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Government, Kansas

Virtual KS Products Fair

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Purple Ribbon Marketplace Offers Virtual State Fair Opportunity

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s state trademark program, From the Land of Kansas, and a variety of its member companies will be exhibiting in a virtual state fair-like experience, September 11-20, to showcase Kansas products.

 

The virtual experience, called Purple Ribbon Marketplace, will feature special deals like half-off shipping, as well as fun and interactive opportunities to learn about Kansas agriculture businesses and the stories behind them. KDA created a Facebook group, www.facebook.com/groups/thepurpleribbonmarketplace, and launched it on August 28 to begin sharing the stories about its members before product sales begin on September 11.

 

Since the cancellation of the Kansas State Fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program wanted to find an alternative way to showcase these Kansas businesses and offer consumers the opportunity to purchase local products.

 

“This will be an easy way for these businesses to remain connected with consumers so they can enjoy high-quality food and unique products and share with their family and friends,” said Janelle Dobbins, From the Land of Kansas program director. “This virtual format will allow for more interaction, and, of course, the special state fair offers we all love.”

 

A variety of Kansas products will be offered through the Purple Ribbon Marketplace including popcorn, cheese, sunflower oil, coffee, spice and dip mixes, sauerkraut, and honey. A local distillery will also be selling their hand sanitizer.

 

From the Land of Kansas is the state’s trademark program that promotes and celebrates agricultural experiences and products grown, raised or produced in Kansas. It supports the KDA mission to serve Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and consumers by providing agribusiness marketing opportunities to participating local businesses and allowing consumers to identify and choose to support Kansas products.

 

For more information about the program and its members, visit fromthelandofkansas.com or engage with the program through social media by following From the Land of Kansas on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Shop for Kansas products year-round at shop.fromthelandofkansas.com.

 

Business, Fort Scott

Mattox Promoted at UMB

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Crystal Mattox. Submitted photo.
Crystal Mattox was recently promoted to senior vice president of commercial lending at UMB Bank, according to Stephanie Kayser, a part of UMB Bank’s external communications team.
In her role, Crystal is responsible for developing new relationships, expanding existing business and maintaining customer relationships. Crystal provides financial solutions to help her clients grow, improve operations and increase value. 
 
Crystal has nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She joined UMB Bank in 2010 as a vice president and commercial lender. Prior to UMB, Crystal worked at Emprise Bank as an assistant vice president and commercial lender.
 
She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Kansas State University. She is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association’s National and Graduate Commercial Lending School and is a licensed insurance representative. Crystal is active in her community and is on the board of the local United Way chapter. She is also a member of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and volunteers at St. Johns Catholic Church, Gunn Park Trails and the Moran Ball Association. 
Government, Kansas

Prisoner Review Board Location Change

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Kansas Prisoner Review Board Topeka Public Comment Session

Location Change

 

TOPEKA, Kansas – The Kansas Prisoner Review Board (PRB) announced today a change of location for the Public Comment Session scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2020.

 

Due to the announced closure of the Topeka Municipal Court building, the session has been relocated to the Florentine Room of the Jayhawk Tower located at 700 S.W. Jackson Street, Topeka, Kansas, 66603. Participants will be limited to 25 people at a time to meet social distancing requirements.

 

Participants who need assistance with directions or have questions about this change may call (785) 746-7529.

 

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 guidance to include Aruba. Additionally, those countries which previously held a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice with restrictions have been removed from the list effective today – this is in line with newly issued CDC guidance.

 

“While we are removing certain countries from our travel restrictions in line with CDC guidance, we will continue to issue travel quarantines of locations or activities that pose the largest threats to Kansans,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “For countries and/or states, the criteria will continue to be those that have new case rates three times the Kansas rate.”  

 

A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

 

  • Travel to Aruba on or after August 27.
  • Attended/traveled to mass gathering events out-of-state of 500 people or greater on or after August 11.
  • Traveled July 14 – August 27 to countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice and restrictions on entry into the United States, including China, Iran, European Schengen area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, and Brazil.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.

 

Critical infrastructure sector employees who have travelled to these destinations or gatherings should contact their local health department regarding instructions for application of these quarantine orders while working. Critical infrastructure employees, such as public health, law enforcement, food supply, etc., need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans so the local health department may allow a modified quarantine. Please note the only exemption for these quarantine mandates for critical infrastructure sector employees is work – they are not to go any other locations outside of work.

 

“If you are choosing to travel, in-state, out-of-state or internationally, please know that even though travel may be opening, there are inherent risks,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Be sure to wear masks, practice social distancing and use proper hand hygiene. And, if you’re not feeling well, stay home!”

 

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

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Aug. 13

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August 13, 2020 Thursday 10:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session to hold the 2020 Primary Election canvass, all of the Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk were present for the canvass. Present for the canvass were the following; Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune, Michael Hoyt, Hazel Swarts, Sparky Schroeder and Julie Saker.

The Commissioners had a 2021 budget review beginning at 1:30 pm. Present for the meeting Lynne Oharah, Nick Ruhl, Kendell Mason and Justin Meeks, also present were Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune, Michael Hoyt and Hazel Swarts. The Commissioners said they were budgeting for 4 additional employees for the Road & Bridge departments (2 employees for a bridge crew and 2 employees for a ditching crew), Michael Hoyt questioned how the Commissioners were going to cover the loss of the Public Works director and the foreman; Lynne said they would open up the positions up for applications. The Commissioners decided to add $3,694.82 to the Correctional Center wages to help fund raises for two salaried employees, (this raise will not go into effect until a wage resolution is adopted to put the raises into effect). Lynne said a raise has been built into the IT department’s budget. Michael Hoyt questioned what expenses had been removed from the Commission budget and the Attorney’s budget; Lynne said expenses were removed from the Commission budget and that moving/remodeling expenses were removed from the Attorney’s budget that had been built in the prior year’s budget, District Court’s 2021 budget is more than 2020 due to money budgeted for Courthouse security, the Commissioners said the I/T’s overall budget is higher than 2020 to cover the cost of I/T expenses at the Hospital and if the County doesn’t take over the Hospital the money will be used as a carryover for the general fund. The Commissioners discussed the County Counselors 2021 wages; Lynne said currently the County Counselor makes $64,000 annually, he said the wages will increase to $78,000 in 2021 and the County Counselor will be paid as a 1099 employee without any benefits, he will pay for his own office supplies and CLE’s, $12,000 is budgeted in contractual for the tax sale work; Michael Hoyt suggested to make sure that the County Counselor meets the definition of an IRS 1099 employee. Tammy Helm questioned if part of the economic development’s salary is paid by grant money; the Commissioners said part of that salary will be paid by the Healthy Bourbon County Grant. The Commissioners continued to go through the 2021 budget; Lynne said they hope to have enough surplus in the ambulance fund to purchase a replacement ambulance. The Commissioners said the Road & Bridge 1% sales tax will be on the General Election 2020 ballot. Hazel Swarts questioned where the COPS and Sparks grants were accounted for on the 2021 budget; the Commissioners said the COPS is labeled as the SRO under the Sheriff’s revenue, Hazel questioned where the vehicle would come from for the SRO officer; the Commissioners said that the Sheriff stated he had a spare vehicle for this position.

Lynne made a motion to publish the 2021 budget as presented with the additional $3,694.82 for the Correctional Center wages, Nick seconded and the motion passed. Nick made a motion to hold a 2021 budget hearing on August 25th @ 10:00 am, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.

Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 25-20; a resolution with the results of the 2020 Primary Election, Nick seconded and the motion passed and they signed the resolution.

At 2:47, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and the motion passed.

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
August 18, 2020, Approved Date

Fort Scott, Government

Water Flushing/Burnout Starts Today in Fort Scott

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Press release for 2020 Flushing/Burnout

Who: City of Fort Scott Water Utility

What: Is initiating our flushing/ free Cl2 burnout program for the year.

When: Starting on Thursday, August 27th and lasting approximately 5 weeks.

Where: City of Fort Scott – and Bourbon County Rural water districts.

Why: In order to maintain water quality. If this maintenance is not performed in the water distribution system, the water will eventually lose all of its disinfection residual, which could cause water quality to degrade, and could cause the utility of incur disinfectant residual violations from KDHE.

The Fort Scott Water Utility has commenced the annual flushing program along with a free chlorine burnout of the water distribution system. This burnout is a part of necessary maintenance of the distribution system which will help maintain the disinfection residual levels required by KDHE. During this flushing and free chlorine burnout, the disinfectant used in our distribution system will be changed from chloramines to free chlorine which is a stronger and faster-acting disinfectant. Flushing and chlorine burnouts are routine distribution system maintenance conducted by utilities with chloramine disinfection.

There are two common types of chlorine used in water treatment for disinfection purposes, combined chlorine (or chloramines) and free chlorine. Chloramines are created by combining free chlorine with free ammonia. A benefit of using chloramines is that they will retain disinfection residual longer in the distribution system and they do not lend themselves in promoting taste, or a “chlorine” taste in the water. Except during a burn out in the summer time, the City of Fort Scott Water Treatment Plant uses chloramines to disinfect the finished water before entering the distribution system. However, chloramines are not as strong of a disinfectant as free chlorine and it can allow certain types of nitrifying bacteria to grow in the distribution system. These natural occurring bacteria feed on the ammonia found in our finished water. These bacteria are nonpathogenic – they are not a health concern. Nitrifying bacteria which naturally grow in any distribution system when using chloramines can become prolific in warm summer temperatures. They will eventually cause water quality to degrade in the warmer summer months. Also, heat alone is a major factor that will cause disinfectant residuals to dissipate.

This is why surface water systems across the State do an annual or biannual free chlorine burnouts. The term burnout is commonly used because free chlorine is a much more powerful disinfectant than combined chlorine. Free chlorine will oxidize nitrifying bacteria and keep it in check.

Fire hydrants will be utilized to allow flushing of the system to help remove sediment from the pipes and distribute the change in disinfectant. Customers may notice city personnel flushing fire hydrants throughout the city during this period. This free chlorine is pulled through the distribution system by flushing the entire system through fire hydrants, blow-offs, and overflowing water towers.

Occasionally during this process customers may temporarily experience low pressures, taste or odors, discolored water, or even some sediment in their water. During the flushing and burnout you may notice that your tap water tastes different than normal. This is because most people cannot smell or taste combined chlorine in the water, however most people can smell and taste free chlorine in the water. It could also affect the taste of fountain drinks. If you find the chlorine taste unpleasant, it can be helpful to leave an uncovered pitcher of water sit overnight. This will allow some of the chlorine to evaporate and could help improve taste during this time.

The burnout process normally takes four to five weeks after which we can return to the combined chlorine residual and the excellent tasting water of which we are accustomed. We are extremely fortunate to have such a quality water supply available to us. Quality water helps promote quality life. Much of the rest of the world is not as fortunate as we are in water supply and water quality.

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments please contact Michael Mix or Scott Flater at the Water Treatment Plant at 223-5160 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.

Business, Government, Kansas

Over 7,000 SPARK Grant Seekers Applied

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces More Than 7,000 Businesses, Nonprofits Have Applied for SPARK Connectivity Grant Funds

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced a strong response to the state’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Economic Development and Connectivity grant application process, which has yielded more than 7,000 requests for assistance from businesses and nonprofit organizations across Kansas.

 

Of the 7,000-plus grant applications submitted, more than 5,000 were for Small Business Working Capital grant funds. 

 

“The initial response to this application period has been extraordinary,” Governor Kelly said. “We’re ready to give each application the consideration and attention it deserves – and we’ll make sure these funds are deployed in the most effective and strategic way possible to help small businesses, nonprofit organizations and others affected by COVID-19.”

 

More than $138 million in grants to serve businesses and nonprofits affected by the pandemic and for the expansion of broadband access in the state was made available by the SPARK Taskforce established earlier this year by Governor Kelly to lead Kansas forward in recovery from the far-reaching effects of COVID-19.  

 

Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) applications will be reviewed starting at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, when those applications are due. Because of the high volume of applications received, we will no longer accept applications for Small Business Working Capital and PPE Procurement grant programs after 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 31. Small Business Working Capital and PPE Procurement grants are reviewed on a rolling basis. 

 

“The response from small businesses across the state has been amazing, and I’m proud to know that so many organizations will benefit from these grants,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “I’m so grateful to the organizations across Kansas that helped us amplify this message so quickly. Now, we need to make sure these funds are distributed in a way that benefits all Kansans and ensures that our state can get back to business.”

 

The SPARK Taskforce and Kansas Department of Commerce intend to maintain the Small Business Working Capital, PPE Procurement and Connectivity Emergency Response Grant programs in case additional federal CARES Act funding becomes available.

 

The online application process for several other SPARK grant programs will remain active. Details are available at kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief.