Monthly Archives: August 2023

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for The Fort Scott Commission Meeting on Sept. 5

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

September 5, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.   Roll Call:
  2.     VanHoecke       K. Harrington      E. Woellhof        M. Guns         M. Wells
  3.   Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation:  Led by E. Woellhof

III.    Approval of Agenda:

  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 15, 2023
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1343-A — $815,071.98
  4. Request to Pay – Kansas State Treasurer – General Obligation Bond payment – Invoice R1231001122677- Series 2016 – $213,646.88
  5. Request to Pay – Kansas State Treasurer – General Obligation Bond payment – Invoice R1231001122676 – Series 2021-A – $631,000.00
  6. Request to Pay – Kansas State Treasurer – General Obligation Temporary Notes payment – Invoice R1230907122468 – $5,456,103.33
  7. Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 4 – Engineer’s Project No. 23-409 (22-306) – Work completed Jully 22, 2023 – August 25, 2023 – $383,678.87

 

 

  1. Public Comment:   Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda

and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

 

 

  1. Old Business:

 

  1. Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Health In All Policies Task Force – Tabled from July 25, 2023, August 1, 2023, and defeated motion on August 15, 2023.

 

  1. Consideration of changes to City’s Purchasing Policy – tabled from August 15, 2023, for more information.

 

 

 VII.   Appearances:

  1. Rachel French – Update of 1st Colored Infantry Mural
  2. 1)  Frank Halsey – Temporary Park Closure of back of Gunn Park – Marmaton Massacre Festival – September 16, 2023 (8:00AM) – September 17, 2023 (5:00PM).

     2)  Frank Halsey – Temporary Park Closure – Gunn Park including Shelter Houses – NICA Race – April 26, 2024 (3:00PM) – April 28th, 2024 (4:00PM).

  1. Rob Harrington – Bourbon County REDI Update
  2. Justin Meeks – Golf Course property discussion

 

VIII.   Public Hearing:  2024 Revenue Neutral Rate and Budget Hearing – B. Hart

 

  1.  New Business: 
  2. Consideration of Resolution No. 15-2023 – Resolution to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate – Approving a Levy Rate Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate but (1) Mill Lower than 2023 – B. Hart
  3. Consideration of Resolution No. 14-2023 – Resolution Adopting 2024 Operating Budget and Final Budget Book – B. Hart
  4. Consideration of September 19, 2023, as date for 2023 budget amendment public hearing – B. Hart
  5. Consideration of Resolution No. 13-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 1001 W. 2nd St. – Hearing on October 17, 2023 – T. Russell
  6. Consideration of Resolution No. 12-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structures – 1801 W. Wall – Hearing on October 17, 2023 – T. Russell
  7. Consideration of Resolution No. 11-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 922 W. Wall – Hearing on October 17, 2023 – T. Russell
  8. Consideration of MOU – School Resources Officer Program – City of Fort Scott and Unified School District 234 – 2023-24 – J. Pickert
  9. Consideration of Relocation and Reimbursement Agreement – Evergy’s Fort Scott Infantry Substation Project – J. Dickman
  10. Consideration of Old Fort Boulevard/Skubitz Plaza Maintenance and Beautification Project – M. Wells
  11. Tourism Grant Guidelines – A program established to enhance and strengthen the positive economic impact of the tourism industry in our community – M. Wells

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:

 

  1. VanHoecke –

 

  1. Harrington –

 

  1. Woellhof –

 

  1. Guns –

 

  1. Wells –

 

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1.  Executive Session:

 

XII.     Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of The Fort Scott City Commission from August 15

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 Unapproved minutes

Minutes of August 15, 2023                                        Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 15, 2023 at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, K. Harrington, M. Guns (via telephone) were present with Mayor M. Wells. E. Woellhof was absent.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION:  M. Wells, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Pete Earles/Earles Engineering, B. Hart (via telephone). Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director, Tracy Dancer, Josh Jones, Garth Herrmann/Gillmore and Bell, Brett Shogren/Stifel,

 

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda as submitted. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE AGENDA AS SUBMITTED.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

  1. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 25, 2023
  2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1341-A — $1,627,351.54
  3. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $41,723.74 Invoice #16731 – 2022 Sanitary Sewer Inspection – $12,538.74

Peter W. Earles – 10.00hrs/$200.00 – $2,000.00, Shane Redfern – 48.50hrs/$48.50 – $6,741.50, Jason Dickman – 18.00hrs/$147.50 – $2,655.00, Amanda Simpson – 6.00hrs/$48.50 – $291.00, Mileage – 1,309.6 miles/0.65 – $851.24.

