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Monthly Archives: March 2024
The Beauty Lounge Girls Birthday Bash is March 23
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 18
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
March 15, 2024
Tax Relief passed the Senate and was sent to the House. All of the bills can be found at www.kslegislature.org. Here are some highlights.
Tax Relief for All Kansans: Property, Sales, and Income tax cuts passed in SB 539 with a bi-partisan vote of 29 to 11. I voted Yes. The bill would cut taxes for every Kansas taxpayer. It will:
- eliminate state income tax on Social Security (SS)
- provide property tax relief to homeowners by increasing the K-12 20 mill exemption to $100,000, up from $44,000
- eliminate the state sales tax on groceries July 1, instead of Jan 1, 2025
- increase personal exemptions for single filers to $11,000 and $22,000 for married joint filers and increase for inflation each year after – current single exemption is $2250 and $4500 for married
- increase single filer standard deduction to $4000 and increase all standard deductions (married is currently $8000) for inflation each year after
- increase dependent exemptions to $3000 up from $2250 and increase each year after for inflation
- create a single tax bracket at 5.7 that would decrease each year .05 for 5 years
- decrease the privilege tax to 1.63 for banks and 1.62 for trust companies over two years
- create a child tax credit program based on household income
Personal Property Taxes would be eliminated on off-road vehicles (including all-terrain vehicle – ATVs), watercraft, golfcarts, motorized bicycles, snowmobiles, and trailers with a gross weight of 15,000 lbs. or less. The KS County Appraisers Association asked me to help eliminate the taxes because it cost more to collect the tax than what is collected. The County Treasurers and Clerks I checked with agreed. Also, constituents had contacted me asking me to help because the taxes on these items are high and the penalties are steep. SB 484 is a win for the taxpayer and the tax collector. It passed 29 to 11.
Property Tax Freeze for Seniors and Disabled Veterans would be expanded in HB 2465 by subtracting SS from the household income, increasing the household income limit to $80,000, and increasing the home valuation to $595,000. Currently, only 50% of SS can be subtracted from the household income and it must be below $53,600 with a home valuation of $350,000 or less. HB 2465 would also open up the filing deadline because most people didn’t know about the program. (They must not be reading my newsletters ) The filing deadline for the property tax freeze is April 15 each year. The form is K-40SVR at Kansas Department of Revenue https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr23.pdf. I worked diligently with other Senators and House Tax Conference Committee members to pass this into law and we are working to expand the program so more people qualify.
Sales Tax Exemption For Disabled Veterans would be a new program for veterans. Any 50% or more disabled veteran would not pay state or local sales tax on personal purchases, excluding vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products. It would have a limit of $24,000 in purchases. KDOR reported that most Kansas families spend about that amount on items that have a sales tax. The original bill was SB 58. The committee voted to create Senate Substitute for HB 2036.
HB 2036, a property tax exemption for disabled veterans, created constitutional questions as stated by lawyers and others. Instead of risking losing the legislation because of questions on constitutionality, it made more sense to expand the existing program that freezes property taxes for seniors and disabled veterans and implement the sales tax program. It will help more disabled veterans, because not all own a home. The state has avoided the question of constitutionality with the property tax freeze program by having all of the property taxes paid and homeowner apply for a rebate.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Beauty Secrets For Aging by Carolyn Tucker
My friend Vivian and I were visiting recently about the topic of aging. Some women look 15 years older than they are, but some look 15 years younger than their age. Vivian and I shared our thoughts about what we will look like in heaven. We both agreed that we’ll look about 30, which is the prime of life. When I was 30, I felt like I had a tiger by the tail. I could efficiently multi-task, do things quickly, walk and chew gum, and rarely felt dumb. I had lots of energy and laughed a lot. Now that I’m older, some physical things have changed but I’m thankful I can still laugh easily.
When believers are in the last third of our lives, we can still continue to be living testimonies to the faithfulness of God. There are two New Testament Christians that are marvelous examples of how to age fruitfully. The stellar lives of Simeon and Anna inspire me to keep serving God and loving people as long as I have breath.
Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to Jerusalem to dedicate him to the Lord. As they walked into the temple, Simeon (an elderly man) was there waiting. He loved God, was righteous and devout, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. The Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before he saw the Messiah with his own eyes. For this very reason the Holy Spirit had impressed upon Simeon to go to the temple on this precise day and hour when Jesus’ parents brought Him to the temple.
Simeon nestled the Babe in his arms and praised God saying, “Lord and Master, I am Your loving servant, and now I can die content for Your promise to me has been fulfilled. With my own eyes I have seen Your Word, the Savior You sent into the world. He will be glory for Your people Israel, and the Revelation Light for all people everywhere“ (Luke 2:29-31 TPT.) Simeon was at the right place at the right time because He listened to God.
