Monthly Archives: March 2024
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
March 22, 2024
The Budget is so full of pork, you’d think it’s a bacon factory. It increases spending 13.9%, over $1.2 billion, in just one year. There are some good things in SB 514 – the budget, but the waste far outweighs the good. The final budget bill will be put together in conference committee. Maybe this year, waste will get trimmed. The SB 514 passed 24 to 14. I voted No.
Tax Relief for a second time this session passed the Senate. The first time was CCR 2284 that was vetoed. The second time was SB 539 that passed with a bipartisan veto proof majority. It would provide property, income, and sales tax relief for Kansas taxpayers, but the House buried it in committee. They introduced a tax bill of their own, HB 2844, Monday, held a hearing on it Wednesday and put the contents of HB 2844 in a shell, SB 330 which is a Commerce bill. They passed it out of House Tax on Thursday. It’s difficult to say what will happen, but what we do know is that this bill moves to the left and is a smaller tax cut for Kansans. There is over $3 billion in the state coffers so I am working for maximum tax relief. Kansans need it, especially with cost of food, fuel, and other necessities.
County On License Plate would be required on a majority of license plates and would authorize First City of Kansas (Leavenworth) distinctive license plates. HB 2498 passed unanimously.
Occupational Licensing would be expedited, and fees waived for military service members and spouses residing or planning to reside in Kansas. HB 2745 passed unanimously.
Kansas Commission On Veterans Affairs Office would be reestablished as the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. The Veterans Claims Assistance Program would be updated to include references to the federal Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. HB 2760 passed 40 to 0.
Peer Support Counseling is with peers of similar experience. It would by expanded allowing law enforcement, emergency services, or the Kansas National Guard to utilize more resources for peer support and extend privilege to discussing a critical incident. HB 2557 passed 36 to 4. I voted Yes.
Silver Alert for a missing person would be expanded to include anyone over 18 diagnosed with an intellectual disability. Currently, silver alert is for elderly who are missing. SB 371 passed unanimously.
Ignition Interlock Devices are required for a person convicted of DUI. Currently, they pay a monthly fee for the device and the manufacture pays a fee to the Highway Patrol. SB 493 would establish another fee fund that would be paid by the convicted person to the Highway Patrol for administering the program. This increased cost will not be a deterrent from drunk driving. “I don’t think that you shall see, a fee that doesn’t tax you or me.” It passed 28 to 12. I voted No.
Kansas Credit Unions would be able to operate outside the state. A suspended board member may apply for review that has to occur within 60 days. It would allow the Credit Union Administrator to collect civil penalties. There are several other provisions in the HB 2561 that passed 40 to 0.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Light towers to be replaced on U.S. 69/54 in Bourbon County
Wednesday, April 3, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin a project to install new light towers on the U.S. 69 and U.S. 54 interchange north of Fort Scott. The highway shoulders will be closed at the work zone with minimal effects to traffic.
KDOT awarded the construction contract of $396,512 to Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita. Weather permitting, the work should be finished by late May.
Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
160th Street Will Close Tomorrow For One Month
From Bourbon County Public Works, in conjunction with Mission Construction:
160th Street from Express to Fern will be closed for approximately one month beginning tomorrow, March 26th.
Submitted by
Becky Robertson
Bourbon County Public Works
Bird Flu Identified in Two Kansas Diary Operations
HPAI Detection in Kansas Dairy Herds
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA– APHIS), has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two commercial dairy operations. These are the first cases of HPAI in commercial dairy operations in Kansas. Initial testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories has not found changes to the virus that indicate mammal-to-mammal transmission, indicating that the risk to the public remains low.
At this stage, there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health. The pasteurization process of heating milk to a high temperature ensures milk and dairy products can be safely consumed, as confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In line with long-standing policy, the CDC does not recommend consuming unpasteurized milk or raw milk. Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Dairies are also required to only allow milk from healthy animals to enter the food supply chain.
We continue to encourage all dairy producers to closely monitor their herd and contact their local veterinarian immediately if cattle appear infected. Symptoms are mostly restricted to late-stage lactating cows and include a drop in milk production, loss of appetite, and changes in manure consistency. We encourage dairy producers to minimize wildlife access to their dairy cattle’s water and feed sources.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment works to protect and improve the health of all Kansans. The agency has been notified of the findings and will monitor the situation as they did for HPAI when it was found in the poultry industry.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to serving Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and the consumers/customers they serve while promoting public health and safety, protecting animal health, and providing consumer protection and food safety to the best of our ability.
HPAI Detection in Kansas Dairy Herds
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City of Fort Scott Special Meeting Agenda for March 26
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL MEETING
OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
March 26, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, Matthew Wells, Dyllon Olson, Tracy Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Invocation
V. Approval of Agenda
VI. Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VII. New Business
A. Consideration of Change Order No. 2 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom Project – Hofer-Hofer & Associates – 1) Furnish and install new TruLog siding and fascia to the exterior walls of the shower house – 2) Work will add six (6) weeks additional time to the completion date from approve of change order –1$13,500.00
VIII. Adjourn
New DCF Building Exterior Framework Is Going Up
The exterior framework began on March 22, on the new Kansas Department of Children and Families building project at Wall Street and National Avenue.
If all goes well, the completion date is July 2024, said Mike Anders, job supervisor of Silverrock Ventures.
The 13,000-square-foot building will house offices, several conference rooms, interview rooms, a large central file room, reception/waiting areas, break rooms, and storage spaces. There is a storm shelter built into the plan.
