weekend, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a stimulus bill that will provide $1,400 in direct payments to Kansans, increase the child tax credit, financial relief for schools and local governments, and further the administration of COVID-19 vaccinations.

The new proposal allocates aid based on a state’s unemployed population rather than its actual population. Governor Kelly was one of 22 governors who signed on to a letter opposing the move.

“I urge Congress to reconsider the current bill’s approach and distribute aid to states equitably, based on population,” Governor Kelly said. “Receiving our fair share of federal support will continue to be key to protecting Kansans’ health and safety, keeping businesses open, and getting our kids back in school as quickly as possible.”

Individual income tax collections were $193.7 million. That is up 7.6%, or $13.7 million, for the month. Those collections are $22.3 million, or 13.0%, more than the same month of last fiscal year. Corporate income tax collections were up $3.2 million, or 63.5%, for the month with a collection of $8.2 million. That is $1.0 million, or 14.3%, more than February of Fiscal Year 2020.

The state collected $4.3 million, or 2.4%, more than the estimate in retail sales taxes with $179.3 million collected. That is a 0.8%, or $1.4 million, increase from the previous February. Compensating use tax collections were down $3.3 million, or 7.9%, for the month with $38.7 million collected. Those collections are $215,168, or 0.6%, less than last February. The last time the state missed its compensating use tax estimate was August 2019.

Please find the revenue numbers here.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Additional UK variant cases identified in Sedgwick County

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TOPEKA – Eight new cases of the United Kingdom, or UK, variant known as B.1.1.7, have been identified in Sedgwick County. These cases were identified in individuals all living in the same household and do not appear to be connected to earlier cases in Kansas. A case investigation is being conducted and close contacts notified. Further details concerning the patients, including demographics, will not be released.
The total of UK-identified variants in Kansas is now at 10. The first case was identified in February in Ellis County, followed by the second case in Sedgwick County. The initial two cases are believed to have been exposed through separate, out-of-state travel.
The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing (WGS) conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
“We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions. This includes wearing a mask that fits snuggly around the nose and face and has multiple layers of fabric or layering thinner masks with an additional cloth face mask to improve the fit,” Dr. Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Kansans should also follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to, once the supply is sufficient.”
“In addition to following these healthy behaviors, this finding also shows the importance of getting tested for COVID-19,” Adrienne Byrne, Sedgwick County Health Director, adds.
Testing is available and free for all Kansans. To find a location near you, visit: www.gogettested.com/kansas This variant was first reported in the U.S. at the end of December 2020.
Evidence from the UK indicates that this variant spreads much more quickly through the population and, given that fact, may rapidly increase the number of hospitalizations and deaths. More studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

February 26, 2021

 

Committee Work

All of the senate work was in committees last week.  It was the last week that committees meet before turnaround, the half-way point of session.  There were some good, bad, and ugly results for the week.

 

The Good

The Senate Tax Committee passed out several bills but most notably was Senate Bill (SB) 46 that would exempt your retirement accounts from state income tax.  The estimated decrease in taxes is $213 million.  The opponents will argue the state cannot afford such a large tax cut.  What they neglect to tell you is the state has collected $168.7 million over estimates since July 2020 (the start of Fiscal Year FY2021).  In 6 months, taxes collected are above estimates by almost $170 million so Kansas can afford it – we just have to make it a priority.

 

The Bad

The bad was some of the bills that passed out of committee or other bills that were stalled in committee.  One that was stalled is SB 213 that would block employers from mandating vaccinations.  The testimony during the hearing was compelling but the chairman decided not to work the bill.  Because the committee is non-exempt, the bill is basically dead for the year unless it is removed from Commerce and put in an exempt committee such as Federal & State Affairs.

 

The Ugly

There are too many ugly things to write about but one that stands out is the unemployment system.  Legislative Post-Audit, a non-partisan research group, reported an estimate of $600 million paid in fraudulent unemployment claims.  The Governor had reported over $300 million (which is the number I had in my update last week).  It is appalling that criminals are stealing the money, while Kansans who need the money cannot get it.  And to make matters worse, many Kansans have had their identity stolen and are getting 1099 forms saying they owe income tax on unemployment money they never received.

