The Bourbon County Commission Minutes of July 19

July 19, 2021                                       Monday 3:00 pm

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting; present were Lynne, Jim and Kendell.  Clifton, Rob Harrington and Justin attended by telephone.

 

Also present were the following: Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Susan Bancroft, Will Wallis, Shane Walker and Robert Coon.

 

Susan Bancroft discussed the new budget law regarding exceeding the RNR rate; she said she anticipated that Bourbon County would exceed the RNR rate for the 2022 budget.  She said notice needed to be provided to the Clerk that they anticipate exceeding the RNR rate and said the hearing is scheduled for September 7th, she said the County couldn’t exceed the anticipated mill levy rate (the worst-case scenario for the mill rate is 66.263), but could drop down the rate.  Jim Harris questioned if they didn’t have a RNR hearing did that mean they weren’t going to do it, and said if we don’t have the hearing, we can’t exceed the RNR, Susan said they would have the hearing and said it was possible they wouldn’t exceed the RNR, and said by having a hearing this gave the County more time to work on their budget. Lynne made a motion to adopt the intent to exceed the RNR rate and said the proposed mill rate is 66.263, with a hearing date set for September 7th; Lynne said the 66.263 is based on the additional $450,000 requested during the budget process but not approved, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne said that last week the County made a motion to take over the Cress building and said this week they have the opportunity to publicize for bids for the sale of the Cress building; Susan said the notice for the newspaper would need to be in 3 consecutive publications, Justin suggested the sealed bids would include the building with equipment or the building without the equipment, the Commissioners agreed.  Jim made a motion to advertise and publicize the sale of the Cress building by sealed bids and said one bid would be for just the building and the second bid would be for the equipment inside the building, they will open the sealed bids on August 10th, Clifton seconded and all approved.  On 7/19/2021 Susan Bancroft notified the Tribune to place the following notice for 3 consecutive weeks… “Bourbon County will be accepting sealed bids until August 10, 2021, 9:00 AM for the purchase of 17 South Main.  Please send all bid documents to the Bourbon County Clerk, 210 S National, Fort Scott, KS  66701 clearly marking the envelope, 17 South Main Bid.  Interested parties may bid on the property and contents as a package or provide an alternate bid for just the property.”

 

Lynne said they had a special meeting on July 16th concerning the Eagle Block building and the declaration needed; Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 21-21; a flooding and hazardous weather emergency declaration, Jim questioned if the Resolution covered the whole County, Will Wallis said the Resolution covers all of the County, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

At 3:23, Jim made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

July 27, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

The Bourbon County Commission Minutes of July 16

July 16, 2021                                       Friday 7:00 pm

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for an emergency meeting at Fort Scott City Hall, Lynne was present, Clifton was on the telephone for the meeting.

 

Also present were the following: Susan Bancroft, Rob Harrington, Pete Allen, Bob Farmer, Lindsay Watts, Josh Jones, Michael Hoyt, Kevin Allen on the telephone and Trisha Purden on the telephone.

 

Lynne said that Rob Harrington had called him today regarding the collapse of the Eagle Block building on National in Fort Scott.  Lynne said that Rob had asked that the County declare an emergency declaration so they are able to begin the process to receive funding from the State of Kansas for CDBG funds to shore up and for the demolition of the Eagle Block building.

 

Lynne made a motion to declare an emergency for the collapse of the Eagle Block building because it is a public hazard and is endangering the public, Clifton seconded and the motion carried.  Lynne said the Resolution # will be 21-21 and asked for the authority to sign the Resolution once it is ready; Clifton made a motion for Lynne to sign the Resolution when it is ready.  Rob Harrington said the next step will be the application process and said he would handle the application process, he said he hopes to have access to the funds in the next few weeks.

 

At 7:04, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

July 27, 2021, Approved Date

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of July 13

July 13, 2021                                       Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

 

Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Donnie Coffman, Anne Dare, Clint Walker, Susan Bancroft, Nancy Van Etten, Mark McCoy and Rob Harrington.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey reported they are fixing washouts around the County.  They plan to remove a tree across 85th on July 14th.  They did 1 ¼ mile of asphalt surface coating on Arrowhead going North.