Invoice #16727 – South Horton St. & West 6th St.  –  $22,485.00

Preliminary Design (100%) – $6,210.00, Final Design (35%) – $16,275.00

Invoice #16726 – 21-303A – WWTP – System Designs – $6,700.00

Phase III – $3,500.00, Phase II – $3,200.00.

  1. Request to Pay – Invoice #08072301-EPEC-WWTP Aeration $206,654.50 – Phase II Aeration Upgrade (Total: $826,618.00), 25% of Total due – $206,654.50.
  2. Request to Pay – Bourbon County – I.T. Services 2023 – $25,500.00

Shane Walker – $12,000.00, Jimmy Kemmerer $13,500.00

  1. July Financials

 

 

 

  1. Matkin agreed to reach out to other wireless carriers after M. Wells asked about the franchise fees in the Consent Agenda.

 

  1. Guns moved to approve the Consent Agenda. T. VanHoecke seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  None

 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. Consideration of bids for investment CDs from WWTP funds –
  2. VanHoecke moved to approve the proposed CD investments of (1) million dollars for a (3) month CD yielding 4.77% and a (2) million dollar investment for (6) months at 4.88%.

 

  1. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE PROPOSED CD INVESTMENTS OF (1) MILLION DOLLARS FOR A (3) MONTH CD YIELDING 4.77% AND A (2) MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT FOR (6) MONTHS AT 4.88%.

 

  1. Consideration to approve purchase of split case pump and impellor for the Water Production Plant for additional amount of an additional $18.380.55.

 

  1. Harrington moved to approve the purchase of the impellor pump rebuild for $18,380.55. T. VanHoecke seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED the purchase of the impellor pump rebuild for $18,380.55.

 

  1. Consideration to approve Memo of Understanding (MOU) to join the Bourbon County Health in All Policies Task Force and select a City representative – Tabled 7/25/23 and 8/1/23 –

 

  1. Guns moved to approve the original MOU as it was written for the Bourbon County Health in All Policies Task Force. Motion died for lack of second.

 

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.

 

  1. Consideration to adopt a new policy for City Commission Agenda deadlines.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adopt a new policy for the City Commission Agenda deadlines that require all items to be on the upcoming agenda to be submitted to the City Clerk by the end of business Monday, one week prior to the upcoming meeting. The completed agenda is then to be distributed and posted no later than Wednesday. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADOPT A NEW POLICY FOR THE CITY COMMISSION AGENDA DEADLINES THAT REQUIRE ALL ITEMS TO BE ON THE UPCOMING AGENDA BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY CLERK BY THE END OF BUSINESS MONDAY ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE UPCOMING MEETING. THE COMPLETED AGENDA IS THEN TO BE DISTRIBUTED AND POSTED NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY.

 

  1. Consideration to pay Diehl, Banwart, Bolton $18,150.00 (approved on 7/25/2023) for the Certified Audit of Records and Preparation of Audit Report for the year ending 12/31/22. Invoice #161402 was sent and indicates an additional $4,975.00 for the Single Audit of Federal Funds. Total amount due $23,125.00 requiring a new motion.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve to pay Diehl, Banwart, Bolton for the amount of $23,125.00. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO PAY DIEHL, BANWART, BOLTON FOR THE AMOUNT OF $23,125.00.

 

  1. Approval to go out for bid for KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 at 20th Street Repair Project (Project File No. 22-32).

 

  1. Guns moved to approve to go out for bid for the KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 at 20th Street Repair Project. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BID FOR THE KDOT SUB-AREA ROAD EXTENSION & US-69 AT 20TH STREET REPAIR PROJECT.

 

  1. Wells moved to go out for bids on the South Industrial Park Waterline Extension Project. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BIDS ON THE SOUTH INDUSTRIAL PARK WATERLINE EXTENSION PROJECT.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. Consideration of campsite improvements at Lake Fort Scott – B. Matkin was directed by the Commission to get cost estimates for items that would be needed for improvements of the primitive camping sites at this meeting.

 

NO ACTION TAKEN

 

  1. Consideration of 14-day Camping Regulation at Gunn Park (Ordinance No. 3606) and corresponding Municipal Codes –  Directed B. Matkin

 

NO ACTION TAKEN

 

  1. Consideration of Gunn Park Shelter House price increases –
  2. VanHoecke moved to approve the proposed price increases on the Shelter Houses at Gunn Park and amend Ordinance No. 3607 to reflect the changes.
  3. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE PROPOSED PRICE INCREASES ON THE SHELTER HOUSES AT GUNN PARK AND AMEND ORDINANCE No. 3607 TO REFLECT THE CHANGES.