Anna was an 84-year-old prophetess from the Tribe of Asher. She’d been married only seven years when her husband died. After that, she worshipped God in the temple continually, serving Him with night-and-day prayer and fasting. “She [Anna] came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38 NLT.) When Anna laid her eyes on Jesus, she experienced the very presence of God. Although she had known sorrow, she was full of joy. Although she was no longer in the prime of her life, she had maintained contentment and hope. Although she had some limitations, she never stopped worshipping God and using her prophetic gift. Although she had experienced disappointments, she never stopped believing and praying. Although she was no longer youthful, she remained useful.
When I’m around an older woman with a laughing smile and twinkling eyes, that’s all I see. I’m truly blind to any of her aging facial features. Her beautiful smile is a better cover-up than anti-wrinkle cream. Several years ago, my cousin Vicky and I were talking about getting older. She said that she planned to simply grow old gracefully. I loved her plan and I embraced her sensible philosophy as my own. I want to grow old lovingly. I want to be sweet and not cynical. I want to enjoy life, laugh at myself, and remain useful for God.
The Key: Let’s be content to have a loving heart and use “Big Grin Beauty Cream.”
AD: Kansas Renewal Institute Is Hiring For All Positions!
The Kansas Renewal Institute, located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. in Fort Scott, is a pioneering behavioral healthcare center specializing in treating adults and adolescents.
Our mission is to provide exceptional, accessible behavioral health services across Kansas, fostering resilience and renewal in our communities.
Kansas Renewal Institute offers full-time, part-time, and per-diem employment for all persons wishing to become a part of an exciting team of behavioral health professionals.
We need dedicated, responsible, caring individuals who have a passion for assisting others throughout their treatment process.
Join Our Team!
If you have a passion for helping others, join Kansas Renewal Institute to be part of a team that is saving lives! Our team provides compassionate treatment for children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with their mental health and/or substance
use concerns.
We work to meet each patient’s unique needs to help them achieve mental wellness so they can live happier lives full of hope.
Located in Fort Scott, our residential treatment programs provide modern, safe, and patient-friendly environments that encourage positive interactions conducive to health, hope, and healing.
Behavioral Health Technicians Needed: A Great Career Starter
Helping children as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) could be your calling! No experience, certification, or college degree is necessary – we will train you on the job! Applicants must be 20 years or older with a high school diploma or GED. As a BHT, you will provide care and support to patients ages 6 to 18 who are
struggling with their mental health. We invite you to be their bridge to better health!
–Masters Level Therapist (must be licensed in Kansas or eligible for licensure):
Monday- Friday (days).
–Case Manager: Monday-Friday (days).
–Behavioral Health Technician providing direct care for Patients. Day, Night, and Weekend Shifts are needed.
(Applicants will be subject to a Drug Test and Background Check if hired)
If interested, please send an Inquiry to Jessica Allison @
jessica.allison@kansasrenewal.
The beginning date is 03/25/2024.
Taking Care of Our Team
The heart of our work is helping people. That means offering our employees a robust benefits package that ensures they’re able to care for themselves and their families, while they help children in need. Benefits include:
Competitive pay for the industry
Medical plans with generous employer contribution
Tuition, CEU and licensure reimbursement
Generous paid time off
A strong focus on promoting internally
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
AND MUCH MORE!
**Must be at least 20 to apply.
If interested, please send an Inquiry to Jessica Allison @
jessica.allison@kansasrenewal.
Aging with Attitude Regional Expo Set for April 26th
It’s taking place every day, for everyone….aging that is, and it is an opportunity! Let’s come together to learn and ensure we can all thrive as we age, on Friday, April 26th, for the Aging with Attitude Regional Expo.
The expo aims to promote positive attitudes about aging and educate on issues that support physical, mental, and financial health. K-State Research and Extension along with community partners invite you to connect with others for information and resources on April 26th. The event includes presentations, activities, prizes, a resource fair, and lunch from 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. at Foursquare Church, 98 Main Street, Parsons, KS. Registration fee is $15 per attendee. Register with flyer registration form or by calling 620-244-3826.
Keynote Presentations include:
Container Gardening
Hear from horticulture expert on creating your own garden.
Medicare Q&A
Senior Health Insurance Counselor and Coordinator will answer top Medicare questions and hear your specific needs.
Make the most of your life by attending this year’s regional expo! For more information you may contact [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
# # #
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.
Teaching Kids About Money Management
Amanda Clasen- Community Vitality Agent
March 2024
The Southwind Extension District just finished hosting our first Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in Allen County with the partnership with Humboldt High School, Allen County E-Communities and NetWork Kansas. A part of this event is students learning the importance of developing a business plan, learning how to make a profit off of their business and product as well as marketing their product to be successful. After completing this event, the participants were awarded cash prizes for their work and efforts and it got me thinking, I wonder how many of these youth will continue the entrepreneurship path in life and what money management skills have they developed through this project?
Money Management must be learned and practiced in everyday home and family life to prepare children for real life situations. Think of how day-to-day activities and errands that you are already completing in your already busy life, to incorporate “lessons” on money management skills for youth. Making or earning money for a job is the way most adults get money to spend, but think about what youth need to know to be successful in their money management. The following are examples of ways to incorporate learning into daily life lessons.