 

Stephen Plaster, a resident at 426 127th Terrace requested the County re-pave a 250 yard strip on 127th Terrace, he said there are dangerous potholes there that are 4-6” deep.  He said he was willing to pay a reasonable amount of some of the cost to re-pave this road. Eric estimated it to cost $24,946.32 for 1,916’ or $10,181.40 for 782’ Lynne said the County was responsible for the unincorporated towns.  Jim made a motion to approve overlaying this at the end of the season if there is any money left and to look at Devon in the future, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Eric said they would do a blast at the Blake Quarry next week.

 

Eric said he has been receiving job applicants and received one from someone that lives in Kansas, but is 4 miles out of Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County handbook states that there is a residency requirement for County employees; Eric asked if the Commissioners would consider this applicant.  Both Jim and Clifton didn’t feel there should be a residency requirement.  Clifton made a motion to strike from the handbook the residency requirements, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Eric said the Bureau of Waste Management will be at the Landfill Thursday regarding soybean composting; Jim will attend this meeting as well.  Eric said they built the berm around the beans yesterday; Jim said the soybeans should be the shells only and said they should not be taking any paste.

 

Eric discussed the Maple Road project by the Sale Barn that the County did several years ago; he said the State will be refunding Bourbon County $641.41 for that project, Eric said he would deposit the money in special projects.

 

Eric said the map shows the bridge at 120th & Unity as open, he said it needs to be cleaned out.

 

Eric questioned which map they should be going by; Lynne said the 89’ map; Shane Walker said the 89’ map is the base map that they use and said edits are done each quarter.

 

Eric said 1,056’ of Unique and 96th is open according to the map.

 

Eric said he is working with Susan regarding grants for R/S roads.

 

Windmill update: Eric said they are working on public radius’s and said they are pouring concrete for the bases.

 

Eric said they did work on the Stateline Road in Xenia yesterday.

 

Lynne reported that 95th & Unique needs a culvert.

 

Eric said they are supposed to get the Sterling truck back this week.

 

Clifton made a motion to adopt Resolution 19-21; a resolution to continue to support ROZ and to allocate $0 for this, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to adopt Resolution 20-21; a wage resolution adding the former Mercy employees, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:43, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Rob Harrington and Justin Meeks).  At 9:43, Clifton made a motion to resume the regular session, Lynne seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to move Justin Meeks next executive session to the end of the meeting, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Nelson Blythe, a Sheriff deputy met with the Commissioners; also present for this meeting were Bill Martin, Ben Cole and Kevin Davidson.  Nelson thanked the Sheriff and Undersheriff for hiring him and allowing him to serve Bourbon County, he said he wasn’t here to complain or criticize people.  He said he had worked for Bourbon County for 4 years, and said last week he had decided to transfer to another agency for financial reasons.  He said Allen County paid their Sheriff deputies $2 more/hour, Linn County paid $3 more/hour and Crawford County paid $2 more/hour; he said he thought that was a problem and was raising this issue. He said he couldn’t think of a financial reason to stay here and said he couldn’t afford to put his wife on the insurance here. He said this (law enforcement) is skilled labor and said it takes 2 years to learn how to do the job.  He said in his 4 years he had seen 7 deputies leave.  Jim said he appreciated him coming to the Commissioners; he said salaries are low here in every department.  He said the more we spend the more we have to collect in taxes.  Nelson compared the lower taxes paid in Linn County to the higher taxes in Bourbon County; Lynne said a large percentage of taxes in Linn County are derived by the power plant there.  Susan said everything stems from the assessed valuation; she said Anderson County had given raises to officers, but said something else suffered because of this.  Kevin Davidson challenged the Commissioners to speak with the public and ask what their opinion is on law enforcement, he said he had left employment here and came back, he said he thought law enforcement should be top priority.  Lynne said he knew a progressive wage scale was the way to go.  Lynne said some budgets had gone up 100% in 5 years.  Jim said he thought some citizens would say to pay more money, but would say not to charge any more in taxes.  Clifton said they had a town hall meeting where 15 people showed up; he said he was a believer in aggressive law enforcement.  Nelson said law enforcement should be a priority and said if we don’t have it then everything else in the community will suffer.  Lynne said they had been trying to address the wages.  Clifton said it wasn’t fair to compare Bourbon County to the Counties he had compared; Susan suggesting comparing Bourbon County to like Counties, she said we didn’t have a way to generate money here.  Bill Martin said they did compare other Counties years ago when Austin Peters did a wage study and said Bourbon County was down 25% then; he said Austin Peters is doing another wage study to see if that has changed. Nelson thanked the Sheriff and Undersheriff and said it had been an honor to serve Bourbon County.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 6 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:18, Lynne seconded and all approved (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Bill Michaud, Susan Bancroft and Rob Harrington).  At 10:18, Clifton made a motion to return to regular session, Jim seconded and all approved.  Bill Michaud said he had been a recipient of Spark funds for a downtown grocery store; he said that project didn’t go as planned and said they ceased the operation of it in May and tried other options for the store to be a benefit to the community, but that didn’t work out either.  Bill said he would like to ask the Commissioners to assume the store and the associated mortgage that goes with that.  Jim made a motion that Bourbon County assume the building at 17 S. Main, including the note, contents and all, Clifton seconded, Lynne said the Office of Recovery was called to find out what legal options there were and the legal opinion is that Bourbon County is in charge of the MOU’s for the Spark grant funds, Lynne thanked Bill for trying and all approved the motion.  Lynne said he hoped to announce in the future a particular use for the building.  Rob Harrington asked the Commissioners to make a motion to withdraw from the MOU between BAJA and Bourbon County.  Justin said they may have a title issue and said some legalese will need to be taken care of.  Justin said they will need someone to manage the building and recommended that Rob Harrington do this, Justin said they may want to get title insurance.  Justin said the State is comfortable with this transaction.  Lynne made a motion to allow Bourbon County Ready to manage the property and for Justin to work with Rob Harrington on the closing.

 

Justin Meeks said he is still working on the tax sale.  He said he will be providing a letter to Lynne regarding a petition he received regarding sales tax; he said he met with the individual that presented the petition and they will make changes to the petition.  Jim asked that all of the Commissioners get a copy of the letter he presents to Lynne.

 

Justin said they needed designation to have Janice at the Mercy building to report directly to the Commissioners; all IT issues will be reported to Shane Walker, and mechanical issues will be reported to Janice.  Clifton made a motion to allow Janice Baker to report directly to the Commissioners, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Public Comment: Donald Coffman said he had been doing road work for 35 years; he asked if they were opening a can of worms since they are having trouble keeping up with the main roads by agreeing to asphalt the road in Hiattville (426 127th Terrace). Jim said the County is the only resource for unincorporated towns, the County used to chip and seal, which is more affordable; Jim said the road in Hiattville is not in good enough shape to chip and seal.  Jim said they will need to look at the number of asphalt roads and in the future, they will need to look at what the sales tax can pay.  Justin discussed foreseeable issues; he said if a pothole is dangerous, they have to fix it.

 

Public Comment: Clint Walker questioned the shared HR position between the City and County and asked if they had talked about the salary; Lynne said not yet, Susan said they are setting up interviews now and said the range will be $40,000-$80,000 and said they are looking at someone that is qualified to do both locations.

 

Anne Dare asked where the applicants were from; Susan said everywhere and in-town.  Anne said she felt for Bill Michaud; she questioned if the County was going to assume ownership of the building in hopes of selling it; Lynne said the goal was to repurpose it with a private entity, Clifton said yes, Jim said they want to put the building back on the tax roll.

 

Nancy Van Etten said she had been on the SEK Library System board for 4 years and said she could continue to serve.  Nancy asked for a Lake Sewer District update; she said there were 2 property owners wanting to connect to the district and said some are wanting to sell.  Lynne said that Justin had worked with Bob Farmer on this.  Nancy said they needed the sewer district agreement completed.  Justin said Bob Farmer is working on this and said he would call him this afternoon, Justin said he is waiting on the City to give him a contract so he can approve it.  Nancy said the Republican party had a booth at the Bourbon County fair this week and encouraged the Commissioners to come to the booth.

