Monthly Archives: September 2021

Government, Kansas

KDOC ENROLLS 325 RESIDENTS IN COLLEGE

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TOPEKA, Kansas. – Classrooms are filling up at the eight Kansas Department of Corrections adult facilities. The department currently has 325 residents enrolled in college and career classes, including CTE (Career Technical Education) programs and associate and four-year degrees.

The Fall 2021 enrollment is an increase of 129 students over the last academic year.

The increase is due in part to Second Chance Pell grants. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced last fall that seven Kansas colleges had been awarded $2,229,125 million in Pell funding for incarcerated citizens. This was the second round of awards through the U.S. Department of Education, with 67 colleges selected from 180 applicants. Kansas received the highest number of awards in the nation.

Another four Kansas colleges are expected to apply in early 2022 for Second Chance Pell status. In July 2023, a ban – put in place in 1994 under the Violent Crimes Control and Law Enforcement Act – on Pell grants for those who are incarcerated will be lifted, leading to greater opportunities for more residents to enroll.

“Of the 325 residents in KDOC classrooms this fall, 240 are funded through Pell,” said Dr. Cris Fanning, KDOC Education Director. “By leveraging KDOC funds with Pell and other federal funds, KDOC plans to significantly increase market relevant job certifications for returning citizens.”

The classes are taught by professors from Kansas colleges. The Kansas Consortium for Correctional Higher Education, a partnership between KDOC, the Kansas Board of Regents and 11 Kansas higher education institutions, ensures prison programs are of the same quality as those on campus and that certifications and degrees are geared to high-demand occupations.

CTE programs include welding, sustainable/renewable energy, carpentry and electrical skills. Degree programs include associate of applied science, associate of arts in liberal studies and Bachelor of Science in computer information systems. As funding and space within the facilities allow, more programs and degrees will be added.

Special education and Title I services are also offered, and another 134 residents are enrolled in GED programs.

The connection between education and opportunity is well-documented. According to a recent Rand study, for every $1 spent on educating an incarcerated individual, taxpayers save between $4 and $5 in three-year incarceration costs. KDOC research indicates 75% of those entering prison have weak employment and education histories, and 50% of the reincarcerated were unemployed at the time of re-entry

“There is a direct link to education achievement and success after an individual fulfills their sentence and returns to the community,” said Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Secretary of Corrections. “Job readiness programs, transitional planning, private and correctional industry opportunities, mentors, tutors and many other key partners all play a part, but education and training are the foundation.”

Beyond the benefit to the individual, a skilled, ready-to-work workforce is one of our state’s highest needs.

KDOC releases approximately 6,000 individuals each year who return to their home communities. Providing training and education prior to release increases the labor pool for employers, and this in turn directly benefits local and state economies and improves the quality of life for all involved.

KDOC staff also observe that giving residents meaningful, relevant activities such as education and training leads to improved behavior. This is reflected in fewer rules violations and placements in restrictive housing. It also promotes positive engagement with staff and other residents and contributes to improved mental and physical health.

About the Kansas Department of Corrections

Through its strategic plan, Pathway for Success, the Kansas Department of Corrections’ vision, “Transforming Lives for the Safety of All,” is becoming reality by: (1) Investing in Individuals; (2) Creating an Environment for Change and Well-Being; (3) Enhancing and Maximizing Communication; (4) Fostering Dignity and Safety; and (5) Engaging and Strengthening Our Partnerships. In addition, KDOC now benefits from over four decades of scientific research defining the key principles of reducing crime, principles that align with this statutory purpose. The history of KDOC dates back to the founding of Kansas. More recently, the 1973 Kansas Legislature recodified KDOC’s purpose and current law reads, in part, “…rehabilitate, train, treat, educate and prepare persons convicted of felony in this state for entry or reentry into the social and economic system of the community… .”

Business, Fort Scott

Suddenlink: Upgrade To Provide Faster Internet Service Announced

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Suddenlink, a local internet provider, got an update last week, looking to provide faster service.

 

“Suddenlink’s new 400 Mbps broadband service (announced on August 24) is more than eight times faster than the previous highest speed tier available,” Ashley Morales, Specialist Communication at Altice USA said.

 

“The new 400 Mbps speed tier paired with Suddenlink’s Smart WiFi 6, delivers a supercharged WiFi experience with faster speeds and greater coverage than ever before, including powering today’s uber-connected smart homes, streaming content, engaging in video conferences, downloading files, and playing games on connected devices,” she said.

 

“Additionally, broadband-only customers can complete their entertainment experience with Suddenlink Stream, the new streaming experience provides a best-in-class and user-friendly solution for broadband-only customers to have access to a wide variety of video content, including thousands of apps and streaming services on Google Play and over 50 free live streaming channels,” Morales said.

 

“Suddenlink Stream is typically $5, however, right now we’re offering the service free to 400 Mbps customers,” she said.

 

“This upgrade does not impact landline phone calls, however, it does support video calls or calls made over WiFi,” Morales said.

 

The following is a press release from Suddenlink provider Altice.

“Altice USA (NYSE: ATUS), the provider of Suddenlink broadband, television, and phone service,  announced (last week) that as a result of major investments in its advanced broadband infrastructure, the company has launched faster speeds for Suddenlink residential customers in Fort Scott, Kansas. The company’s new 400 Mbps speed tier complements Suddenlink’s broadband offerings, which now include 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps service among other options, providing customers with choice and flexibility in selecting which broadband speed is right for them.

 

“Over the last few months, we have made major investments in our Suddenlink network and advanced broadband infrastructure to ensure we’re providing our local communities with fast and reliable high-speed broadband,” said Hakim Boubazine, Altice USA’s Chief Operating Officer and President of Telecommunications. “In today’s connected world, more households and businesses are relying on their broadband connection to keep them connected to work, school, customers, friends, and family, and our Suddenlink broadband service makes it all possible.”

 

The new speed tier is more than eight times faster than the highest speed previously offered by Suddenlink to customers in Fort Scott, Kansas and is paired with Suddenlink’s Smart WiFi 6 which delivers a supercharged WiFi experience with faster speeds and greater coverage than ever before. Smart WiFi 6 is primed to support customers’ increasing broadband usage, including powering today’s uber-connected smart homes, streaming content, engaging in video conferences, downloading files, and playing games on connected devices.

 

Altice USA offers a wide range of broadband speeds to meet all needs and budgets, including Altice Advantage Internet, a low-cost 30 Mbps service available to eligible customers for $14.99 per month, and going up to multi-gigabit services for enterprise customers. In addition, the company’s mobile service, Optimum Mobile, currently offers customers data, talk and text on a nationwide network with 5G coverage starting at just $14 per line per month. Visit Suddenlink.com to learn more.

 

About Altice USA

Altice USA is one of the largest broadband communications and video services providers in the United States, delivering broadband, video, mobile, proprietary content and advertising services to more than 5 million residential and business customers across 21 states through its Optimum and Suddenlink brands. The company operates a4, an advanced advertising and data business, which provides audience-based, multiscreen advertising solutions to local, regional and national businesses and advertising clients. Altice USA also offers hyper-local, national, international and business news through its News 12, Cheddar News and i24NEWS networks

 

 

 

 

 

Ashley Morales

Specialist, Communications

Altice USA
Government, Kansas

Kansas’ Total Tax Revenues $85.5 Million Over Last August

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~ August total tax collections net $629.0 million as KDOR monitors implications of online sales tax legislation. ~

TOPEKA – Kansas’ August total tax revenues were $629.0 million. Those collections are $113.6 million, or 22.0%, more than the estimate. The August total tax collections performed $85.5 million, or 15.7%, better than the same month of last fiscal year.

“While these revenue numbers continue to out-pace estimates, we must continue using responsible policies to protect our fiscal health long-term,” Governor Kelly said.

Individual income tax collections were $302.3 million. That is an $82.3 million, or 37.4%, gain for the month. That is also $31.4 million, or 11.6%, more than last August. Corporate income tax collections were $17.2 million, which is $7.2 million, or 71.8%, more than the month’s estimate. Those collections are also $9.8 million, or 133.8%, better than the same month of last fiscal year.

August retail sales tax collections were $16.5 million, or 7.9%, greater than the estimate with $226.5 million collected. That is a $19.4 million, or 9.4%, improvement over August 2020. Compensating use tax collections were $58.5 million, which is $6.5 million, or 12.4%, better than the estimate. Those August collections are $13.1 million, or 28.9%, more than the same month the previous fiscal year.

“The Department is closely monitoring compensating use tax receipts to determine whether such receipts are beginning to reflect payments from online sales now required of marketplace facilitators under legislation passed during the 2021 legislative session,” Kansas Department of Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said.

