Sen. Moran Speaks on U.S. Senate Floor on National Blood Crisis
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) spoke on the U.S. Senate Floor regarding the national blood crisis and how this severe blood shortage is affecting patient care in Kansas.
“There is no substitute – no alternative – our nation can turn to in the absence of blood donations,” said Sen. Moran. “The only answer is each of us stepping up to donate, helping to end this crisis and contributing to saving the lives of those in our own communities. This shortage is severe, and it is affecting Kansas health care providers and their ability to care for patients. Kansans pull together in times of need, and I encourage anyone who is able to donate.”
Governor Laura Kelly Announces More than $17 Million in Grants to Support Redevelopment Efforts for Rural Communities
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced 40 rural Kansas communities will receive Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) totaling more than $17.6 million to help support critical community development projects.
“These grants will help our communities improve public safety, revitalize vital infrastructure and maximize economic opportunity for our Kansas families,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It’s further proof that investments like this are critical to positively impact lives of Kansans living in rural parts of the state.”
The awards are administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and granted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Small Cities CDBG program. Eligible CDBG public improvement projects help fund water and wastewater projects, housing rehabilitation and other community facilities and services.
“Community Development Block Grants strike at the core of what we all want to achieve for Kansas: strong communities, healthy families and a high quality of life,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “The investments announced today will create better living conditions for Kansans, which in turn drives new economic opportunities and promotes new growth across our state.”
Cities and counties, their award amount and project type are as follows:
City of Atchison
$370,000
Sidewalk improvements
City of Arkansas City
$300,000
Housing rehabilitation
City of Auburn
$330,765
Stormwater street improvements
City of Augusta
$260,000
Purchase fire engine
City of Burr Oak
$330,000
Water system improvements
City of Bushton
$530,000
Water system improvements
City of Caldwell
$300,000
Housing rehabilitation and demolition
City of Cawker City
$454,250
New water tower
City of Cedar Vale
$300,000
Housing rehabilitation and demolition
City of Concordia
$560,000
Purchase of a fire ladder truck
City of Dodge City
$300,000
Housing rehabilitation
City of Douglass
$99,000
New playground equipment
City of Emporia
$750,000
Street replacement with curbs and gutters
City of Fort Scott
$700,000
Water system improvements
City of Fulton
$270,000
Water system improvements
City of Girard
$600,000
New lift stations and improvements to the sanitary sewer system
City of Glasco
$323,530
Improvements to the lift station and sanitary sewer system
City of Hiawatha
$600,000
Improvements to the lift station and sanitary sewer system
City of Highland
$600,000
Street improvements
City of Humboldt
$492,086
Street improvements
City of Leon
$616,000
Water system Improvements
City of Lincoln Center
$300,000
Housing rehabilitation and demolition
City of Linwood
$499,586
Replacement of remaining cast-iron water lines throughout town
City of Lucas
$600,000
New water tower and water supply improvements
City of Lyndon
$501,111
Construction of a new community center
City of Lyons
$300,000
Housing rehabilitation and demolition
City of Mankato
$600,000
Wastewater collection system repairs and improvements
City of Marysville
$600,000
Sanitary sewer treatment facility improvements
McPherson County
$250,000
Water system improvements
City of McPherson
$500,000
Housing rehabilitation and street improvements
City of Medicine Lodge
$480,000
Rehabilitate/re-purpose existing building for a non-profit daycare
City of Miltonvale
$383,000
Wastewater collection system and treatment facility improvements
City of Moran
$450,000
Water supply improvements
City of Oberlin
$466,598
Sanitary sewer treatment facility improvements
Osage County
$260,000
Sanitary sewer systems improvements
City of Russell
$360,300
Street improvements
City of Saint Francis
$600,000
Street improvements
City of Timken
$170,000
Water system improvements
City of Valley Falls
$600,000
Sanitary sewer systems improvements
City of Wellington
$634,706
Water system improvements
The CDBG program, administered by the Community Development Division, provides federal funds to local governments for the development of viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities, and economic development needs. To receive funds, the local government units must meet at least one of three national program objectives:
The grant will benefit low- and moderate-income persons
The grant will prevent or eliminate slums and blight
The grant will resolve an urgent need where local resources are not available
The Small Cities CDBG program is one of the Community Development Division’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities.
Photos and video from the CDBG Awards Ceremony are available here.
The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site are inviting the public to join them in saying goodbye to long-time Superintendent Betty Boyko.
The Friends will host a reception on Wednesday, February 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Crooner’s Restaurant, 117 S. Main, to honor Boyko.
Boyko is leaving her Fort Scott post to accept the Superintendent position at Homestead National Historic Park in Beatrice, Nebraska, which is closer to her family.
“Betty has been an active part of our community since she became Superintendent in May 2006, and she will be missed,” Martha Scott, member of the Friends group said.
“Come by, say goodbye to Betty and grab a Crooner’s Cakery cupcake and a glass of punch as we say farewell to this longtime Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent,” Scott said.
“Betty has great administrative and people skills,” Scott said. “She also has been active in Rotary Club and her church.”
“Betty has always been open to ideas that were still part of the mission of the historic site, but thinks outside the box,” she said.
Such ideas as the Symbols of Sacrifice, which are flags placed on the parade ground to honor veterans, and the U.S. Naturalization Ceremony that happens annually now.
Symbols of Sacrifice event, Sept. 2015
Recently, it was Betty who suggested that the Fort needed a boundary expansion so that the Block House could be included as part of The Fort Scott National Historic Site.
“Since it is government, we have to be careful because there are things that the fort and its employees cannot do — like the boundary expansion. She can’t actively work on it. It’s a fine line — government!” Scott said.
Boyko made the events happen with help from residents of the community.
To begin with, she gave information to local citizens on how a Friends group is beneficial to a historic site.
“She was instrumental in suggesting that we start a Friends of the Fort group,” Scott said. “She said it would be beneficial to the park.”
About the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site
The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s mission is to support the National Historic Site in a partnership through activities that may include fundraising, volunteerism, education, advocacy, and research.
The Friends have provided the lunch for the newly naturalized citizens after the Naturalization Ceremony held at the fort, provided the treats at the end of the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour, and made homemade ice cream for visitors for the 4th of July as well as many Friends members spending countless hours as a volunteer at the Fort.
Advertising for the Fort on a local, regional, state, or national level is done by the Friends group and they were instrumental in lobbying for the boundary expansion which resulted in the Block House becoming part of the Fort.
A group of citizens in 2009 came together to discuss forming a Friends group. They were Cheryl Adamson, Darlene Doherty, Sandra Haimerl, Herbert Haimerl, Reed Hartford, Ken Lunt, Dale Johnson, Caroly Lydic, Cynthia McFarlin, James Pitt, Jim Scott, Martha Scott, James Smith, and Paulette Smith.
From this grassroots meeting, the Friends group was born. That initial group served as officers and board members during the early years.
Current board members and officers are Reed Hartford, President; Matt Wells, Vice President; Martha Scott, Secretary; Marlene Braker, Treasurer. Vonnie Rickerson, Kelley Collins, Frankie Ruggerio, Shay Lynn Clements, Carol MacArthur, Judy Earp, Ronda Hassig, and Kaitlyn Wilson serve as the current board.
Funds for the activities that the Friends do are provided in two ways: the Flag subscriptions and membership dues.
The Flag subscriptions are a service that the Friends provide to residents within the city limits of Fort Scott, where they place a full-size flag on a 12-foot pole in a residents front yard five times a year — on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day.
Subscriptions are $35.00 per year and are due by the 20th of March. If interested in this subscription, please contact Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484 for more information.
“If you are interested in helping place those flags on the flag holidays, please call Kelley Collins to let her know that you’d like to help,” Scott said. “We are a small group of dedicated volunteers, we flag placers, and it is a worthwhile way to begin a holiday day.”
Membership in Friends is easy, Scott said.
The four membership levels are: $35 is Corporal, $50 Sergeant, $75.00 Quartermaster, $100 Sergeant Major.
If interested, mail a check to Membership Chairman, Martha Scott, 1208 S. National, Fort Scott, Kansas.
Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill, Strengthening Economic Development Toolkit
~Legislation Could Help Kansas Land Biggest Private Sector Investment in State’s History~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed the bipartisan bill known as Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion Act (APEX). The bipartisan bill creates a new tool in Kansas’ toolbox that allows the state to compete on a national and global scale for large economic development projects.
“This positions Kansas to potentially land a once-in-a-generation opportunity that could transform our economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This tool is about more than just one project. It makes us an economic powerhouse ready to compete on a national and global scale. That means thousands of new jobs, billions more business dollars injected into the economy, and more opportunities for Kansas families. I need to thank Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Ron Ryckman for their leadership and hard work to fast-track this bill. An opportunity like this was an all-hands-on-deck effort, and they worked with us to get this done.”
This economic development bill could help Kansas land the biggest private sector investment in the state’s history. The current project would bring 4,000 new jobs to Kansas and inject $4 billion in business investment into the Kansas economy.
“Passage of APEX shows there is strong bipartisan support to put Kansas on the national stage for economic development,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “The APEX bill gives us a realistic shot at winning large economic development projects that will bring huge business investment and job creation to our state. We are excited about our chances with the current prospect that would be transformative for our state and deliver long lasting benefits to Kansas. Thank you to Governor Kelly and the Legislature – and especially Senate President Masterson, House Speaker Ryckman, Chairwoman Erickson and Chairman Tarwater – for this commitment to strengthening our economic development toolkit and making Kansas even more of a force to be reckoned with.”
Here’s what they’re saying:
“The Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) Act creates a needed economic development incentive that will help the State of Kansas win megaprojects that attract talented individuals to our state, create thousands of jobs, invest hundreds of millions of dollars in capital expenditures, and grow our economy. Thank you to Governor Kelly, Lieutenant Governor Toland, the Kansas Department of Commerce, legislative leadership, and the entire Kansas Legislature for this investment in the business community.”
– John Rolfe, President and CEO of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce
“Passage of the APEX bill provides an opportunity for Kansas and Kansas communities to be competitive locations for transformative economic development projects. While the impetus for APEX is an exciting opportunity that exists in the here and now, this legislation provides a tool that allows Kansas to be in the mix for future projects that will help drive our economy for a generation.”
– Steve Kelly, Vice President of Economic Development at The Chamber of Lawrence
“The passage of APEX is a win for communities across Kansas. I’m pleased to see legislators and the governor push this bill past the finish line, as it is bound to result in positive economic returns for our state and local economies. It’s time to show the nation that Kansas is ready to compete at a new, unprecedented level.”
– Curtis Sneden, president of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
“Economic development is a highly competitive endeavor, pitting Kansas not just against other states, but other countries. The APEX legislation allows Kansas to compete for projects that can diversify and transform our economy. Projects that qualify for APEX incentives can provide workers with new, up-skilled options and also give our students opportunities to pursue high-tech careers in Kansas instead of other states.”
– Tracey Osborne Oltjen, President and CEO of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce
“The ability to set partisanship aside for the greater good of the State of Kansas is a true testament of leadership and commitment from Governor Kelly, Lieutenant Governor Toland, Senate President Masterson, House Speaker Ryckman and all of the legislative leaders. There’s much work yet to do, but we are now in a position to truly compete for this generational economic development attraction opportunity.”
– Tim Cowden, President and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council
“The brain drain problem in our state is real, and this legislation takes proactive steps to attract emerging industries that will make our young people want to stay in Kansas and give them the jobs and opportunities they need to make that attainable. Our state needs to stay competitive to grow, and APEX will ensure that we cannot be counted out for projects that would transform our state for years to come.”
– Dinah Sykes, Senate Democratic Leader
“This is an enormous opportunity for Kansas. Bringing new industry to the state ensures Kansas continues to evolve with the shifting needs of the economy. I’m excited to see how this further develops our workforce and keeps college graduates in Kansas.”
Sen. Moran Joins Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Modernize the Violence Against Women Act
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) joined Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) yesterday in introducing the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes VAWA through 2027, preserves advancements made in previous reauthorizations and includes a number of additional improvements to the current law.
“Domestic violence brings fear, hopelessness, pain and depression into the lives of every victim,” said Sen. Moran. “We must not only work to end this type of crime, but also care for those who have become victims. This legislation will help give a voice to victims of domestic violence, provide new resources to combat these crimes in rural communities and expand programs to support sexual harassment victims.”
“As a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault, I know firsthand the horrific experience too many women face at the hands of a perpetrator,” said Sen. Ernst. “That’s why for three years I’ve worked diligently and across the aisle to craft a bill that will modernize this important law to ensure my fellow survivors are supported and empowered. I’m proud our work resulted in bipartisan legislation that can do just that.”
In addition to Sens. Moran and Ernst, this bill is cosponsored by Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).
Key provisions of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization Act:
Provides services, protection and justice for young victims of violence, including extending the Rape Prevention and Education grant program and improving grants focused on prevention education for students in institutions of higher education.
Enhances judicial and law enforcement tools through reauthorization of the Justice Department’s STOP Violence Against Women Formula Program, known as the STOP Program, and expansion of the STOP Program to better support survivors who are 50 years of age or older and survivors with disabilities.
Reauthorizes and updates the SMART Prevention Program to reduce dating violence, help children who have been exposed to domestic violence, and engage men in preventing violence.
Provides economic security assistance for survivors by reauthorizing the National Resource Center on Workplace Response. Expands the program to support sexual harassment victims and ensure that the program’s resources are available to private-sector businesses with fewer than 20 employees in addition to public-sector entities.
Improves the medical response to instances of domestic violence and sexual assault, including expanding access to medical forensic examinations after a sexual assault for survivors who live in rural communities.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Medicaid Expansion Bill to Boost Kansas’ Economy, Increase Access to Care
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced legislation to expand Medicaid (KanCare), a law that would provide more than 150,000 hard-working Kansans access to affordable healthcare and create more than 23,000 new jobs, bolstering the Kansas economy.
“Expanding Medicaid so that thousands of hard-working Kansans have access to affordable health care would boost the Kansas economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Expansion would inject billions of dollars into our state, create thousands of jobs, help retain our healthcare workers in Kansas –and help rural hospitals’ bottom lines. It’s time to work together to deliver for Kansans and get this done once and for all.”
Under the proposed legislation introduced on February 9, Medicaid will be expanded to cover Kansans earning up to the full 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, 90 percent of which would be paid by the federal government, starting on January 1, 2023. Furthermore, if Medicaid is expanded, the state is poised to receive an additional $370 million over the next eight fiscal quarters for the current Medicaid population. That’s a total of $68.5 million in State General Fund savings in Fiscal Year 2023 alone, which will be reallocated for one-time strategic investments on housing, childcare, and workforce development.
A 2022 statewide survey finds that almost 8 in 10 Kansans – 78 percent – support expanding Medicaid to allow more Kansans to qualify for health care coverage. This is not only the right thing to do for our state, but it’s incredibly popular among Democrats, Independents, and Republicans alike.
Expanding Medicaid in Kansas would boost the economy by:
Providing affordable health insurance to hundreds of thousands of Kansans
Stimulate the economy for rural, suburban, and urban communities alike
Create tens of thousands of new jobs
Inject billions of dollars in increased economic output
Retain health care jobs in Kansas
The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Environment to collect information from applicants regarding their employment history through the Medicaid application and refer unemployed or underemployed individuals to the Department of Commerce or Department for Children and Families to assist with locating job opportunities through work referral programs.
Here’s what Kansas leaders are saying:
“After pushing to continue the federal match for states that expand Medicaid—and fighting to increase it twice—I’m glad to join Governor Kelly and hundreds of thousands of Kansans in a renewed effort to deliver this much-needed expansion. We cannot continue to leave Kansans out in the cold. It’s time to bring these federal dollars back to our state, expand Medicaid, and boost our state economy along with it.” – United StatesRepresentative Sharice Davids (KS-03)
“The list of reasons to expand Medicaid grows with every year we refuse to do so. This wildly popular policy will ensure we have a healthy workforce, create jobs, and attract businesses. More importantly, it will allow our fellow Kansans to flourish and participate fully in our state, which brings prosperity for all of us. The first best time to expand Medicaid was in 2014. The next best time is now.” – Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes
“Expanding Medicaid is enormously popular among Kansas and addresses many issues facing the state. First and foremost, it is a pro-business, pro-growth policy. Throughout the legislative session, people repeatedly ask what we can do to keep our college graduates in the state and bring in outside business investment. Medicaid expansion is a clear solution with bipartisan voter support. It’s past time to embrace this common-sense policy.” – House Democratic Leader Tom Sawyer
“Medicaid expansion would benefit an estimated additional 120,000 to 165,000 Kansans, some of which are people living with disabilities. What facts tell us is that folks living with disabilities are more likely to be employed in states where there is expanded Medicaid coverage. Having access to health insurance is one tool that allows Kansans living with disabilities to be lifted out of poverty, because it relieves the very real stress of worrying about when the next healthcare bill will hit. Those living with disabilities are often confined to poverty because earnings have been too high to be deemed eligible for Medicaid, yet those who surpass income limitations still cannot afford health insurance on their own. This is a Kansan issue, not a partisan issue.” -Lynn Rogers, Kansas State Treasurer
“The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce has long advocated for Medicaid Expansion in the State of Kansas. It is too important to our businesses, our hospitals, and every taxpayer in Kansas. New data shows Medicaid Expansion will bring more than 2,800 jobs in the Greater Kansas City region alone, and an estimated economic impact of nearly $125 million. The State of Kansas has an opportunity to recapture federal funds that can help create jobs, advance economic growth, and most importantly improve the health of all Kansans.” –Joe Reardon, President & CEO, The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
“Rising healthcare costs are impacting businesses and individual Kansans alike; adding to the burden is that the costs of uninsured, low-income Kansans are being passed on to companies and everyone else in the system. Therefore, we must implement solutions that expand affordable coverage to all Kansans to improve the health of our families and control the cost of care for our employees, families, and businesses.” – Tracey Osborne Oltjen, President & CEO, Overland Park Chamber of Commerce
“Kansas hospitals continue to strive to maintain a dedicated and innovative workforce. As surrounding states implement expansion, Kansas could experience a disadvantage as our neighboring states may have additional resources to recruit health care staff away from our state. This would exacerbate an already challenging problem for Kansas hospitals and health care providers. KanCare expansion is a critical issue to level the playing field for the Kansas health care industry.” — Chad Austin, President and CEO of the Kansas Hospital Association
“The Alliance for a Healthy Kansas commends the introduction of legislation enacting KanCare expansion. We know that Kansans are feeling the rising costs of everyday life, and health care is no exception. Expansion helps low-wage parents stay healthy and reduces health care costs for everyone. It protects Kansans from medical debt by fixing eligibility limits for KanCare that are currently too low. It preserves and strengthens rural health care and makes Kansas more economically competitive with our neighboring states that have all expanded their Medicaid programs. Kansans are tired of waiting for a long-term solution for the health care coverage gap. It is time to enact KanCare expansion or we will all keep paying the price.” – April Holman, Executive Director, Alliance for a Healthy Kansas
“A sustainable health system is crucial to the future of rural Kansas communities. High uninsured rates and hospitals facing high levels of uncompensated care threaten the future of health care. Expanding KanCare would help protect the 70 rural hospitals currently at risk of closing across our state. Expanding KanCare would strengthen the rural health care system and help ensure rural Kansans get the health care they need while giving a boost to their economies. The time to expand is now.” – David Jordan, President and CEO of United Methodist Health Ministry Fund
“New Kansas-specific economic data indicate our health care costs are outstripping those in other states, including other non-expansion states. A recent voter survey showed 8 in 10 Kansans are concerned about the costs of health care – and want a long-term solution. They also understand current income eligibility is too low – less than $4 an hour for a family of three, or $8,350 a year. Kansas voters want lawmakers to expand Medicaid and leverage this fiscally responsible option now.” – Brenda Sharpe, President and CEO, REACH Healthcare Foundation
“Health Forward is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to high-quality health care. We fully support Gov. Kelly’s plan to expand KanCare so people living on lower incomes live healthier and more economically secure lives. ” Expanding KanCare will bring the cost of health care down for everyone. The inability of Kansans to afford health coverage means more in ER bills, increased uncompensated care for hospitals, and untreated mental and physical health needs. This means individuals, families, and businesses all end up paying more for health care. – McClain Bryant Macklin, Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Health Forward
“We’re encouraged to see the introduction of Medicaid Expansion bills, especially as data indicates that Communities of Color are far more likely to be uninsured – and expansion narrows racial disparities in health care coverage and improves health outcomes and access to preventable services for diseases that disproportionately impact People of Color.” – Teresa Miller, President and CEO, Kansas Health Foundation
“What makes Christianity different from other religions?” If asked that question, how would you respond? Take a minute.
