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Kansans Can Win a Free Tree in Celebration of Safe Digging Month
Kansas Gas Service Promotes Safety and a Greener Community
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – April 2, 2024 – April typically marks the start of the spring planting season, home improvement projects and large-scale excavations. It’s also National Safe Digging Month, and Kansas Gas Service asks residents to commit to always digging safely. As a bonus, participants will have a chance to win a free tree.
“As a utility company dedicated to safety and environmental responsibility, we recognize the importance of safe digging practices,” says Trey Pool, manager of public awareness and damage prevention for ONE Gas, the parent company of Kansas Gas Service. “With our pledge challenge and tree giveaway, we hope to not only emphasize the importance of contacting 811 before digging but also to contribute to a healthier community.”
Dig Hero Tree Giveaway
Kansas residents can prioritize safety by taking the 2024 Safe Digging Pledge at beadigherokansas.com, and recognizing the need to contact 811 before their shovels or excavating equipment hits the ground – regardless of the size of digging project. After taking the pledge, they are automatically entered into a random drawing to win a free tree in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees in the U.S.
New this year, winners of the tree giveaway contest will pick the tree they wish to plant and receive information about energy savings gained from their tree.
Why Contact 811?
With any digging project, whether planting a tree or repairing a sprinkler system, there is a high probability of underground facilities below the site, such as natural gas pipelines, electric cables or water lines. The best way to avoid damage and injury or loss of service is to contact 811 at least two full working days before digging to learn the approximate location of buried facilities in your area. By calling 811 or submitting a request at Kansas811.com, professional locators will mark the underground facilities within the designated project area with flags and/or paint at no cost to the home or business owner. Once the project is marked, be aware of the tolerance zone: 2 feet on either side of the pipe. Hand or soft dig techniques should be used within this area.
Learn more about safe digging and take the pledge at beadigherokansas.com for your chance to win a free tree.
Digital Toolkit: Access b-roll, Safe Digging Month flyer and graphics here.
About Kansas Gas Service
Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 647,000 customers in Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state in terms of customers. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States. For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit kansasgasservice.com and follow its social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, Nextdoor, LinkedIn and YouTube.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest membership nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees with a focus in communities and forests of greatest need. The Foundation — alongside its more than 1 million members, supporters and valued partners — is committed to unlocking the power of trees to help solve critical issues facing people and the planet. Learn more about the impact of the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org.
Two Openings On The Fort Scott Public Library Board
FORT SCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES:
There are (2) open positions for the Fort Scott Public Library. The function of the Library Board is to review requests in reference to the library. These are (4) year terms and the board meets the second Tuesday of each month. These are voluntary positions and board are not compensated. Please send your Letter of Interest to the City Clerk at [email protected] (or City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701) by April 19th, 2024, and PLEASE be sure to include your contact information.
All submitted letters will be presented to the Library Board for consideration. The board will then make a recommendation to the City Commission for approval. All letters will be posted on www.fscity.org, as they are included in the City Commission Agenda Packet and are a matter of public record (contact information will be redacted).
For further information or questions about the position, please contact Jennifer Gum-Fowler, Fort Scott Public Library Director at (620) 223-2882.
Submitted by:
Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
City of Fort Scott
Obituary of Marsha Lafferty
Marsha Kay Lafferty, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, April 1, 2024, at her home in Ft. Scott. She was born January 29, 1952, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Russell Merriman and Beatrice Willis Merriman. Marsha graduated from the Ft. Scott High School. She first married Kenneth M. “Buddy” Gould on September 12, 1969, at Iola, Kansas. They were later divorced. Marsha then married Paul Lafferty on November 12, 1999, at Mound City, Kansas.
He preceded her in death on February 22, 2004.
Marsha had been employed as a bookkeeper and secretary for Central States Waterproofing for several years. She later worked for Dayco Inc.
Favorite times were spent outside and making memories with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her two children, Brandy Leslie (Brent) of Ft. Scott and Kelly Gould of Stockton, Kansas; four grandchildren, Danyelle Daly (Bryce), Alyssa Leslie, Beanna Leslie (Chris Johnson) and Cameron Bishop all of Ft. Scott and five great-grandchildren, Bryelle, Colson, Jaycee, Hendrix and Keeghan. Also surviving are her soul mate, Dale Savage, of the home in Ft. Scott; a brother, Kenny Merriman (Liz) of Ft. Scott and half-siblings, Liz “Susie” Campbell, Nina Merriman, Christy Rusk and Russell Merriman and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Paul, Marsha was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Carol Durbin, and three brothers, Everett Merriman, Larry Merriman and Steve Merriman who was her twin.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Friday, April 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Marsha Lafferty 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.
Chamber Coffee At Arnold Arena on April 6
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 2
Soliciting Requests For Hay Bids for Fort Scott Municipal Airport
BID #HR01-2024
REQUEST FOR BIDS
2024 Hay Rights – Fort Scott Municipal Airport
The City of Fort Scott is soliciting requests for bids from persons who are interested in hay rights at the Fort Scott Municipal Airport.
The contract will be for a ONE (1)-year period beginning in 2024.
There are 130-acres to be hayed.
THE WINNING BIDDER/CONTRACTOR WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES TO AIRPORT GROUNDS OR EQUIPMENT CAUSED BY THE BIDDER/CONTRACTOR.
ALL HAY MUST BE BALED AND REMOVED FROM THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL AIRPORT PROPERTY BETWEEN THE TIME FRAME OF JULY 1ST AND AUGUST 31ST.
Please submit a sealed bid to the City Clerk’s Office before 2:00PM, May 31st, 2024, or mail an envelope marked ‘SEALED BID’
Attn: City Clerk, 123 S. Main Street,
Fort Scott, KS 66701
City Hall lobby is open Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM
NO UNSEALED OR EMAILED BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED
THE CITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY AND ALL BIDS
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
March 29, 2024
Tax Relief is still being worked on, but it took an odd turn. After the House gutted Senate Bill (SB) 300, which was a bankers’ tax bill, and put the contents of House Bill (HB) 2844, which contained many of the tax cuts being considered, in SB 300, and created House Substitute for SB 300. They passed it 123 to 0. The Senate President ruled the bill materially altered. Senators could have challenged the ruling, but it hasn’t been challenged. There are similarities in House Substitute for SB 300 to the bill the Senate passed, SB 539. I am working to pass tax cuts for Kansans, especially property tax relief, exempting Social Security from state income tax, and other provisions.
Death Certificates could now be signed by a licensed physician, surgeon, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, coroner, deputy coroner, or special deputy coroner if HB 2358 becomes law. It passed the Senate 39 to 1. I voted Yes. As with any bill returning to the originating chamber, the chamber can either concur, not concur and go to conference, or rule it materially altered and assign it to a committee. Most likely, the House will not concur and it will go to a conference committee.
K-12 Enrollment counts would change so that schools would use the greater of the preceding-year or current year on September 20. There are other counting changes and the bill was amended on the floor to help schools that are struggling with a declining population. SB 386 passed on a vote of 33 to 6. I voted Yes. We need to delve deeper into our K-12 school funding and spending. Of the billions of dollars being spent on K-12 funding, a greater percentage needs to get to the classrooms and teachers. The bill now goes to the House.
Unclaimed Property could be used to invest and possibly make money for the state. It may sound like a good idea, but what happens if the investments lose money and the property owner is found? It can and has happened. Legislators in the past blocked risky alternative investments because it almost broke KPERS and cost taxpayers. How they forget. The return on investments has been high so some perceive the risk to be low. Taxpayers will end up footing the bill for unclaimed property if these investments lose money. It’s a gamble I’m not willing to take. HB 2577 passed 38 to 2. I voted No. The bill returns to the House since it was amended.
Death or Disability to a police animal would be an increased penalty of a mandatory 90 days imprisonment and a minimum fine of $10,000 plus expenses such as veterinary treatment, funeral, and replacement. It is understandable we don’t want these animals harmed, but let’s strengthen the penalties for people who are harmed and not overdue for an animal. HB 2583 passed 25 to 15. I voted No.
Harm or Death to law enforcement or emergency responders for drivers who do not move-over another lane away from emergency responders would have increased penalties not less than $7,500 for death and $1,000 for harm. The current fine for not moving over for emergency responders would increase from $195 to $400. SB 426 passed 39 to 1. I voted Yes.
Public Utilities would not be able to use eminent domain for wind or solar facilities. SB 457 passed the Senate 38 to 0.
Energy Companies would be able to defer 90% of depreciation expenses and balances could be included in the utility’s rate base. If the bill becomes law, these changes could begin 7/1/2024 after the utility notifies the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). There are other provisions, like allowing for a new gas-fired plant to be built in Reno County. My concern is our ever-increasing energy costs and HB 2527 in its current form doesn’t address that. The bill passed 38 to 2. I voted No. The bill returns to the House since there were amendments.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 1
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
Attachments:
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
April 1, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 3/25/2024
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Susan Walker
- NRP
- CFO Response
- SEK-CAP Request for Funding
- Communities Grant Application/EMS Stats
- 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 the
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.
March Kansas Tax Collections $7M More Than Estimate
Governor Kelly Announces March Total Tax Collections $7M More than Estimate
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that total tax collections in March were $760.4 million. That is $7.0 million, or 0.9%, more than the monthly estimate. Total tax collections are up 0.3% from March 2023.
“As we continue to work toward cutting taxes, the Legislature must be mindful that any tax relief must be fiscally sustainable,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The bipartisan tax cuts plan I introduced in January, among other things, eliminates all state income tax on Social Security benefits and provides about $100 million in property tax relief for Kansas homeowners every year. It is a fiscally responsible plan that puts money back into every Kansan’s pocket while enabling us to continue to fully fund schools and invest in our infrastructure and other critical areas.”
Individual income tax collections were $364.9 million. That is $29.9 million, or 8.9%, more than the month’s estimate and up 16.0% from March 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $77.1 million. That is $7.9 million, or 9.3%, less than the estimate, and down 24.8% from March 2023.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $261.2 million, which is $8.8 million, or 3.2%, less than the estimate. Those collections are $14.2 million, or 5.1%, less than March 2023.
The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CRE), comprised of the Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, will meet on April 19, 2024, to review the fall estimate and make any revisions it may consider necessary.
Click here to view the March 2024 revenue numbers.
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Downtown Quarterly Meet and Greet Tomorrow Morning
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FSHS Tiger Newsletter
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A few highlights, click photo for events listMonday, April 1st: no school, no foolin’! Tuesday, April 2nd: Driver’s Ed, classroom section, begins Wednesday, April 3rd: SkillsUSA Career Fair @ FSHS Wednesday, April 17th: FSHS Mental Health Fair Thursday, April 18th: FSHS Honors Reception |
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Come Check It Out!The Career Fair, sponsored by the FSHS SkillsUSA chapter, is to acquaint students with the career opportunities in our region. Students will have the opportunity to visit with 100+ business partners and research employment opportunities that are available locally and regionally. This is also an opportunity for students to discover the educational requirements to be prepared for these employment opportunities. The details of the Career Fair are as follows: DATE: Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 TIME: 8 a.m. until Noon LOCATION: Fort Scott High School, both main and aux gyms STUDENTS: Fort Scott & Pleasanton High School students ~600 total Uniontown is unable to attend this year.
While there is no charge for the public to attend, monetary donations to the FSHS SkillsUSA Chapter are welcomed. These donations will help cover the costs of attending State and National Competitions. Thank you for your generosity! –photo: Kaleb Bailey with Bailey Drone Services, LLC |
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This newly released NPS youth conservation corps recruitment video features FSHS Tiger students Stewart Davenport, Elsie Hurd, Bryson Morrell, Adelynn Nolan, Aiden Sigafoos and Kiara Thompson. |
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TIGER PRIDE!March 18th: Each year at the State Basketball tournaments, KSHSAA appoints a special committee to evaluate and rate each school based on the team, its coaches, cheerleaders, school cheering section and fans, both adult and non-high school followers. A rating system is used and a certain score must be reached to receive an award. Teams that make it to the semifinal rounds are eligible to receive a plaque. Teams that do not advance past the first round are eligible to receive a certificate. KSHSAA announced the winners last week and Fort Scott High School received both a plaque for the Girls Basketball team and a certificate for the Boys Basketball team! This is a tremendous accomplishment and a great reflection of our school and community! KSHSAA sent us a copy of the rating sheets and they were filled with positive comments about all involved at State: cheerleaders, student section, the players on the floor, coaching staffs, adult fans and also mentioned were our Band that performed Wednesday and Thursday and our Orchestra that performed Thursday. Thank you to all involved in making the week in Salina a special time and for representing our school and community in such a positive manner. So much to be proud of! Tiger Pride was on full display in Salina! –Jeff DeLaTorre, FSHS Athletic/Activities Director |
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The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge at FSHS on March 5th required students to conceptualize a business, including a plan for that business and a tradeshow-style presentation. These students then presented their business to local business leaders who served as judges for the challenge.Here are the prize-winning owners/businesses:
1st ($1,000) – Jasper Anderson – Fresh Start 2nd ($750) – Kaylie Dinneen – EmpowHer 3rd ($500) – Ivy Lee – Little Town Decor Judges Choice Tradeshow ($250) – Ivy Lee – Little Town Decor Additionally, the tradeshow was open to the public to attend and vote: Community Choice Tradeshow ($250) – Ella Regan & Camrie Hunziker Thank you all who attended! |
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from left: Lindsay Madison, judge; Josh Jones, judge; Jasper Anderson, creator of Fresh Start cleaning and grand prize winner; Deb McKenney, judge; Carissa Bowman, judge; Katie Casper, judge |
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FUTURE OFFICERSThe FSHS Chapter announces the 2024-25 FFA Officer Team: President: Dakota Hazelbaker Vice-President: Blaiton Terry Secretary: Gracin Pitts Treasurer: Jaidyn Crumby Reporter: Raylee Cowan Sentinel: Teegan Stiles Parliamentarian: Kaden Cannon Historian: Treyton Valentine |
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front row, from left: Landon McDaniel; Elsa Bishop; Adelynn Nolan; Caroline Barnes; Nick Davis; Savanna Cunningham; Jayden Newman back row, from left: Molly Claypool (behind Elsa); Zaida Summers; Raj Gugnani; Cody Geiger; Rylan Miller; Sypher Cannon; Daetyn Fowler; Ben Phillips not pictured: Joy Self Several of our FSHS students participated in the Allen Community College Math Competition on Tuesday, March 19th. This year, ACC decided to recognize the top two students from the sophomore, junior and senior levels and FSHS had TWO students ranked! Nick Davis was in the top two seniors and Joy Self was in the top two juniors. The ACC math competition included around 220 students from 11 schools. This is a great honor for both Nick and Joy. They are each being awarded with a free 3-5 credit course from ACC for the next academic year! |
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front row, from left: Jasmine James; Eden Haught; Hattie Jackson; Kathryn Williams back row, from left: Delani Weddle; Cadence Hunziker; Luci Dunkeson; Caitlynn Tate; Tiffany Salazar As members of the newly-formed FSHS Chapter of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), these students attended the “Inspiring Women in Healthcare” conference in Pittsburg on March 20th. Area professionals provided information and answered questions about their respective fields, encouraging those interested to consider a career in healthcare. –submitted by HOSA sponsor and FSHS Health Sciences teacher Julie Heatherly |
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A FOUR-PEAT QUALIFIER AND A FIRST AT STATE!A round of applause and tip of the hat for Lady Tiger Wrestlers Gabby Rusk and Kenna Miles! In her fourth and final season, Gabby celebrated 100 career wins and is the first girls’ wrestler to qualify for state all four seasons! Kenna, a sophomore, captured the first girls state wrestling championship in school history! In last month’s Tiger Newsletter, we shared that senior Jasper Allison celebrated 150 career wins in his four years as a standout Tiger wrestler. Jasper finished as runner-up at the Class 4A State Wrestling Championships in Salina. Congratulations, Jasper! |
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2024-2025 FSHS SPIRIT SQUAD MEMBERS CHOSENTryouts for Tiger Dance & Cheer teams were held the week of March 18th.2024-25 Tiger Dance Team
Seniors: Kendal Armstrong; Graycyn Brown; Kinsley Brown; Abbie Eastwood; Annabelle Gorman Juniors: Jozie Fisher; Bryleigh Hymer Sophomores: Kodi Casper; Lillian Jackson; Sydnee Lane; Riley Marchiano Freshmen: Laurali Clark; Gianna Gorman; Ahlonna Johnson 2024-25 Tiger Cheer Team Seniors: Maddi Cook; Jaidyn Crumby; Jocelyn Fess; Cadence Hunziker; Emersyn Logue; Emilly Moore Juniors: Sadie Claypool; Kinley Dillow; Anna Farrington; Katlyn Parker Sophomores: Molly Claypool; Camrie Hunziker; Gabby Majors; Jerri Smith |
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March 25th: Tigers had a great showing at this NSDA National Qualifier. Only two can qualify per event and both Lincoln-Douglas debate qualifiers are from FSHS: Annelise Hall, senior, and Grace Walker, sophomore! The team’s other LD debater, freshman Joseph Moberg, is second alternate. Also, due to shifts in entries, Regen Wells will represent Fort Scott at Nationals in Senate Debate. The Tigers are Nationals-bound with one more qualifier to go! –Tyler Slinkard, FSHS Debate/Forensics pictured: Grace Walker, left; Annelise Hall, right |
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BASKETBALL!Congratulations to these Tiger/Lady Tiger Basketball players who earned All-SEK League honors! First Team: Keegan Yarick (unanimous); Rocco Loffredo Second Team: Allie Brown; Kylee Comstock; Dierks Kegler Honorable Mention: Abbie Gorman; Dub Chipman |
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WRESTLING!Congratulations to these Tiger/Lady Tiger Wrestlers who earned All-SEK League honors!First Team: Jasper Allison; Jaden Garcia; Brody Gomez; Trace Metcalf; Kenna Miles; Ryder Newton; Ali Simhiser; Jerri Smith; Caellen Wescoat
Honorable Mention: Aubrey Martin; Gavin Miles; Gabby Rusk; Brylie Schaub |
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