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Government, Kansas

Tax Credits Program Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Applications Are Open For Community Service Tax Credit Program

~ CSP provides tax credits to donors to help nonprofit organizations and public healthcare entities fund major community improvement campaigns ~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that applications are currently being accepted for the Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP).

“The Community Service Tax Program helps local nonprofit and healthcare organizations improve the health and economic wellbeing of their communities by streamlining their fundraising efforts,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “This program will encourage local solutions to local problems and improve the quality of life for Kansans now and into the future. Good luck to all that apply to this exciting initiative.”

CSP assists private nonprofit organizations and public healthcare entities in undertaking major capital campaigns for projects involving:

  • Children and family services
  • Non-governmental crime prevention
  • Youth apprenticeship
  • Youth technical training
  • Health care

Under this program, the state authorizes nonprofit organizations to offer tax credits to donors making contributions towards approved projects. Organizations are chosen through a competitive selection process. The application window is open through April 30, 2021 at kansascommerce.gov/csp.

Proposed projects should be unique or one-time in nature and create a lasting value for charitable organizations. For example, projects might include a capital campaign, major equipment purchase, major renovation, capacity building, etc.

As was the case in 2020, CSP has earmarked $1 million for childcare and early childhood development projects for services to those under the age of 5.

“These tax credits are an incredible opportunity for our state’s nonprofit organizations to create unique, meaningful changes for the people they serve,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Tell us about your initiative, and if it’s a good fit for the CSP program, we’ll provide this significant resource to help make it a reality.”

Applicants may request up to $250,000 in tax credits. Applicant organizations in rural areas (less than 15,000 population) are eligible for a 70 percent credit. Applicant organizations in non-rural areas are eligible for a 50 percent credit.

CSP is administered by the Community Development Division in the Department of Commerce. More information on the program, guidelines, and application process may be found online here.

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.

About the Community Development Division

Established in 2019, the Community Development Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality-of-life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, visit the Community Development page at the Kansas Commerce website.

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Obituary

Obituary of Jim David Kelso

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Jim David Kelso, age 79, a resident of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at the Arma Health and Rehab Center in Arma, Kansas. He was born November 24, 1941, in Pittsburg, the son of John Grammar Kelso and Winona Esther Hale Kelso.

He graduated from Pittsburg High School and went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Education from Pittsburg State University. Jim had worked for many years as a high school debate teacher for the Wichita and McPherson school districts. Following his retirement, he returned to Pittsburg. Jim loved sports, especially baseball. He also enjoyed fishing. Jim will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include two children, Kent David Kelso and wife, Deanna of Utah and Lisa Lejuwaan and husband Robb, of Atlanta, Georgia and five grandchildren Lauren Zamora-Kelso, LaRaya Gunter, Emily Clay, Zachary Clay, and William Wilson Mount. Also surviving is a brother, Steve Kelso and wife, Betty, of Ft. Scott, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Carolyn Sue Shuman.

Rev. William Cook will conduct graveside services at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, March 11th at the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Schools

Fort Scott High School FCCLA Officers Medal at Districts

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picture: From left: Carley Horton and Emma Scott. Submitted photo.
 

FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) officers Emma Scott and Carley Horton competed in the annual District H STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Event competitions on February 24th. Students from across southeast Kansas came together virtually to be recognized for their hard work and accomplishments this school year. 


Emma Scott competed in the Career Investigation Event and received Gold! Her project covered an extensive research project that encouraged her to explore a career in education.  Scott says, “I learned a lot researching elementary education.  I have found that I am also interested in Family and Consumer Science education. I can see myself pursuing either career.”

Carley Horton competed in the Nutrition and Wellness Event and received Silver! She researched healthy lifestyle choices and created a nutrition and wellness plan based on her personal needs.  “I learned communication skills,” Horton says.

About FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has more than 182,000 members and 5,253 chapters from 48 state associations, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

 
About STAR Events
STAR Events are competitive events in which members are recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. STAR Events allow students to compete individually or as a team. There are more than 30 STAR Events students can choose to compete in, all which recognize participants who demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities to actively identify an issue concerning families, careers, or communities, research the topic, and develop and implement a project to advocate for positive change.


Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Starlite FCE Minutes of Feb. 25

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Starlite FCE

February 25, 2021

 

The February meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager building at the Fairgrounds.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and Joyce Allen led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  Nine members were in attendance, they reported that they had volunteered for four hours and had recycled sixty pounds of cardboard.

The minutes of the precious meeting were read and approved.  Doris Ericson presented the treasurer report.  Glenda Miller passed out the new membership roll and informed us Sekan will except cardboard on Mondays.

Jackie Warren reported that as of now we are planning to have an Open Class at the Fair this year and asked for a show of hands of those who would be able to help.

New Business consisted of planning an Easter party for Tri-Valley.  It was decided to make bunny bags and fill with treats and to has an egg hunt.  Everyone is to bring wrapped candy to place in eggs and bags.

Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Doris Ericson seconded the motion, motion carried, meeting adjourned.  After the meeting Deb Lust presented a program on Character Counts- Responsibility.  Doris Ericson and Deb Lust provided refreshments of cake, M&M and water, which were enjoyed by all.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

 

Obituary

Obituary of Carol Barrett

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Carol Irene Barrett, age 87, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, March 4, 2021, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.

She was born August 6, 1933, in Mapleton, Kansas, the daughter of Clarence A. Kern and Myrtle N. Clayton Kern.  Carol attended grade school at Mapleton and graduated from the Fulton High School and later Ft. Scott Junior College.

She married Ira Robert “Bob” Barrett on June 14, 1953, at Mapleton.  Bob and Carol made their home in Mapleton the majority of their married life.  Carol had worked for Mid-America Business Forms which later became Ennis for many years.  She was a member of the Mapleton Christian Church.

Following Bob’s death in 1994, Carol moved to Ft. Scott where she became an active member of Community Christian Church.  She also served with pastoral care for the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary.  She was a past member of the Eastern Star and had volunteered her time for the American Red Cross.

Carol was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She enjoyed attending her children’s grandchildren’s activities and attending family get-togethers.  She enjoyed working in her yard and going to garage sales.

Survivors include her three sons, Mike Barrett of Pearl, Mississippi, Pat Barrett and wife, Deb, of Wichita, Kansas and Tim Barrett and wife, Missy, of Ft. Scott, Kansas; five grandchildren, Christy, Jacob, Jaron, Lacy, and Colby, six great-grandchildren, Amanda, Matthew, Tracen, Alice, Eva and Arya, and a great-great-grandson, Jaxson.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, a daughter-in-law, Libby Barrett, and a brother, Clarence A. “C.A.” Kern, Jr.

Pastor Tim Woodring will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Monday, March 8th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 P.M. Sunday afternoon at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Community Christian Church 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

Death Notice For Pamela Bloomfield

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Pamela Jean Bloomfield, age 63, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.  Services will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Pamela Bloomfield memorial fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Government

Updated FS Commission Special Meeting March 4

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(Updated) The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 4th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to interview candidates for the City Attorney position. They will also meet to discuss accepting RFQ’s for City Engineering services.

This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.