 

Commissioner Comment:   Clifton said he had been asked if the County would provide shot rock to help stabilize the wall at 3rd & Scott (at the Old Fort Auto location), he said the wall is falling down and that it looks bad.

 

Clifton made a motion that if the Commissioners were at the fair at the same time, it would be ok, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Jim said the Sterling truck had been broke down for about 90 days and said the wet season was coming and they would need to be hauling gravel.

 

Lynne said this was the 2nd time this had happened in the past weeks; he told Anne Dare he didn’t appreciate the comments about the Commissioners getting kickbacks or taking bribes regarding Apex Wind, he said he never took a dime from anyone and said the comments were directly affecting him and his credibility and said he would appreciate it if this stopped.  Jim said there were no kickbacks coming.  Anne Dare said she wanted to publicly apologize for her comment, she said it was uncalled for and said it wasn’t specific to any of them.

 

At 10:50, Jim made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

At 1:00 the Commissioners held a 2022 budget work session; Lynne, Jim, Kendell and Susan were present as well as the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Ben Cole, Bobby Reed, Donald Coffman and Nancy Van Etten).  Susan presented the Commissioners with the 1st draft of the 2022 budget. She reviewed each fund’s budget; she suggested using some of the jail sales tax money to fund the lease payments for equipment for public safety.  She also suggested changing sheriff vehicles every few years so they weren’t purchasing them all at one time.  She said she calculated the budget with the department’s request + a 3% increase and said the estimate mill rate is 66.263, the 2021 mill rate is 64.931.  She said employee benefits was up due to a 5% increase in premiums and budgeting for the cost benefits associated with a raise.  She said she was concerned that the revenue wasn’t coming in as projected for the Landfill and said she thought that was due to a decrease in business there.  She said she reduced the Appraisers budget to $273,300.  Susan discussed Sewer District #1, she said there are a few residents there that have never paid and said she felt like they needed to do a lien against their property.  Susan did not have a budget ready for the hospital building or for the ARPA funding.  Jim said he didn’t want to increase taxes.  Jim said in order to give raises they would either need to increase taxes or cut people.  Susan suggested that the Commissioners go ahead and have a hearing to exceed the RNR.  The Commissioners will have another budget work session on July 27th at 1:00 pm.  Susan said she had budgeted for shared services in the general fund for the business director but it wasn’t in the budget for the shared HR position, she suggested the cost of the HR position be spread across several departments to cover the cost.

 

The work session ended at 2:15.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

July 27, 2021, Approved Date

 

Bourbon County Commission Rescheduled

Agenda 

Bourbon County Commission Room 

1st Floor, County Courthouse 

210 S. National Avenue 

Fort Scott, KS 66701 

Tuesdays starting at 9:00 

 

Date: August 3, 2021 

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________ 

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________ 

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________ 

County Clerk-Kendell Mason 

 

 

MEETING FOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2021 IS CANCELLED AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021.  AGENDA FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021 MEETING WILL BE SENT OUT LATER TODAY. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituary of Clara Schwartz

Clara May Pigg Schwartz, 100, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. She was born January 21, 1921, in Arma, Kan., the daughter of Jesse T. and Flora Ruth (Vaughan) Pigg. She married Kenneth Fritz Schwartz on December 16, 1942, in Nevada, Mo. Kenneth passed on September 5, 2014, at 103 years of age. They were married 71 and a half years.

Clara grew up in Bourbon County. She attended Gish School, Fort Scott High School (Class of 1938), Fort Scott Junior College, Washburn and Pittsburg State Universities.

Clara was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 37 years, retiring in 1978. In 1971, she became the first woman appointed to a district (District Traffic Manager Operator Services in the Parsons District). In 1972, Clara was named Woman of the Year in Business by the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce. During her years of employment, she worked at offices in Fort Scott, Chanute, Pittsburg, Topeka, and Parsons.

As a member of the Presbyterian Church in Pittsburg and Fort Scott, Clara served on the Board of Deacons and was moderator of the women’s organizations.

