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Newly Created Position: Kansas Regulatory Ombudsman For Businesses

Governor Jeff Colyer announces the hiring of new Regulatory Ombudsman for Kansas Businesses

Topeka – Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D., today announced the hiring of Tom Arpke to fill the role of Regulatory Ombudsman at the Kansas Department of Commerce. Tom will help businesses looking to expand or start operating in Kansas to navigate the regulatory process and resolve questions or concerns.

“Kansas needs to be attracting more businesses and taking excellent care of the businesses that are already here,” said Gov. Jeff Colyer, “As I have traveled the state listening to business owners, they have told me they need a more direct line of communication when they have questions or concerns about regulations and other aspects of running a business in Kansas. This new position will ease that burden for business and Tom is just the man for the job.”

As Regulatory Ombudsman, Arpke will work as a liaison between the state and new and existing businesses evaluating all sides of an issue and helping identify options and strategies for resolution.  He will also be able to escalate issues when necessary directly to the Governor and his Chief Operations Officer.

“I am grateful to Governor Colyer for the opportunity to serve in this new role for our state,” said Arpke, “As a business owner myself, I am looking forward to being able to assist new businesses as they look to open their doors in Kansas, as well as helping existing businesses find simple solutions to their concerns so they can spend more time focused on growing their business.”

Arpke received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Microbiology from Florida State University. He has been actively serving the state of Kansas for the past six years, first as a Kansas State Representative from 2011-2013, followed by four years as a Kansas State Senator from 2013-2017. Since 2008 he has also been the owner of Arpke Inc. performing plant audits for environmental compliance and safety.

Businesses needing to contact the Ombudsman may use the following contact information. Phone: (833)765-2002, Email Address: [email protected].

Chamber Golf Classic July 27

Join us for 2018

Chamber Golf Classic
as either a team, sponsor, or both!

Click here for printable flyer.
Click here for printable team/sponsor registration form.
Fort Scott Area Chamber Golf Classic
Tournament Chairman:  Mark Lewis, Liberty Savings Association
Lead Sponsors:  Briggs Auto and Mercy Hospital
Lunch Sponsors:  5 Corners Mini-Mart & McDonald’s
Hole in One Contest sponsored by Briggs!
New this year!  Games by Dixon Golf
DATE: Friday, July 27, 2018
TIME: Registration, Lunch & Putting Contest starts at 11 am, Tee-off 12 pm
LOCATION: Woodland Hills Golf Course, a top-10 Kansas course!
MORE: Teams & hole sponsors may contact the Chamber
at 620-223-3566 or email [email protected]
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
620-223-3566

Dept. of Revenue: $1.2 billion More For Kansas

 

 

TOPEKA—Fiscal year-end tax receipts came in $1.21 billion above last year, and $317.81 million over fiscal year predictions, according to the latest revenue report released Monday.

 

Year-end tax receipts were bolstered by a more than 20 percent increase in June collections, with $133.02 million over last year, which was $143.79 million more than expected for the month.

 

“With tax receipts coming in above expectations every month during the last year, there’s optimism that this trend will continue,” Secretary Sam Williams said. “The increase in sales tax collections indicate more retail spending precipitated by wage gains from the federal tax cuts passed into law six months ago.”

 

Fiscal year retail sales tax collections took in $55.82 million more than last year. For the month, sales tax collections came in $6.98 million more than last June, which was $10.76 million more than expectations for the month.

 

Individual income tax continues to demonstrate strong performance above expectations, with fiscal year collections at $229.42 million more than predicted for the year, and $1.07 billion above last year. Individual income tax collections for the month came in $114.03 million more than last June’s receipts.

Bourbon County Commission Agenda July 3

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

2nd Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: July 3rd, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris

10:30-10:15-Gaylen Garrison-Family Heritage Insurance

10:30-11:00-Clint Anderson and Justin Meeks-Job description employment

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

11:00-11:15-Executive Session- Privileged in the attorney-client relationship

11:15-11:30-Executive Session-Safety and security of the Courthouse

12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch

1:30-2:00-Jacqie Spradling

2:00-2:15-Shane Walker-2019 IT Budget

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

          Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

K-39, K-146 Railroad Crossing Closures Next Week

Railroad crossing repairs next week on K-146 and K-39

 

Monday, July 9, the Union Pacific (UP) Railroad plans to close and repair its crossing on K-146 east of U.S. 59. The closure will be in effect between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. K-146 traffic should follow the signed detour route on U.S. 59, K-47 and K-3.

 

Tuesday, July 10, UP expects to close and make track repairs on the K-39 crossing at Stark between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The signed detour uses U.S. 59, K-146 and K-3.

 

Persons with questions may contact Wayne Nelson at the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) office in Pittsburg, (620) 308-7622, or Priscilla Petersen at the Chanute KDOT office, (620) 902-6433.

 

Hilderbrand Endorsed By Kansas Farm Bureau

KANSAS SENATOR RICHARD HILDERBRAND RECEIVES

ENDORSEMENT FROM KANSAS FARM BUREAU

GALENA- Kansas Senator Richard Hilderbrand (R-Galena) received the endorsement of the Kansas Farm Bureau, an advocacy group that works to strengthen agriculture through the support of farmers and ranchers.

“I am honored to receive this important endorsement,” Hilderbrand said. “If elected, I will continue to advocate for Kansas’ agriculture industry and work to secure and protect our farmers’ interests.”

The Kansas Farm Bureau’s Voters Organized to Elect Farm Bureau Friends (VOTE FBF) Political Action Committee (PAC) released its election candidate endorsements for state and federal races last Friday.

Obituary Of Perry Lee Wilson

Perry Lee Wilson, 66, of Fort Scott, passed away Sunday, June 24, 2018, at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born April 12, 1952, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Kenton and Martha (Mitzner) Wilson. He married Kathie Greenfield May 4, 1985, in Miami, Oklahoma.

Perry served in the US Army, 82nd Airborne, 2nd Division 508th Infantry, and was stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was a Railroad Conductor for the B.N.S.F. for twenty years, retiring in 2008.

Perry is survived by his wife, Kathie; his daughter Rachel Fields, of Fort Scott; his son, Jason Cunningham, of Lockwood, Missouri; four sisters, Linda Wells, of Mapleton, Kansas, Patricia Fewell, of Blue Springs, Missouri, Kathy McLean, of Olathe, Kansas, and Diana Endicott, of Bronson, Kansas; two brothers, Bryan Wilson of Pittsburg, Kansas, and John Wilson, of Bronson, Kansas; six grandchildren, Ellen, William, Addison, Maren, Enych, and Elsie, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father Don Petrie; a brother, Michael Wilson; a sister, Tina Wilson; a nephew, Matthew, and a niece, Sara.

Graveside services for Perry Wilson will be 11:00 am, Friday, July 6, 2018, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

The Family will receive friends at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home Friday from 10:00 am until time to leave for the cemetery.

Obituary Of Barbara Quirin

Barbara Ellen Quirin, 90, of Fort Scott, passed away Thursday morning June 28, 2018, at the Medicalodge of Fort Scott. She was born December 20, 1927, in St. Paul, Kansas, the daughter of M.D. “Bob” and Anna Christine (Krashoc) Morris.

Barbara graduated from St. Francis High School in St. Paul, Kansas, and she married Loyd Philip Quirin May 23, 1946, in St. Paul, Kansas. He preceded her in death September 19, 2008. To this union, three sons were born.

After the boys started school, Barbara sewed and sold Barbie clothes and babysat. She was an active member of the Altar Society, President of the Jr. Legion of Mary, and a member of the Senior Legion of Mary. Barbara taught religion classes and was also a den mother.

After the boys left home, Barbara began working at the Medicalodge as an aide. She graduated from Fort Scott Community College with a nursing degree in 1980 and was Director of Nursing for five years when she retired due to illness.

Barbara is survived by her three sons, Larry and wife Thelma of Redfield, Kansas, Alan and wife Peggy of Lawrence, Kansas, and John and wife Jeanette of Parsons, Kansas; a brother, Robert Alan “Bob” Morris; a sister, Patricia “Pat” Morris Walker; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Bob, she was also preceded in death by her parents, a granddaughter, Mary Quirin, and three brothers and four sisters.

Barbara was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Her sisters and brothers remained close through the years and always enjoyed spending time with her. Grandchildren, nieces, and nephews loved to visit her, and she was known for great cinnamon rolls, and a sharp sense of humor and justice. Barbara was never, ever, afraid to speak her mind. She was loved and cared for to the end of her days and will be greatly missed. Barbara’s cheerful nature and her way of helping anyone she will be remembered by many who knew her over the years.

Father Robert Wachter will conduct the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church with the visitation and Rosary beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Burial will follow at the St. Francis Cemetery in St. Paul, Kansas immediately following services under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s School and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.