 

  1. Consideration of changes to the City’s Purchasing Policy – B. Matkin was directed to redefine the day-to-day operation supplies, two signatures required and consideration for buying local is the priority. He will return with the corrected version at the next meeting.

 

NO ACTION TAKEN

 

  1. Consideration to approve the sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023 to the USDA.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adopt bond Ordinance No. 3752. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADOPT BOND ORDINANCE NO. 3752.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adopt bond Resolution No. 10-2023. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADOPT BOND RESOLUTION NO. 10-2023.

 

REPORTS AND COMMENTS:

 

City Manager:  B. Matkin

  1. Cape Seal Update – meeting next month with Harbour Construction.
  2. Vandalism at Gunn Park playgrounds. Gordon Parks sign stolen, checking security cameras in park.
  3. Citizen building a lake on their land behind the Woodland Hills Golf Course. He would like to purchase 2-acres from the City or accept a donation from the City of the land in exchange for the use of water in the future for watering the course. The homeowner would like to come to a Commission Meeting to address the Commission and answer questions.
  4. Community Development Director position is posted. Eleven (11) applications have been received. Interviews are in progress.

 

City Engineer:  Pete Earles/Earles Engineering & Inspection

  1. Davis Lift Station is in the process of design, needs survey for the force main and easement issues to work out.
  2. J. Dickman will be back at the next meeting. B. Matkin stated that Evergy would like a preconstruction meeting when he returns.

 

City Attorney:  B. Farmer

No comment.

 

COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS:

 

  1. Guns:
  2. Would like to suggest a Work Session in the near future to review contracts the City has with other entities such as Dispatch, REDI, etc. to ensure equitable exchange.
  3. The new school year starts Friday. She wishes all students and teachers a successful year ahead.

 

  1. Harrington:
  2. Good luck with Back to School this week.
  3. Football Jamboree Saturday
  4. Be sure to check out USD234 Events

 

  1. VanHoecke:
  2. Back to School Safety Awareness
  3. Possibility of hour adjustments with back to school. B. Matkin will meet with the Committee.
  4. Cooper Street is open, City crews saved over $400,000.00 by doing it themselves. The City Manager creates quality operators and gets things done in the City and people appreciate it all.
  5. Asks that citizens use the MyFortScott App to report issues or contact the City Manager for safety issues they see. For safety’s sake, stay out of City job sites. Report them instead.  The City Attorney stated that any citizen that is on a City job/work site is trespassing and can be removed from the site. It is for safety and liability reasons that this request is being made.

 

  1. Wells:
  2. Requested a preconstruction meeting for Cape Seal project.
  3. One, three-, five-, seven- and ten-year capital improvements for streets are being discussed, including the Streets Advisory board for input.
  4. Looking for master plans for sewer and water lines. A map was previously requested and received from PEC. If we cannot find, can we work with Earles to create new documents? Would like to have a clear infrastructure plan other than fixing leaks and start working on proactive projects. Would like to work with Earles to update if they are found.
  5. Echo amazing job the streets crew has done over the year and goes back to the leadership, very proud of current individuals on the crew.
  6. Bus safety is not a suggestion; it is the law. Please be careful and obey the laws.

 

  1. Matkin stated that 10th Street will be open by Friday. He is very proud of all the crews (streets, water, golf course, etc.) and all that they do because he pushes them hard. They appreciate that people notice their work.

 

NEXT MEETING:  Tuesday, September 19, 2023 – 6:00PM at City Hall.

 

WORK SESSION: Review of Contracts held by the City:  Tuesday, September 19, 2023 – 5:00PM at City Hall preceding the Regular Commission Meeting.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45PM. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:45PM.

 

Respectfully submitted for approval,

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Government, Kansas

Health Champion Award Nominees Are Sought

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Governor’s Council on Wellness Opens Nominations for the 2024 Health Champion Award

TOPEKA – Each year, the Governor’s Council on Wellness (previously the Governor’s Council on Fitness) recognizes one exceptional individual and one remarkable organization in Kansas who have shown outstanding dedication to promoting health, fitness and wellness in our communities.

Nominees for the 2024 Health Champion Award can come from diverse backgrounds – from health care professionals and educators to community leaders and volunteers. The award highlights outstanding individuals and organizations who have significantly impacted health awareness, disease prevention and overall well-being within our state.

“We are excited to review this year’s nominations and see all the great work being done throughout our state,” said Jody Hoener, GCOW Awards Committee Chair. “We encourage everyone to nominate the Health Champions in their communities.”

The nomination process is simple and can be completed online. The form requires a brief description of the nominee’s accomplishments and how they have positively influenced their community’s health. It also asks some basic questions about the nominee’s contact information so they can be notified if they receive the award.

The deadline to submit the nomination form is October 31, 2023. The winners will be notified via email, and awards will be announced via a press release in late November.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the Community Health Promotion Summit that will be held in Wichita at the WSU Woolsey Center.

To access the nomination form, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CT77RYV.

Bourbon County, Business, Food

HBCAT Grant: Tiny Greens and Herbs

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This is part of a series featuring the grant recipients of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center For Economic Growth in their latest grant cycle.

This grant cycle, they awarded grants to nine area businesses.
The Heathly Bourbon County Action Team Grant Program is funded by the Patterson Family Foundation and is a collaborative effort through partnerships with the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State and Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
Microgreens. Submitted photo.

Tiny Greens and Herbs, LLC, is a new microgreens business
which will open in September.

Tiny Greens and Herbs will provide Bourbon County families and
community members with convenient, year-round access to locally grown, nutrient packed greens and herbs, according to owner Cherri Walrod.

“This start-up business produces sustainably-grown microgreens which are tiny, immature vegetable and herb plants that are packed with up to 40 times more nutrients than their full-grown counterparts,” she said.

Phytonutrients, also called phytochemicals or antioxidants, are compounds produced by plants that provide health benefits to the body. Along with phytonutrients (antioxidants), microgreens are loaded with vitamins, minerals, flavorful, easy to prepare and
fun to eat, according to Walrod.

Walrod moved to Fort Scott in July 2023 from Eudora, KS.

Or connect on the Facebook page Tiny Greens and Herbs LLC.

Bourbon County, Government

Road Improvements Start Today on 215th Street, Jayhawk Road

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A county road in Bourbon County.

Bourbon County Public Works will be performing chip and seal operations on various roads in Bourbon County.  The areas include 215th Street from US 54 Highway to the Linn County line, along with Jayhawk Road from the Railroad Tracks to 245th Street.

 

Construction will begin Wednesday, August 30, 2023, and will continue through the month of September.  One lane of traffic will remain open at all times; however, motorists may encounter lane restrictions, reduced speeds, and flagging operations throughout the work zones.  Please follow all traffic control devices when traveling through the work zones.

For additional information, call 620-223-3800 ext. 193

Submitted by

Becky Robertson
Bourbon County Public Works
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History, Jobs

Labors and Leisure on the Frontier: Labor Day Weekend at Fort Scott National Historic Site

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Fort Scott Kan. – Saturday, September 2 through Monday, September 4, 2022, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the labors and leisure on an 1840s frontier post. Throughout Labor Day weekend enjoy live music, historic yard games, and a variety of living history demonstrations, and interpretive programs. Visit with soldiers, officer’s wives, laundresses, the post Sutler and find out about the labors of the fort and some of the leisure activities. All programs are free and open to the public. And enjoy ice cream, while it lasts, on Saturday at 11:30 am courtesy of the Friends of Fort Scott NHS, Inc.

 

On Saturday and Sunday, volunteer Katelyn Dancer will be playing the violin on Officer’s Row and volunteer Mathew Wells will be playing the guitar on the porch of the Dragoon’s Barracks. Monday September 4 at 11:00 am, the Prairie Sunflower Strings will be presenting a concert of folk music out on the parade ground.

 

Guided Fort Tours will be offered daily at 10 am and 1 pm. Ranger Charles will be presenting a program about Native American storytelling at 11 am on Saturday and Sunday.

 

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

-NPS-

 

NPS Photos credit: C. Brenner

Business, Fort Scott, Government, Kansas

1.66 Percent Increase Justified to Provide Electricity to Evergy Central Customers. 

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Kansas Corporation Commission Utilities Staff responds to
Evergy’s rate increase proposal in testimony filed this afternoon

TOPEKA – Kansas Corporation Commission Staff has weighed in on Evergy’s request for a rate increase in both of its’ Kansas service areas. In testimony filed with the Commission this afternoon, Staff’s detailed financial audit of the company’s income and expenses determined that an increase of 1.66 percent or $34,706,527 was all that could be justified at this time to provide service to Evergy Central customers.  Staff’s position is in contrast to Evergy’s request for a net revenue increase of $204,152,629 or 9.77 percent.

