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Kansas Water Authority Virtual Meeting April 14

 

 

The Kansas Water Authority (KWA) will have a virtual meeting by webinar on Tuesday, April 14 starting at 10 a.m.

 

For additional meeting information or how to access it, visit the Kansas Water Office website, www.kwo.ks.gov or call (785) 296-3185.

The KWA is responsible for advising the Governor, Legislature and Director of the Kansas Water Office on water policy issues. They also ensure that water policies and programs address the needs of all Kansans as well as serve as advisors of the Kansas Water Vision and Kansas Water Plan. The KWA was established in 1981 and consists of 13 voting members who are appointed by the Governor or Legislative leadership. State agency directors serve as ex-officio members.

 

Paycheck Protection Program For Small Businesses

To see the website:

US Chamber of Commerce – SBA Paycheck Protection Overview

PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP) INFORMATION SHEET:

BORROWERS
The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. All loan terms will be the same for everyone.
The loan amounts will be forgiven as long as:
 The loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and most mortgage interest, rent, and utility costs over the 8 week period after the loan is made; and
 Employee and compensation levels are maintained.
Payroll costs are capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee. Due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.
Loan payments will be deferred for 6 months.

When can I apply?
 Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
 Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
 Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans as soon as they are approved and enrolled in the program.

Where can I apply?

You can apply through any existing SBA lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. Visit www.sba.gov for a list of SBA lenders.

Who can apply?

All businesses – including nonprofits, veterans organizations, Tribal business concerns, sole proprietorships, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors – with 500 or fewer employees can apply. Businesses in certain industries can have more than 500 employees if they meet applicable SBA employee-based size standards for those industries

For this program, the SBA’s affiliation standards are waived for small businesses

(1) in the hotel and food services industries (click HERE for NAICS code 72 to confirm); or

(2) that are franchises in the SBA’s Franchise Directory (click HERE to check); or

(3) that receive financial assistance from small business investment companies licensed by the SBA.

Additional guidance may be released as appropriate.

What do I need to apply?

You will need to complete the Paycheck Protection Program loan application and submit the application with the required documentation to an approved lender that is available to process your application by June 30, 2020.

What other documents will I need to include in my application?

You will need to provide your lender with payroll documentation.

Do I need to first look for other funds before applying to this program?

No. We are waiving the usual SBA requirement that you try to obtain some or all of the loan funds from other sources (i.e., we are waiving the Credit Elsewhere requirement).

How long will this program last?

Although the program is open until June 30, 2020, we encourage you to apply as quickly as you can because there is a funding cap and lenders need time to process your loan.

How many loans can I take out under this program?

Only one.

What can I use these loans for?

You should use the proceeds from these loans on your:
 Payroll costs, including benefits;
 Interest on mortgage obligations, incurred before February 15, 2020;
 Rent, under lease agreements in force before February 15, 2020; and
 Utilities, for which service began before February 15, 2020.
What counts as payroll costs? Payroll costs include:
 Salary, wages, commissions, or tips (capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee);
 Employee benefits including costs for vacation, parental, family, medical, or sick leave; allowance for separation or dismissal; payments required for the provisions of group health care benefits including insurance premiums; and payment of any retirement benefit;
 State and local taxes assessed on compensation; and
 For a sole proprietor or independent contractor: wages, commissions, income, or net earnings from self-employment, capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee.

How large can my loan be?

Loans can be for up to two months of your average monthly payroll costs from the last year plus an additional 25% of that amount. That amount is subject to a $10 million cap. If you are a seasonal or new business, you will use different applicable time periods for your calculation. Payroll costs will be capped at $100,000 annualized for each employee.

How much of my loan will be forgiven?

You will owe money when your loan is due if you use the loan amount for anything other than payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities payments over the 8 weeks after getting the loan.

Due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.

You will also owe money if you do not maintain your staff and payroll.
 Number of Staff: Your loan forgiveness will be reduced if you decrease your full-time employee headcount.
 Level of Payroll: Your loan forgiveness will also be reduced if you decrease salaries and wages by more than 25% for any employee that made less than $100,000 annualized in 2019.
 Re-Hiring: You have until June 30, 2020 to restore your full-time employment and salary levels for any changes made between February 15, 2020 and April 26, 2020.

How can I request loan forgiveness?

You can submit a request to the lender that is servicing the loan. The request will include documents that verify the number of full-time equivalent employees and pay rates, as well as the payments on eligible mortgage, lease, and utility obligations. You must certify that the documents are true and that you used the forgiveness amount to keep employees and make eligible mortgage interest, rent, and utility payments. The lender must make a decision on the forgiveness within 60 days.

What is my interest rate?

0.50% fixed rate.

When do I need to start paying interest on my loan?

All payments are deferred for 6 months; however, interest will continue to accrue over this period.

When is my loan due?

In 2 years.

Can I pay my loan earlier than 2 years?

Yes. There are no prepayment penalties or fees.

Do I need to pledge any collateral for these loans?

No. No collateral is required.

Do I need to personally guarantee this loan?

No. There is no personal guarantee requirement. ***However, if the proceeds are used for fraudulent purposes, the U.S. government will pursue criminal charges against you.***

What do I need to certify?

As part of your application, you need to certify in good faith that:
 Current economic uncertainty makes the loan necessary to support your ongoing operations.
 The funds will be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or to make mortgage, lease, and utility payments.
 You have not and will not receive another loan under this program.
 You will provide to the lender documentation that verifies the number of full-time equivalent employees on payroll and the dollar amounts of payroll costs, covered mortgage interest payments, covered rent payments, and covered utilities for the eight weeks after getting this loan.
 Loan forgiveness will be provided for the sum of documented payroll costs, covered mortgage interest payments, covered rent payments, and covered utilities. Due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.
 All the information you provided in your application and in all supporting documents and forms is true and accurate. Knowingly making a false statement to get a loan under this program is punishable by law.
 You acknowledge that the lender will calculate the eligible loan amount using the tax documents you submitted. You affirm that the tax documents are identical to those you submitted to the IRS. And you also understand, acknowledge, and agree that the lender can share the tax information with the SBA’s authorized representatives, including authorized representatives of the SBA Office of Inspector General, for the purpose of compliance with SBA Loan Program Requirements and all SBA reviews.

Kansas Youth Community Change Conference Online April 20

For those of you who might have teenagers at home or know families who do, there is a virtual opportunity for teens that is coming up!

The Kansas Youth Community Change Conference (KYC3) is going virtual! It is totally free and sessions will take place from April 20th through May 21st.

 

Here’s how it works:

  • Everyone who plans to attend must register for virtual KYC3 here: www.dccca.org/events/KYC3
  • When you register, you’ll pick each session you are interested in participating in.
  • Teens who participate in the sessions will receive prizes!
  • Every teen who registers will receive a KYC3 t-shirt.
  • Our keynote speaker Javier Sanchez from Youth to Youth International will be facilitating his sessions on Friday, April 24th at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. You won’t want to miss it!!

 

We’re offering over 20 different sessions for teens to attend, you can view the full agenda here: https://www.dccca.org/kansas-youth-community-change-conference-kyc3-agenda/

 

We’ve also developed a list of FAQs, which you can view here: https://www.dccca.org/kansas-youth-community-change-conference-kyc3/

 

Please share this with any teens you know who might be interested and/or adults who work with teens. It will be a fun, interactive few weeks and we’re looking for to continuing the conference this way!

 

DCF Relaxes Food Assistance Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults

 

Agency implements other food assistance waivers during pandemic

 

Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard today announced several steps the agency is taking to temporarily ease restrictions on Kansans who are currently receiving or applying for food assistance.

 

“The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act allows states to suspend time limits on food assistance eligibility for unemployed and underemployed individuals known as able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDS),” Howard said. “Additionally, a proviso approved by the Kansas legislature would temporarily allow DCF to apply to the United States Department of Agriculture for a waiver of time limits if Kansas’s high unemployment persists after time limits are reinstated on the national level.”

 

This is a temporary waiver in effect from April 1 through the end of the national public health emergency.

 

Typically, ABAWDS must work or participate in an approved employment and training program for at least 20 hours per week. People not meeting this requirement are limited to receiving food assistance for only three months out of a 36-month time frame.

 

Beginning in April, these individuals continued to receive food assistance if otherwise eligible. If an individual’s case closed at the end of March or previous months they should reapply.

 

Additionally, DCF applied for and received federal waivers allowing the agency to:

 

  • Temporarily extend certification periods so individuals do not have to update their paperwork as often
  • Waive interviews for food assistance applicants, if the agency can verify information through other methods.
  • Waive face-to-face interviews for quality control reviews.

The agency also implemented express eligibility determinations, waiving additional documentation when possible.

Those interested in applying for food assistance can visit the DCF website at www.dcf.ks.gov.

For more information on COVID-19 visit: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.

 

Obituary of Elder James Johnson

Elder James O. Johnson, age 74, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at the Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

He was born June 16, 1945, in Supply, North Carolina, the son of Carlie Hughes and Laura Ruth Johnson.

He married Catherine Jackson on August 18, 1989, at Ft. Scott. James had served with the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

He was currently serving as pastor of the Mt. Sinai Church of God in Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Catherine, of the home and his two children, Terrence Johnson and Elinor Johnson, both of Ft. Scott and a grandson, Isiah Johnson. Also surviving are a brother, Carl Johnson, Jr. (Barbara) of North Carolina and a sister, Orene Fullwood More, of Maryland.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Mia Johnson and a brother, Robert Johnson.

A memorial service will be held at a later date

. Private burial will take place Friday at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Sinai Church of God in Christ 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 of Marilyn Young

Marilyn Young, age 88, a resident of Leawood, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2020, at the Glenwood Village of Overland Park.

She was born November 19, 1931, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Elmer Phillips and Marjorie Eagon Phillips. Marilyn graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and the Ft. Scott Junior College.

Shen married Jack A. Young in July of 1954, at Ft. Scott. Marilyn had worked as a reservationist for Braniff Airlines.

In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, tending to her flower garden and watching the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs on television.

She and Jack also enjoyed taking the occasional trip “down to the boats.”

Survivors include her son, John Young and his wife, Jeri, of Garland, Texas; her granddaughter, Lauren Minyard and her husband, Kyle and a great-granddaughter, Lucille Minyard.

Marilyn’s husband, Jack, preceded her in death on December 1, 2019. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Phil Phillips.

Private burial will take place Thursday, April 9th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Kansas Mass Gatherings Executive Order

Governor Kelly announces revised mass gatherings guidance to include religious services

 

As part of ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, today Governor Laura Kelly rescinded Executive Order #20-14 and replaced it with Executive Order #20-18, which primarily brings our religious institutions and religious and non-religious funerals in line with the previous order that limited public gatherings to 10 or fewer people.

 

Although religious institutions and funerals previously were exempt from this 10-person limit, they now will need to comply with this rule, effective at 12:01 p.m. Wednesday.

 

“As Holy Week gets underway – and with Kansas rapidly approaching its projected ‘peak’ infection rate in the coming weeks – the risk for a spike in COVID-19 cases through church gatherings is especially dangerous,” Kelly said. “This was a difficult decision, and not one I was hoping to have to make.

 

“But I’ve said repeatedly during this crisis that we will adjust to circumstances as they develop to make sure we do everything we can to protect Kansans.”

 

E.O. #20-18 does not ban religious gatherings or funerals. Instead, both conducting and attending religious services and funerals remain designated “essential functions” and cannot be prohibited by local orders. However, gatherings must be limited to 10 individuals at a time and clergy, staff and attendees must adhere to appropriate safety protocols as outlined in the statewide stay-home order – including social distancing, hygiene and other efforts.

 

“I encourage all faith leaders to embrace alternative forms of worship that do not involve in-person congregation,” the Governor said. “Churches are livestreaming services and bringing their parishioners together over Facebook Live for Bible Study. They also are looking for alternative ways to observe their rituals.”

 

On April 3, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued new guidance to support churches in their transition to this method of worship, which can be viewed at http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/toolkit/Church_Sevices_Guidance.pdf.

 

The Governor said that in speaking with several faith leaders across Kansas, she was encouraged and deeply grateful that many religious institutions across the state have already recognized the danger of congregating in person and have proactively taken steps to celebrate in an alternative way. See statements from several below:

 

Reverend C.L. Bachus of Kansas City Kansas’ Mt. Zion Baptist Church: “I am calling the Christian community to follow Governor Kelly’s executive order as it relates to social distancing and limited gatherings. We’ve had some difficult experiences in the religious community that makes this action necessary. I encourage you all to obey the mandate. It’s time we use good common sense as well as exercise our faith during this difficult time. We are all in this together.”

 

Catholic Monsigner Stuart Svetland of Donnelley College in Kansas City, Kansas: “Everyone recognizes the religious liberty and first amendment rights, but with rights also comes the duty to serve the common good. Right now, it is necessary for religious institutions to serve the common good and our common health by following this reasonable request from the Governor.”

 

Dr. T. La Mont Holder, President of Missionary Baptist State Convention of Kansas: “In light of the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is imperative that pastors and churches comply fully with the state and local gathering restrictions of (10 or less) that have been implemented by our Governor, Laura Kelly, and the healthcare experts who are working with her daily to provide the best policies and practices for reducing the spread here in Kansas.

 

This is no time for spiritual extremism. It is the responsibility of each pastor and church to act responsibly and lead by example. To continue to place the health and welfare of our church members, and the community at large in danger is biblically and morally irresponsible and reckless.

 

In these difficult times we must endeavor to be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. To defy the meeting restrictions is negligent, selfish and reprehensible. As a member of the clergy, I understand that as a community of faith the church is our safe place. However we must not turn our safe places into sanctuaries of predation.  

 

I implore EVERY pastor, church leader and parishioner across the state of Kansas to rethink your actions during this vulnerable time in our nation and particularly in Kansas. We are in a state of emergency and our actions in these critical moments will determine how soon we get beyond this healthcare emergency.

 

Join me, the Governor, and our trusted healthcare experts in combatting this unprecedented health crisis in our country. Let’s unite to fight this outbreak and in the end we will conquer COVID-19. #KansasStrong!”

 

Rev. Shriley D. Heermance, Pastor at Historic St. Mark’s A.M.E Church: “Today we were informed of the Honorable Governor Laura Kelly’s Executive Order to remove the exemption that allowed for members of the Faith Community to gather for worship, per the established distancing order. The Historic St. Mark’s African Methodist Episcopal Church (Topeka, Kansas) stand in support of this difficult decision. Sharing with others of the Faith Community, who believe that through this crisis, we are safer at home. We are grateful to have opportunity to continue in Worship, study, and official meetings through the social media and teleconferencing. Our hearts are filled with sorrow over the 11,000-plus lives lost to the COVID-19 virus. We are thankful for all those who serve through this crisis on the front line and will remain prayerful until at last our God has healed our State, our Nation, and our World.”

Obituary of John Durbin Jr.

John Thomas Durbin Jr., 54, died suddenly on Monday, March 30th from complications related to illness.

John was born on May 21, 1965 in Salinas, California to John Durbin, Sr. and Mary Durbin, the youngest of five children.    


John is survived by his wife, Kelli Durbin (Long), his four children: Micheal Murphy, John, Micheal, and Jeffery Durbin; two step-daughters and a step-son:  Katelyn, Ladonna, and Dylan Long; his three older sisters: Kathy Biggert, Dee Anna Poole, and Faith Durbin; six grandchildren: Taylor, Rebecca, Ayden, Jorden, Knox, and Waylon; and one great-grandchild: Vincent, as well as four nephews and a niece: Jimmy Poole, Jr., Brandon Poole, Matt Brown, Jessica Brown, and Daniel Durbin.

 He was preceded in death by his parents:  John Thomas Durbin Sr. and Mary Durbin (Wicham); his older sister: Candy Brown, as well as his daughter, Justina Marie.


No public services will be held, nor are contributions necessary.

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