For many years, she was active in the Altrusa Club, Telephone Pioneers of America, Business and Professional Clubs, Pierian Beta Clubs, Pauline’s Toy Workers, Azram Temple No. 81, Daughters of the Nile, Fort Scott Daughters of the Nile Club, Olive Chapter No. 13 Order of Eastern Star, White Shrine of Jerusalem, and Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, serving each group with distinction.

After retiring, the Schwartzes made their home at Lake Fort Scott where they enjoyed swimming, boating, and fishing. Much of their time was spent traveling, including trips to Australia, Japan, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Mexico, and Canada, as well as cruising all the Caribbean Islands.

Survivors include daughter Susan Schwartz Jones and husband Jimmie of Fort Scott, son, John Schwartz and wife Kathleen of Aubrey, Texas, and grandchildren Mandy Shoemaker, Fort Scott, Kan., Danny Jones, Elkins, Ark., Elizabeth Ann Jones, Dallas, Texas, Nicholas Schwartz and wife Madelyn, Aubrey, Texas, Steven Schwartz and wife Claire, Aubrey, Texas, eleven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Schwartz, and her granddaughter, Kelly Schwartz.

Rev. Dr. Jared Witt will conduct funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Monday, August 2, 2021, at the first Presbyterian Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Daughters of the Nile Endowment Fund or in memoriam at First Presbyterian Church and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com. The family requests that everyone wear masks and observe social distancing at the funeral.

Kansas Lakes Blue-Green Algae Advisories

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

 

Active Advisories

 

Warning

Gathering Pond at Milford, Geary County

Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County

Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” Main Lake, Labette County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County

Parsons Lake, Labette County (new)

Marion County Lake, Marion County (upgraded 7/22)

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (upgraded 7/22)

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

Hargis Lake, Sumner County (new)

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County

 

Watch

Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County

Mission Lake Horton, Brown County

Milford Lake Zones A and B, Geary County

South Lake, Johnson County

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” North Lake, Labette County

Marion Reservoir, Marion County (downgraded 7/22)

Overbook City Lake, Osage County

Agra City Lake, Phillips County

Atwood Township Lake, Rawlins County

 

Advisories Lifted 7/22/21

Herington Reservoir (New City Lake), Dickinson County

Herington City Lake (Old Lake), Dickinson County

Geary State Fishing Lake, Geary County

Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County

Linn Valley Lake, Linn County

River Pond below Tuttle Reservoir, Riley County

 

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

 

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

 

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid

direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.

  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

 

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

 

Signs of a possible bloom include if there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

 

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.Public

Heirs Property Relending Program: Resolving Ownership/Succession Issues

Biden Administration to Invest $67 Million to Help Heirs Resolve Land Ownership and Succession Issues 

 

MANHATTAN, KANSAS, July 29, 2021 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $67 million in competitive loans through the new Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP), which aims to help agricultural producers and landowners resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues. Intermediary lenders — cooperatives, credit unions, and nonprofit organizations – can apply for loans up to $5 million at 1% interest once the Farm Service Agency (FSA) opens the two-month signup window in late August. 
 

After FSA selects lenders, heirs can apply directly to those lenders for loans and assistance. Heirs’ property issues have long been a barrier for many producers and landowners to access USDA programs and services, and this relending program provides access to capital to help producers find a resolution to these issues.  

While those affected are in all geographic and cultural areas, many Black farmers and other groups who have experienced historic discrimination have inherited heirs’ property,” said Charles Pettijohn Acting State Executive Director for FSA in Kansas. “USDA is committed to revising policies to be more equitable and examining barriers faced by heirs’ property owners is part of that effort. This helps ensure that we protect the legacy of these family farms for generations to come.”

 

The Heirs’ Property Relending Program is another example of how USDA is working to rebuild trust with America’s farmers and ranchers. HPRP is a loan and will need to be repaid as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill.

 

The program’s benefits go far beyond its participants. It will also keep farmland in farming, protect family farm legacies and support economic viability.

 

Eligible Lenders 

To be eligible, intermediary lenders must be certified as a community development financial institution and have experience and capability in making and servicing agricultural and commercial loans that are similar in nature.

