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All posts by Submitted Story
Guide To Boost Eco Devo in Rural Areas Available
USDA and EDA Launch Resource Guide to Boost Economic Development in Rural Communities
WASHINGTON, May 11, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small and U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Deputy Assistant Secretary Dennis Alvord today unveiled a joint resource guide to help community organizations access USDA and EDA resources to build strategies to boost economic development in rural America.
“America’s rural communities are critical to the success of our nation’s economy,” Torres Small said. “When we invest in rural communities, we build opportunity and prosperity for the people who live in them. The guide we are unveiling today will better equip people with the tools they need to make their communities more attractive, economically viable and safe places to live and work.”
Alvord added, “We are committed to working together to explore new ways to support and strengthen rural America. It’s important that we’re equipping our communities with tools that are easily accessible and easily utilized to maximize the work of providing greater, inclusive economic prosperity across our country. This guide is a great tool to deliver on that commitment.”
The resource guide outlines programs and services that can be used to advance community and economic development in rural communities through four key focus areas:
- Planning and technical assistance
- Infrastructure and broadband expansion
- Entrepreneurship and business assistance
- Workforce development and livability
The guide also features information and links to USDA Rural Development and U.S. Economic Development Administration key priorities and resources.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Obituary of Lori Ruddick
Lori Grace Ruddick, age 63, resident of Nevada, MO, passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at the Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, KS. She was born February 1, 1959, in Fort Scott, KS, the daughter of Alvin M. and Betty Pauli Ruddick. Lori graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1977 and received her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS in 1982. She was in private practice at Alternatives in Mental Health since 1994 in Nevada, MO. She raised two children, Jeremy Adam Ruddick, and Abby Ruddick Simmons.
Lori had a passion for raising golden retrievers and Maltese for over 40 years. She lived for her children and dedicated her time to their community and school extracurriculars throughout their childhood. She spent summers, holidays, and many days in between traveling to the lake to spend time with family and friends.
Survivors include her mother, Betty Ruddick, Fort Scott, KS; her two children, Jeremy Ruddick and wife Nicole and their son Cooper, Lamar, MO, and Abby Simmons and husband Cody and their son Jackson R., Carl Junction, MO; her three sisters, Lisa and husband Ron, St. Louis, MO, Linda Burger, St. Louis, MO, and Leslie and husband Chris, Lee’s Summit, MO; her nieces and nephews Haley Trainor and husband Michael, Aaron Rucker, Nick Ogden and wife Taylor, Hannah Ogden, and Samantha Irene. She was preceded in death by her father, Alvin M. Ruddick.
There was cremation. The family will hold private services with a public celebration of life to be announced at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Bourbon County CASA 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 quest book at cheneywitt.com.
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports May 9-10
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 11
KS Expands Computer Science Education
Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bill Expanding Computer Science Education in Kansas Schools
~~This Legislation Helps Students Transition from Career and Technical Education Programs into the Workforce~~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed bipartisan House Bill 2466 to promote computer science education in Kansas schools and provide additional funding for current and aspiring teachers to receive training in computer science programs. HB 2466 also establishes a pilot program that covers credential exam costs and assists career and technical education students in their transition to the workforce.
“By expanding computer science education and creating this transition program, we can better retain the skilled workforce Kansas produces through our K-12 schools,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “In addition, it signals to companies looking to build or expand their business that Kansas is the place to do it.”
HB 2466 provides scholarships for educators in rural areas and underrepresented socioeconomic groups to obtain computer science education training.
“HB2466 will bring much needed resources and training to our teachers,” Representative Steve Huebert, District 90, said. “With that, more classes will be offered, allowing students to gain the computer science skills they need for today’s workforce demands.”
More information about HB 2466 can be found here.
Governor Kelly also signed the following bills:
HB 2138
Provides for the use of electronic poll books in elections and the approval of such books by the secretary of state, requires all voting systems for elections to use individual voter-verified paper ballots with a distinctive watermark, requires the secretary of state and local election officers to develop an affidavit to be signed by election workers regarding the handling of completed ballots, requires audits of any federal, statewide or state legislative race that is within 1% of the total votes cast and requires randomized audits of elections procedures used in four counties in even-numbered years, requires a county election officer to send a confirmation of address when there is no election-related activity for any four-calendar year period and exempts poll workers from certain election crimes.
U234 Press Release from May 9 Meeting
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, May 9, 2022
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Board of Education office on Monday, May 9, 2022, for their regular monthly meeting.
President James Wood opened the budget hearing. There were no comments; the budget hearing was closed. The board approved the official agenda. The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – April 20, 2022 – $1,443,359.12
D. Financial Report
E. Activity fund accounts
F. Point of Information
G. LCP Assurances
H. Greenbush Energy Group Participation Agreement and Hedging Authorization for 2022-23
There were no comments in the public forum. Representatives from HTK Architects presented ideas and concepts for the Fort Scott Preschool Center.
Board members reviewed the principals’ reports. In addition, board members heard reports from Dalaina Smith, Academics Director; Ted Hessong, Superintendent; and Gina Shelton, Finance Director.
The board approved the budget adoption. Dan Koppa, Facilities Director, reported on summer maintenance projects. Superintendent Hessong gave a KESA update and ESSER III update.
The board approved the following
· High school science curriculum recommendation
· Summer camps
· 2022-23 lunch fees
· 2022-23 fees
Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss employer-employee negotiations. The board returned to open session and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel. The board returned to open session and approved Resolution 21-13 – Intent to nonrenew a teacher’s contract. The board approved the following employment matters:
A. Resignation of Jeff Dillow, central office HVAC maintenance, effective June 30, 2022
B. Resignation of Raymond Allen, high school custodian, effective May 13, 2022
C. Resignation of Amanda Jamison, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
D. Transfer of Sabrina Keating, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher, to high school/Eugene Ware gifted teacher for the 2022-23 school year
E. Transfer of Moriah Dillow, Winfield Scott focus room teacher, to Winfield Scott kindergarten teacher for the 2022-23 school year
F. Transfer of Stuart Troutman, central office maintenance, to central office technology help desk specialist beginning May 10, 2022
G. Employment of Hannelie Smit as a district occupational therapist for the 2022-23 school year
H. Employment of Jessica Johnson as a Eugene Ware secretary for the 2022-23 school year
I. Extended contract request from Angella Curran, high school debate/forensics teacher
J. Resignation of Torrie Singmaster, middle school girls’ basketball coach, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
K. Resignation of Jared Martin as high school summer conditioning coordinator
L. Addition of a middle school summer conditioning position for the upcoming summer
M. Resignation of Reyna Valenzuela, high school English teacher, effective May 9, 2022
N. Resignation of Clint Heffern, high school physical education teacher and high school head boys’ basketball coach, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
O. Resignation of Laura Howard, middle school language arts teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
P. Resignation of Zach Hart, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective May 12, 2022
Q. Employment of Shelly Charter as Winfield Scott Principal for the 2022-23 school year
R. Employment of Krystle Griem as Winfield Scott Assistant Principal for the 2022-23 school year
S. Employment of Colin Downey as a high school social studies teacher for the 2022-23 school year
T. Employment of Christina Lutter-Smith as a speech/language pathologist for the 2022-23 school year
U. Employment of Lori Jett as a high school English teacher for the 2022-23 school year
V. Employment of Andrew Ables as a middle school seventh grade science teacher for the 2022-23 school year
W. Employment of Sarah Long as a high school paraprofessional for the 2022-23 school year
X. Employment of Bo Graham as high school summer conditioning coordinator for the 2022-23 school year
The board went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel. The board returned to open meeting and adjourned.
Farewell Party For California Nails Owner
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Bourbon County Arts Council 2022 Patio Concert Friday, June 17
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Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
May 6, 2022
The legislature is on another break until May 23. The delayed schedule is a response to the Congressional map and now the state senate map being challenged in court.
Meat Labeling Conference Committee Report (CCR) 261 will stop the use of the word “meat” when a product at the grocery store does not contain meat. The bill does not address the use of the word “meat” in restaurants or the use of the word “milk”, but it is a step in consumer protection and forcing accurate labeling of non-meat products. The CCR passed unanimously.
Taxes collected were $175 million above estimates for April. Last year the Governor vetoed income tax cuts, calling them reckless. The legislature overrode the veto and the tax cuts were implemented. Taxes collected are at an all-time high. A majority of legislators voted to pay down some debt (KPERS unfunded liability), which I supported. However, a majority of legislators also voted to increase spending and put $750 million in reserves – so that government can spend it at a later date. I do not support allowing government to grow, especially at that pace.
As Chairman of the Senate Tax Committee, I am grateful for the hard work by the Senate and the House to get some good tax legislation passed this year! Here are some of the highlights: property tax freeze for low income seniors and disabled veterans, tax credits for teachers who purchased school supplies with their own money, removing state sales tax on delivery and postage costs, doubling personal income tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans from $2250 to $4500, and many other provisions. And of course, after many years of trying, we finally passed legislation that will bring the state sales tax on groceries to zero. These are big wins for Kansans and I am grateful for the teamwork between the House and Senate to the tax policies passed with veto proof majority.
In the next day of session, May 23, watch for CCR 2597 which would amend income tax, sales tax, and would enact the COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Act, providing partial property tax relief for businesses who were restricted at their storefront during the Governor’s COVID-19 shut down. The legislation would gradually remove state income tax on Social Security, increase the standard deduction based on inflation, remove state sales tax on electric and other utilities for businesses (homeowners are already exempt), and other tax provisions to help return record tax collections to Kansas taxpayers.
There was good teamwork and leadership this year that has brought good tax policy to fruition, but there is still work to be done on May 23.
K-12 funding for each Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, 2023, 2024 is over $6 billion in CCR 2567. There was some policy items in the CCR, most notably, adoption of Open Enrollment, allowing students to move between schools provided the receiving school has the capacity to accept the student transferring. There are several questions with the legislation. It was in a budget bill and the Governor can line item veto budgets. Does it apply to this bill? The CCR passed the Senate 24 to 14. I did not support the major spending increase. I did support the school transfer version of the bill and had voted Yes when it was a standalone bill.
More legislation that passed can be found at www.KSLegislature.org.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Weekly Newsletter
Welcoming the 250,000th Honor Flight Veteran to Washington, D.C.
This month, the Honor Flight Network will bring the 250,000th veteran to see the memorials built in their honor. I’ve had the opportunity to welcome hundreds of veterans on Honor Flights to Washington, D.C. and have witnessed the impact these trips have on them. I’m grateful that we could stand at the World War II Memorial – that was built largely due to the tireless work of World War II veteran and Kansas Senator Bob Dole – to recognize Honor Flights and the 250,000 veterans who have embarked on their journey to our nation’s capital.
I joined Sen. Elizabeth Dole and veterans across the country on Tuesday to commemorate this milestone. Honor Flights have also made it possible for veterans like my dad, a WWII veteran, to come to Washington, D.C. and visit the WWII Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and many more. These memorials serve as an important reminder to the rest of us that we owe a great deal of thanks to those who have served and sacrificed.
To our veterans and our servicemembers: We respect you; we thank you for your service, and we love you.
Welcoming Airbus to the Air Capital of the World
On Friday, I hosted Airbus Americas Chairman and CEO, Jeff Knittel, and his team in Wichita to showcase the Air Capital of the World. I’d like to thank the Kansas Aviation Museum and the Greater Wichita Partnership for hosting a community reception with local stakeholders and public officials to welcome Mr. Knittel and his team. At the reception, Mr. Knittel announced a donation from Airbus to the United Way Andover Tornado Fund. I am thankful for their aid to the Wichita community and for the time they spent touring suppliers.
Following the reception, we toured Dynamic NC, Cox Machine and Atlas Group with the Airbus CEO and procurement team. I’d like to thank Bryan Mackey, President of Dynamic NC, Jason Cox, CEO of Cox Machine and Jim McMullen, CEO of Atlas Group, for showcasing the talent and capabilities of these incredible companies.
USD234 To Interview Superintendent Candidate Destry Brown
The Fort Scott Board of Education encourages the community to come meet the candidates at the Meet & Greet opportunities on Tuesday (05/10) and Thursday (05/12). These will be held at the Fort Scott Middle School Flex space from 4-5 pm and from 5:30-6:15 pm. Please enter through the south doors.
Those who attend the Meet & Greet receptions will be given a paper survey to provide feedback. Be sure to turn this in before you leave to provide your feedback. The responses will be tallied and provided to the board in summary. The Board will then meet in executive session at the board office for purposes of interviewing each candidate Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm.
Submitted by Gina Shelton, U234 Board Clerk
USD 234
Mr. Destry Brown will be interviewing for the position of superintendent with the board of education on May 10, 2022.
Mr. Destry Brown is the first of two candidates that the USD 234 Fort Scott board of education will be interviewing. Candidates were selected for interviews based on their fit with desired characteristics that were developed with input from focus groups and an online community survey utilized during the search process.
Mr. Destry Brown is currently serving as the Superintendent of the Clinton, Missouri schools. Mr. Brown has also served as superintendent of schools in Pittsburg, KS, Frontenac, KS and has been an elementary principal.
Mr. Destry Brown’s Schedule
05/10/2022
The board of education will conclude interviews on May 12, 2022. They will then determine which candidate is the best fit for the superintendent position in USD 234 Fort Scott.