Decades ago, that query was central to a debate on comparative religions in which world experts sat together and presented their ideas.
Perhaps, God appeared in human form? Nope. Other religions had varying versions of that incarnation. Same with the resurrection. In the middle of the discussion, apologist C.S. Lewis entered the room and heard that his colleagues were determining Christianity’s #1 unique contribution among world religions.
It took Lewis no time to answer. “Oh, that’s easy. It’s grace.” Lewis’s friends could not argue.
It was, after all, the only religion in which God’s love is unconditional. It cannot be earned. Jesus made sure of that.
Do you ever struggle with that? I sure do. Earning God’s blessings comes easier to me than merely being a blessing to Him.
If I rack enough “Good Girl” points, surely God is happy with me. So, I volunteer. I speak words of encouragement. I read my Bible. I pray. “God, you are noticing, aren’t you? Don’t forget to log today’s efforts into your little white book, okay?”
Philip Yancey simplifies “Grace” for us in his book What’s So Amazing About Grace? “Grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us more—no amount of spiritual calisthenics and renunciations, no amount of knowledge gained from seminaries and divinity schools, no amount of crusading on behalf of righteous causes.
And grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us less—no amount of racism or pride or pornography or adultery or even murder.
Grace means that God already loves us as much as an infinite God can possibly love.
Powerful stuff! Don’t you wish you loved like that? I do. Sometimes I have to remind myself to love irritating people, to love them with no narcissistic, yoyo strings attached.
You know, unconditionally.
But the truth is, it does not come naturally. Justice is an easier pill for me to cram down someone’s throat. People should get what they deserve. I mean, some crimes are simply unforgiveable…except, of course, not according to God.
Jeffrey Dahmer murdered 17 men, cut them up and cannibalized them. On death row, he had a conversion experience; he was baptized and asked Jesus to be his Lord, a story told in the book Dark Journey, Deep Grace.
His victims’ families and friends were outraged. Most claimed that he did not deserve grace. He deserved to rot in prison. Other loved ones who watched the interview in which Dahmer appeared contrite weren’t so sure.
When asked, “Is anyone ever beyond forgiveness?” no one felt comfortable answering the question.
It’s the Mt. 6:14-15 scripture that keeps on stinging: Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.
In other words, show Grace. Maybe, hopefully, someday it will come naturally.
Quinn Robertson, NXTUS; Miguel Johns, mmnt* (formerly known as KingFit), Mary Beth Jarvis, NXTUS; Ian Worrell, NXTUS; Virginia Barnes, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. Miguel was one of NXTSTAGE’s 2021 winners and is currently doing pilot projects with Hunter Health and BCBSKS.
2022 NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition Launches with Multi-Year Support from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Wichita, Kan. – February 10, 2022 – NXTUS, Inc. officials kicked off the 2022 NXTSTAGE season today by launching the NXTSTAGE Community Health and Vibrancy Pilot Competition, backed by a multi-year presenting sponsorship from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS).
This innovation program allows startups from around the region and the world to present their technology solutions to Kansas organizations focused on improving the health of Kansans and removing barriers to community growth. By participating in the pilot competition, startups hope to earn pilot projects and gain customers; the community partners hope to access value-added technology solutions and use innovation to ‘work smarter’ to tackle key challenges in the state.
BCBSKS was the competition’s presenting sponsor in 2021 and has committed $240,000, spread over the next three years, to help cover program costs and enable community health and economic development entities from around the state to implement promising technologies. “We have served our state for 80 years, and while we’re pleased with the ways we’ve been able to help improve the health of Kansans, we know that we can do even more,” said Virginia Barnes, director, BCBSKS Blue Health Initiatives. “This competition matches new technology with real health issues faced by our communities. We look forward to seeing the partnerships formed to solve health disparities.”