           

If applications exceed the amount of available funds, those applicants with at least 10 years or more of experience with socially disadvantaged farmers that are located in states that have adopted a statute consisting of enactment or adoption of the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act (UPHPA) will receive first preference. A list of these states is available at farmers.gov/heirs/relending. A secondary preference tier is established for those that have applications from ultimate recipients already in process, or that have a history of successfully relending previous HPRP funds.  When multiple applicants are in the same tier, or there are no applicants in tier 1 or 2, applications will be funded in order of the date the application was received.

 

Selected intermediary lenders will determine the rates, terms, and payment structure for loans to heirs. Interest rates will be the lowest rate sufficient for intermediaries to cover cost of operating and sustaining the loan. 

  

Additional information for lenders, including how to apply for funding, can be found in the HPRP final rule (PDF, 387 KB). A webinar will be held Tuesday, August 3, 2021 regarding applying for funding. Interested re-lenders should register through the FSA Outreach and Education webpage.

 

Relending to Heirs 

Heirs may use the loans to resolve title issues by financing the purchase or consolidation of property interests and financing costs associated with a succession plan. This may also include costs and fees associated with buying out fractional interests of other heirs in jointly-owned property to clear the title, as well as closing costs, appraisals, title searches, surveys, preparing documents, mediation, and legal services.   

 

Heirs may not use loans for any land improvement, development purpose, acquisition or repair of buildings, acquisition of personal property, payment of operating costs, payment of finders’ fees, or similar costs. 

 

Intermediary lenders will make loans to heirs who: 

·       Are individuals or legal entities with authority to incur the debt and to resolve ownership and succession of a farm owned by multiple owners; 

·       Are a family member or heir-at-law related by blood or marriage to the previous owner of the property;  

·       Agree to complete a succession plan. 

 

More information on how heirs can borrow from lenders under HPRP will be available in the coming months.

 

More Information 

Heirs’ property is a legal term that refers to family land inherited without a will or legal documentation of ownership. It has historically been challenging for heirs to benefit from USDA programs because of the belief that they cannot get a farm number without proof of ownership or control of land. However, FSA provides alternative options that allow an heir to obtain a farm number. In states that have adopted the UPHPA, producers may provide specific documents to receive a farm number. To learn more about heirs property, HPRP, or UPHPA, visit farmers.gov/heirs/relending.

 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov

 

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to include the countries of the Botswana, Cuba, Gibraltar, Isle of Man and Martinique. The countries of Argentina, Colombia, Kuwait, Mongolia, Namibia, Seychelles and Tunisia have been removed. These changes are effective today, July 29.

  • Traveled on or after July 29 to Botswana, Cuba, Gibraltar, Isle of Man or Martinique.
  • Traveled on or after July 15 to British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Fiji, Jersey or The United Kingdom.
  • Traveled between July 15 and July 29 to Tunisia.
  • Traveled between July 1 – July 29 to Namibia.
  • Traveled between June 17 – July 29 to Kuwait or Mongolia.
  • Traveled between June 3 – July 29 to
  • Traveled between May 6 – July 29 to Seychelles.
  • Traveled between April 22 – July 29 to Argentina.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

The travel quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.

For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine).
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel.

Persons who do not meet the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
  • Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

 

