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Business, Government, Kansas

Angel Investor Tax Credit Application Fee Reduced

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Secretary David Toland reduces fee for businesses seeking Angel Investors

 

Topeka, Kan. – Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today that he has reduced the application fee for businesses seeking to participate in the Angel Investor Tax Credit program.

After reducing the application fee from $750 to $500 in February, the Kansas Department of Commerce reduced the fee further to $250, retroactive to July 1, 2019. Applications for companies seeking investment through the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit (KAITC) program for 2019 will be accepted through August 31.

The program offers Kansas income tax credits to qualified individuals who provide seed-capital financing for emerging Kansas businesses engaged in development, implementation and commercialization of innovative technologies, products and services.

“The Angel program exists to support small start-up businesses, so it didn’t make sense to charge an application fee that put the program out of reach to the very businesses seeking help,” Toland said. “This is a straightforward, business-friendly move that we hope will encourage more start-ups to apply and make it easier for Kansans to invest in promising new businesses.”

The KAITC Program is designed to bring together accredited “angel” investors with qualified Kansas companies seeking seed and early stage investment. The purpose of the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit Act is to help facilitate:

  • The availability of equity investment in businesses in the early stages of commercial development.
  • The creation and expansion of Kansas businesses, which are job- and wealth-creating enterprises.

Applications for certification are accepted only for Kansas businesses in the seed and early stage rounds of financing.

Companies must meet the following criteria to be certified as a Qualified Kansas Business:

  • The business has a reasonable chance of success and potential to create measurable employment within Kansas.
  • In the most recent tax year of the business, annual gross revenue was less than $5 million
  • Businesses that are not Bioscience businesses must have been in operation for less than five years; bioscience businesses must have been in operation for less than 10 years.
  • The business has an innovative and proprietary technology, product, or service.
  • The existing owners of the business have made a substantial financial and time commitment to the business.
  • The securities to be issued and purchased are qualified securities.
  • The company agrees to adequate reporting of business information to the Kansas Department of Commerce.
  • The ability of investors in the business to receive tax credits for cash investments in qualified securities of the business is beneficial, because funding otherwise available for the business is not available on commercially reasonable terms.
  • Each applicant must sign a Qualified Company Agreement with the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Certification of companies must meet mandates established by Kansas statute to allow accredited Angel Investors to receive the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit.

For more information, visit kansasangels.com or contact:

Rachéll Rowand

(785) 296-3345 Office

(785) 207-4755 Mobile

[email protected]

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Flagship Romance July 26

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REMINDER: Get your tickets now! Seating is limited!
Flagship Romance
performing music from their new album “Concentric”
at Liberty Theatre Patio
Friday, July 26th at 8 p.m.
Flagship Romance
will be performing music from their
new album, “Concentric”
at the Liberty Theatre Patio,
113 S. Main St.
Friday, July 26 from 8-10pm
Tickets $10
To purchase tickets, text or call:
Deb 620-224-8650
Terri 620-224-7221
Kate 620-224-4442
Watch a Flagship Romance video
by clickingHERE.
Fort Scott Community College

FSCC plans to renovate Bailey Hall with generous contribution

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Fort Scott Community College was established on the second floor of the Fort Scott High School in 1919. In 1967, FSCC rehoused onto 150-acres of land in what was called the Academic Building with 581 students enrolled. FSCC continued to expand, adding buildings throughout the years as enrollment numbers grew. In 2011, the Academic Building was renamed to Bailey Hall after Robert and Sylvia Bailey, both former Greyhounds.

Bailey Hall, being the original and oldest building on campus, is due for some renovations and FSCC plans to start putting a plan in action after a generous contribution from Robert and Sylvia Bailey who also encourage other to contribute to the cause:

“We feel strongly that those of us who are financially able should contribute to FSCC, a ‘jewel’ that is making a critical impact on the Fort Scott and Bourbon County economy. FSCC permits large numbers of young people to build the skills required to get good paying jobs immediately. And for those who want a four-year degree, FSCC enables students to fulfill the first two years of college study at a fraction of the cost of four-year institutions. Students simply do not need to run up huge debts to get a good education. FSCC is the biggest bargain in higher education. I found in my own career that my first two years at FSCC were never a handicap and may well have served as an advantage to this poor Garland farm boy”, says Robert Bailey.

Funds will be placed in reserves until enough funds are accumulated for the full renovation project of Bailey Hall.

“The generous gift from our faithful supporters, Robert and Sylvia Bailey, has a huge impact on our students by providing the funds for a quality educational environment. We are very humbled to have Bob and Sylvia as FSCC alumni, and we will work hard to honor their donation by strategically using the funds to improve our teaching and learning environment”, says President of FSCC, Alysia Johnston.

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Government, Kansas

Governor Appointments Update

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Governor’s Appointments Pass Senate Oversight Committee

 

The Kansas Senate Oversight Committee Monday approved Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Shawnee, to serve as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration and Herman Jones, Berryton, as Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, along with other appointments to state boards and agencies.

 

“I appreciate the Senate committee’s action in approving the appointments of Kansans who are all well qualified and committed to public service,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It’s truly an outstanding group, and I look forward to seeing the work they do in helping to move our state forward.”

 

Burns-Wallace was the Vice-Provost of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Kansas, and also served as the assistant dean in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at Stanford University.

 

Before working in education, Burns-Wallace worked for the U.S. Department of State as a management officer in the foreign service in China, South Africa and Washington D.C., experience she says helped prepare her for her new role at the Department of Administration.

 

“Managing a foreign mission for the U.S. government is a complex set of challenges that touch on logistics, construction, budgeting, HR – these issues also line up closely to the mission of the Department of Administration,” Burns-Wallace said. “I’m excited to start working on some of these issues for the State of Kansas.”

 

Burns-Wallace holds a dual bachelor’s degree in international relations and African American studies from Stanford University, a master’s degree in public affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Herman Jones began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Emporia Police Department. He then served as a state trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol from 1982 to 1992. Later, he was an instructor at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

He returned to the Kansas Highway Patrol as the director of administration from 2000 to 2011. In 2011, he became Undersheriff of Shawnee County, and later was appointed Shawnee County Sheriff in April 2012, elected in November 2012 and re-elected in 2016.

Jones is a graduate of Emporia State University, the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, the Kansas Highway Patrol Academy, and the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

“I’m honored to be Governor Kelly’s choice to serve in this important law enforcement position,” Jones said. “I’ve dedicated my career to public safety and take great pride in working with the men and women of the Kansas Highway Patrol to strengthen our agency and improve public safety across Kansas.”

Additionally, the following appointments by the governor were approved Monday by the Senate Confirmation Oversight Committee:

 

  • Cheryl Harrison-Lee, Gardner, Shellaine (Shelly) Kiblinger, Cherryvale, and Jonathan Rolph, Wichita; Kansas Board of Regents

 

  • Emily Hill, Lawrence, Kansas Public Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees

 

  • Earl Lewis, Topeka, director, Kansas Water Office

 

  • Constance Owen, Overland Park, chair, Kansas Water Authority

 

  • Joni Franklin, Wichita, Jonathan Gilbert, Dodge City, and Michael Ryan, Junction City; Public Employee Relations Board

 

  • Doug Jorgensen, Topeka, State Fire Marshal

 

  • Kelly Kultala, Basehor, Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission

 

  • Kala Loomis, Lawrence, executive director, Kansas State Gaming Agency

 

  • Stephen Durrell, Lawrence, executive director, Kansas Lottery

 

  • Catherine Moyer, Ulysses, and Kenneth (Ed) Trimmer, Winfield; Kansas Lottery Commission

 

The appointments approved Monday by the Senate Oversight Committee will be voted on by the full Senate in the 2020 Legislative Session.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Library Con Winners

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Submitted by Valetta Cannon, Fort Scott Public Library Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
LibraryCon event was held on July 20, from 10 am – 2 pm at Fort Scott Public Library.
A number of contests, trivias, workshops, etc. were held but these two contests were among the highlights of the day:
 
The first, which began at 10:30 am, was Children’s Literature Trivia, led by Susan Messer. Six people participated. The winner, Jayce Warner, received a prize, trophy, and promise of having his photo and name sent to local news outlets.
 
The second, which began at 11:30 am, was Sports Trivia, led by Professor Allen Twitchell. One person participated. The winner, Brenda Buehler, received the same prizes as the Children’s Lit Trivia contest.
 
At 12:45 pm, we held our first costume contest. First, six kids in the ages 0-11 years category showed off their costumes.
Our judges: Angela Bin, Allen Twitchell, and Brenda Buehler, chose Madalynn Miner as the Best Costume winner in that category.
Next, three teens in the ages 12-17 years category paraded their costumes before the judges, and Jo Goodbody was declared the winner.
Finally, one adult (also a volunteer earlier in the event), Taylor Qualls, entered and won in the ages 18+ years category.
The judges also awarded a prize to Kaylee Cannon, age 9, for Most Unique Costume, Brooklyn Miner, age 10, for Funniest Costume, and Kimberly McBoon, age 7, for Most Beautiful Costume.
Each winner received a prize, trophy, and promise of having their photo and name sent to local news outlets. They are also featured in a post on the library Facebook page. 
Submitted photos.
Trivia Winners
Children’s Literature Trivia: Jayce Warner
Sports Trivia: Brenda Buehler
Costume Contest Winners
Best Costume, Ages 0-11: Madalynn Miner as “Little Red Riding Hood”
Best Costume, Ages 12-17: Jo Goodbody as “The King”
Best Costume, Ages 18+: Taylor Qualls as “Belle”
Most Unique Costume: Kaylee Cannon as “Joy” from Inside Out
Funniest Costume: Brooklyn Miner as “The Big Bad Wolf Dressed as Granny”
Most Beautiful Costume: Kimberly McBoon as “Belle”.
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of July 2

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July 2, 2019                                                    Tuesday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune was also present.

Jim Harris reported that they have been paving on Condensory (235th), he said the new paver is doing a great job. He said they are saving money by using the new paver verses the old. He estimated that by the end of the next paving season the material savings will pay for the cost of the new paver. He said they should be done working in this area tomorrow and will be moving the equipment to Mapleton once completed. After the work at Mapleton is completed, they plan to start working in the Industrial Park. Jeff complimented the professionalism of the work done on Condensory Road.

Dale Arnold met with the Commissioners and Jim Harris; he reported a washed out area on 2nd Street.

Jim Harris discussed an Asphalt/Rock John Deere Cold Plainer that will be needed when work is done in the Industrial Park, on the bridge on Condensory Road and on 215th; he said it is $3,500/month to rent and $20,200 to purchase the machine. After discussion, Jeff made a motion to purchase the new Asphalt/Rock John Deere Cold Plainer with a 30” cut for $20,200, Nick seconded and all approved.

Nick made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Lynne seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Jim Harris and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Lynne reported that Tom Davis reported a hole in the road at 157th & Range Road; Jim Harris said he would view the road.

Jeff reported a request for work to be done on 215th with the pothole patching machine from Dale Bollinger; Jim will view the road.

Lynne and Jim plan to meet Ed Guss with the City of Redfield on July 3rd to discuss the city boundaries.

Jeff made a motion to approve Resolution 14-19, changing the mileage reimbursement rate to .58 cents/mile effective July 1, 2019, Nick seconded and all approved and signed the Resolution.

Jeff made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Robert Uhler with the City of Fort Scott arrived at the meeting.

The Commissioners considered the Kansas Statewide Housing Assistance Program; Justin Meeks said he had reviewed the documents, he said it appeared to be no cost to the County and could benefit low to moderate income families. Jeff said it is based on issuers of bonds that provide funding assistance and they want the County to agree to cooperate with the program; Jeff said he felt that if the program could help people get into homes then it was a good thing. Jeff made a motion to approve Resolution 15-19 agreeing to cooperate in the Kansas Statewide Housing Assistance Program, Nick seconded and all approved.

Appraiser Clint Anderson and Matt Quick met with the Commissioners to present their 2020 budget; Clint requested a grand total of $274,371 for 2020. This total included a budgeted 3% increase for wages for his office. Lynne suggested that Clint revise his budget to include budgeted money in the equipment reserve fund for the future purchase of replacement vehicles. Clint revised his budget and requested a grand total of $284,371, (this included a budgeted amount of $13,213 in the equipment reserve fund).

Nathan Fawson, Joe Springer and Marty Dewitt with the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center met with the Commissioners to present their 2020 requested budget. Bill Martin and Bobby Reed were also present for the meeting. They requested $97,850 for 2020. “Services provided by SEKMHC include 24/7 crisis intervention, outpatient psychiatry, therapy, chemical abuse counseling and education, case management, parent support, psychosocial skill development groups, and supported employment and housing.

In August of 2019, they will provide USD 234 with a school-based therapist and case mangers to better meet the mental health needs of our community’s students and families”.

Mr. Fawson discussed the State of Kansas and the moratorium that Oswatomie has in place; he said Oswatomie has to restrict the level and type of clients that can be there, SEMHC steps in and helps the others that need care. SEKMHC supports Medicaid expansion. Nick questioned since the Hospital had closed, how they help patients with mental needs; Mr. Fawson said if law enforcement felt that a person needed psychiatric help they would go to the Emergency Room and if inpatient is necessary they begin coordinating care, if a person is uninsured or does not have Medicaid or is a threat and refusing care then Oswatomie could be their only option and if there are no beds available there then law enforcement and SEKMHC put forth attentive care. Mr. Dewitt helps rehabilitate inmates. He said he started his work in mental health in schools; he said over the years schools have become more accommodating to their presence in schools. SEKMHC is comprised of 6 counties; Mr. Fawson said he felt that they were under-serving our communities needs.

Emergency Manager Will Wallis met with the Commissioners to present his 2020 budget request; he requested a grand total of $57,039.

Emergency Manager Will Wallis gave a disaster update regarding the recent flooding; he said once the applicant briefings were underway they would have 18 months to complete all programs. Will said he didn’t initially view the debris removal from the bridges; he questioned what the County policy is on repairs for low water crossings and river crossings. Will said that two grader operators still haven’t provided him their grader maps which could help him assess damages. Will said the County could easily hit the $366,000 target.

Justin Meeks discussed the tax sale; he said that Gill Gregory will be reviewing the tax sale list and then Justin will do the publication.

Jeff made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Nick made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

At 11:56, Jeff made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

0709/2019, Approved Date

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Commission Work Sessions July 25

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Notice of Budget Work Sessions:

Thursday, July 25th, 2019 – 9:00 a.m.

Thursday July 25th, 2019 – 12:00 p.m.

There will be two work sessions of the Fort Scott City Commission held on Thursday, July 25th, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. and then again at 12:00 p.m. in the City Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street. These work sessions will be held to discuss the 2020 budget. No action will be taken at these work sessions. These meetings are open to the public.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Friday Night Free Concert: Forever Family

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Friday evening’s community concert at the Heritage Park Gazebo in downtown Fort Scott, at 1st and Main Street will feature Forever Family. It starts at 7 p.m. Please bring a lawn chair and enjoy the outside concert.

 Siblings Jim Dillow,  Ernie Dillow, and, Shirley Showalter started singing together about six years ago. 

“They felt God leading them to share the gospel message of hope and love through music and testimony,” Ralph Carlson, event coordinator said.  “Forever Family enjoyed singing at the Gazebo for the last 3-4 years.  In December of 2017 Jim was suddenly taken to his heavenly home.  They discontinued their ministry at that time as the loss of their Godly and inspiring brother was so heartbreaking and overwhelming.  Recently God has opened doors for Ernie and Shirley to sing together again.  Friday evening will be their first full concert since Jim’s passing.  They, along with Jim’s wife, Susan, are dedicating this performance to the memory and legacy of their brother and husband.  They look forward to sharing; knowing God always has a plan for our lives.  Ernie and Shirley will continue to praise God and seek His guidance for future ministry.”

Government, Kansas

KDHE to co-locate employees in DCF offices

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Kansas Agencies Co-locate to Improve Stakeholder Experience

 

 

Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard and Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman, M.D. today announced a new partnership designed to improve efficiencies and expand the reach of both agencies.

 

KDHE eligibility employees will now be co-located in 17 DCF offices across the state to foster collaboration around the KanCare application process for the elderly and people with disabilities.

 

“I’ve always believed that our DCF offices can be an important connection point for Kansans who need services,” Howard said. “This new partnership is a first step in providing a more efficient experience for those who need assistance with the complicated KanCare application process.”

 

“As an agency, we are continually looking for opportunities to collaborate and improve the stakeholder experience,” Norman said. “By co-locating, we are making good use of existing state office space and extending our reach across the state.”

 

Elderly and disabled KanCare applications are among the most complex. For many years, processing of these applications has been privatized. The process is now brought back in to KDHE. Under the new partnership, KDHE employees will initially spend most of their time processing Home and Community Based Service applications.

 

They also will be available to work with DCF staff on complicated cases. Once the full transition is complete in mid-2020, it is expected that KDHE staff will be able to meet face to face with Kansans who need help navigating the KanCare application process.

 

“I believe this collaboration with DCF will result in positive outcomes for Kansans,” Norman said.

 

KDHE employees will move into the Hays and Wichita offices the week of July 22. Other offices that will have KDHE employees include:

  • Kansas City and Overland Park in August
  • Emporia, Great Bend and Newton in September
  • Manhattan and Pittsburg in October
  • Atchison, Chanute and Salina in November
  • Dodge City, Garden City, Hutchinson and Liberal in December
  • Independence in Jan. 2020

 

As more KDHE staff are hired, the agencies plan to expand to other DCF offices that have available space.

 

“I’ve heard first hand from our workers how excited they are to have KDHE staff in the same office,” Howard said. “We know is this is an important step in helping Kansans connect with services that are vital to their well-being.”