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Category Archives: Government
Poplar Road Closed on Oct. 5 from Hwy. 69 to 235th
Please announce or post the following from Public Works:
Poplar Rd will be closed tomorrow, October 5 to thru traffic from HWY. 69 to 235th for bridge repair.
Thank you,
Becky Robertson
Bourbon County Public Works
Kansas child deaths hit record low in 2021
Kansas child deaths hit record low in 2021, annual report shows
TOPEKA – (Oct. 3, 2023) -– Child deaths hit a record low in 2021, despite an increase in the number of child homicides and fentanyl overdoses, according to a report released today by the State Child Death Review Board of Kansas.
The board’s annual report analyzed the deaths of Kansas children (birth through 17years old) that occurred in calendar year 2021, the most recent year for which data is available.
“Within the three decades that the State Child Death Review Board has been in in existence, more than 12,000 deaths of Kansas children have been examined. The data provided in this report is critical to our understanding of why children are dying,” said Sara Hortenstine, the board’s executive director. “We know that behind each of these statistics are the stories of children who lost their lives too soon, families who are still grieving, and communities that will be impacted forever. We must learn from these difficult circumstances and take action to prevent future deaths of Kansas children.”
Overall, the report showed Kansas had 349 child fatalities in 2021, compared with 365 in 2020. The overall child death rate in 2021 was 49.6 deaths per 100,000 population, both the lowest number and rate of death since the board was created in 1994.
The rate of deaths due to natural causes declined in the last five years, the report revealed. In 2021, 100-plus fewer children died of natural causes compared to 2018. Despite the overall decreasing number of child deaths in Kansas, homicides, weapon-related deaths, and drug-related deaths in children has shown an alarming increase.
Thirty-two children died from homicide in 2021 compared to only 22 child homicides in 2020, a 45% increase. The report also indicates drug-related deaths increased significantly in the past two years. While no children died in 2017, 2018, and 2019 from fentanyl, 20 kids died from fentanyl overdoses in 2020 and 2021.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported nearly 500,000 people of all ages died from overdoses involving both illicit and prescribed use of opioids from 1999-2019. In recent years, both nationally and in Kansas, the data has shown an increase in the use of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. While fentanyl is a prescription drug, it is also manufactured illegally. Frequently it is incorporated into illicitly manufactured pressed pills and mixed with other substances without the knowledge of the end user.
“My office is committed to preventing every preventable death of a child. This report shows a dramatic increase in fentanyl deaths in 2020 and 2021 as compared with previous years. We are using every tool at our disposal to deal with this threat,” Kobach said.
In addition to policy recommendations, the report includes prevention points that families can use to decrease the likelihood of a child’s death.
The board is a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency volunteer board organized by law within the attorney general’s office to examine trends and patterns that identify risk factors in the deaths of children, from birth through 17 years of age. The report is available on the attorney general’s website at https://ag.ks.gov/scdrb.
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KS Tax Collections $42M More than Estimated
Governor Kelly Announces September Total Tax Collections $42M More than Estimate
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that total tax collections for September 2023 were $991.6 million. That is $42.0 million, or 4.4%, more than the estimate. Total tax collections are up $30.6 million, or 3.2%, from September 2022.
“Because of my administration’s work to put our state on solid financial footing, we have been able to grow our economy and make historic investments in schools, roads, and law enforcement,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, it’s time to give money back to Kansans through responsible tax cuts. Last session, I proposed a plan to cut property, grocery, and retirement taxes in a way that helps every family without robbing the state of its ability to continue growing the economy and making those key investments. Let’s get it done this upcoming session.”
Individual income tax collections were $390.9 million. That is $24.1 million, or 5.8%, below the estimate and down 11.4% from September 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $261.5 million. That is $61.5 million, or 30.8%, more than the estimate and up 53.7% from September 2022.
“Wage withholding remains one of the most reliable revenue streams with 12.2% growth over September 2022. In addition, the SALT Parity Act continues to cause a shift between individual and corporate income tax receipts, with the former being $24.1 million below the estimate and the latter being $61.5 million over the estimate,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “Notwithstanding this reporting anomaly, overall tax receipts closely track the Consensus Revenue Estimate for the month of September.”
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $305.1 million, which is $5.1 million, or 1.7%, more than the estimate and down $4.5 million, or 1.4%, from September 2022.
Click here to view the September 2023 revenue numbers.
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KS Managed Care Organization Contracts Expire Dec. 31
KDHE Announces Re-Procurement of KanCare Medicaid & CHIP Capitated Managed Care Request for Proposals
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Administration, has released the KanCare Medicaid & CHIP capitated managed care request for proposals (RFP) for the provision of managed health care coverage to low-income children and pregnant women, seniors aged 65 or older, individuals with disabilities, and some parents who meet income eligibility requirements.
The current managed care organization (MCO) contracts expire on December 31, 2024.
“My administration is committed to using every lever possible to improve health care across the state, which is why this RFP was carefully crafted to learn from past models and to find new ways to reach uninsured Kansans,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “This process is vital to providing the quality health care Kansas’ Medicaid recipients deserve.”
“The RFP represents Kansas’ continued commitment to providing consistent and quality health care coverage for our most vulnerable citizens,” said Christine Osterlund, Deputy Secretary for Agency Integration and Medicaid. “Updates to the KanCare program in this RFP include a renewed focus on improving outcomes by addressing integrated, whole-person care, workforce retention, accountability measures for the MCOs and other cost-effective strategies to improve the delivery system for members and providers.”
This RFP was carefully developed based on valuable feedback from members, providers, stakeholders, and legislators. The State expects selected MCOs to provide the expertise, experience, innovative strategies, methods of approach and capabilities necessary to advance the KanCare vision and goals. The MCOs must demonstrate congruence with the KanCare vision and goals in all aspects of their performance under the contract.
The procurement follows this schedule:
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Event |
Date |
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1. |
State releases RFP |
October 2, 2023 |
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2. |
Pre-bid conference and actuarial pre-bid conference (Mandatory) |
October 16, 2023 |
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3. |
Deadline for submitting written questions requesting clarifications |
October 23, 2023, by 12 p.m. CT |
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4. |
State will post an amendment with bidder questions and agency answers |
November 28, 2023 |
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5. |
Proposal submission deadline (RFP closing date) |
January 4, 2024, by 2 p.m. CT |
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6. |
Evaluation of bids conducted by State |
January 5, 2024 to March 21, 2024 |
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7. |
Face-to-face negotiations with selected bidders |
TBD |
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8. |
Contract award |
April 12, 2024 |
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9. |
Bid protest period |
April 15, 2024 to May 17, 2024 |
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10. |
Readiness review period |
End of bid protest to December 31, 2024 |
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11. |
KanCare 2.0 MCO contracts expire |
December 31, 2024 |
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12. |
New contracts take effect — services rendered under new contracts |
January 1, 2025 |
“Working with our partners at KDHE, we are committed to conducting a thorough and transparent procurement process to ensure the best product is made available to the people of Kansas,” said Secretary of Administration Adam Proffitt. The Department of Administration is responsible for administering the procurement process.
Interested parties may access relevant procurement documents at the Kansas Department of Administration E-Supplier Page and clicking on Bid Event Number EVT0009267 titled “KanCare Medicaid & CHIP Capitated Managed Care”. The Department of Administration E-Supplier Page can be accessed at: https://supplier.sok.ks.
Additional RFP resources can be found at https://kancare.ks.gov/about-
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Wanted: Public Comment on Kansas Broadband Digital Equity Plan
Governor Kelly Releases Kansas Broadband Digital Equity Plan for Public Comment
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the Kansas Digital Equity (DE) Plan for high-speed internet connectivity is available for public review and comment. While the recently announced Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan outlines the state’s plan to provide access to high-speed internet, the Digital Equity Plan focuses on specifically connecting users.
The DE Plan outlines digital skills training, affordable service plans, and the availability of broadband-ready devices as top priorities. Additionally, the plan emphasizes technology’s positive effect on various areas of everyday life, such as health care, education, and civic engagement.
“Digital equity empowers Kansans with the tools they need to succeed in the modern world,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The release of the Digital Equity Plan marks a significant milestone in our commitment to closing technology gaps. I urge everyone to participate in the public comment process.”
The DE Plan represents a significant step towards achieving the state’s vision of universal access to education, health care, employment, social services, and participation in the digital economy. The plan outlines how every Kansan can utilize quality, affordable, and reliable broadband service.
“As Kansans, we embrace challenges with determination and innovation,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “At its core, this plan supports economic development through the expansion of digital skills and access to new opportunities for individuals and businesses throughout the state.”
The vision and goals of the Digital Equity Plan were developed in consultation with the Digital Equity Advisory Council, representing various organizations and leaders from across the state. The Council’s extensive outreach, research, collaboration, and public input were instrumental in shaping the plan.
Residents, community organizations, businesses, and local authorities from throughout Kansas are encouraged to participate in the public comment period for the DE Plan. The document adheres to National Telecommunications Information and Administration (NTIA) guidelines and includes a description of each requirement and attachments.
“Our vision of digital equity is grounded in the lived experiences of Kansans who face barriers to broadband access,” Director of the Kansas Office of Broadband Development Jade Piros de Carvalho said. “Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, we are committed to providing equitable opportunities to all our residents.”
The Digital Equity Plan is the second of four primary documents focused on accessing and deploying federal funding, building upon the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan (FYAP). The public comment period will be open until November 2, 2023. To add a comment or to get more information about the plan, click here.
The Office of Broadband Development will have a webinar on the importance of public comments for the DE Plan from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3. To register, click here.
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Courthouse Closed for Columbus Day, Oct. 9
The Bourbon County Courthouse and Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, October 9th in observance of Columbus Day.
Bo Co Commission Minutes of Sept. 25
September 25, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Mark McCoy, Emily Franks, Anne Dare, Kevin Davidson, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Mark McCoy.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 9/18/23, approval of payroll totaling $338,719.44, and approval of accounts payable totaling $576,872.46. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.
Clint Walker spoke of the recent passing of Bob Marshall and suggested the Commissioners lower the flag on Thursday to show respect for Mr. Marshall’s many years of service starting in the Marine Corps, serving the community and on various boards including FSCC, and his time as a Senator. Clint said Mr. Marshall would always talk to you no matter where you were and treated everybody with respect. Jim said they would take that into consideration.
Emily Franks, with Jarred, Gilmore, and Phillips, PA, presented the 2022 fiscal year audit. Emily went page by page explaining the information contained in the audit. Since the county spent more than $750,000 in federal funds there were federal requirements that they were obligated to follow to report and test for the single federal audit. Emily said the county has implemented changes and now reconciles and balances the accounts monthly to be in compliance which was an issue listed in prior audits.
Susan Walker requested a 10-minute executive session. Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include all three Commissioners, Susan Walker, Jennifer Hawkins, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:00. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:00 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Justin asked to amend the agenda for an executive session for attorney client privilege.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow for an executive session for attorney client privilege. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include all three Commissioners, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:07. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:07 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
The Commissioners discussed the health insurance benefits information that was presented last week while Nelson was out of town. Susan stated if they are going to leave the state pool they have to do so by October 1st. Jim asked if the opportunity to leave the state pool come up again next year and Susan said yes. Clifton said they will save more money in a year because we won’t have the penalty but they had a goal of having someone trained by now and $30,000-$40,000 would be burnt up quickly to hire a consultant to administer the plan. Clifton said personally he is in favor of leaving the state plan but it wouldn’t be much savings this year so we will probably have to keep what we have. Susan said the premiums for the state plan will not be changing next year. Nelson said it sounded like we don’t know enough to upset the apple cart with something as important as insurance. Clifton said the plan we would be going to is almost identical to what we have and after the penalty we would have approximately $58,000 in savings but we have no staff to administer at this point. Clifton said his goal would be to have the staff ready next year to administer. Jim said they have been talking of leaving the state plan for three years and asked why aren’t we ready after three years. Jim made a motion to leave the state employee health plan and go with a private carrier. Nelson seconded the motion with discussion. Nelson said our staff has indicated they can’t do it right now without hiring someone else and if we could do it without hiring someone else, he would be all for it. Clifton said we can point fingers but at the end of the day it would fall on Jennifer and Susan and in his opinion they have so much on their plate already they have been unable to do it. Clifton said it is not their fault why we are not ready. Jim said he is not blaming anybody but we should have done a better job in planning. Clifton said in his opinion they are doing everything they can in their power, we just had a good audit so thank you to Patty, Susan, and Jennifer. Clifton said the problems from they are dealing with from the past has kept them from other priorities that would benefit this county. Jim asked all in favor of his motion to leave the state employee health plan with the motion failing 1-2.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, said they lost a fence at the shop due to the windstorm over the weekend and there were several trees downed near the shop. Yale Road has been milled with only a one-foot strip left to be completed. Nelson said he heard about it all the way in South Korea. Eric said the company doing the work had a cancellation which is why the work was done on short notice. Eric said he has spoken to and emailed several residents in the area. Nelson said the concern of the residents is that we won’t get one mile of asphalt laid there next year. Eric said he can propose it and it is up to the Commissioners to make it happen during the hard surface road work session but he hopes to get to Eagle Road and one mile on Yale Road. Jim asked if it would be the east or west mile and Nelson said he would have to see what the residents want. Nelson asked when the work session would be for the hard surface roads and Eric said it is usually held in February or March. Nelson thanked Eric for responding to all the emails from the residents of Yale Road.
Justin Meeks asked for a 7-minute executive session for contracts. Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include all three Commissioners, Eric Bailey, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:32. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson made a motion to resume normal session at 6:32 with action. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Nelson made a motion to allow the County Counselor to re-write the contract at Beth Quarry. Jim seconded the motion. Clifton abstained. The motion passed 2-1. Clifton stated he has no benefit from this as it is his mother’s land and contract. Jim said we ran out of room to do more blasts and that is why we have to do this.