KCC Staff’s detailed financial audit of Evergy Kansas Metro’s income and expenses determined that a 7.32 percent rate decrease totaling $53,194,189 is appropriate.  This is in contrast to Evergy’s proposed rate increase of 1.95 percent or $14,152,521.

While an important part in the process, these results are far from final at this stage.  Today is the due date for direct testimony to be filed by KCC Staff and all other intervenors in the rate case. The next steps in the process include cross answering testimony, rebuttal testimony from Evergy, a settlement conference to determine if the parties can agree on a resolution to submit for Commission approval, followed by either a settlement hearing or evidentiary hearing before the Commission.  KCC Commissioners will issue a final order in the docket in late December or early January.

Evergy Kansas Central serves 736,000 customers in Topeka, Lawrence, Olathe, Leavenworth, Atchison, Manhattan, Salina, Hutchinson, Emporia, Parsons, Wichita, Arkansas City, El Dorado, Newton, Fort Scott, Pittsburg and Independence, among other towns and rural areas. Evergy Kansas Metro serves approximately 273,000 customers in Lenexa, Overland Park and other communities near the Kansas City metro area.

Testimony filed today is available on the KCC’s website, along with other documents in the rate case.

The Commission is accepting public comments regarding the rate increase request through 5 p.m., September 29, 2023, on its website, by mail to the Commission’s Office at 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or by calling the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.

Area News, Government, Kansas

Mixed-use Development Project Begins in Johnson County

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Governor Kelly Breaks Ground on $2B Redevelopment in Overland Park


OVERLAND PARK – Governor Laura Kelly joined Curtin Property Company, Johnson County government officials, and business leaders today to celebrate the redevelopment of Brookridge at 103rd Street and Antioch Road in Overland Park. The $2 billion project is one of Kansas’ largest and most ambitious mixed-use developments. In addition to the groundbreaking, there was an unveiling of the property’s new name – Meridian.

“Economic development projects like Meridian are key to making Kansas a place where more young people want to put down roots and build their futures,” Governor Kelly said. “I want to thank our local, private sector, and nonprofit partners who all worked hand-in-hand with my administration to unlock more opportunities for Kansans.”

The first development phase includes infrastructure work, two mixed-use residential/retail buildings, a grocery store, retail and restaurants, and usable green space.

The project is the recipient of $10 million in grant funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Building a Stronger Economy program. In addition, an $8 million grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Economic Development Program was awarded to prepare roads, sewer drainage, and other infrastructure. Completion of the infrastructure and utility work is expected in fall 2024.

“The opportunity to celebrate breaking ground and unveiling our vision for Meridian marks a special milestone in the evolution of this project,” said Chris Curtin, founder of Curtin Property Company. “Our team is proud to be bringing this innovative mixed-use development to Johnson County and looks forward to being a vibrant part of the region.”

The development will feature 4.8 million square feet of office capacity, high-quality urban living spaces with 2,000 apartments, two hotels, and extensive retail, restaurant, and entertainment venues. The 200-acre property will focus on health and wellness, including more than 100 acres of usable green space featuring fountains, recreational golf, fitness facilities, walking paths, connections to hiking and biking trails, and forested and open lawns.

“Current residents are attracted to Overland Park because of the sense of community our neighborhoods provide. Future residents will be attracted for the same reason,” said Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog. “I look forward to experiencing that community feeling at Meridian, a place to live, work, and play – all just a walk away from one another. I’m happy to be with the Meridian team this week to celebrate the beginning of this type of development and the economic impact it will bring to Overland Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.”

Meridian is anticipated to accommodate more than 16,000 jobs in the office and retail spaces.

Photos from the event for media use can be found below.

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Government, Kansas

2023 Specialty Crop Block Grants Awarded 

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has been awarded $328,330.06 through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Funds for the program are presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. According to the USDA, specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.” Through a competitive application process, KDA has selected recipients to further utilize the funds.

The following is a list of Kansas projects that will be funded by the grant.

