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Government, Health Care

Sen. Moran Holds Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Budget Reconciliation Bill

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Senator Jerry Moran Convenes Town Hall with Hospital Leaders
Kansas hospital leaders ask their questions and learn more about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that passed the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives.

(July 3, 2025) – Kansas hospitals appreciated the invitation from Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to join a virtual
town hall to discuss the Budget Reconciliation Bill. The U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives passed
the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is now headed to President Trump for his signature.
This afternoon, more than 100 hospital leaders were able to join the virtual town hall. Senator Moran was able
to highlight several challenges in the original Senate version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that were
mitigated. Kansas hospitals on the call were able to ask questions, share concerns and thank the Senator for
his leadership and advocating for Kansas and Kansas hospitals.
Specific issues discussed included how the bill maintains language grandfathering Kansas’ provider assessment
and state directed payment rates, including language protecting the enhanced support for Critical Access
Hospitals and Rural Emergency Hospitals approved by the Kansas legislature earlier this year. Sen Moran
highlighted the Rural Health Transformation Fund. This Fund was increased to $50 billion ($10 billion per year
for five years). He also discussed delaying the wind down of the Medicaid state directed payments for an
additional year which will be a benefit to Kansas hospitals.
Kansas hospitals are appreciative of Sen. Moran’s work to ensure hospitals will continue to be eligible to
receive up to $5 billion in additional Medicaid payments over the next 10 years through the Kansas provider
assessment and state directed payment programs. This funding was in jeopardy with the original Senate
language in the bill. Kansas will now be able to proceed with the provider assessment that was approved by
the Kansas legislature earlier this year.
At the conclusion of the town hall, Sen. Moran discussed his commitment to continue supporting Kansas
hospitals, including efforts on the 340B Program and Medicare Advantage.

Government, Kansas

KS June Tax Collections Above Estimate

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June Total Tax Collections at $1.06 Billion;
7.4% Above Estimate


TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends June 2025 with total tax collections at $1.06 billion. That is $72.6 million, or 7.4%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 3.2% from June 2024.

“While this month’s stronger-than-expected revenues are a welcome sign, it does not alleviate my concern that the state legislature’s budget will put Kansas in the red by over $375 million by 2029,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Even with current revenues exceeding the forecast, the budget created by the state legislature still has us spending $300 to $700 million more than we receive each year for the foreseeable future, jeopardizing the long-term fiscal health of the state, which I have prioritized as governor.”

Keeping Kansas on the path of fiscal stability will require discipline in the coming years to prevent a return to four-day school weeks, crumbling roads and bridges, and a depleted rainy day fund.

Click here to view the June 2025 revenue numbers.

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Area News, Kansas, Youth

Learn How Recent Federal Bill Will Affect Families

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Submitted by

Jessica Herrera Russell

Senior Communications Manager for Kansas Action For Children

 

Now that the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” has been passed and signed into law, advocacy groups like Kansas Action for Children are diving deeper into the provisions to understand exactly how everyday Kansans will be impacted. Join the KAC experts on Tuesday, July 15, at 11:30 a.m. (CT) to learn what the bill means for kids and families. After the briefing, KAC policy advisors will be available for questions.

 

REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uTupmf1VQROKaVvHCR29kw

 

Featuring:

  • Emily Barnes, Education Policy Advisor, KAC
  • Heather Braum, Senior Policy Advisor, KAC
  • Dustin Hare, Economic Security Policy Advisor, KAC
  • Nathan Kessler, Fiscal Policy Manager, KAC

 

During the call, we’ll cover what happened with Medicaid, SNAP, taxes, education, and more, including:

  • How SNAP is in danger of ending in Kansas – if state lawmakers don’t choose to pay the required cost share
  • Changes to child care tax credits
  • Implications for the health care system
  • Kansas kids losing access to the federal child tax credit

 

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Let’s Flamingle Shopping Event Downtown & Around Fort Scott, This Weekend

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

presents

Let’s Flamingle Shopping Event

Downtown & Around Fort Scott, KS!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Let’s Flamingle shopping event will be held this Friday and Saturday, July 11th-12th,

Downtown and around.

Businesses in the Downtown Historic District and additional locations will be participating by hiding flamingos inside the stores that can be found for discounts and giveaways.

Shoppers may also pick up a card from any participating store and get it stamped by spending $5 or more in at least three retailers for a chance to win $50 in Chamber Bucks gift certificates.

Offshore Tropix Dole Whip will be set up at Bids & Dibs and Tiger Ice at 1st and Main St., offering cold treats.

Participating retailers include:

    110 South Main Mercantile, 110 S. Main St.

  Angie Dawn’s Boutique, 121 E. Second St.

Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market, 18 N Main St.

Be The Light Boutique, 12 N. Main St.

Bids & Dibs, 121 E. Second St.

Care to Share Gift Shop, 9 E. Wall St.

    Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall St.

Iron Star Antiques & Such, 3 N. Main St.

Laree + Co., 3 S. National Ave.

Main St. Vintage & Co., 23 S. Main St.

        Museum of Creativity, 102 S. National Ave.

Shirt Shack, 11 E. 18th St.

 Sunshine Boutique, 18 E. Wall St.

Grab your “flock” and get ready to shop local this weekend for the Let’s Flamingle event, Downtown and around in Fort Scott. Organized by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 620-223-3566, fortscott.com.

Click HERE for the Facebook Event Page!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Government, Kansas

Return On Investment Study Released by KS Commerce Dept.

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Commerce Groundbreaking ROI Study on Registered Apprenticeships

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the release of a study recognizing the positive return on investment (ROI) companies receive by participating in registered apprenticeship programs. The analysis was drawn from surveys of Kansas employers involved in the state’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) for high-wage and high-demand occupations.

“These results make the case that businesses who adopt apprenticeship programs simply perform better by attracting and retaining more skilled workers,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “As we continue to expand apprenticeship opportunities in Kansas, this research will help inform employers’ workforce decisions — and keep up with industry demand for trained talent.”

As more companies show interest in RAPs, and more individuals pursue earn-and-learn pathways, there is a need to understand the benefits to employers who invest in this important workforce and educational initiative.

Key findings from the recent study revealed:

  • Identified company participation has grown 228% since 2022 – from 280 to 919 in just three years since Governor Kelly established the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship
  • At program completion, half of all employers report breaking even in the short term, while nearly two-thirds break even within five years — demonstrating both immediate and long-term returns on investment
  • After five years, the median ROI increases dramatically to 246%, or $2.49 in net direct benefits for every $1 invested
  • In addition to financial gains, employers also report indirect benefits such as improved employee satisfaction, stronger workforce culture, and a more reliable pipeline of skilled workers

The size of the sample group included 18 Kansas employers who provided full ROI responses and 16 reporting on indirect outcomes. The insights offer valuable insight into how RAPs are creating value for Kansas companies.

“This study alone confirms the feedback we’ve heard from our industry partners — that registered apprenticeships pay off,” Director of Apprenticeships and Internships Shonda Anderson said. “With this important data showing the monetary value of these programs, we can elevate our efforts to expand apprenticeship opportunities across the state.”

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship and its partners will use the findings to support future policy, expand employer engagement and drive investment in high-quality training programs to meet the needs of the workforce and businesses.

To view the report, click here.

To learn more about the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship and its resources, visit the webpage 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 was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship:

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship was established by Governor Laura Kelly on Sept. 6, 2022, through Executive Order #22-07. The office supports apprenticeships across multiple industries to provide a highly skilled source of labor for employers and ensure occupational proficiency for career-seekers. The program incorporates on-the-job learning, technical instruction and mentorship to create long-term employment opportunities in Kansas.

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Obituary

Obituary of Charles Paul Sellers

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Charles Paul Sellers, 65, passed away at the VA home in Warrensburg, Missouri, Tuesday, July 1, 2025. He was born August 4, 1959, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Garland Dell Sellers and Norma Jean (Quick) Sellers. He married Amy Seal July 29, 2016, in Miami, Oklahoma, and she survives of the home.

Charles graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1977. He was an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts, and he served in the United States Navy, retiring as Chief Petty Officer on December 24, 1998. He attained Master Mason June 11, 1979. Charles was a Facility Manager for St. Luke’s Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa. He was also a Teaching Pastor at New Freedom Church in Sioux City, as well as pastoring at Gospel Mission. He received two Master’s Degrees, Human Resources and Hospital Administration, from Briar Cliff University, where he was an Adjunct Professor.

In addition to his wife Amy, Charles is also survived by his mother, Norma; his children, Tawnya Elisabeth Riddell (Mike), of Grants Pass, Oregon, David Paul Sellers (Rachael), of Rathdrum, Idaho, Cassandra Lynn Covelli (PJ), of Tampa, Florida, and step children , Mia Perry, of Mission, Kansas, Kyle Perry (Katilyn), of Olathe, Kansas, Ryan Porter (Rhiannon), of Jacksonville, Texas; two brothers, Donald Sellers (Debbie), of Wellsville, Kansas, and James Sellers (Jackie), of Fort Scott, Kansas; and three grandchildren, Matthew, Rylee, and Dawson, and three step grandchildren, Keyleigh, Ava, and Wesley. He was preceded in death by his father, and his second wife, Cindy Syrcle, both respectfully in 2015.

Following cremation, Pastor Christopher Eshelman will officiate graveside services at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2025, at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to services on Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, and leave for the cemetery at 10:45 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Veteran’s Community Project either online at https://www.veteranscommunityproject.org/kansascity or may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee hosted by CarHelp Full-Service Repair Shop

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

CarHelp

Full-Service Repair Shop
Thursday, July 10th

8am

at

1114 S. Clark St.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by CarHelp Full-Service Repair Shop, 1114 S. Clark St., located in the 5 Corners Mini-Mart complex at 12th and Clark Streets, just off of 69 highway, this Thursday, July 10th at 8am. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.

CarHelp is owned by Leroy Walker and Lori Lovelace and offers a wide range of auto repair services. With over 35 years combined experience, Leroy, along with Mechanical Technician Andrew Burenheide specialize in brakes, struts, tune-ups, A/C servicing, and more. CarHelp is also a BG dealer and a local outlet for U-Haul truck and trailer rentals.

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.

Click HERE to visit the CarHelp Facebook Page!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Area News

Tri-Valley Foundation Truck Raffle Winner Announced

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Joe Love, Colorado, is the winner of the vehicle. Submitted photo.

25th Raffle Drawing Winner Announced

On Friday, June 20th, the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation drew a winning ticket for their 25th Annual Truck Raffle Drawing.  This year’s winner was Joe Love from Colorado.  Joe is pictured above standing next to his 2025 Ford F150 Platinum Edition Truck.  The Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation thank everyone who entered in this year’s raffle drawing.  One thousand six hundred eighty-three tickets were sold.  All funds raised from the raffle drawing go towards providing quality and affordable housing for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties in SE Kansas.  Raffle License:  RAF000005.