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Government

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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March 10, 2023

 

Property Tax is on many Kansans minds as the valuation notices were recently mailed.  Many will be protesting the increase.  The directions for protest are on the valuation letter.  Previously when property evaluations were increased your property taxes automatically increased – not anymore.   In 2021, the legislature expanded Truth in Taxation for property taxes by establishing policy that local governments have to notify taxpayers and vote before they can collect a dollar more than the previous year, i.e. go above the Revenue Neutral Rate, sometimes referred to as Senate Bill (SB) 13.    It keeps the property taxes revenue neutral, the same as last year.  The Revenue Neutral Rate notice is a letter mailed by the County Clerk between August 20 and September 20, which includes the date, time, and location local governments will be voting on any proposed property tax increase.  Property owners should show up at these meetings and hold the government responsible for tax increases.

The Property Valuation Department will be testifying in the Senate Tax Committee next week to investigate what is happening with property valuations in Kansas.  There has to be a better way.

 

Exempting Sales Tax on manufacturer coupons passed the Senate unanimously.  In Kansas, when a person uses a manufacturer coupon sales tax is charged on the entire purchase, including the coupon amount.  SB 53 would exempt the coupon amount from sales tax.

 

Fairness in Women’s Sports passed the Senate 28 to 11.  The bill establishes that only biological females could participate in women’s sports.  Since it was a House Bill (HB), 2238, and there were no amendments by the Senate, it was sent to the Governor.  Hopefully, she will not veto the bill as she has for the past two years.

 

Kansas Attorney General would be authorized to prosecute any alleged crime that occurs in two or more counties.  It passed the Senate 35 to 3.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

Obituary

Obituary of Katherine “Mammy” Howe

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Katherine Denise “Mammy” Beal Howe, age 70, resident of West Plains, MO, died Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Via Christi Emergency Room, Fort Scott, KS.

She was born April 4, 1952, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Olan and Audrey Brown Beal.

Mammy worked at the local donut shop and later as an over-the-road truck driver.  She enjoyed stock car racing, casinos, and playing bingo.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren.  She was known as Mammy to everyone.

Survivors include two children, Tina Martin (Matthew), and Lokota Beal (Megan); four brothers, Olan “Bud” Beal, Jr. (Janet), Alan Beal (Debbie), Russell “Rusty” Beal (Donna), and Robert Beal (Judy); three grandchildren Ryan Hill (Bryant), Amanda Hill (Joseph), and Lakota Beal, Jr.; three stepsons, Christopher Howe, Cory Howe, and Stephen Niehaus; a great granddaughter, Seguin Grace and baby Hill on the way.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Tonia Beal, and her parents.

 

Also surviving is her significant other Ron Falwell and his family, 1 son and spouse, 5 granddaughters, 3 grandsons, 8 great granddaughters, 1 great grandson, and preceded in death by 1 son.

 

Bud Beal and Rusty Beal will conduct graveside services at 1:00 Thursday, March 16th, at the West Liberty Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Mammy Howe Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Kansas

KS Cancer Prevention and Control Plan Released

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Governor Kelly Unveils Kansas’ Largest, Most Comprehensive Plan for
Cancer Prevention and Control

~~Blueprint Outlines How Kansas Will Reduce the Burden of Cancer, Improve Cancer Screening and Treatment Outcomes Over the Next 5 Years~~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the release of the largest, most comprehensive cancer prevention and control plan in Kansas history. The plan outlines how the State will allocate resources over the next five years to prevent cancer and reduce the disease’s burden on Kansans who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families. It includes proposals to bolster the health care workforce, increase early detection, expand providers’ understanding of the span of resources available to patients and survivors, and reduce unhealthy behaviors.

Cancer is a leading cause of death in Kansas, exceeded only by heart disease. On average, more than 5,500 Kansans die from cancer each year.

“Nearly all of us will be impacted by cancer at some point in our lives, whether that’s receiving a diagnosis ourselves or supporting family and friends through treatment,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Kansas Cancer Plan is a call to action that reflects a year and a half of hard work, research, and sustained engagement to improve the lives of Kansans. I thank everyone who contributed to this important blueprint for how we can advance uniquely Kansan solutions to combat this terrible disease.”

The plan results from an 18-month collaboration between the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Cancer Partnership (KCP). The KCP has multiple workgroups and regional coalitions comprised of oncologists, survivors, advocates, and those with a vested interest in cancer.

“This plan represents the largest formal effort to address the burden of cancer in the State of Kansas,” said Olivia Burzoni, program manager for the KDHE Cancer Control Program. “We invite everyone to discover their role and responsibility in the fight against cancer, as all may be affected by cancer in some way. It will take all of us to meet this challenge.”

The Kansas Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Control Plan outlines strategies in five priority areas, including prevention, early detection, cancer survivorship, financial burden, health equity, and advocacy and policy. In addition, the plan calls for increased collaboration to address social determinants of health and health equity.

The population-based data collected in Kansas revealed:

  • The age-adjusted cancer incidence rates were 15 to 35 percent higher for men than women from 2008 to 2017.
  • Cancer mortality rates increase dramatically with age, with the highest rate among Kansans aged 85 and older.
  • Kansans who are African American have significantly higher mortality rates than Kansans who are white.
  • Hispanic Kansans have substantially higher mortality rates than non-Hispanic Kansans.

That data is available at kscancerpartnership.org/data.

“Achieving the goals and objectives in this plan will ensure that all Kansans have excellent support systems within their communities, access to quality cancer care, and the resources needed to help deal with the many challenges of cancer,” Dr. Jennifer Bacani, KCP Chairperson and Family Physician, Fredonia Family Care, said.

Visit kscancerpartnership.org/ to download a copy of the 2022-2027 Kansas Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Control Plan or to learn how to get involved with the Kansas Cancer Partnership.

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Government, Kansas

New Kansas Workforce Grant Programs

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Department of Commerce announces $30 Million in New Workforce Grant Programs

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced $30 million will be made available under the Aviation Learning Opportunities & Funded Training (ALOFT) and Delivering Residents and Workforce (DRAW) grant programs. The ALOFT program will provide $20 million in funding for training development and expansions requiring new job opportunities in the aviation and aerospace industry. The DRAW program will provide $10 million in funding for training development for high demand employers, such as healthcare, education, technology-based, and entities working with persons with disabilities. A priority for the DRAW program is to increase new residents from out-of-state.

The funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and approved by the State Finance Council in December.

“The state’s unprecedented surge in new economic opportunities for businesses is creating next-generation jobs and careers for Kansans,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These new funding sources will allow targeted investments in people that align with the needs of Kansas companies, while also growing our talented workforce by attracting more people to the state.”

ALOFT applications can include construction costs for on-site training facilities, vendor training on machinery and equipment, supervisor and management salaries directly related to training, marketing and activities to encourage youth participation in aviation and aerospace careers, and participation costs in the Kansas Registered Apprenticeship and Workforce AID programs. Awardees will have two years to complete their projects and utilize all awarded funds.

Eligible ALOFT applicants include:

  • Aviation and aerospace manufacturers
  • Supply chain manufacturers that provide services, equipment and manufacturing for eligible aviation and aerospace manufacturers
  • Locally and city-owned airports.

DRAW applications can include construction of on-site training facilities, vendor training costs, machinery and equipment used solely for training, course development costs, and marketing and attraction costs to attract talent to Kansas. Awardees will have two years to complete their projects and utilize all awarded funds.

Eligible DRAW applicants include:

  • Mobile workforce training providers
  • Healthcare providers
  • Education providers
  • Technology-based businesses
  • Employers working with the blind, visually, or hearing impaired, or persons with disabilities
  • Employers hiring for positions determined as “high demand and high wage” from the Kansas Department of Labor.

The ALOFT and DRAW grant applications both open at 2:00 p.m. today, with submissions closing at 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 24, for both programs.

Informational webinars will be available to the public, with ALOFT’s webinar beginning at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 16, and DRAW’s webinar beginning at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 17. Registration for the webinars and guidelines for the grant applications can be found at www.kansascommerce.gov/aloft and www.kansascommerce.gov/draw.

Applicants can contact [email protected] for any questions regarding this funding opportunity.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:              

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Business, Kansas

First Time Home Buyer Help

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Expanded eligibility for First Time Homebuyer program to benefit qualified homebuyers, lenders
Homeownership is within reach for more Kansas families, thanks to expanded eligibility guidelines for the state’s First Time Homebuyer program. Administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), the program helps income-eligible households purchase their first home by providing down payment and closing cost assistance.
“KHRC wants to keep the dream of homeownership alive for Kansas families despite recent increases in home values and interest rates,” said Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director. “By expanding eligibility for first-time homebuyers, we’re making homes more affordable, enabling households to build equity, and helping families invest in future generations of Kansans.”
The First Time Homebuyer Program assists those purchasing their first home or those who have not owned a home for at least three years and earn no more than 80 percent of their area’s median income. Homebuyers must make a modest down payment investment and are eligible for an interest-free loan in the amount of 15 or 20 percent of the home’s purchase price. The loan is forgiven if the buyer remains in the home for 10 years.
Recent program updates have expanded eligibility:
  • Debt-to-income ratio of up to 45 percent. Previously, homebuyers could spend up to 41 percent of their monthly income on debt such as car loans, credit cards, and student loan payments.
  • PITI (mortgage payments including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) ratio of 15 to 30%. Previously, applicants were required to devote 20 to 30 percent of their monthly income to PITI.
  • Homebuyer down payment contribution of one to 10 percent. Qualified participants were previously required to contribute two to 10 percent of the home’s sale price.
  • Adjusted interest rates. To accommodate a broader range of credit scores, lenders can now set interest rates up to .65 percent higher than Freddie Mac, a .15 percent increase from the previous limit.
Other updates will modernize and streamline the application process for lenders and homebuyers. These include allowances for electronic signatures in place of original signatures, and encrypted emails to replace faxed applications.
Funded by federal HOME funds, the state’s FTHB program assists with home purchases throughout the state except for within the city limits of Topeka, Lawrence, Wichita, or Kansas City, or Johnson County. These areas administer their own HOME funds.
KHRC also administers theHome Loan Guarantee (HLG) for Rural Kansas, which helps existing and prospective homeowners in rural counties by covering the gap between the loan and the appraisal for building or renovating a home.
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Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
Bourbon County

Bourbon County Democrats Meet March 19

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Join Bourbon County Democrats on Sunday, March 19th to discuss Education in the state of Kansas with Representative Mari-Lynn Poskin at the Bourbon County Democrats General Meeting.
The meeting will be held 2-4 p.m. in Room H121 of the Ellis Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
Please text Carol MacArthur at 620 215 1505 for more information or a ride to the meeting!
Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 215 1505
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Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

St. Martin’s Academy Featured at Common Ground Coffee Shop This Friday

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Common Ground Coffee Co. presents the students of Saint Martin’s Academy, 1950 Indian Road, this Friday. The concert will be a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day featuring vocal solos, duets, and ensemble numbers. The music department is under the direction of Dave Agee and Daniel Kerr.

Common Ground Coffee Shop.

The one-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. at 12 E. Wall Street. The show is free and open to the public.  Bring a friend and join us for an enjoyable evening of young and lively music!

Opinion

Unforgettable One-Liners by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

 

When I watch a movie or hear a sermon, I listen for those great one-liners. Here’s a few favorites that quickly come to mind: “Yo, Adrian, I did it!” “Houston, we have a problem.” “Right turn, Clyde.” “You can’t ride two horses with one butt” (refer to Matthew 6:24). The John Wayne movie, “Chisum,” has a scene where his herd of horses has been stolen by a band of marauders. Chisum (Wayne) catches up with the horse thieves, approaches the ring leader and boldly says, “Those animals are mine.” The red-handed bandit replies, “Oh, there must be some mistake here.” Chisum responds, “You made it.” Oh yah, that’s my favorite one-liner in the whole movie, bar none.