  • Montgomery County Farm of the Future (Montgomery County) — Coffeyville Public Schools will increase their students’ knowledge of specialty crop production by placing an indoor farm classroom at the high school. Students will learn agriculture, plant science, nutrition, business marketing, and food preparation skills. This classroom will be managed by high school students and will produce leafy green vegetables to be served in their district’s cafeterias.
  • Expanding Fruit Production Among Small Scale Beginning Farmers in Kansas City, Kansas (Wyandotte County) — Cultivate KC will increase the variety, diversity, and resiliency of specialty crops grown and sold in Kansas City by providing education, training, and resources to refugee families starting their own small farm businesses through the New Roots for Refugees Program. This project will provide training, technical assistance, and resources to plant a fruit demonstration plot at the program’s training farm site and to support current farmers and recent graduates in adding blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries to their farm production.
  • Specialty Crop Video Series Highlighting Unique Specialty Crops in Kansas (Statewide) — From the Land of Kansas and Kansas Tourism will partner with a local marketing entity to create a video series to spread awareness of and excitement for Kansas specialty crops and the unique on-farm experiences they provide throughout the state. The video series will grow consumers’ interest in local specialty crops and the experiences they offer and educate them on how to access and consume those specialty crops in our state.
  • Exploring Mung bean Production in Kansas (Statewide) – Kansas State University will establish baseline recommendations for mung bean production and assess the crop’s adaptability to different environments across Kansas. Mung beans are a warm season crop with a short duration and a high degree of tolerance to heat and water scarcity, making this option very attractive to farmers and useful to sustain the state’s finite water natural resources.
  • Continued Safety for Produce Growers: Worker Protection Standard Training and GAPs Certification Funding and Outreach (Statewide) — Kansas State University will help Kansas specialty crop producers receive training and certification as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-recognized Worker Protection Standard pesticide safety train-the-trainers so that they can train the workers on their farm. They will also help Kansas fruit and vegetable producers earn Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) certification during the project, which will help growers access new markets which require that certification. This will help improve worker safety, produce safety, and the profitability of Kansas specialty crop producers.
  • Cultivate Maize: Growing Toward Educating Future Farmers with Sustainable School Meals Through School Gardens (Sedgwick County) — Maize USD 266 will provide its 7,590 students, grades preschool through twelfth grade, with hands-on opportunities to plant, maintain, harvest, and consume produce from sustainable hydro gardens, all while never leaving their school buildings. Maize USD 266 Food Service will facilitate the project to provide school gardens for educators at 13 of their school buildings to use as a teaching tool to connect the learning goals of a variety of disciplines while exposing their students to becoming farmers and tasting sustainable specialty crops through school meals.

For more information, visit KDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/SpecialtyCropBlockGrant.

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2023 Specialty Crop Block Grants Awarded.pdf
Government, History, Kansas

Sacred Rock Returned to the Kaw Nation

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Governor Kelly Celebrates the Return of the Sacred Red Rock to the Kaw Nation


LAWRENCE—Today, Governor Laura Kelly joined Kaw Nation leaders, City of Lawrence officials, and Haskell Indian Nations University and University of Kansas representatives to commemorate the return of the Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe, or Sacred Red Rock, to the people of the Kaw Nation.

“The Sacred Red Rock has long been part of Kansas’ history, and I am honored to participate in its return to its rightful stewards,” Governor Kelly said. “This event marks a significant step forward in ensuring we respect and honor Indigenous peoples, cultures, and traditions.”

Several hundred thousand years ago, a glacier took the rock from an area in what is now southwestern Minnesota to the Kansas River Valley, where it became an important part the Kaw Nation’s spiritual life.

“I am delighted to see our city’s leaders collectively honor the sovereign rights of Tribal Nations by partnering in the return of the Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe Sacred Red Rock,” said Jancita Warrington, Executive Director, Kansas Native American Affairs, Office of the Governor. “Chancellor Girod, Mayor Larsen and the Lawrence City Commissioners have shown both compassion and respect for the Kaw Nation by honoring their request to return this grandfather rock to its cultural and spiritual stewards. This is a great example of a productive partnership between leaders, and I am excited to see what will transpire from this continued relationship moving forward.”

In 1929, the Sacred Red Rock was transported to Lawrence. It currently resides in Buford M. Watson Jr. Park. Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe will now be returned to Kaw Nation land at Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park near Council Grove.

“As an Indigenous person, I am extremely honored and humbled to be a part of this project and this historic event,” said Sydney Purcell, Co-Principal Investigator, Sacred Red Rock Project and Curator for Public Practice at Spencer Museum of Art. “I am in awe that Governor Kelly, Mayor Larson, and the Lawrence City Commission are present to support this effort. It is my hope that the relationships established throughout this project and further concretized with the ceremonious Return of the Rock event will continue long into the future, so that Kaw Nation’s presence is strengthened in the state that bears its name.”