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All posts by Submitted Story
Kansas Tax Rebate Proposed
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Proposal to Provide $250 Tax Rebate to Kansas Resident Taxpayers
~Governor Kelly proposes a one-time $250 tax rebate to all Kansas resident tax filers who filed a tax return in calendar year 2021~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced a new proposal for a one-time $250 tax rebate to all Kansas residents who filed a tax return in the 2021 calendar year.
“Since 2019, my administration has carefully worked to get Kansas’ budget back on track after years of mismanagement,” Governor Kelly said. “Thanks to our fiscal responsibility and record economic development success, we can return money to taxpayers and give every Kansas resident who filed taxes in 2021 a $250 rebate. These are significant savings for every family to be delivered by summer of 2022.”
Governor Kelly is calling for a one-time rebate in the form of a non-taxable direct payment of $250 for every Kansas resident tax filer. Resident tax filers who filed as married and filing jointly will be eligible for a $500 direct payment. All other filing types will be eligible for a $250 direct payment.
Under the Governor’s plan, Kansas will return approximately $445 million to over 1.2 million Kansas resident taxpayers. Additionally, as a one-time payment, this will have no impact on the state’s ongoing ability to collect revenues that fund critical services. The proposal will be paid for with Kansas’ current budget surplus and is intended to provide relief to tax filers who are Kansas residents.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Dec. 22
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Dec. 19-21
Updated Agenda for FS Commission Meeting Dec. 21
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
DECEMBER 21, 2021
6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
I. Roll Call:
K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols T. Van Hoecke J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: Bill Downey, Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department
IV. Approval of Agenda:
V. Proclamations/Recognitions: None
VI. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of December 7th, 2021 and special meeting minutes of December 7th, 2021, and December 14th, 2021.
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1302-A totaling $417,420.09.
C. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – November legal fees – $3,269.00
D. Request to Pay – Pay Estimate #5 – $18,750.85 – Triangle Builders, LLC – Mayco
Ace Project
E. Change Request #3 – Mayco Ace Project – Decrease of $25,277.00
F. Approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion for Mayco Ace Project
G. Approval of Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission administrative fee –
$4,000.00
H. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – River Intake Project – $6,238.87
I. Request to Pay – K & G Striping – $6,932.00 – Restriping on Wall Street
$6,000.00 – Restriping Double Yellow on Wall
(Credit) ($6,214.08) – Work not completed on National
J. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering, Inc. – $4,000.00 – City Engineer (Nov invoice)
$4,000.00 – City Engineer (Dec invoice)
$ 278.50 – Building Inspection (Nov)
$2,742.75 – Building Inspection (Dec)
$8,640.00 – 17th & Eddy Drainage (Nov)
$5,760.00 – 17th & Eddy Drainage (Dec)
$9,900.00 – Ft Scott WWTP (Nov)
$2,000.00 – Ft Scott WWTP (Dec)
$1,650.00 – Re-Route Old Faithful (Nov)
$1,650.00 – Re-Route Old Faithful (Dec)
K. November financials
L. Approval of Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses and Public Dance (originals on file in the
Clerk’s office)
2022 Package Sales:
Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #20 – 998 N. National
Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #27 – 605 S. National
Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #14 – 1902 S. Main
Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #28 – 1138 E. Wall
Hill’s Service, Inc. – 308 N. National
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. #39 – 2500 S. Main
Walgreen Company – 2229 S. Main
Casey’s General Store #3399 – 2216 S. Main
G & W 2, L.L.C., 911 E. 6th Street
Consumption on the Premises:
Debra Cagle DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 Humboldt
Woodland Hills Golf Course – 2414 S. Horton
2022 Public Dance License:
Elks Lodge #579 – 111 W. 19th
Sharky’s Pub & Grub – 16 N. National
Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main
Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National
Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott
Memorial Auditorium – 1 E. Third Street
VII. Appearances: Fort Scott High School Speech & Communication students
VIII. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
IX. Old Business:
a. Consideration to repeal Ordinance 2563 – Section 12.12.070 – Pavement – Approval of Ordinance No. 3587
Excavation-Procedure, Section 12-12-080 – Unimproved Street – Procedure
Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3588
Section 12.12.110 – Replacement of Materials – Exception – Approval of
Ordinance No. 3589
Replacing with Clay Brick Pavers, Pavement Replacement, and Trench and
Backfill for Utilities sections
b. Discussion of Lake Fort Scott Improvements – Doug Guns
c. Discussion of the structure located at 619 S. Ransom – Bill Downey
d. Discussion of School Resource Officer
e. Discussion of Landfill
f. Discussion of ARPA funds
g. Selling of Lake Property
III. Public Hearing None
IV. New Business:
a. Ordinance adopting the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and designating a Revitalization Area in the City of Fort Scott, Kansas and approval of
Ordinance No. 3600 and approval of Interlocal Agreement – Rob Harrington
b. Discussion of Tourism – Rob Harrington
c. Consideration of Land Bank Ordinance No. 3599 – Amending Board of
Trustees and appointments – Rob Harrington
d. Land Bank discussion – Rob Harrington
e. Change Order #1 – Union Lofts Alley Project – $25,955.00 – Rogers & Sons
f. Consideration to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – Port-a-Potties – November – $3,210.00
g. Consideration of IT Shared Services with Bourbon County and approval of Memorandum of Understanding -Mark McCoy
h. Discussion of Brick Street and Alley policy – Pete Allen
i. Discussion of demolition of structures – Tim Van Hoecke
j. Discussion of the update to Codes procedures and policies – Bill Downey
k. Discussion of Airport Land Lease
XI. Reports and Comments:
A. Interim City Manager Comments:
B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow the script in all motions for
Executive Sessions)
XIII. Adjournment:
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Dec. 21
Final Report of Kansas’ Racial Equity and Justice Report
Governor Laura Kelly’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice Releases Final Report of Recommendations
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that her Commission on Racial Equity and Justice has released their final report, including recommendations to various levels of government on ways to improve racial equity in economic systems, education, and healthcare.
“I want to thank the Commission for developing another round of pragmatic, well-researched recommendations to improve racial equity and justice in our state,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My administration remains committed to working together to address inequities and improve the health and well-being of every Kansas community.”
In June of 2020, Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order No. 20-48, establishing the Governor’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice to study relevant issues in Kansas. The Commission, led by co-chairs Dr. Tiffany Anderson and Dr. Shannon Portillo, held bi-weekly meetings with information from guest presenters over the past year and a half.
“In speaking with local, state, and national experts, the Commission was able to develop a vision and pathway to move forward and improve equity efforts statewide,” said co-chairs Dr. Tiffany Anderson and Dr. Shannon Portillo. “We are all excited to see how different entities in the state will implement these ideas to improve Kansas communities for all residents.”
The governor appointed a diverse group of professionals from law enforcement, academia, public education, public health, local government, the justice system, and more to spearhead the Commission’s work. The Commission began its work focusing on law enforcement and policing, releasing a report in December 2020 with over 60 recommendations for improving racial equity and justice at different levels of government. Today’s release contains an additional 124 recommendations – some of which were included in the Commission’s July 2021 interim report.
Since their first report, the Commission has met with dozens of stakeholders and relevant professionals across the state and collected input for recommendations on improving equity in economic systems, education, and healthcare in Kansas.
The Commission’s final report can be found here.
A summary of new items added in the final report can be found here.
The Commission’s previous reports and other materials can be found here.
Hot Wok Chinese Buffet Open on Christmas
Johnson and Johnson Vaccine No Longer Offered at Health Department
Submitted byRebecca Johnson BSN, RN
SEK Multi-County Health Department
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer
*411 N. Washington, Iola, KS 66749
*524 S. Lowman, Ft. Scott, KS 66701
P(620)223-4464 F(620)223-1686
On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Janssen/Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine with additional precautions related to a blood clotting disorder, Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), observed in a wide range of recipients. On Thursday, the ACIP met and recommended that “mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are preferred over the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 for all > 18 years of age.”
Because of this update, SEK Multi-County Health Department will no longer be offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as a COVID-19 vaccine option.
If you have questions, please call our office. If you received a J&J primary dose and would like a booster, we will still be offering the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines as an option. Both of these can be used as a booster for any COVID-19 vaccine primary series that has been given.
Investigation Of COVID-19 Cases Moves to State Level
KDHE will be transitioning the investigation of all COVID-19 cases from the local level to the state level. The Local Health Department will still investigate other communicable diseases as they occur, but not COVID-19. At the present, the Local Health Department works with schools and long term care facilities on COVID-19 cases as they come, on outbreaks, and on contact tracing. KDHE investigates a majority of the others, but this change will move all COVID-19 cases to the state level. We will continue to be in contact with the schools and long term care facilities until this transition is complete.
If someone has tested positive and has questions, they may call their Local Health Department, but otherwise if they would like answers on when they should return to work, school, etc. please call the COVID-19 hotline (866)534-3463.
Also, we will be adding a link to our website for COVID-19 cases by county for those interested but will no longer be able to post a weekly update of active COVID-19 cases due to this transition. Here is the link: https://coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas
Please stay home if you are sick!!
—
Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN
Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN
SEK Multi-County Health Department
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer
*524 S. Lowman, Ft. Scott, KS 66701
P(620)223-4464 F(620)223-1686
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Dec. 21
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: December 21, 2021
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
-
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
- Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
- Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property (Commission, Susan, Eric & Justin)
- Executive Session – 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
- Ashley Shelton – Cereal Malt Beverage License
- County Counselor Comment
- Finance Director Comment
- Public Comment
- Elected Officials Comment
- Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
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 security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Dec. 20
Energy Efficiency Programs for Kansas Customers: Evergy
Evergy Seeks to Offer Energy Efficiency Programs for Kansas Customers
Evergy also Prepares to Ask MPSC to Extend Missouri Energy Efficiency Offerings.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Dec. 20, 2021 – On Friday, Dec. 17, Evergy proposed a suite of energy efficiency programs to the Kansas Corporation Commission. Evergy’s proposed programs would provide Kansas residential and business customers with $42 million in anticipated net bill savings, offer $13 million in enhanced assistance for low-income and rural customers, and would unlock community benefits through job creation, energy education and agency partnerships.
Evergy also is preparing to ask the Missouri Public Service Commission to extend the current package of energy efficiency programs being offered to Evergy’s Missouri customers.
“As energy efficiency products and technologies continue to evolve, Evergy wants to provide energy solutions to help Kansas customers with their energy efficiency needs,” said Chuck Caisley, Evergy senior vice president and chief customer officer. “We’ve been able to offer similar successful programs in Missouri and believe Kansas customers will embrace having choices that help them manage their energy costs.”
A 2021 Wichita State University study showed that Evergy’s Kansas customers want their utility to offer energy efficiency programs. Evergy has a long history of delivering successful cost-effective programs in Missouri, making it the ideal partner to help customers save energy and money. As the first utility in Missouri to make a strong commitment to energy efficiency, Evergy has helped more than 370,000 residents and 8,000 businesses save energy.
In Missouri, Evergy plans to ask to extend its 11 current programs with enhancements for one additional year through 2023. Through a set of programs that include measures like home energy audits, programmable thermostats, rebates for efficient lighting and other efficiency upgrades, Evergy has helped save customers more than 1 billion kilowatt hours of electricity since 2013. Missouri customers have seen more than $2 of benefit for each dollar spent toward energy efficiency programs. Extension of these programs is expected to bring another $23 million of net benefits to Evergy’s Missouri customers.
“The Evergy incentives that we are able to offer in Missouri help alleviate some of the cost concerns our customers have when wanting to purchase higher-end, more efficient equipment. These rebates provide even more value to the customer,” said Anthony Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, which participates as a trade-ally for residential energy efficiency programs. “Any additional rebates offered to customers will help them justify being able to spend more.”
“Customers want more ways to manage their energy and save money. The goal for our energy efficiency programs is to offer more innovative and personalized solutions that give customers more choices,” Caisley said. “We’re excited for the opportunity to provide our customers the latest in energy efficiency products and programs while continuing our role as a leader in customer programs within the utility industry.”
The programs proposed in Kansas are subject to review and approval by the Kansas Corporation Commission and an order would be anticipated in summer 2022. Programs are proposed to start in January 2023. The extension requested in Missouri is subject to approval by the Missouri Public Service Commission, and Evergy has requested a decision by spring 2022.
The programs are proposed under the Kansas Energy Efficiency Investment Act (KEEIA), which was passed by the Kansas Legislature and became effective on July 1, 2014. KEEIA was established to support the state’s goal of promoting the implementation of cost-effective demand-side programs in Kansas and the state policy to value demand -side program investments equal to traditional investments in supply and delivery infrastructure. A similar law in Missouri has helped customers save millions of dollars in energy costs since programs began in 2013.