Things a 5 year old should know:
- A dime is worth more than a nickel even though it is smaller. Also that coins can be exchanged for “fun” things.
- Toys that are seen on the cereal box or on TV won’t always be flashy and look or work as well at home as they are advertised.
- Saving money can be fun when they know they can use it to buy something later.
- Asking for something they want, doesn’t mean they will always get what they want.
Things a 10 year old should know is obviously different from a younger and older Siblings. Below are examples of those teaching lessons.
- They should be able to navigate a grocery store with a cart and list to help shop for a budget friendly grocery trip.
- They should have a savings account in a real bank. They should learn that although you can withdrawal from that account, it won’t be the same cash and coins that they put in.
A 16 year old is often the age looking to be hired by local business and able to work outside of the family and friends circle to gain a paycheck. A few things they should know when coming to earning money:
- They should have a reasonable idea of the family finances.
- They should know how to write a check and balance a checking account.
- They should save half of everything they hear from a job for any major high school expenses such as a class ring or trip.
Adults may work 40 hours or sometimes more each week to bring home a paycheck to live on. Youth should be able to find small jobs from their parents or neighbors to earn money for those burning “needs” and “wants”. Those jobs can take as little as 10 minutes for as much as hours to complete. Paid jobs at home are usually things beyond those a child is expected to do as part of the family. Make sure to be on the look out for a job that neighbors, grandparents, friends are willing to pay for. Think of other ways your child can earn money from their hobbies, for example, sell jewelry, show adults how to use a computer application or setting up a new cellphone.
For more information please contact Amanda Clasen, Community Vitality Agent, at [email protected] or at any Southwind Extension office.
The Artificers April Calendar
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The Artificers In April!Check out the calendar below for all events happening this month! |
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Art Opening and Reception!April 5th, 2024 @ 6pm, Artist Talk @ 7pm |
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Marys Master Artist Classes! |
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The Joy of Gel Printing with BotanicalsGel Printing is a printmaking process that uses a gel plate to transfer paint or ink to paper instead of a printing press. Learn how to create stunningly beautiful botanical prints using a gel. Master Artist Mary Martin will guide students through this amazing and playful process!! Adult age 14+ • April 6th •10am-12pm &1-3pm |
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April Classes |
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Come into the studio from 12pm-4pm April 27th, and Glaze all of your pre-made pieces! |
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Don’t Forget us For your Parties! |
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Florida Strawberries Are Coming To Bronson
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Bourbon County Commission Will Not Meet on March 18
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
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
There will not be a Commission meeting held on Monday, March 18.
Obituary of Daniel Ellis
Daniel “Danny” Ellis, 92, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2024, in Overland Park, Kansas. He was born on February 6, 1932, in Rich Hill, Missouri, the beloved son of Ben and AnnaLee (Henderson) Ellis. On February 8, 1948, he married his beloved Willa Jean Marlin in Nevada, Missouri, who preceded him in death on January 22, 2018.
Danny was a pioneering entrepreneur and a pillar of his community. He founded Midwestern Transportation in the early 1960s, later renamed Midwestern Distribution in the early 1970s. Under his leadership, Midwestern Distribution flourished, boasting a fleet of over 1000 trucks serving nationwide routes and employing over 500 locals in Fort Scott, where it stood as a cornerstone of employment. In the early 1980s, Danny sold Midwestern Distribution and embarked on another successful venture, founding Multi-Service Corporation to address the fuel access needs of truckers. Multi-Service also became a global leader in aviation credit.
In 1997, Danny, along with his wife Willa, established The Ellis Foundation in memory of their daughter, Kathy Ellis-Adriance. The Foundation, now overseen by Danny’s son, Chris Ellis, has touched countless lives by awarding over 5,000 scholarships to deserving students, ensuring access to higher education for those in need.
Danny was deeply committed to the growth and prosperity of Fort Scott. He actively supported local initiatives, serving on the board of the Fort Scott Beacon and contributing to the establishment of Ellis Park and The Danny & Willa Ellis Family Performing Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. He also played a pivotal role in bolstering tourism and development in the area. His generosity knew no bounds, as evidenced by his donation of the city’s first trolley, fondly known as “Dolly the Trolley.”
Danny loved to work, but in his downtime enjoyed golfing with his longtime friends in Fort Scott, relished time spent on the waters of Fort Scott Lake with family and friends, and cherished his travels, particularly his visits to Stuart, Florida.
Danny will be remembered as a visionary businessman, and a cherished friend who loved his family. His legacy of hard work, determination, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew him. He leaves behind a son, Chris Ellis, and wife Cathy of Louisburg, Kansas, eight grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Willa, and daughter Kathy, Danny was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Ben Ellis, Jr., Delmar Ellis, half-brother Charles Cooper, and a sister, June Ellis.
The family will hold private services at a later date, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ellis Foundation for Scholarships, in care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com. Danny’s enduring legacy of kindness and generosity will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched.