Monthly Archives: January 2023

Government, Kansas

Building A Stronger Economy Grant Program Continues

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Department of Commerce announces Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) 2.0 Grant Application

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced $50 million will fund a second round of projects under the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) grant program. BASE 2.0 will continue addressing infrastructure and economic development needs that were delayed or slowed due to COVID-19 in an effort to expand the state’s base of businesses and residents.

The additional funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and approved by the State Finance Council in December.

Previous applicants that were not funded in round one will be considered for BASE 2.0 and do not need to reapply unless they would like to submit a new application. Awardees from the first round are not eligible for a BASE 2.0 award.

The Commerce Department received more than 440 applicants requesting more than $1 billion in identified projects during BASE 1.0 for the available $100 million funding. This new round will follow the same regulations established for the first round, including the requirement that awardees provide a 25% match.

County and local governments, economic development organizations, local chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders are eligible to apply. Awardees will have two years to complete their projects and utilize all awarded and required matching funds. Applications submitted are required to document how the project was delayed or affected negatively due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting downturn in economic conditions.

The BASE 2.0 grant application process opens at 2:00 p.m. today. The deadline for submissions will be 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, January 31.

An informational webinar on BASE 2.0 will be available to the public at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 6. Registration for the webinar and guidelines for the grant application can be found at www.kansascommerce.gov/basegrant/.

Applicants can contact [email protected] for any questions regarding this funding opportunity.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award for two years in a row and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.

Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections More Than Expected

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Governor Kelly Announces December Total Tax Collections Surpass Estimate by $140.1 Million

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that total tax collections for December were $1.1 billion — $140.1 million, or 14.8%, more than the monthly estimate. That is also 21.9%, or $194.6 million, more than December 2021.

“Because of my administration’s work to put the state’s finances back on track, we are able to fully fund education, improve roads and bridges, and work to address mental health issues across the state, all while also providing Kansans immediate tax relief,” Governor Laura Kelly said.

Individual income tax collections were $374.8 million. That is $5.2 million less than the estimate but $19.6 million, or 5.5%, more than the previous December. If it were not for higher-than-normal refunds in December, receipts would have surpassed the estimate by over $5.0 million. Corporate income tax collections were $281.0 million, which is $151.0 million, or 116.2%, more than the estimate.

Retail sales tax collections were $234.0 million for December. That is $14.0 million, or 5.6%, less than the estimate but $9.7 million, or 4.3%, more than December 2021. Compensating use tax collections were $73.3 million and met the $73.0 million estimate for December. Those collections are also $4.1 million, or 5.9%, more than December 2021.

“Collections for the four major tax types all show growth over December 2021,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “The corporate income tax receipts are much higher than expected due in large part to the influence of the recently enacted SALT Parity Act, which, beginning with tax year 2022, allows owners of pass-through entities, such as S corporations and limited liability companies, to elect to have the pass-through entities pay tax on the income flowing through to the owners.”

Click here to view the December 2022 tax receipts spreadsheet.

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Entertainment, Fort Scott

Local Cook Pays For a Movie as a Present to Her Community

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Fort Cinema,224 W 18th St, Fort Scott

A Fort Scott woman, who cooks at a local restaurant for a living, has paid for a movie for the community at Fort Cinema,  224 W. 18th.

On January 7 at 2 p.m. there will be a free showing of Puss in Boots The Last Wish hosted by this woman, who wishes to remain anonymous.

“This is Christmas present to the community,” Terri Belcher Turner, her cousin, said.  “The first 95 people will get to enjoy the movie, free of charge.  The concessions stand will be open. There was a scheduling issue before Christmas, so now it is the Saturday after the holidays.”

Turner sent an email to fortscott.biz with the story.

“I know the donor and want everyone to know she is a life-long Fort Scott resident with a love for her town and the families in it,” Turner said. “She works regular jobs and struggles like the rest of us but wanted to give families a chance for an afternoon out that they normally couldn’t afford. I hate I am 500 miles away and can’t be there to help promote this generous act.” Turner lives in St. Paul, MN.

“She is someone that cares and really doesn’t have the extra but wants to make a difference,” Turner said. “I’m just wishing I could be there and could  help get other people or companies involved because this could help the community and be an ongoing thing on spring break, summer break anytime through out the year.”

“I’m wondering if anyone would like to step forward and pay for the concessions,” Turner said.

The donor paid close to $200 for renting the theater for this free event to the community.

“This is something for a family to do together, but because of the cost, can’t go to a theater anymore,” Turner said.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott Community College, Gordon Parks Museum, History

Gordon Parks Museum celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

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Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will be held, with several events planned in Fort Scott.


The events will start on Thursday, January 12th at the Gordon Parks Museum.

The day will begin with a hosting of the Fort Scott Area Chamber Coffee at 8:00a.m. and a film showing at 10:00a.m., “Martin”, a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Gordon Parks.

This is a ballet tribute to Dr. King, written and directed by Gordon
Parks.

To view the schedule:

MLK ’23 Celebration Schedule 11_17


On Friday, January 13th, the community is invited to the Ellis Fine Arts Center for a free Lunch and Learn event that will be held at 12:00p.m. featuring a music and speaking presentation by multicultural artist, community organizer, researcher, and educator, Alex Kimball Williams. A reception will follow with birthday
cake. Lunch and dessert will be provided by Great Western Dining.

For more info:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Lunch & Learn, 2023

The day will also include three film
showings at 9:00am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm.


The celebration will wrap up on Monday, January 16th, with a (Lunch and Learn) event and Canned Food
Drive. Canned and non–perishable (non–expired) food items for the Beacon Food Pantry in Fort Scott, Kansas,
will be collected at the museum from 9:00am – till 2:00p.m.

To learn more about the food drive:

Canned & Non Perishable Food Drive 2023

The Lunch and Learn speaker presentation event
“Good Trouble” by John Edgar Tidwell will be held at 12:00pm. Lunch will be provided by Dunk’s BBQ. Drinks
and desserts will be provided by Great Western Dinning.

To learn more about this presentation:

Good Trouble Presentation Press Release

Lunch & Learn Good Trouble January 16, 2023

Films will also be shown throughout the day on
Monday at 9:00a.m., 10:30a.m., and 1:30p.m. All events will take place at both the Gordon Parks Museum and
Ellis Fine Arts center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.


A full list of film showings and events can be found at https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events. For more
information call the Gordon Parks Museum at 620–223–2700 ext. 5850.
For more information call (620) 223–2700, ext. 5850, or email [email protected].

About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to
strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships
have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and
supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the
communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

Opinion

From Here to There by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

I was headed in the right direction, but when I spotted the detour and roadblock signs alongside the highway, I had to turn north and follow the detour route. I was then driving in the wrong direction to get where I needed to go and there were no more signs to direct me. The GPS didn’t have a grip on reality and kept telling me to return to the main highway with a non-existing bridge. It quickly became obvious that I couldn’t trust the GPS to get me to my destination. I was getting nowhere and I needed to talk to a real person who understood my dilemma, knew the countryside, and could direct me to a  sensible route. There was simply no way to get from here to there without human help.

 

Fortunately, I found a welcoming farmhouse and pulled in under a shade tree. A kindly man wearing denim overalls greeted me in the backyard. Although I was smiling, I’m sure I had a lost look on my face. As I shook his firm and rough farmer’s hand, he pretty-much knew my problem before I told him. Since he knew the area like the back of his hand, he told me how to beat the detour at its own annoying game. He gave me concise directions, which consisted of four turns on gravel roads, and then I was back on the road again. I finally arrived in Parsons after losing 40 minutes of time and fuel — but I got there because someone cared enough to point me in the right direction.

 

There are occult and false-religion books that offer alternative ways to navigate through life. Some individuals read them because they’re truly searching for answers, and some read them out of sheer curiosity. But dabbling in the evil spiritual abyss is a dangerous detour because it opens the door to demonic influence.

 

There is a broad divergence of opinions regarding gods, the true God, and living life in general. Earthlings simply can’t follow our own map and expect to get to heaven. The only true authority on spiritual beliefs and life issues is God’s Word. I once heard a pastor say this great one liner: “Whatever the Bible says, that’s my opinion.” God’s Word carries authority, weight, and power. It’s the believer’s foundation for everything on earth and in heaven, and it will be the last Book standing. “Heaven and earth will disappear, but My words will never disappear” (Mark 13:31 NLT).

 

Christ followers, who’ve found the one and only way to God, need to keep a sharp eye out for lost people who are needing someone to extend a hand of hope to them. The only way to make it to heaven is through Jesus. Many people are wondering, “How do I get to heaven from here?” Some think that “all roads lead to heaven.” But Jesus explicitly said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me. There is more than enough room in My Father’s Home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:6,2 NLT). By reaching out to those who have spiritual and real-life needs, we open a door for God to work in their lives. A genuine love walk with Jesus is a lot more than words on a cool t-shirt. It’s a weighty realization that the only Bible some people ever read is you and me.

 

The Key:  Jesus is the mercy bridge between here and there. Our job is to lovingly point the lost in the right direction so they can get to the other side.