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Government

New Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture to Meet March 23-24   

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WASHINGTON, March 8, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host the first public meeting of the inaugural Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production on March 23-24, 2022.  The public – including urban producers– is encouraged to attend.    

   

“I look forward to working with this new urban agriculture federal advisory committee,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The committee’s valuable insights and expertise will provide critical guidance to help us better serve urban agricultural producers, strengthen local food systems, and increase equity and access to healthy, local food.”   

   

The new federal advisory committee is part of USDA’s efforts to support urban agriculture, creating a network for feedback. Members were announced last month, and include agricultural producers, and representatives from the areas of higher education or extension programs, non-profits, business and economic development, supply chains and financing.   

   

About the Meeting   

   

USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production is coordinating the meeting, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET on March 23 and 24, 2022. To attend, register by March 18, 2022.   

  

At the meeting, committee members will discuss administrative matters and consult on the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Urban, Indoor and Emerging Agriculture grants.   

   

Members of the public who wish to submit comments or questions related to urban agriculture may submit them via www.regulations.gov.  

   

Comments must be submitted by March 18, 2022.   

   

For special accommodations, please contact Leslie Glover at (602) 395-9536 or [email protected].    

 

Additional details are available in the March 8, 2022 Federal Register notice and online at farmers.gov/urban or on the committee’s webpage.   

   

USDA and Urban Agriculture   

   

The Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production is part of a broad USDA investment in urban agriculture. Other efforts include:   

 

  • Grants that target areas of food access, education, business and start-up costs for new farmers, and policy development related to zoning and other urban production needs.   
  • Cooperative agreements that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans.   
  • Investing $260,000 for risk management training and crop insurance education for historically underserved and urban producers through partnerships between USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) and the University of Maryland, University of Connecticut, and Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.   
  • Providing technical and financial assistance through conservation programs offered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).   
  • Organizing 11 Farm Service Agency (FSA) urban and suburban county committees. FSA will organize additional committees.   

   

The Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production was established through the 2018 Farm Bill. It is led by NRCS and works in partnership with numerous USDA agencies that support urban agriculture. Its mission is to encourage and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices, including community composting and food waste reduction.   

   

More information is available at farmers.gov/urban and the new Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production website at www.usda.gov/partnerships/advisory-committee-urban-ag-innovative-production.   

   

Additional resources that may be of interest to urban agriculture entities include grants from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture as well as FSA loans.   

   

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 usda.gov.   

  

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.  

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Board of Education Minutes of March 7

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, March 7, 2022

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Board of Education office on Monday, March 7, 2022, for their regular monthly meeting.

President James Wood opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – February 18, 2022 – $1,430,277.49

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity fund accounts­­­­­­

 

There was one comment in the public forum section of the meeting.

Written reports were shared by principals.  In addition, the board heard reports from Dalaina Smith, Academics Director; Ted Hessong, Superintendent; and Gina Shelton, Finance Director/Board Clerk.

Superintendent Hessong gave an ESSER III update.

Board members approved the following:

 

·       Contract with HTK Architects for options to expand the preschool center

·       Pre-funding early retirement recommendation

·       Membership in the Greenbush Perkins Consortium

·       Boiler repair with CDL

 

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss employer-employee negotiations.  The board returned to open meeting and then went into executive session for preliminary discussion relating to the acquisition of real property.  The board returned to open meeting and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel.  The board returned to open meeting and approved the following employment matters:

 

A.    Resignation of Mary Jo Harper, Eugene Ware music teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

B.    Resignation of Kristin Duffey, Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

C.    Resignation of William Hall, high school math teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

D.    Resignation of Carrie Southwell, Eugene Ware third grade teacher on leave of absence, effective March 3, 2022

E.     Resignation of Jennifer Hartman, high school English teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

F.     Retirement of Jim Pruitt, central office maintenance, effective May 12, 2022

G.    Resignation of Judy Warren, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective February 24, 2022

H.    Resignation of Jennifer Durkin, high school paraprofessional, effective March 11, 2022

I.      Leave of absence for Hayden Travis, Winfield Scott second grade teacher

J.      Addition of a high school counselor position and a middle school counselor position for the 2022-23 school year

K.    Employment of Suzan Durnell as the elementary instructional coach for the 2022-23 school year

L.     Employment of Jonathon Barnes as a high school social studies teacher for the 2022-23 school year

M.   Employment of Lannette Wood as a high school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

N.    Employment of Makyah Goldsby as a middle school intramural track coach for the 2021-22 school year

O.    Employment of Kathi Hall as a high school assistant softball coach for the 2021-22 school year; A stipend for Dave Martin as a high school assistant swim coach for the 2021-22 school year

P.     Addition of a high school assistant boys’ tennis coach for the 2021-22 school year

 

The board adjourned.

Obituary

Obituary of Tynce Joles

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Tynce “Tiny” Lloyd Joles, 68, of Girard, KS, formerly of Hiattville, KS. passed away, Thursday, March 3, 2022, at the Girard Medical Center. He was born, March 23, 1953 the son of Harry Shadden and Colleen Joles in Coalgate, Oklahoma. He married Emily Nichole Stanley on January 13, 2021 in Mound City, Kansas, she survives, of the home.

Tiny was an auto mechanic and an avid Dirt Track Stock Car Driver and enthusiast.

In addition to his wife, Emily, he is survived by 2 daughters, Tammy Skaggs, Joplin, Mo. and Tonya Lapier, Enid Oklahoma, 3 sons, Tracy Joles of Eldorado Springs, Mo., Tommy Joles of Pittsburg, Ks. and Keith Bradley, Mapleton, Ks. Three brothers, Harry Shadden, Fulton, Kansas;  Steve Shadden, Elsmore, Kansas; and Richard Shadden, Hutchinson, Kansas, a sister, Susie Shadden, Kansas City, Missouri, and several grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Tynce L. Joles II, a daughter, Tabitha, twin babies, Trenton and Tori, two sisters, Wanda and Sharon and a brother, Ronnie

Pastor Mike Buckamneer will officiate graveside services for Tynce, 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2022 at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery near Hiattville, Kansas under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, Fort Scott.

Memorials may be given to the Nevada Speedway in Tynce’s honor to help with the young new drivers, and may be sent to or, left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

March 04, 2022

 

The 2022 legislative session is quickly coming to a close.  Last week was turnaround, considered the halfway point of session.  However, it is not the same amount of time to complete the “second half” of session.  The first half is about 1.5 months, while the second half is less than 4 week.  We have about two weeks for committee meetings and then a few full days on the floor to work bills.

 

There are still some major issues to tackle – redistricting maps, a budget, election security, health freedom, and hopefully tax cuts, including sales tax on food.  With so many important issues to be finished, the next few weeks will be extremely busy.

 

There were a few bills debated on the floor, but no final action was taken during the week.

 

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

Caryn

 

Government, Kansas

Applications Open for Community Service Tax Credit Program

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that applications are currently being accepted for the Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP). CSP provides an opportunity for private, non-profit organizations and public health care entities to improve their ability to undertake major capital campaigns for projects involving children and family services, non-governmental crime prevention, youth apprenticeship and youth technical training and health care.

“The Community Service Tax Credit program is an incredible opportunity for nonprofit organizations to create lasting, meaningful changes for people across Kansas,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “These tax credits will foster local solutions to local challenges, and they will help improve the quality of life for Kansans now and into the future.”

Under this program, the state authorizes nonprofit organizations to offer tax credits to donors making contributions towards approved projects. 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.

Since 2019, CSP has earmarked $1 million for childcare and early childhood development projects for services to those under the age of 5.

“These tax credits help local nonprofit and healthcare organizations streamline their fundraising efforts, to more effectively improve the health and economic wellbeing of Kansas communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “We’re asking Kansans to tell us about their initiatives, and if they are a good fit for the CSP program, we will provide a significant resource to help bring these projects to fruition across Kansas.”

Applicants may request up to $200,000 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. The application window is open through April 30, 2022 at kansascommerce.gov/csp.

CSP is administered by the Community Development Division of 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. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Tomorrow

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CHAMBER INVITES COMMUNITY TO THE
YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE TRADESHOW EXHIBIT
Stop by the FSHS Aux Gym
Tuesday, March 8th between
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
In addition to our top 3 place awards, we will have a Community Choice Award for you to vote on your favorite business!
Come check out the different business plans conceived by students, either individually or in
small groups, as part of the competition organized
by the Chamber. These students have worked hard over the last semester-plus on all aspects of their business concepts and your attendance and support would be appreciated!
Click here for the FB event.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the third annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in partnership with Fort Scott High School. Thirty students, either individually or in groups of two or three, have prepared sixteen startup business ideas and will compete for cash prizes to be judged on Tuesday, March 8th. As part of the event, the students will have tradeshow exhibits displaying their business concepts in the Fort Scott High School auxiliary gym from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday and the public is invited and encouraged to stop by during this time and take a look at the different booths.
Although the competition is open to any students in Bourbon County, students enrolled in the business and entrepreneurship class at Fort Scott High School with instructor Mrs. Morgan Sage have been the primary ones to enter the competition.
The Chamber organizes the program in association with the NetWork Kansas E-Community Partnership and Bourbon County is one of many communities across Kansas to host a local competition from which the students compete against each other for $3,500 in prize money with the top winner advancing to the state Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge to be held in April in Manhattan.
The public is welcome and encouraged to stop by the tradeshow on Tuesday, March 8th to view the creative business plans and support these students who have worked on their projects over the past several months as part of their class. Both the east and west doors of the high school will be open for entry during this time.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].
Obituary

Obituary of Elizabeth Hill

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Elizabeth A. Hill, age 84, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS. She was born on February 27, 1938, in Los Angeles County, CA, the daughter of Theodore Joseph Davis and May Olive Howe Davis. She graduated from the University of Idaho with dual degrees in General Sciences and Geology. Elizabeth worked in different fields during her life but mostly enjoyed being a Park Ranger. Her assignments included Ft. Scott National Historic Site and the Harry S. Truman House. She was an accomplished artist, and enjoyed crocheting, sewing, and writing children’s books. She loved family adventures and collecting all sorts of things.

Survivors include a son, Danny Roberts, Ft. Scott; 4 daughters, Jolene Matkin and husband Kenton, Ft. Scott, Heather Metcalf and husband Alvin, Ft. Scott, Laura Beerbower and husband Michael, Redfield, KS, and April Jacobs and husband Trevor, Ft. Scott; two sisters, Margaret Janson and husband Bob, Genesee, ID, and Kathleen Burton, Kerrville, TX; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Theodore J. Davis, Jr.; 2 sisters, Doris Wood, and Mary Seavers; a grandson, Shawn Harper; a great grandson, Elijah Miles; a great granddaughter, Paisleigh Sheriff; and her parents.

There was cremation. Kristen Carothers will conduct memorial services at 11:00 AM Thursday, March 17th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 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.

 

Government

U.S. Legislators Call For Putin to be Held Accountable

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Sens. Moran, Marshall Call for Vladimir Putin to Be Held Accountable for War Crimes

 

WASHINGTON – Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and 16 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a Senate resolution calling for Vladimir Putin and members of his regime to be held accountable for the numerous acts of war, aggression and human rights abuses that have been conducted under his command.

 

“The appalling attacks on civilians in Ukraine are the latest in a long line of Vladimir Putin’s unjustifiable orders,” said Sen. Moran. “From indiscriminate bombings in Chechnya and Syria to targeted assassinations in London and Berlin, Vladimir Putin and those who obey his commands are not just thugs, they are war criminals. The United States and international community should hold them accountable.”

 

“Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has caused widespread destruction and substantial loss of life,” said Sen. Marshall. “The United States must stand with the people of Ukraine and hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his war crimes against innocent civilians.”

 

The Senate resolution:

  • Strongly condemns the ongoing violence, war crimes, crimes against humanity and systematic human rights abuses continually being carried out by the Russian Armed Forces and their proxies and President Putin’s military commanders, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin.
  • Encourages nations to take any and all action to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Russian Armed Forces and their proxies, and President Putin’s military commanders, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin.
  • Supports any investigation into war crimes, crimes against humanity, and systematic human rights abuses levied by President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Security Council, the Russian Armed Forces and their proxies, and President Putin’s military commanders.
  • Encourages the United States Government and partner nations to use its voice, vote, and influence in international institutions in which they are members to hold President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Security Council, the Russian Armed Forces and their proxies and President Putin’s military commanders accountable for their sponsorship of ongoing violence, war crimes, crimes against humanity and systematic human rights abuses.

 

The resolution is also cosponsored by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Angus King (I-Maine), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

 

Full text of the resolution can be found HERE.