Kendall Schoenrock, owner, and developer of Silverrock Ventures who is building the new office space for the KDCF, spent time in making the facade of the building fit in with downtown Fort Scott, Anders said.
“It will have a red brick face and a limestone three-foot starter around the bottom of the east and north side,” Anders said. “It will have a different roof to fit in with downtown. It will have outside lighting like that of E3 Ranch, right across the street.”
There will be parking on the north side of the building, on Wall Street, which the building will face. They are also leasing parking spaces from the City of Fort Scott for some parking west of the building, on the south side of that lot.
There is a whole slate of tradesmen lined up for the work ahead: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, framing, masonry, and painting, Anders said.
Skitches Hauling and Excavation, Inc., Fort Scott, was the demolition contractor for the building site.
“He supplied all of our backfill and got our job site ready to build on,” Anders said. “A great guy.”
“We tried to use local contractors,” he said. “A lot are from a 30-mile radius approximately.”
Silverrock Ventures will do the interior finishing he said.
About DCF
The Kansas Department for Children and Families is available to assist with child care and child support, employment education and training, food and cash assistance, support for youth who have experienced foster care, and more.
For further information about services to the community:
https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/Pages/default.aspx
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If you suspect a child or vulnerable adult is being harmed emotionally, physically, or sexually, report it to the Kansas Protection Report Center 24/7 at 1-800-922- 5330 or online.
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Downtown Meet and Greet at City State Bank on April 2
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LIEAP Application Deadline This Friday March 29 For Those Who Need Help With Utilities
The Cold Weather Rule and the LIEAP
application period will end soon
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) wants to remind utility customers that there are two important dates coming up that they should be aware of. First, the deadline to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, known as LIEAP, is Friday, March 29. LIEAP is a federally funded program administered by the Kansas Department of Children and Families. LIEAP applications must be received by the Kansas DCF office by 5 p.m. on Friday. The KCC urges all customers facing financial difficulties to act now to stay connected. More information about the program is available at https://www.dcf.ks.gov/
In addition, the Cold Weather Rule ends on Sunday, March 31. The Cold Weather Rule protects residential customers, served by KCC regulated utilities, from disconnection when temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees.
When the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, regulated utilities are also required to offer a 12-month payment plan upon request, even if a previous payment plan has been broken. When that protection ends on Sunday, failure to make arrangements or failure to adhere to an already established payment plan could result in disconnection. Reconnection after March 31 may require past due balances be paid in full, depending on the utility’s policy. That is why it is important to call now – while regulated utilities are still required to offer the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan.
It is important to note that the KCC does not regulate co-ops or municipal utilities, although many of those utilities also offer a cold weather payment plan. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit: http://kcc.ks.gov/
To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, please contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 25
Bo Co Commission Agenda For This Evening, March 25
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Attachments:
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
March 25, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 3/11/2024
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $295,311.50
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $445,254.99
- Approval of January and February Financials
- Public Opening of Hay Bids at 5:35 p.m.
- Public Comments
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
- Retailer’s Sales Tax Election
- KDHE Public Notice
- Real Property Relief Application 928 S. Osbun
- Contingency Funds
- Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with th representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Be Winsome and Win Some by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Be Winsome and Win Some
Winsome is not an adjective we often use in our speech, but we should try to incorporate it into our daily conduct. The definition of winsome is being attractive or appealing in character. It’s a quality that makes someone want to be around us and enjoys our company. No one minds being around a person that’s engaging, sweet, endearing, charming, delightful, or winning.
As believers, we must be winsome if we intend to win some to Christ. It’s been said that you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Showing love and mercy to others is the honey we need in order to be attractive. “If any of them [nonbelievers] do not believe God’s word, your conduct will win them over to believe. It will not be necessary for you to say a word, because they will see how pure and reverent your conduct is” (1 Peter 3:1,2 TEV). I like to talk, but sometimes it’s a good idea to save my breath and simply show love and mercy instead. (Then I don’t have to take my foot out of my mouth.)
It would be a good idea to make a mental checklist to ensure we love when others hate, and forgive when others hold grudges. When we build a bridge to someone, we’re actually building a relationship with that individual. Becoming a winsome friend to the “down and out” can result in winning him/her to Christ. Friendly and caring conduct can actually win someone without sharing a truckload of Bible verses. We need to put our money where our mouth is in order to prove we walk the walk.
Jesus quoted this verse from the Old Testament: “I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices” (Hosea 6:6a NLT). God desires His children to have flexible hearts of compassion. Apostle Paul wrote to the Church of Philippi and instructed them to fasten their thoughts continually on what is truly important. “Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]” (Philippians 4:8 AMP). This translation uses the word “winsome,” and I like that. We need to think about how we can be winsome so we can win some to Christ.
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay” (1 Peter 4:8,9 NLT). I believe Peter and his wife were hospitable, and a great tool to win some to Jesus is to feed some. My relative, Joanne Montgomery Jones, authored a book entitled, A Time to Laugh…A Time to Cry, and here is my favorite quote: “Today, hospitality has become so ’dutiful.’ Menus are carefully planned, shopping must be done, and tables must be set immaculately. Have we, somewhere along the way, lost the pure joy of sharing our food, our love, and our time with our friends? Chipped plates, glasses that once contained jelly or peanut butter, and worn mismatched silverware graced our table, but the love and laughter that abounded there far surpassed anything that might be achieved by today’s hostess following the rules of Emily Post.”
The Key: Let’s be winsome and win some for the Kingdom of Heaven.