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Government, Kansas

Senator Hilderbrand’s Weekly Newsletter

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State senator Richard Hilderbrand 13th district

communications from the state capitol

February 1, 2019∙ Week One

HARD FACTS:

  • Senate Bill 9 would credit $115 million to the public school unit within KPERS, which has an unfunded liability of more than $6 billion and retains the system’s lowest actuarial funded ratio at 61.6% (Topeka Capital-Journal).
  • Kansas Sales Tax 8th Highest in Nation. Kansas has the eighth highest state and local average sales tax rate, per a new study from the Tax Foundation. It revealed that Kansans pay an average of 8.67 percent in sales taxes on retail purchases within the state.
  • The 1859 Kansas Constitution Makes No Mention of Abortion. A case currently before the Kansas Supreme Court is worrying many pro-life Kansans, because a lower court ruled that there is an independent right to abortion in the Kansas Constitution, which was crafted in 1859. In examining the historic document, we can find no mention of that right. In fact, Article 1 of the Kansas Bill of Rights says, “1. Equal rights. All men are possessed of equal an inalienable natural rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Early Learning Resources from the State Library

BookFlix is an online resource from the State Library of Kansas for children in grades PreK-3 that pairs video storybooks with related nonfiction e-books. Imagine Curious George paired with a nonfiction book about monkeys. The read-along storybook highlights each word as it is read. This option can be turned off. Related games reinforce early learning reading skills. BookFlix requires Flash.

Britannica E-Stax (PreK-6) features nonfiction books that can be read online or downloaded to any Internet enabled device.

Both are available at no charge through the State Library’s web site http://kslib.info/storytime . If the page above asks for a Kansas Library eCard number, you may get one at any library in Kansas.  Most people will be automatically recognized as being in Kansas and will not need this step. Adobe Flash is needed to view the animation and hear the narration.  Questions: [email protected] or 785-296-3296. 

STOP THE TAX INCREASE BILL

The Senate Select Committee on Federal Tax Code Implementation approved Senate Bill 22 on Thursday with a party-line vote of 7-2. The bill which would allow Kansans to deduct interest on their mortgage, property taxes, and health care expenses, was created in response to President Trump’s historical tax cuts of 2017.

The bill is expected to deliver millions from the unexpected tax windfall back to individuals and businesses in Kansas. Numerous proponents of the legislation stressed the point that inaction or failure to pass the bill, would result in a tax increase for Kansans with the possibility of Kansas-based companies leaving the state to find more affordable options. The windfall directly linked to the Trump tax cuts belongs to Kansas taxpayers, not government and Senate Bill 22 would allow Kansans to fully benefit from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

The Kansas Senate is expected to debate SB 22 next week.

KANSAS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

This week, the Senate recognized the 2019 Kansas Teacher of the Year, Whitney Morgan of Wyandotte High School. The Kansas Teacher of the Year is nominated to represent Kansas in the National Teacher of the Year program.

Whitney was joined by seven other teachers who were winners of the regional competition administered by the Kansas Department of Education.

Kansas Teacher of The Year:

  • Whitney Morgan, Kansas City USD 500

Regional Finalists:

  • Jennifer S. Brown, Geary County USD 475
  • Megan Clark, De Soto USD 232
  • Signe A. Cook, Great Bend USD 428
  • Nicole L. Corn, Lawrence USD 497
  • Lan T. Huynh, Wichita USD 259
  • Sharon L. Kuchinski, Leavenworth USD 453
  • Tim “T.J.” Warsnak, Halstead-Bentley USD 440

NEXT WEEK

Monday –

  • Presentation on: Concurrent Enrollment: Kansas Department of Education, Kansas Board of Regents, Kansas Association of Community College Trustees – [Senate Education Committee; February 4 at 1:30 pm]

Tuesday –

  • Hearing on: SB 27, removing a restriction, for purposes of employment security law, on leasing of certain employees by client lessees of lessor employing units – [Senate Commerce Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
  • Hearing on SB 40, removing expired warning provision for approach of an emergency vehicle traffic violation – [Senate Transportation Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
  • Hearing on SB 41, clarifying that a violation of the statute requiring seat belt use is a traffic infraction – [Senate Transportation Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
  • Presentation by: Roger Werholtz, Kansas Department of Corrections – [Senate Judiciary Committee; February 5 at 10:30 am]

Wednesday –

  • Hearing on: SB 15, amending the definition of “service-connected” in the Kansas police and firemen’s retirement system – [Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee; February 6 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: SB 45, enhancing penalties for offenses causing death or serious bodily injury to public sector employees – [Senate Judiciary Committee; February 6 at 10:30 am]
  • Hearing on: SB 44, appropriations for the department of education for FY 2019, 2020, and 2021; increasing BASE aid for certain school years; continuing 20 mill statewide levy for schools and exempting certain portion of property used for residential purposes from such levy – [Senate Select Committee on Education Finance; February 6 at 1:30 pm]

Thursday –

  • Briefing on: Property taxes by the Kansas Department of Revenue – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee; February 7 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: SB 16, authorizing school districts to expand at-risk education funds on evidence-based learning programs – [Senate Education Committee; February 7 at 1:30 pm]

Thank You for Engaging

Thank you for all your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. Constituent correspondence helps inform my decision-making process and is taken into great consideration when I cast my vote in the Kansas Senate. I hope you’ll continue to engage with me on the issues that matter most to you, your family, and our community. If you are on Twitter or Facebook, I encourage you to follow along with the #ksleg hashtag for real-time updates on legislative happenings in Topeka.

Please know that I am fully committed to addressing the current issues in our state, and I am proud to be your voice in the Kansas Senate.

Fort Scott

Entries Requested for Art is Ageless Exhibits

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CONTACT: Becky Kellum, Sales and Marketing Director, 620-223-5550

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village’s Art is Ageless®

call for entries underway

FORT SCOTT KAN. – Fort Scott Presbyterian Village has issued a call for entries for the Art is Ageless® juried exhibit to be held March 25- April 10, 2019. Entries of artistic works will be accepted from any area artist who is 65 years of age or older to exhibit and/or compete for an opportunity to be featured in the 2018 Art is Ageless calendar.

Artists may choose to enter the exhibit only. For the competition, works are to have been completed in the past five years (since January 2014). There are nine categories, as well as designations of amateur or professional. Works to be entered for judging need to be at Presbyterian Village by March 25, 2019.

The Art is Ageless® Program encourages Presbyterian Village residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year.

Local competition winners will join winners from 16 other Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America communities to be judged at the systemwide level.

Entry forms and information can be picked up at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 South Horton, Fort Scott, or by contacting Becky Kellum at 620-223-5550 or [email protected]. Or go online to ArtIsAgeless.org to view rules, download an entry form or enter online.

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Business, Government, Kansas

KCC approves settlement agreement in Kansas Gas Service rate case

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Topeka- This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a partial unanimous settlement agreement negotiated between KCC staff, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB), Kansas Gas Service (KGS) and other intervenors pertaining to the utility’s application to increase rates.

 

Under the settlement agreement, residential customers will see an increase of $2.40 per month (4.23 percent) on average. That includes an increase in the customer charge from $16.70 to $18.70 per month. The new rates take effect February 6, 2019. The company’s original proposal called for a monthly residential increase of $5.67 or 10 percent. In its application, KGS requested to increase base rates by $45.6 million. The settlement approved today will result in an annual increase of $21.5 million.

 

One issue yet to be decided is whether KGS will be allowed to keep the tax savings it has accrued since the Federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act took effect. In December 2017, the KCC issued an order requiring investor owned utilities to accrue those savings in an interest bearing regulatory account allowing time to study the economic impacts of the new lower tax rates and where appropriate, pass cost savings on to consumers. KGS asked to retain the accrued savings of $17.9 million to offset its cost of service. Both KCC staff and CURB voiced opposition to the request at an evidentiary hearing in December. The Commission will issue a decision on the tax savings issue on or before February 25.

Today’s order can be viewed on the Commission’s website at: http://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx?Id=296a4df7-658b-4d87-b9a6-fde3a18331ff

 

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Connie Golden

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Connie Golden, age 62, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, February 3, 2019, at her home.  She was born September 9, 1952, in Cuba, Missouri.   She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother.  She enjoyed playing the guitar and drawing.

Survivors include two sons, James Golden Jr. and wife, Virginia and Daniel Golden and wife, Joyce, all of Ft. Scott; and thirteen grandchildren.  Also surviving are several brothers and sisters in Missouri.  She was preceded in death by her parents and two grandchildren Kelsey and Christian Golden.

Following cremation, Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct a memorial service at 1:30 P.M. Wednesday, February 13th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Private burial will take place at a later date in the Large Cemetery south of Ft. Scott.  Memorials are suggested to the Connie Golden Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Shirley Mae Allen

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Shirley Mae Allen, age 72, a resident of Pleasanton, Kansas, passed away Sunday, February 3, 2019, at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.  She was born January 8, 1947, in Humboldt, Kansas, the daughter of Claude Pollett and Dorothy Heimburg Pollett.  Shirley first married Clark Alan Howard.  He preceded her in death.  She later married J. L. Allen on August 12, 1978, at Iola, Kansas.  In earlier years, Shirley had worked in the business office of Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott and later for Dr. Carney’s office in Iola.  She then was employed as a para-professional for the Pleasanton High School.  She had attended the Pleasanton Church of the Nazarene.  Shirley was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  Taking care of her family was her number one priority.  She and J.L. enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events.

Survivors include her husband, J. L. of the home; five children, Dr. Jay Allen (Tana), of Pleasanton, Kansas, Brian Howard (Sherry), of Nevada, Missouri, Kevin Howard (Kristy), Iola, Kansas, Kara Nicole Allen (Steven), of Kansas City, Missouri and Megan Brixey (Chris), of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; a daughter-in-law, Melissa Allen of Jasper, Indiana, five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.  Also surviving are two brothers, Clarence Pollett, of LaHarpe, Kansas and John Pollett, of Iola, Kansas and two sisters, Barbara Beasley, of LaHarpe, Kansas and Nancy Pollet, of Independence, Kansas.  She was preceded in death by a son, Chris Allen.

William James Schafer will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, February 9th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Kansas

Energy Conference Oct. 3-4

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2019 Kansas Renewable Energy Conference will Take Place this October

 

Topeka, Kan. – The 2019 Kansas Renewable Energy Conference is looking for speakers.

The conference is an annual event featuring the latest trends and developments in the renewable energy industry sector within Kansas and across the U.S. This is an opportunity for innovative speakers to educate about changing trends and new advancements in their industry. Attendees will include industry experts, wind and solar developers, manufacturers, utilities, community leaders, and related business representatives.

 

Topics of Interest:

•             Wind

•             Community/public sector initiatives

•             Solar

•             Transportation

•             Biofuels

•             Energy Storage

•             Energy Efficiency

•             Green Energy

•             Economic Impact

•             Transmission

 

The event will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn, Manhattan on October 3-4.

Those wishing to be speakers must submit their topic of choice by March 1, 2019.

 

Questions should be directed to:

 

Jeanna Lee

[email protected]

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet Feb. 5

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Join us for the
Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet
Tuesday, February 5th, 2019
8:30 to 9:30am
Hosted by:
Boiler Room Brewhaus
Bryan & Barbara Ritter
10 S. National Ave.
Click here for their Facebook page.
Click here for their website.
‌
The Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greets are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives and any community members to attend to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown!
All are welcome!
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Feb. 5

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: February 5th, 2019

 

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer                                                                                   Corrected: _______________                                                                                                 

3rd District-Nick Ruhl                                                                                  Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

 

               9:00 Wellness Update

 

9:15-10:00-Jim Harris

 

 

               10:30-Employee Questionnaire

 

               11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

 

 

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

Jobs, Kansas

2019 KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair March 7

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Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Commerce, in partnership with KANSASWORKS, will host the KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair on March 7, 2019. The annual job fair will provide employers, veterans, and job seekers with the unique opportunity to connect face-to-face.

“Wherever I go in our state, I hear from businesses seeking the employees they need to grow and from workers seeking new job opportunities to help them advance their careers,” said Acting Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce David Toland. “The Statewide Job Fair is part of the solution to these challenges, providing a great opportunity to bring together talented Kansas workers and growing Kansas companies.”

The Statewide Job Fair is also an opportunity for veterans of any status and their families to meet with a variety of employers in various industries and fields. Veterans at any stage in their career search are invited, including active duty, reservists, or National Guard.

“The Kansas workforce is made up of talented, highly-skilled individuals with a passion and drive that brings an inherent value to everything they do,” said Mike Beene, Kansas Department of Commerce Director of Employment Services. “Our workers make up the fabric of this state, holding it together through their commitments to hard work and excellence.”

The job fair will be open to all job seekers from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations across the state:

o   Colby: Colby Community College, Multi-Purpose Room, 1255 South Range

o   El Dorado: Train Depot, 430 N. Main Street

o   Kansas City: Wyandotte County Workforce Center, 626 Minnesota Avenue

o   Independence: Memorial Hall Civic Center, 410 N. Pennsylvania Avenue

o   Lawrence: Peaslee Technical Center, 2920 Haskell Avenue, #100

o   Leavenworth: Leavenworth County Workforce Center, 515 Limit Street, Suite 200

o   Manhattan: Holiday Inn Across from the Campus, 1641 Anderson Avenue

o   Overland Park: Johnson County Public Library, Central Resource Library, 9875 West 87th Street

o   Salina: The Kansas Army National Guard Training Center, Building 365, 2929 Scanlan Avenue

o   Topeka: West Ridge Mall, Lower Center Court, 1801 SW Wanamaker Road

o   Wichita: Wichita Workforce Center, 2021 North Amidon Avenue

 

Registration for the Statewide Job Fair can be done via the following links:

Colby, Independence, Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Overland Park, Salina, Topeka: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/kansasworks-18343559329

El Dorado, Manhattan, and Wichita have reached full capacity. 

For more information, job seekers and employers may visit any Workforce Center or call (877) 509-6757.

 

 

Ryan Brinker

Public Information Officer

[email protected]

 

Kansas Department of Commerce

1000 SW Jackson St. Ste. 100

Topeka, KS 66612-1354

Phone: 785-296-4931

Cell: 785-276-9723

 

Obituary

Obituary of Robert Jack Eshelbrenner

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Robert Jack Eshelbrenner, age 71, died on January 9, 2019.

Bob was born November 1, 1947 in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Jack and Sara Handly Eshelbrenner.  He was a 1965 graduate of Fort Scott High School.  Bob graduated from Pittsburg State University with a degree in business.

He worked in the insurance industry specializing in information technology, retiring as CIO from Hastings Mutual in Michigan.

Bob also served in the United States Army in both active and reserve duty for 27 years.  He retired with the rank of Colonel after serving in Operation Desert Storm.

He is survived by his wife Nancy (Wogan) Eshelbrenner of Fishers, IN; two daughters, Erin Green of Fishers; Kate Sowder and husband Jason of St. Louis, MO; and three grandchildren, Ellie and Jackson Green of Fishers, IN. and Nate Sowder of St. Louis, MO.  Also surviving are three sisters, Sally Steckler and husband, Mike, of Prairie Village, Kansas, Lyn Hixon and husband, Mitch, of Brentwood, Tennessee, and Jara Martin and husband David, Fort Scott.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Following cremation, Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct a memorial service at 10:00 A.M. Friday, February 8, 2019 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial with military honors will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The Family will receive friends from 5:00 -7:00 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rock Steady Boxing, 7440 N Shadeland Ave., Suite 202,  Indianapolis, IN 45250 or www.rocksteadyboxing.org.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at cheneywitt.com