The 2021 NXTSTAGE Community Health and Vibrancy Pilot Competition, presented by BCBSKS, created great momentum in improving the health of Kansans:
– It attracted 126 diverse competitors. Eighty two percent had minority or female founders, and the applicants hailed from 28 states and 15 countries.
– The program’s 12 finalists offered technology tools tackling key issues such as access to health care, seniors aging in place, child-care capacity, diabetes management and alleviating Kansans’ medical debt.
– The finalists were from 10 states plus Montreal, Canada, and 83 percent had minority or female founders.
– Five pilot projects have been implemented since the competition’s innovation showcase was held in August at Botanica, the Wichita Gardens.
One of the 2021 pilot winners was Phoenix-based Televeda, which offers a technology platform designed to help seniors ‘aging in place’ and all community members improve their physical and mental health and keep them connected in their communities. The NXTSTAGE program helped expand Televeda’s reach to Kansas and provided the startup with market feedback pointing them to additional growth paths.
Shruti Gurudanti, Televeda Co-Founder, said, “This program is a phenomenal opportunity because it gives startups a chance to meet and talk to local leaders, learn their most pressing problems, and then implement a solution to positively impact the most number of people. It’s what every startup wants!”
“Our goal is to connect Kansas’ forward-thinking organizations with tools that are helping communities elsewhere
get stronger and healthier,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, NXTUS executive director. “We think our state can be a great
proving ground for game-changing technologies, and this competition offers a triple win: we grow young companies,
we build up the state’s innovation culture, and we address high-priority challenges to improve the health of Kansans
and their communities,” Jarvis said.
The current competition launches with five pilot partners that will evaluate the offerings of startups from around
the world to find innovative technology solutions they believe can add value in their communities:
• Healthy Bourbon County
• Hodgeman County Economic Development
• LiveWell Northwest Kansas
• Scott City Economic Development Committee
• Thrive Allen County
The BCBSKS grant, along with support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, will help NXTSTAGE achieve
its overall goals of boosting the growth of young tech companies and accelerating the pace of innovation in the
region.
Applications for the 2022 NXTSTAGE Community Health and Vibrancy Competition, presented by BCBSKS, are
now being accepted on the f6s startup platform.
About:
NXTUS, Inc is a catalyst for the Wichita startup ecosystem by generating and collaborating on many efforts to
support the region’s entrepreneurs. The organization helps startup founders launch and grow highly scalable
businesses and connects the business community with the innovation that startups provide. NXTUS manages
Accelerate Venture Partners, a fast-growing regional Angel investor syndicate, and the NXTSTAGE Pilot
Competition, aimed at connecting startups that have products in the market to mature businesses and regional
partners looking to become customers for their technologies.
For the past 80 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has built a reputation of trust with its members and
contracting providers by providing outstanding customer service while quickly and accurately processing claims;
fairly administering benefit plans and contracts; offering programs, services and tools to help members improve
or maintain their health; and operating under the highest ethical standards while being good stewards of
premium dollars. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield
Association and is the state’s largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. NXTUS
and the NXTSTAGE Community Health and Vibrancy Competition are not affiliated with Blue Cross and Blue Shield
of Kansas.
# # #
For those who love to shop and LOVE chocolate, get your walking shoes on.
This Saturday, Feb. 12, is the Love Local Chocolate Crawl shopping event, sponsored by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.
This is the second annual Fort Scott Chocolate Crawl, according to Executive Director Lindsay Madison.
Lindsay Madison. Submitted photo.
Stores festooned with red and white balloons and with the chocolate crawl poster in the window are participating and many will be offering drawings and store give-aways.
The majority of the retailers are in Fort Scott’s Downtown Historic District, but there are others also.
Downtown retailers are Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Bartlesmeyer Jewelry Store, Better in Bourbon Boutique, Bids and Dibs resale clothing and more, Hare and Crow Barbershop, Hedgehog INK Bookstore, Iron Star Antiques, and Such, Laree + Co. clothing store, Main Street Gallery and Gifts, Sunshine Boutique, The Beauty Lounge hair salon and spa, and Treasure Hunt Flea Market.
Other retailers participating are Museum of Creativity, Shirt Shack clothing store and Varia clothing store.
Customers are invited to shop at local retailers and sample chocolate treats.
