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Opinion

Good News by Gregg Motley

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Gregg Motley. President of the Bourbon County Economic Development Council. Submitted photo.

Good News!

I am not on social media, but I understand the buzz is not good; not just in Bourbon County, but across the country. It is so easy to go negative. I was the banker for many newspapers in the Kansas City metro area, and it was interesting that the lowest paid reporters on staff were the critics: movies, restaurants, the arts, etc. It is just way too easy. Even I have made a few negative remarks in my columns.

Want some positive news? Bourbon County is number one in per person income in the eight counties in SEK. Here are the numbers:

2009 2018 2009 2018

Allen $33,302 $40,218 Crawford $30,834 $37,921

Anderson $31,955 $38,539 Labette $32,530 $42,127

Bourbon $32,661 $42,697 Linn $29,438 $37,267

Cherokee $28,170 $39,645 Neosho $28,926 $39,485

What this means is that the total income earned by Bourbon County residents divided by every man, woman and child exceeds that of all of our neighbors. Good news!

This is important for economic development in that it takes cash flow to make households, businesses, and government go, and we have it. What else is required for economic development? Capital to invest. Here are dollars on deposit with county bank branches, and the per person calculation, in 2019:

Millions in Millions in

Deposits Per Person Deposits Per Person

Allen $292 $23,600 Crawford $669 $17,200

Anderson $200 $25,500 Labette $484 $24,700

Bourbon $254 $17,500 Linn $178 $18,300

Cherokee $271 $13,600 Neosho $394 $24,600

What this means is that there is $17,500 on deposit in a county bank branch for every man, woman, and child in BB. We are closer to the bottom on the list. Either we have deposited a lot of money with local investment advisors/out of area banks, or we are bad savers. Money in savings is what people use to start new businesses.

Another statistic that plays into the future of economic activity in our county is the “pull factor” which measures the number of dollars spent in BB when compared to the earnings of its citizens; we are at 70%. Using the per person income chart above, what this means is that the average BB person spends about $30,000 in BB (It is actually lower than that, as the statistic does not measure dollars spent here by non-residents). This is a low number; for example, Allen County has pull factor of 103%, meaning more money is spent in Allen County than the total earnings of its residents. Alas, poor Cherokee County is just at 38% and declining; Joplin, Pittsburg, and Miami are just too close with better shopping options.

What can we do? Buy local. Save. Invest in BB. Deposit your money in local bank branches or with local investment advisors. Donate your money to local charities. Invest in a local business. Decide to pay as much of your sales tax as possible in BB. We have the earnings; let’s use it!

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda For FS City Commission Aug. 3

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
AUGUST 3, 2021
6:00 P.M.
I. K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)
IV. Approval of Agenda:
V. Proclamations/Recognitions:
A. Recognition of Thade Yates, Summer Intern
VI. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1293-A totaling $632,620.70
B. Request to Pay – Key Equipment & Supply Co. – Tractor Trailer – $139,754
C. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Building Inspection – $1,669.50
D. Request to Pay – Bettis Asphalt – National Ave. Mill & Overlay – $74,465.65
VII. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per
person, at Commission discretion)
VIII. City Manager Reports and Comments
IX. Engineering Firm Update
X. Public Hearing:
XI. Old Business:
A. Discussion of Downtown Parking
XII. Appearances:
A. Frank Halsey – Marmaton Massacre Event (September 18 & 19)
B. Lee Davis – Eagle Project Presentation
C. Terry Sercer – 2020 Audit
XIII. New Business:
A. Approval to go out for Request for Proposals for Kansas Moderate Income Housing Grant
B. Discussion of Code Enforcement Training and Adherence to the International Property
Maintenance Code
C. Approval of Bid for Lake Fort Scott Property Sale
D. Approval of Bid for FirstSource Property Sale
E. Approval of Super Market Developers & CHCSK Termination Agreement – CID & TIF
District
F. Approval of Contract for Audited Services 2020
G. Discussion of Potential Storwmater Projects for 2021
a. 15th & National – 17th & Eddy
b. Crawford from Wall to Elm
c. Washington & Wall
d. East National & Railroad
XIV. Reports and Comments:
B. Commissioners Report and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XV. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
XVI. Adjournment:

To view entire packet including financials:

Agenda Packet 8-3-21

COVID-19

COVID School Guidance Updates

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Kelly Administration Updates COVID-19 Guidance for School Districts

~$87 million in ELC grants available for local school districts to protect students~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced a new, updated summary document created from recommendations in KSDE’s Navigating Change: Kansas’ Guide to Learning and School Safety Operations as a reference guide and tool for schools ahead of the start of classes. The document continues the state’s practice of mirroring guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In addition to the guidance, Governor Kelly and KSDE are encouraging school districts to submit requests for ELC Grant Funds. The state of Kansas received $87 million to fund equipment, testing, and medical staff to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools.

“We know our children belong in the classroom, but it’s critical that we provide Kansas school districts with support and tools they need to keep our kids safe,” Governor Kelly said. “This guidance is in line with what we have made available over the last year, but has been modified to incorporate the best information we have to fight the Delta variant. I encourage school districts to follow the science and use the available funds to keep their kids safe.”

Many Kansas school districts have already made requests for ELC funds. Including for clinical and administrative staff as well as equipment with mobile technology to create and support the most flexible COVID-19 testing plans possible. In more rural areas requests include transportation to share staff between school buildings and to transport sick children. Others have opted to use ELC funds for vaccination events including incentives and communications in the community.

“We are thankful for the leadership provided by Governor Kelly and Secretary Norman,” Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson said. “We want every student to be in the classroom this fall. To ensure this happens, school districts should continue partnering with their local medical teams to implement safety protocols that protect all students and school personnel.”

The Kelly Administration worked to develop guidance that would ensure that districts across Kansas would be equipped with the best possible information as they prepared to bring their students back for full-time, in-person learning in August. The Kelly Administration will continue to issue new guidance as information is provided from the CDC.

“To ensure everyone remains safe as schools resume in August, it is key for schools and communities to work together,” Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) said. “We urge school districts to use the ELC resources for additional support. And, we encourage communities to continue taking precautions to mitigate the virus, including vaccination and testing. If individuals are not vaccinated, please wear a mask in public. If you’re feeling sick, get tested, practice social distancing and stay home.”

The State of Kansas began a robust, statewide PSA campaign to encourage Kansans to get vaccinated ahead of the July 4th holiday that will continue throughout year.

Watch the PSA here. 

View the updated guidance document here. 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Rescheduled

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Agenda 

Bourbon County Commission Room 

1st Floor, County Courthouse 

210 S. National Avenue 

Fort Scott, KS 66701 

Tuesdays starting at 9:00 

 

Date: August 3, 2021 

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________ 

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________ 

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________ 

County Clerk-Kendell Mason 

 

 

MEETING FOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2021 IS CANCELLED AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021.  AGENDA FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021 MEETING WILL BE SENT OUT LATER TODAY. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Clara Schwartz

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Clara May Pigg Schwartz, 100, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. She was born January 21, 1921, in Arma, Kan., the daughter of Jesse T. and Flora Ruth (Vaughan) Pigg. She married Kenneth Fritz Schwartz on December 16, 1942, in Nevada, Mo. Kenneth passed on September 5, 2014, at 103 years of age. They were married 71 and a half years.

Clara grew up in Bourbon County. She attended Gish School, Fort Scott High School (Class of 1938), Fort Scott Junior College, Washburn and Pittsburg State Universities.

Clara was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 37 years, retiring in 1978. In 1971, she became the first woman appointed to a district (District Traffic Manager Operator Services in the Parsons District). In 1972, Clara was named Woman of the Year in Business by the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce. During her years of employment, she worked at offices in Fort Scott, Chanute, Pittsburg, Topeka, and Parsons.

As a member of the Presbyterian Church in Pittsburg and Fort Scott, Clara served on the Board of Deacons and was moderator of the women’s organizations.

For many years, she was active in the Altrusa Club, Telephone Pioneers of America, Business and Professional Clubs, Pierian Beta Clubs, Pauline’s Toy Workers, Azram Temple No. 81, Daughters of the Nile, Fort Scott Daughters of the Nile Club, Olive Chapter No. 13 Order of Eastern Star, White Shrine of Jerusalem, and Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, serving each group with distinction.

After retiring, the Schwartzes made their home at Lake Fort Scott where they enjoyed swimming, boating, and fishing. Much of their time was spent traveling, including trips to Australia, Japan, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Mexico, and Canada, as well as cruising all the Caribbean Islands.

Survivors include daughter Susan Schwartz Jones and husband Jimmie of Fort Scott, son, John Schwartz and wife Kathleen of Aubrey, Texas, and grandchildren Mandy Shoemaker, Fort Scott, Kan., Danny Jones, Elkins, Ark., Elizabeth Ann Jones, Dallas, Texas, Nicholas Schwartz and wife Madelyn, Aubrey, Texas, Steven Schwartz and wife Claire, Aubrey, Texas, eleven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Schwartz, and her granddaughter, Kelly Schwartz.

Rev. Dr. Jared Witt will conduct funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Monday, August 2, 2021, at the first Presbyterian Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Daughters of the Nile Endowment Fund or in memoriam at First Presbyterian Church and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com. The family requests that everyone wear masks and observe social distancing at the funeral.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Lakes Blue-Green Algae Advisories

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Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

 

Active Advisories

 

Warning

Gathering Pond at Milford, Geary County

Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County

Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” Main Lake, Labette County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County

Parsons Lake, Labette County (new)

Marion County Lake, Marion County (upgraded 7/22)

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (upgraded 7/22)

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

Hargis Lake, Sumner County (new)

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County

 

Watch

Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County

Mission Lake Horton, Brown County

Milford Lake Zones A and B, Geary County

South Lake, Johnson County

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” North Lake, Labette County

Marion Reservoir, Marion County (downgraded 7/22)

Overbook City Lake, Osage County

Agra City Lake, Phillips County

Atwood Township Lake, Rawlins County

 

Advisories Lifted 7/22/21

Herington Reservoir (New City Lake), Dickinson County

Herington City Lake (Old Lake), Dickinson County

Geary State Fishing Lake, Geary County

Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County

Linn Valley Lake, Linn County

River Pond below Tuttle Reservoir, Riley County

 

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

 

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

 

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid

direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.

  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

 

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

 

Signs of a possible bloom include if there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

 

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.Public

Government

Heirs Property Relending Program: Resolving Ownership/Succession Issues

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Biden Administration to Invest $67 Million to Help Heirs Resolve Land Ownership and Succession Issues 

 

MANHATTAN, KANSAS, July 29, 2021– The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $67 million in competitive loans through the new Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP), which aims to help agricultural producers and landowners resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues. Intermediary lenders — cooperatives, credit unions, and nonprofit organizations – can apply for loans up to $5 million at 1% interest once the Farm Service Agency (FSA) opens the two-month signup window in late August. 
 

After FSA selects lenders, heirs can apply directly to those lenders for loans and assistance. Heirs’ property issues have long been a barrier for many producers and landowners to access USDA programs and services, and this relending program provides access to capital to help producers find a resolution to these issues.  

“While those affected are in all geographic and cultural areas, many Black farmers and other groups who have experienced historic discrimination have inherited heirs’ property,” said Charles Pettijohn Acting State Executive Director for FSA in Kansas. “USDA is committed to revising policies to be more equitable and examining barriers faced by heirs’ property owners is part of that effort. This helps ensure that we protect the legacy of these family farms for generations to come.”

 

The Heirs’ Property Relending Program is another example of how USDA is working to rebuild trust with America’s farmers and ranchers. HPRP is a loan and will need to be repaid as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill.

 

The program’s benefits go far beyond its participants. It will also keep farmland in farming, protect family farm legacies and support economic viability.

 

Eligible Lenders 

To be eligible, intermediary lenders must be certified as a community development financial institution and have experience and capability in making and servicing agricultural and commercial loans that are similar in nature.

           

If applications exceed the amount of available funds, those applicants with at least 10 years or more of experience with socially disadvantaged farmers that are located in states that have adopted a statute consisting of enactment or adoption of the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act (UPHPA) will receive first preference. A list of these states is available at farmers.gov/heirs/relending. A secondary preference tier is established for those that have applications from ultimate recipients already in process, or that have a history of successfully relending previous HPRP funds.  When multiple applicants are in the same tier, or there are no applicants in tier 1 or 2, applications will be funded in order of the date the application was received.

 

Selected intermediary lenders will determine the rates, terms, and payment structure for loans to heirs. Interest rates will be the lowest rate sufficient for intermediaries to cover cost of operating and sustaining the loan. 

  

Additional information for lenders, including how to apply for funding, can be found in the HPRP final rule (PDF, 387 KB). A webinar will be held Tuesday, August 3, 2021 regarding applying for funding. Interested re-lenders should register through the FSA Outreach and Education webpage.

 

Relending to Heirs 

Heirs may use the loans to resolve title issues by financing the purchase or consolidation of property interests and financing costs associated with a succession plan. This may also include costs and fees associated with buying out fractional interests of other heirs in jointly-owned property to clear the title, as well as closing costs, appraisals, title searches, surveys, preparing documents, mediation, and legal services.   

 

Heirs may not use loans for any land improvement, development purpose, acquisition or repair of buildings, acquisition of personal property, payment of operating costs, payment of finders’ fees, or similar costs. 

 

Intermediary lenders will make loans to heirs who: 

·       Are individuals or legal entities with authority to incur the debt and to resolve ownership and succession of a farm owned by multiple owners; 

·       Are a family member or heir-at-law related by blood or marriage to the previous owner of the property;  

·       Agree to complete a succession plan. 

 

More information on how heirs can borrow from lenders under HPRP will be available in the coming months.

 

More Information 

Heirs’ property is a legal term that refers to family land inherited without a will or legal documentation of ownership. It has historically been challenging for heirs to benefit from USDA programs because of the belief that they cannot get a farm number without proof of ownership or control of land. However, FSA provides alternative options that allow an heir to obtain a farm number. In states that have adopted the UPHPA, producers may provide specific documents to receive a farm number. To learn more about heirs property, HPRP, or UPHPA, visit farmers.gov/heirs/relending.

 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In 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. 

 

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to include the countries of the Botswana, Cuba, Gibraltar, Isle of Man and Martinique. The countries of Argentina, Colombia, Kuwait, Mongolia, Namibia, Seychelles and Tunisia have been removed. These changes are effective today, July 29.

  • Traveled on or after July 29 to Botswana, Cuba, Gibraltar, Isle of Man or Martinique.
  • Traveled on or after July 15 to British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Fiji, Jersey or The United Kingdom.
  • Traveled between July 15 and July 29 to Tunisia.
  • Traveled between July 1 – July 29 to Namibia.
  • Traveled between June 17 – July 29 to Kuwait or Mongolia.
  • Traveled between June 3 – July 29 to
  • Traveled between May 6 – July 29 to Seychelles.
  • Traveled between April 22 – July 29 to Argentina.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

The travel quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.

For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine).
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel.

Persons who do not meet the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
  • Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Rental, utility assistance available when eviction moratorium expires

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Statewide program granting Kansas tenants, landlords $3 million per week
TOPEKA, Kan.— Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), the state’s housing finance agency, has provided $21,670,326.79 in emergency rental and utility assistance to 4,054 Kansas households experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID pandemic. The funds, made available through the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA)program, were allocated to the state through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously issued a temporary nationwide halt in residential evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. That moratorium is set to expire on July 31, 2021. Kansans who may be facing eviction due to financial hardship incurred as a result of the COVID pandemic are encouraged to apply for KERA assistance.
“It’s so gratifying to know our team is getting these funds out the door and into our communities where they are so desperately needed,” said Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director. “We recognize that the need is vast, and we look forward to providing this crucial assistance to Kansas tenants, landlords, and service providers as the program continues.”
KERA funds helped Gary Evert and his wife Sheryl, a couple in their 70s, remain in their Olathe home. “To anyone else out there who has applied for KERA I would say, ‘Don’t get discouraged. We’re all nervous, but when a customer service representative can calm you down and give you a sense of hope, it’s quite comforting,’” Evert said.
The KERA program previously served Kansans across the state except Wichita residents, who were served by the city’s rental assistance program. Recognizing the importance of serving tenants and landlords in our state’s most populous city, Wichita residents are now eligible to apply for the KERA program, though duplication of benefits is prohibited.
To be eligible to receive KERA assistance, tenants must rent their homes and must have experienced a documented financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples of hardship may include qualifying for unemployment benefits, experiencing a reduction of household income, or incurring significant costs due to the pandemic. Additionally, the tenant’s household’s income may not exceed 80 percent of the area median income.
Nyrica Hall of Topeka was facing eviction when she applied for KERA assistance. Her request resulted in funding for rental and utility assistance, as well as a $600 lump sum payment to cover internet service. “When the customer service manager called me back to say my application had been approved, I cried,” Hall said.
KERA applicants must provide the following documentation:
  • Past-due utility bill or overdue rent or eviction notice from April 2020 to the present
  • Signed lease identifying the residential unit and the rental payment amount
  • 2020 Federal Income Tax Return as filed with the IRS (if tenant hasn’t filed 2020 federal income taxes, their W-2 wage statement and all IRS 1099 forms are acceptable)
  • Proof of identification, including a current state-issued photo ID, court filing notice, or mail from a federal, state, county, or city agency displaying the rental unit address
Approved KERA applicants are eligible to receive a maximum of 12 months of rental and utility assistance, in addition to reasonable fees and security deposits. Qualified applicants are also eligible to receive a lump sum of $600 in credit to their internet providers to cover past-due or future internet costs, at a rate of $50 per month for 12 months. Tenants may apply for three months of prospective assistance at a time. Program guidelines require tenants and landlords to apply jointly, with payments made directly to the landlord or service provider.
The KERA program builds on KHRC’s success administering the Kansas Eviction Prevention Program, a statewide rental assistance initiative funded by the federal CARES Act in 2020. In the roughly 60 days that program was in statewide operation, KHRC processed 10,138 applications for more than $25.8 million in requested funding, ultimately serving 27,200 Kansans with $17,007,614 in rental assistance.
To learn more, to locate a community partner to assist with the application process, and to apply, visit kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance.
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Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency (HFA), administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].
Obituary

Obituary of Sondra Dell’Antonia

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Sondra Elaine Dell’Antonia, age 81, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at her home.

She was born September 12, 1939, in Mulberry, Kansas, the daughter of Vincent Fornaciari and Gertrude Hall Fornaciari.

Sondra’s grandparents immigrated from Italy to Crawford County (Foxtown) where they owned and operated a meatpacking and general store known as The White Star. Her parents later converted the facility into a Private Club known as The Country Cove.  When Sondra was a teenager, her mother passed away and her Aunt Lena became a mother figure in her life. Her Aunt Lena held a special place in her heart and holidays spent at Aunt Lena’s house will be remembered by the entire family.

Sondra attended Frontenac public schools and graduated with the Class of 1958.

Sondra married Angelo Dell’Antonia on June 24, 1961, in Frontenac, Kansas, and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Sondra was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She took great pride in her family and went above and beyond to meet her family’s needs and will be missed by many.

Survivors include her husband, Angelo, of the home; a daughter, Melissa Dell’Antonia Renard (Jim), of Dallas, Texas, and a son, Jody Dell’Antonia (Rachael), of Ft. Scott and a granddaughter, Lily Dell’Antonia also of Ft. Scott. Also surviving is a sister, Terry Ives Meinke, of Dallas, Texas, a cousin, Richard Coleman (Faith), of Pittsburg, KS, and two grand dogs, Zeta and Cletus.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Reverend Rhonda Dunn will conduct graveside services at 11:00 A.M. Monday, August 2nd at the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel from 9:30 A.M. until leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 A.M.

Memorials are suggested to Fort Scott Area Community Foundation or Fort Scott Paws and Claws and may be left in the 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.