 

A beloved one-sentence verse in the Bible is: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). This scripture is the gospel in a nutshell. Here‘s another good one, “But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8 NLT). God is the source of all real love, so everyone who is like Him will have a spirit of love. We maintenance our vehicles, so we should understand the importance of checking our love. Is there even any showing on the dipstick?

 

Everyone likes the cheery one-liners in God’s Word, and rightly so. Believers are  encouraged and strengthened by reading the Bible. But we need to read the whole truth  and not just the parts we like. There are sobering scriptures we must not neglect to study and reflect on. Jesus is teaching His followers what true disciples are and explains, “Not everyone who calls out to Me, ’Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of My Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ’Lord! Lord! We prophesied in Your name and cast out demons in Your name and performed many miracles in Your name.’ But I will reply, ’I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who break God’s laws’” (Matthew 7:21-23 NLT).

 

In the words of Piglet, “Oh dddear!” I sure never want to hear that one-liner spoken to me — nor to anyone, especially my family and friends. I’ve heard it said that God is too loving to send people to hell. That’s true. Because of pride, people send themselves to hell by rejecting God’s love and not believing on Jesus. I’d say that would be the biggest mistake anyone could make. Our job, as disciples and harvest workers, is to love people into heaven by practicing God’s Word. Everybody gets a one-shot lifetime on planet earth followed by an unchangeable eternity in heaven or hell. So we better get it right. The good news is that, while there’s breath, the Holy Spirit is working diligently to convince everyone to repent, change, and accept and follow Jesus.

 

Let’s keep our relationship with God healthy and strong so we can offer life-giving encouragement and love to others. Believers are called to help people grasp the truth that Jesus came to forgive, restore, and give abundant life to all who choose to accept Him. Make no mistake, choosing and genuinely following Jesus is the only way not to hear, “Sorry, I never knew you” at the Judgment.

 

The Key: Possibly the best one-liner for true disciples is, “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God“ (Matthew 5:8 NLT).

K-State Extension

More Herbs, Less Salt

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Clara Wikoff. Submitted photo.

 

 

By Clara Wicoff

Southwind Extension District

 

Did you know that herbs offer numerous health benefits in addition to increasing flavor in foods and beverages? In contrast, eating too much sodium (which is a mineral that’s found in salt) can raise your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

 

According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, our bodies do require a small amount of sodium each day for vital functions like contracting and relaxing muscles. However, most Americans consume far more than is needed. According to the American Heart Association, over 70% of the sodium we eat is from packaged, prepared, and restaurant foods. This means that it isn’t just coming from our salt shakers (although an estimated 11% of the sodium we eat does come from the salt we add in while cooking or while food is on our plates).

 

So, what can you do to reduce your sodium intake? Try buying low-sodium food options at the grocery store, tasting your food before deciding to add salt, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables (which are naturally salt-free), and using herbs and spices to flavor foods instead of salt.

 

In addition to reducing sodium intake, the last option in that list also has the added benefit of providing other health benefits! What exactly are the health benefits of consuming herbs and spices? To start, many herbs and spices contain antioxidants which help our bodies fight off chronic diseases. Some (such as turmeric) contain anti-inflammatory compounds which combat inflammation. Furthermore, some herbs and spices (such as cinnamon, clove, cumin, oregano, and thyme) contain antibacterial and antifungal compounds. Finally, there are some (like ginger) which can be used as an antiemetic agent to prevent vomiting. Chamomile and peppermint also have anti-nausea properties. To learn more, visit bit.ly/EatMoreHerbs.

 

Interested in learning even more about the health benefits of cooking with herbs and how you can grow your own herbs at home? The Southwind Extension District is hosting an educational program which will cover all of this and more this spring! The program, entitled “Herbs – From Plant to Plate,” will be offered at the 4-H Community Building in Yates Center on April 5th at 6 PM and at Buck Run Community Center in Fort Scott on April 6th at 12 PM.

 

For more information, please contact Clara Wicoff at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.

 

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and emp

Area News, Fort Scott

Bo Co Coalition Minutes of March 1

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting

 

March 1, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Twenty members representing sixteen agencies attended.  The Coalition Board will be meeting next week to finalize the applications for the swim pass program.  Applications will be available at The Beacon and Buck Run throughout the month of April.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Sandy Haggard, RSVP: Sandy sent word that the next Red Cross blood drive will be April 19 and 20; please contact her to volunteer for a two-hour shift.
  • DeeDee LeFever, Greenbush: DeeDee helps match resources with needs.
  • Dawn Cubbison, Aetna Better Health of Kansas:  She is available to share information about Medicaid redetermination which will start next month.
  • Elizabeth Schafer, Pioneer Kiwanis and CASA: both organizations need volunteers; CASA does not have enough volunteers to support the children they have been assigned.
  • Dave Gillen, The Beacon: They continue to receive produce on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; clients can shop on the back porch.  They also help with rent and utility assistance and have a limited number of taxi passes.  Beacon hours are 9:00 – 1:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
  • LeaLay Karleskint, K-State Snap Ed: She is still looking for partners to provide space for her classes which provide nutrition education.
  • Lisa Robertson, COPE and CHC: COPE works with partners to help people find resources. The COPE grant runs until December, 2023; they are now working on the extension. They have been able to help 219 individuals in less than one year.
  • Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army:  Alan is able to do some things to help that are not the usual types of assistance.  He is working with a new program:  SSVF =  Supplemental Services for Veterans families.  This organization helps veterans find housing.
  • Christine Abbott, SEK Works: Christine works with ages 16-24 with GED, training, work experience; she can also help with resumes.  The office is located within the HBCAT office with hours Monday through Friday.
  • Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department: For the Baby and Me Tobacco Free program, Tammy comes to Fort Scott to meet wherever the mom feels comfortable.  Her pre-natal program can now do tours of the labor and delivery units at Via Christi.
  • Lindsey McNeil, KU COPE grant: The Local Health Equity Action Team has been able to provide freezers for Feeding Families and make partial  payment for windows at the Senior Citizens Center.  The team stresses homeless housing and transportation.  Meetings are every other Thursday from 6-7; contact any COPE person to become involved or Rachel Carpenter at the HBCAT office.
  • Amy Hagan, Family Support Specialist at CHC: her main function is to provide support for mothers.
  • Maggie Young, Bourbon County Community Engagement Manager for CHC will be doing canned food drives in the near future.
  • Nick Johnson, USD 234 PreSchool: Screening this month will be on March 24; the Spring Fling on April 6; Kindergarten Round-Up on April 19; PreSchool Round-Up on May 5.  The community is working to start a Childcare Coalition; please contact Nick if you wish to be involved.
  • Kelli Mengarelli, Early Childhood Block Grant: Kelli partners with childcare providers to ensure quality child care.
  • Michelle Stevenson: Her program is full right now but she will always take referrals.  Michelle works within the preschool building with children prenatal through age 6.
  • Amy Boyd: Amy is actively working on finding additional quality childcare for children aged newborn to three.
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: She has a total of 190 units; right now there is a wait list for all size units, but applications, based on income, can still be made.  The Housing Authority has office hours Monday throught Friday.
  • Melanie Wiles, Gentiva Hospice: Gentiva will host a resource fair on April 7, 9-11 a.m. in Homer Cole, Pittsburg.  A Community Healthcare partner, Autumn Green, an attorney, will be talking about advance directives.

 

  1. Program: Bailey Lyons, Meredith Tucker, and Katie Hueston provided information about the first completely accessible park in Fort Scott: the Splash Pad.  Although they still have about $40,000 to raise, they plan to have the park operational by Good ‘Ol Days.  The park will be free of charge and open from dawn to dusk.  Once the Splash Pad is installed and functional, they will begin on Phase 2 which will include fencing and bathrooms.

 

  1. Open Forum:  Nothing further came before the membership.

 

  1. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be April 5, at 1:00 p.m.  Carson Felt and an ensemble from the FSHS orchestra will present our program.