It is estimated that $3.5 to $4.0 million would be collected monthly under 2021 S.B. 50, the new marketplace facilitator rules, which apply to remote sales on and after July 1, 2021.

View the tax receipts here.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Kansas DCF Extends Deadline for Pandemic Relief Program

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Program provides funds to help eligible young adults in need

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families has extended the deadline to Sept. 10, 2021, for its independent living pandemic relief program, which provides a one-time benefit to help Kansas young adults ages 18 to 26 who experienced foster care, juvenile justice or tribal authority out of home placement at or after the age of 14.

“The pandemic has been difficult for all Kansans,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said, “and this program provides eligible young adults in need the chance to apply for this benefit and get financial assistance to help them in their daily lives.”

The program was developed after the Consolidated Appropriations Act (PL 116-260) was signed into law on December 27, 2020. The Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act (H.R. 7947) was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act and provides funding to every state to support youth and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Independent living pandemic relief program recipients must meet the following requirements:

  • Currently between the ages 18 and 26
  • Currently residing in Kansas
  • Experienced out of home placement in the custody of one of the following agencies at age 14 or older:
  • Kansas Department for Children and Families (formerly known as Social and Rehabilitation Services)
  • Tribal authority
  • Kansas Department of Corrections- juvenile services (formerly known as juvenile justice authority)
  • Other state child welfare system (verification of custody will be required for young adults who experienced custody in another state.)
  • Not currently participating in the DCF independent living program

Payments for this program will be issued starting in late September.

To complete the program application online, visit http://www.dcf.ks.gov/CAASP/Pages/ILPandemicRelief.aspx. Applicants will be asked to upload a copy or photo of their identifying documentation: State photo ID, social security card, or certified birth certificate. Applicants will need to have these documents accessible while completing the application.

Interested individuals may also print an application form and send the completed form to DCF youth programs via email, mail, fax (785-296-4685), or in-person delivery.

For mailing or in-person, the address is:

DCF Youth Programs Kansas Department for Children and Families Prevention and Protection Services 555 S. Kansas Avenue, 4th Floor​​ Topeka, KS 66603

If applicants do not have access to a printer, please email [email protected] and a copy will be mailed with an envelope for return.

Government, Kansas

Safer Classrooms Workgroup Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Safer Classrooms Workgroup to Protect Students, Teachers from COVID-19

TOPEKA – To protect Kansas students, teachers, and staff from the threat of the contagious Delta variant of COVID-19, Governor Laura Kelly today announced the Safer Classrooms Workgroup.

The workgroup, composed of highly skilled health professionals from across Kansas, will highlight the urgency of protecting kids from COVID-19 and use the best available science and information to support Governor Kelly’s administration, local governments, and school districts to promote health and safety in our schools.

“Children are catching the virus, being hospitalized, and dying from COVID at increasingly higher rates. There’s nothing more important than keeping our students healthy and in the classroom,” Governor Kelly said. “The Safer Classrooms Workgroup will provide information and guidance to give parents, teachers, school boards, and others the tools they need to make informed decisions to protect our students and our communities.”

The Safer Classrooms Workgroup will be composed of pediatricians, family physicians, school nurses, pharmacists, school psychologists, and other health professionals. They will meet weekly to highlight the urgency of protecting our kids from the delta variant, speaking with educators, parents, and advocates about their experiences as schools work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Every week, the workgroup will release a “School Safety Report” to serve as a resource for media, parents, schools, communities, and policymakers.

Information in this weekly report will include:

  • Timely and relevant policies on testing and masking in schools, and best practices that can be shared across school districts.
  • Updates on school districts with clearly communicated quarantine, testing, and masking policies, to ensure parents and families have what they need to know to keep their children safe.
  • Information on school district vaccination and testing events – with resources to help schools plan, publicize, and implement.
  • County-level data on youth vaccinations, cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.
  • Schools with active outbreaks.

“We got our kids back in school by listening to health professionals, wearing masks, implementing stringent public health protocol, and getting vaccinated,” Governor Kelly said. “We’ll keep them there by continuing to follow the best health practices. I encourage all Kansans to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

Government, Kansas

KDOT kicks off 2021 regional Local Consult meetings

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The Kansas Department of Transportation is hosting eight public Local Consult meetings this fall as part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) project selection process. All Kansans are invited to participate. Participants will have the opportunity to share their community and region’s transportation priorities and provide input on a list of potential highway expansion and modernization projects. This year’s Local Consult meetings will take place virtually to comply with current state guidance related to COVID-19. Participants can attend the online regional meeting as well as a virtual on-demand option.

Online live Zoom meetings – go to https://www.ksdotike.org/projects/local-consult-process to register for each regional meeting. Participate in live conversations about regional transportation priorities and hear directly from KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz. The schedule for the online regional and metro meetings is:

  • Southeast Kansas – 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 8
  • Wichita metro – 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9
  • North central Kansas – 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15
  • Northeast Kansas – 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16
  • Kansas City metro – 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30
  • South central Kansas – 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 4
  • Southwest Kansas – 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 5
  • Northwest Kansas – 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6

Virtual on-demand experience – Allows Kansans to review Local Consult information and provide input on their own schedules. Visit https://www.ksdotike.org/projects/local-consult-process for more information about the schedule for these meetings.

Local Consult is a process that takes place every two years for KDOT to listen to regional needs from the perspective of Kansans who live and work in each of the six districts and two metropolitan areas. The regional discussions will be influenced by the 1,900 Kansans who participated in a survey earlier this summer to share their top transportation interests and concerns.

About the IKE Program – IKE is a 10-year program that addresses highways, bridges, public transit, aviation, short-line rail and bike/pedestrian needs across Kansas. The program and associated projects are focused on making roads safer, supporting economic growth and creating more options and resources for Kansans and their communities. For more information about the IKE program: www.ksdotike.org.

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This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request.

For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the KDOT Communications Division,

700 SW Harrison St., 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3754 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.

 

 

 
Government, Kansas

KS National Guard Deployed to Louisiana

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Governor Laura Kelly Sending Kansas National Guardsmen to help in Louisiana

~~Kansas National Guard Providing Critical Aid to Areas Affected by Hurricane Ida~~

TOPEKA –Today Governor Laura Kelly announced Soldiers and Airmen from the Kansas National Guard will be deployed to Louisiana to provide support in and around areas affected by Hurricane Ida. The Guardsmen are deploying as part of an Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a multistate agreement that allows states to send government aid to other states in emergency situations.

“In times of crisis, Kansans have always stepped up to help out our fellow Americans – and today is no different,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Today, I deployed Kansas National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to Louisiana to help those struggling in the areas affected by Hurricane Ida. We stand ready to provide relief for the impacted families.”

Approximately 280 Soldiers and Airmen will deploy for this mission, which is expected to last 21 days, including travel. The deploying Soldiers and Airmen are members of the Kansas Army National Guard’s 130th Field Artillery Brigade, Manhattan; 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, Hutchinson; 1161st Forward Support Company, Wichita; 169th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Olathe; 635th Regional Support Group, Wichita; 891st Engineer Battalion, Iola; and the Kansas Air National Guard’s 184th Wing, Wichita and the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Topeka. The Guardsmen will be taking engineering equipment such as skid steers, dump trucks, chain saws, and excavators. They will also be taking other equipment which includes generators, light medium tactical vehicles, high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles, and palletized load system trucks.

“This humanitarian mission is part of what the National Guard is all about,”Maj. Gen. David Weishaar, the adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management said. “Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen supporting the civil authorities in time of trouble. It’s a mission we do well, are proud to do and one that we have asked our Guardsmen to do quite often the past 18 months. The efforts of these Kansas Soldiers and Airmen will give their Louisiana brothers and sisters in uniform much-needed relief and help the people affected by this disaster get back on their feet that much quicker.”

COVID-19, Health Care

KDHE Urges Kansans Not to Take Ivermectin for COVID-19

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TOPEKA – With a rise in calls to poison control centers and visits to emergency rooms, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is urging Kansans not to take the drug ivermectin unless prescribed by a physician then take it exactly as prescribed. This drug is not approved or authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat or prevent COVID-19. Ivermectin has been approved in humans to treat specific skin conditions like rosacea, head lice or some parasitic worms. Ivermectin is used in livestock as an anti-parasite medicine and can be found in livestock supply centers. Livestock drugs are highly concentrated for large animals and can be highly toxic in humans.

“Kansans should avoid taking medications that are intended for animals and should only take ivermectin as prescribed by their physician,” said Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of KDHE. “These highly concentrated doses can cause severe illness and even death in humans. The COVID-19 vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent COVID-19.”

An ivermectin overdose includes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Overdoses are associated with hypotension and neurologic effects such as decreased consciousness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, coma, and death. Ivermectin may intensify the effects of other drugs that cause central nervous system depression, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates.

The COVID-19 vaccine is the safest and most effective way to prevent getting sick and protect against severe disease and death from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, including the Delta variant. In addition to the vaccine, wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing will help stop the spread of the virus. Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you by visiting https://www.vaccines.gov/.

Entertainment, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Gordon Parks Museum

Jazz and R and B Violinist Performs October 8

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The Gordon Parks Museum Presents:
“DOMINIQUE HAMMONS”
“I AM STRADIVARI”
Multi-Talented Contemporary
Jazz & R&B Violinist
PERFORMING AT
The River Room
3 W. OAK ST., FORT SCOTT, KS 66701
Doors open at 6:30 pm
Performance at 7:30 pm
Tickets: $30 in advance, or $35 at the door.
Tickets are available at the Gordon Parks Museum or over the phone (620) 223.2700, Ext. 5850
ClickHEREto visit the Gordon Parks Museum website.
Click HEREto view the Press release from The Gordon Parks Museum and learn more about his amazing and talented performer that is coming to Fort Scott!
Bourbon County, Food

Volunteers Are the Mainstay of The Beacon

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Wib Mowen and Joe Lee stand in front of the new sign at The Beacon. Submitted photo.

The Beacon, a local helping agency, depends on volunteers.

The Beacon organization was established in 1985 to serve Bourbon County residents in need.

Volunteer donations of services and talents are what it takes to make the Beacon a more attractive and inviting place for clients and the community, according to Carol MacArthur, chairwoman of the Beacon board.

“Joe Lee is a local artist who has worked inside and outside the Beacon volunteering his talent,” MacArthur said.  “He does the signs and has painted a beautiful lighthouse mural inside the building.”

Lee recently created a new sign for the front of the building to replace one in need of repair.

Other  Beacon volunteers include Wib Mowen who volunteers carpentry skills and helps with many other tasks, including helping Lee with his sign.

Hi wife, Patty Mowen is the assistant director of the Beacon.

This summer,  Bro’s Cleaning Services, Fort Scott, power washed the whole building for free, MacArthur said. “The siding absolutely looks new.”

“Philips Lawn Care has mowed the last three years–again for free–to keep up the yard,” MacArthur said.

“Then we have Dave Gillen’s wife, Debbie,” she said. “Dave is the director. Debbie is the main coordinator for the signups for Adopt a Child.”

The Beacon is funded by donations from churches, civic organizations, schools, businesses, and individuals.

Also, each year the Beacon applies for various grants to help with food and monetary assistance.

They serve approximately 960 individuals a month and if a person is on food stamps, they are automatically eligible for services.

In addition to food packages, The Beacon provides non-food items like blankets, toiletries, laundry powder, and diapers.

To receive assistance, individuals must be willing to share information about their current income levels and proof of Bourbon County residency. Families in crisis are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Contact info:

525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott; phone 620.223.6869.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Sept. 2 Hosted By Stewart Realty

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Join us for this week’s Chamber Coffee hosted by Stewart Realty
Downtown Fort Scott, KS
Thursday, September 2nd
8 am
102 S. National Ave.
Click Here to visit their Facebook Page.
Click Here to visit their Website.
Note! Chamber Coffee open dates!
September 16th
& November 11th, 2021
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE’S
9/16 ~ OPEN for AM Coffee – only
Join us at 5:30 pm for the After-Hours GRAND OPENING & Ribbon Cutting at Bartelsmeyer’s Jewelry, downtown at the new location at 22 N. Main St. Masks are requested.
9/23 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by ~ Bourbon County Cars Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
9/30 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Pioneer Harvest Fiesta
10/7 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Gordon Parks Museum
10/14 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore
10/21 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Sleep Inn & Suites (7 yrs)
10/28 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church
11/4 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by VFW
11/11 ~ OPENING!
11/4 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by FS Compassionate Ministries
11/25 ~ No Coffee…Thanksgiving Holiday
12/2 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by FS Area Community Foundation
12/9 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Sunshine Boutique
12/16 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by The City of Fort Scott
12/23 ~ No Coffee…Christmas Holiday
12/30 ~ No Coffee…New Year’s Holiday