 

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

Caryn

 

 

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, COVID-19, Health Care

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments At CHC

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Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is now offering COVID-19 vaccine appointments as part of Phase 2 of the Kansas Vaccine Prioritization Plan.
 The list can be found on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website:
There is no out-of-pocket cost to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinations will be available at all CHC/SEK clinic locations.
The vaccine appointment telephone number to call is 866-888-8650, which will be answered 7 a.m. -7 p.m. seven days a week. There is an additional line for Spanish speakers, available at 620-240-8940, answered from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
CHC/SEK is one of 250 health centers nationally selected to receive a direct supply of COVID-19 vaccine to ensure underserved communities are equitably vaccinated, according to a recent announcement from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and CDC.  A shipment of 4,000 doses of Moderna vaccine is expected to arrive the week of March 1.
CHC/SEK will follow the state priorities for what populations are eligible to receive the vaccine, however vaccine recipients will not be restricted by county residency, nor do they have to be a patient of CHC/SEK.
“This is a gift to the people of Southeast Kansas, the least healthy and most economically challenged region of the state,” said Krista Postai, President & CEO of CHC/SEK.  “With almost 20 percent of our population over 65, the ability to reach out to provide this potentially life-saving vaccine is probably one of the most important initiatives in our history.”
Vaccine appointments will be available at CHC/SEK locations.
In Pittsburg, CHC/SEK has established a vaccine center at 924 N. Broadway, with extended and weekend hours to make receiving a COVID-19 vaccination as convenient as possible. The health center has also formed special vaccination outreach teams to target special populations by taking the vaccine to them.
“Based on the calls we’ve been receiving, we know many people are eager to get vaccinated and so afraid they’ll be overlooked because they live in rural Kansas,” Postai said. “It is so wonderful to tell them they’ve actually been prioritized nationally.”
CHC/SEK and Grace Med Topeka/Wichita were the two Kansas health centers chosen for this program. Both serve a large population of individuals experiencing homelessness, public housing residents, migratory and seasonal agricultural workers, patients with limited English proficiency and serve a significant population of patients age 65 years and older.

“We know these vaccines are safe and highly effective against a very serious disease,” Postai said. “Now that they have become available to us, CHC/SEK is ready to get them delivered into the arms of our communities.”

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Starlite FCE Minutes of Feb. 25

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Starlite FCE

February 25, 2021

 

The February meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager building at the Fairgrounds.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and Joyce Allen led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  Nine members were in attendance, they reported that they had volunteered for four hours and had recycled sixty pounds of cardboard.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Doris Ericson presented the treasurer report.  Glenda Miller passed out the new membership roll and informed us Sekan will accept cardboard on Mondays.

Jackie Warren reported that as of now we are planning to have an Open Class at the Fair this year and asked for a show of hands of those who would be able to help.

New Business consisted of planning an Easter party for Tri-Valley.  It was decided to make bunny bags and fill with treats and to has an egg hunt.  Everyone is to bring wrapped candy to place in eggs and bags.

Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Doris Ericson seconded the motion, motion carried, meeting adjourned.  After the meeting, Deb Lust presented a program on Character Counts- Responsibility.  Doris Ericson and Deb Lust provided refreshments of cake, M&M, and water, which were enjoyed by all.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

Government, Kansas

High Electricity Bill Help Available

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Governor Kelly Encourages Kansans to Apply for Low Income Energy Assistance Program Funding Available to Help Pay High Electricity Bills

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly encouraged Kansans to apply for funds available through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) to help pay high electricity bills caused by extremely cold temperatures. Due to extreme cold, Kansans may see higher than usual utility costs.

“My administration is considering every tool at our disposal to ensure Kansans and communities are protected from price surges caused by the extreme weather,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “While LIEAP assistance is available to Kansans experiencing higher than usual utility costs, we continue to communicate with our local and federal partners to address this problem.”

LIEAP is a federally-funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per-year benefit. The 2021 LIEAP application period is from Monday, January 4, 2021, through Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Applications must be received before 5:00 PM, March 31, 2021. To find additional information about the LIEAP program and applications, please click here.

In addition to promoting LIEAP assistance, the following actions are currently being taken to address higher than usual utility costs for Kansans:

  • The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has instructed utilities under its jurisdiction (Evergy, Liberty, Southern Pioneer, Kansas Gas Service, Black Hills, Atmos, and the City of Eskridge) to defer the extraordinary costs associated with cold weather.
  • Utility companies regulated by the KCC are now required to submit what costs they incurred because of the storm, along with a plan detailing what steps they are taking to mitigate the cost to consumers.
  • KCC is working on a plan to spread extra costs out over several months or more to soften the impact on customers.
  • Governor Kelly and the KCC asked the Federal Regulatory Commission to investigate the events that led to a utility shortage and aid the state in protecting consumers from high costs.

The following additional resources are available for Kansans who may struggle to pay their utility bills:

  • All KCC regulated utilities are offering payment plans to help customers spread out costs. Kansans should contact their utility provider to explore available options.
  • Kansans can find a complete list of agencies and organizations providing assistance in their area here.
  • Kansans with questions can contact the KCC’s Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140.

Obituary

Obituary of Matthew Weddle

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Matthew Wayne Weddle, age 33, died Saturday, February 27, 2021. He was born October 28, 1987, the son of Albert and Tawnja Beisley Weddle. Matt enjoyed operating heavy equipment in his work. He loved his dog Holly and his truck.

Survivors include his parents, Tawnja Smith and husband Raymond, Ft. Scott, KS, and Albert Weddle and wife Susan, Ft. Scott; 2 brothers, Dustin Beisley and Dalton Weddle and wife Codee, all of Ft. Scott; 3 sisters, Stephanie Weddle and Kevin George, Nevada, MO, Amber Hatfield and husband Nicholas, Bronson, KS, and Shiann Weddle, Ft. Scott; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by great grandparents John and Kathryn Keating, an uncle, a niece, grandfather Russell Weddle, and 2 aunts, Marie Skaggs and Julie Walking.

There was cremation.

The family will receive friends from noon until 2 p.m. Friday afternoon March 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Matt Weddle Memorial Fund 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.

Obituary

Obituary of Teresa Davis

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Teresa Diane Davis, age 66, a resident of Fort Scott, died Friday, February 26, 2021, at her home. She was born December 5, 1954 in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Marion Young and Lena Kerr Young.

After graduating high school, Teresa completed cosmetology school. She later worked for Mercy Hospital as a CNA.

She married Frank Davis and together they enjoyed fishing.

Teresa liked to crochet and talk on the phone.

She especially enjoyed her time with her family and friends.

 

She is survived by her husband Frank of the home; a son Adrian Young and wife Melanie of Wellington, Kansas, a daughter Tynessa Van Buren, of Grandview, Missouri; five grandchildren, Adrianna, Aidyn, and Aurora Young, Tanesa and Kyesha Van Buren ; four brothers, Floyd, Wade, Rodney and Waymon Young, two sisters, Nellie Stutterfield, and Rhonda Turner as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Junior and Goldie Young, and a sister, Janice Ray.

 

There was cremation. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction 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.

Elections, Fort Scott

Sales Tax Proposition On March 2 Ballot

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Susan Bancroft. Submitted photo.

Fort Scott residents have the opportunity to vote on a proposed .5% sales tax for the City of Fort Scott on Tuesday, March 2.

 

The tax would go towards streets, parks, and community facilities improvements, which has been a call from the citizens of Fort Scott.

A history of the tax proposal

In 2010, Fort Scott residents passed a .5% sales tax for improvements to Buck Run Community Center and the Fort Scott Aquatic Center. This sales tax was for 10 years and set to expire June 30, 2021, according to a press release from Susan Bancroft, Fort Scott’s Finance Director.

 

“In December of 2020,  Fort Scott City Commission voted to petition for the continuation of the 0.5% sales tax for a different dedicated purpose for five years set to expire June 30, 2026,” she said.  “The city commission voted unanimously that 90% of the proposed .5% sales tax would go to streets and 10% to parks and community facilities. Based on the past five-year average, the .5% sales tax has the potential to raise on average $698,000 per year.”

 

“The .5% sales tax is not an additional tax, it is the renewal of a prior .5% sale tax,” Bancroft said. “The difference of proposing a sales tax versus a property tax for the community is that those visiting from other communities are contributing to the improvements of our local infrastructure.”

 

“The 90% dedicated to street improvements includes sidewalks, bike lanes, and curb and gutter work,” she said. “The street advisory board and the public works director have been working to develop a five-year plan of potential street improvements and have preliminary plans in place.”

 

“The 10% dedicated to parks and community facilities include improvements such as ADA compliance, public bathroom facilities, playground equipment, trails, and memorial hall preservation,” Bancroft said.

 

“The parks advisory board has also met with the public works director to begin a five-year plan of potential projects and reported to the city commission at their work session on February 23, 2021, priorities they feel need to be addressed,” she said.  “Year one they have proposed repairs to shelter houses and bathrooms in Gunn Park and repairs to the playground fall area at Nelson Park. Year two priority recommendations include an additional bathroom between shelter house 6 and 7 and further upgrades to the campground in Gunn Park.”

“During the election in November of 2020, the citizens passed a countywide 1% sales tax for Bourbon County,” Bancroft said. “The city commission committed to using 90% of the funds generated from this sales tax to be dedicated to the operations and maintenance of the street department. The remaining 10% would be used for the general purposes of the city. Collectively, the revenue generated from two sales tax initiatives would generate enough funding to put together a sustainable street program.”

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Hearing For Proposed Conservation Regulation

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — A public hearing will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, to consider the revision of a regulation related to conservation practices. Due to public health concerns posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing proceedings will be held via a video conferencing system to provide the opportunity for virtual participation online.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Conservation is proposing a revision to K.A.R. 11-9-5 which will provide for a one-time early payout of existing long-term state incentive contracts for landowners already enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program conservation practices under the Kansas Water Quality Buffer Initiative.

A copy of the proposed regulation, as well as an expanded notice of public hearing, may be accessed on the KDA website at agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment. Anyone desiring to participate via video conference must pre-register and be provided with a video link. Written comments can be submitted on the public comment web page prior to the hearing or sent to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, attn. Ronda Hutton, 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS, 66502.

Any individual with a disability may request accommodations in order to participate in the public hearing and may request a copy of the regulations in an accessible format. Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least five working days prior to the hearing. For more information, including special accommodations or a copy of the regulations, please contact Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or [email protected].

###

WHAT:          Public hearing on proposed conservation regulation

WHEN:          1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, 2021

WHERE:       Virtual hearing via

Fort Scott, Schools

Fort Scott took first place in sweepstakes! GO TIGERS!

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Submitted by Angella Curran 

Fort Scott High School
Speech Communications
Debate/Forensics
Friday night Feb 26, FSHS Talking Tigers competed in the Cherryvale tournament.
In Varsity house:
Kinsley Davis 5th
Shekhar Gugnani 4th
Neil Gugnani 3rd
In JV house:
Ali Mclain 2nd
Lillian Collins 1st
In Novice house one:
Cadence Tuck 2nd
In Novice house 2:
Anna Hall 4th
Throughout this week they also competed in the Iola invitational and the Spring Hill invitational.
At Spring Hill Jade Russell placed 6th in Informative 10 and Sydney Weber placed 6th in Poetry.
At the Iola tournament:
Alana McClain 4th in poetry, 1st* in DI
Shekhar Gugnani 1st* in Impromptu, 1st* in Info, 3rd* in Extemp
Neil Gugnani placed 2nd* in extemp, 2nd* in info
Regen Wells placed 3rd in HI
Anna Hall placed 5th in DI
Gavin Warfield placed 5th in Info
Thade Yates placed 5th in Extemp
* indicates state qualifiers
Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, COVID-19, Fort Scott, Health Care

CHC/SEK takes appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations  

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Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, 403 Woodland Hills Blvd.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is now offering COVID-19 vaccine appointments for individuals aged 65 and older as part of Phase 2 of the Kansas Vaccine Prioritization Plan. There is no out-of-pocket cost to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinations will be available at all CHC/SEK clinic locations.

The vaccine appointment telephone number to call is 866-888-8650, which will be answered 7 a.m. -7 p.m. seven days a week. There is an additional line for Spanish speakers, available at 620-240-8940, answered from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
CHC/SEK is one of 250 health centers nationally selected to receive a direct supply of COVID-19 vaccine to ensure underserved communities are equitably vaccinated, according to a recent announcement from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and CDC.  A shipment of 4,000 doses of Moderna vaccine is expected to arrive the week of March 1.
CHC/SEK will follow the state priorities for what populations are eligible to receive the vaccine, however vaccine recipients will not be restricted by county residency, nor do they have to be a patient of CHC/SEK.
“This is a gift to the people of Southeast Kansas, the least healthy and most economically challenged region of the state,” said Krista Postai, President & CEO of CHC/SEK.  “With almost 20 percent of our population over 65, the ability to reach out to provide this potentially life-saving vaccine is probably one of the most important initiatives in our history.”
Vaccine appointments will be available at CHC/SEK locations.
In Pittsburg, CHC/SEK has established a vaccine center at 924 N. Broadway, with extended and weekend hours to make receiving a COVID-19 vaccination as convenient as possible. The health center has also formed special vaccination outreach teams to target special populations by taking the vaccine to them.
“Based on the calls we’ve been receiving, we know many people are eager to get vaccinated and so afraid they’ll be overlooked because they live in rural Kansas,” Postai said. “It is so wonderful to tell them they’ve actually been prioritized nationally.”
CHC/SEK and Grace Med Topeka/Wichita were the two Kansas health centers chosen for this program. Both serve a large population of individuals experiencing homelessness, public housing residents, migratory and seasonal agricultural workers, patients with limited English proficiency and serve a significant population of patients age 65 years and older.
“We know these vaccines are safe and highly effective against a very serious disease,” Postai said. “Now that they have become available to us, CHC/SEK is ready to get them delivered into the arms of our communities.”
About CHC/SEK
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is a not-for-profit Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing quality health care to everyone regardless of income or insurance status. CHC/SEK serves more than 50,000 children and adults annually and employs more than 400 professionals and support staff at 18 locations throughout Crawford, Cherokee, Labette, Linn, Montgomery and Allen counties, and Ottawa County in Oklahoma. CHC/SEK is governed by a 14-member Board of Directors, which includes patients from the communities it serves.