Rental, utility assistance available when eviction moratorium expires

Statewide program granting Kansas tenants, landlords $3 million per week
TOPEKA, Kan.— Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), the state’s housing finance agency, has provided $21,670,326.79 in emergency rental and utility assistance to 4,054 Kansas households experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID pandemic. The funds, made available through the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA)program, were allocated to the state through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously issued a temporary nationwide halt in residential evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. That moratorium is set to expire on July 31, 2021. Kansans who may be facing eviction due to financial hardship incurred as a result of the COVID pandemic are encouraged to apply for KERA assistance.
“It’s so gratifying to know our team is getting these funds out the door and into our communities where they are so desperately needed,” said Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director. “We recognize that the need is vast, and we look forward to providing this crucial assistance to Kansas tenants, landlords, and service providers as the program continues.”
KERA funds helped Gary Evert and his wife Sheryl, a couple in their 70s, remain in their Olathe home. “To anyone else out there who has applied for KERA I would say, ‘Don’t get discouraged. We’re all nervous, but when a customer service representative can calm you down and give you a sense of hope, it’s quite comforting,’” Evert said.
The KERA program previously served Kansans across the state except Wichita residents, who were served by the city’s rental assistance program. Recognizing the importance of serving tenants and landlords in our state’s most populous city, Wichita residents are now eligible to apply for the KERA program, though duplication of benefits is prohibited.
To be eligible to receive KERA assistance, tenants must rent their homes and must have experienced a documented financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples of hardship may include qualifying for unemployment benefits, experiencing a reduction of household income, or incurring significant costs due to the pandemic. Additionally, the tenant’s household’s income may not exceed 80 percent of the area median income.
Nyrica Hall of Topeka was facing eviction when she applied for KERA assistance. Her request resulted in funding for rental and utility assistance, as well as a $600 lump sum payment to cover internet service. “When the customer service manager called me back to say my application had been approved, I cried,” Hall said.
KERA applicants must provide the following documentation:
  • Past-due utility bill or overdue rent or eviction notice from April 2020 to the present
  • Signed lease identifying the residential unit and the rental payment amount
  • 2020 Federal Income Tax Return as filed with the IRS (if tenant hasn’t filed 2020 federal income taxes, their W-2 wage statement and all IRS 1099 forms are acceptable)
  • Proof of identification, including a current state-issued photo ID, court filing notice, or mail from a federal, state, county, or city agency displaying the rental unit address
Approved KERA applicants are eligible to receive a maximum of 12 months of rental and utility assistance, in addition to reasonable fees and security deposits. Qualified applicants are also eligible to receive a lump sum of $600 in credit to their internet providers to cover past-due or future internet costs, at a rate of $50 per month for 12 months. Tenants may apply for three months of prospective assistance at a time. Program guidelines require tenants and landlords to apply jointly, with payments made directly to the landlord or service provider.
The KERA program builds on KHRC’s success administering the Kansas Eviction Prevention Program, a statewide rental assistance initiative funded by the federal CARES Act in 2020. In the roughly 60 days that program was in statewide operation, KHRC processed 10,138 applications for more than $25.8 million in requested funding, ultimately serving 27,200 Kansans with $17,007,614 in rental assistance.
To learn more, to locate a community partner to assist with the application process, and to apply, visit kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance.
###
Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency (HFA), administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].

Obituary of Sondra Dell’Antonia

Sondra Elaine Dell’Antonia, age 81, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at her home.

She was born September 12, 1939, in Mulberry, Kansas, the daughter of Vincent Fornaciari and Gertrude Hall Fornaciari.

Sondra’s grandparents immigrated from Italy to Crawford County (Foxtown) where they owned and operated a meatpacking and general store known as The White Star. Her parents later converted the facility into a Private Club known as The Country Cove.  When Sondra was a teenager, her mother passed away and her Aunt Lena became a mother figure in her life. Her Aunt Lena held a special place in her heart and holidays spent at Aunt Lena’s house will be remembered by the entire family.

Sondra attended Frontenac public schools and graduated with the Class of 1958.

Sondra married Angelo Dell’Antonia on June 24, 1961, in Frontenac, Kansas, and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Sondra was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She took great pride in her family and went above and beyond to meet her family’s needs and will be missed by many.

Survivors include her husband, Angelo, of the home; a daughter, Melissa Dell’Antonia Renard (Jim), of Dallas, Texas, and a son, Jody Dell’Antonia (Rachael), of Ft. Scott and a granddaughter, Lily Dell’Antonia also of Ft. Scott. Also surviving is a sister, Terry Ives Meinke, of Dallas, Texas, a cousin, Richard Coleman (Faith), of Pittsburg, KS, and two grand dogs, Zeta and Cletus.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Reverend Rhonda Dunn will conduct graveside services at 11:00 A.M. Monday, August 2nd at the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel from 9:30 A.M. until leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 A.M.

Memorials are suggested to Fort Scott Area Community Foundation or Fort Scott Paws and Claws and may be left in the 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.