Justin Meeks asked for a 20-minute executive session. Clifton made a motion to go into a 20-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include all three Commissioners, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:55. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:55 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into executive session for 10 minutes under KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship and will return at 7:07. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. The County Clerk asked who would be included in the executive session so Clifton made an amendment to the motion to go into executive session to include all three Commissioners and County Counselor Justin Meeks. Nelson seconded the motion stating the 10-minutes would end at 6:08 now and all approved. Nelson made a motion to resume normal session at 7:08 with no action. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:08. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk
10-2-2023 Approved Date
Oct. 12 KDOT Meeting: Focus on Transportation Priorities
KDOT to host Local Consult in Iola Oct. 12
Meeting will focus on transportation priorities in southeast Kansas
The Kansas Department of Transportation is hosting nine meetings in October as part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) Local Consult process. KDOT holds Local Consult meetings every two years to discuss regional transportation project priorities with Kansans.
The sixth meeting will be in Iola and focus on transportation in southeast Kansas (KDOT District 4). It will take place on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. – noon, at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center in Iola.
Those who attend will have an opportunity to share their region’s transportation priorities, hear about more investments being made in transportation and learn about various grant funding programs available through KDOT. The meeting is open to the public.
This event in southeast Kansas is part of the series of meetings being held across the state and is an important step in collecting public input for the IKE program – the state’s current 10-year transportation improvement program.
The remaining Local Consult meeting locations, dates and times are:
- KC Metro – Tuesday, Oct. 17, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Lenexa Hyatt Place Kansas City/Lenexa City Center in Lenexa.
- Wichita Metro – Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. – noon, WSU Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex in Wichita.
- Virtual Meeting – Tuesday, Oct. 24, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. For those unable to attend an in-person meeting, they may attend a virtual meeting on Zoom. Please register here https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvf-uppjMsHdaOpjIXnRlJQV-xQrcEpb1A
More information about the Local Consult process is available online at: ike.ksdot.gov/local-consult-process.
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Bo Co Commission Agenda for Oct. 2
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
October 2, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 9-25-2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $416.24
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- County Clerk
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-Real Property Relief Application-202 Holbrook
- Susan Walker, CFO
- Approval of Open Enrollment Letter
- Approval of Disability Insurance-Assurity
- Approval of Cancer Insurance-Prosperity
- Approval of Northwestern Mutual Life Options
- Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Attachment:
Proposed Evergy Settlement Agreement If Approved: Approximately $5 More Per Month for Kansas Central Customers
A Proposed Settlement Agreement Has Been Filed in the
Evergy Rate Case, Now It’s Up to Commissioners to Decide
TOPEKA – This afternoon, the parties in the Evergy rate case filed a unanimous settlement agreement with the Kansas Corporation Commission covering all issues in the case. The parties include KCC staff, Evergy, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, and a variety of groups representing industrial, commercial, educational, and environmental interests. The Commission still needs to evaluate the proposed settlement, and may approve, reject, or modify the agreement.
The Commission will conduct its hearing on the settlement agreement on Monday, October 9, 2023 at its Topeka office. The hearing will be livestreamed on the Commission’s YouTube channel. Limited public seating will also be available in the hearing room. At the hearing, Commissioners will have an opportunity to hear from parties’ witnesses and ask questions before deciding whether or not to approve the agreement. A Commission order is due by December 21, 2023.
In its Application, Evergy sought a net revenue increase of $204 million (9.77% increase) for Evergy Kansas Central (formerly Westar) and a net revenue increase of $14 million (1.95% increase) for Evergy Kansas Metro (formerly KCP&L). Under the settlement agreement, Evergy Kansas Central would receive a net revenue increase of $74 million (3.54% increase), and Evergy Kansas Metro would receive a net revenue decrease of $32.9 million (4.53% decrease). If the settlement agreement is approved, the average monthly impact to residential customers will be an increase of $4.64 per month for Evergy Kansas Central customers and a decrease of $6.07 per month for Evergy Metro customers.
A link to the proposed settlement agreement is available here .
KS Hearing for Proposed Seed Law on Oct. 19
MANHATTAN, Kansas — A public hearing will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023, to consider the adoption of proposed regulations that govern the administration of the Kansas Seed Law. The hearing will be held in person at the Kansas Department of Agriculture at 1320 Research Park Dr. in Manhattan, as well as via video conferencing system.
KDA is proposing four new regulations along with amendments to two existing regulations, all of which implement revisions and offer clarification to the Kansas Seed Law. The new regulations define terms, set guidelines about analysis to determine violations, establish a list of restricted weed seeds, establish a list of prohibited weed seeds, and clarify rules for seed labels.
For the most part, these changes implement revisions that were made to the Kansas Seed Law during the 2022 legislative session and also make minor clarifications. The only change imposed by these regulations that has the potential to have a practical effect on the agricultural seed industry is the addition of Caucasian bluestem and yellow bluestem seeds to the list of restricted weed seeds. This addition is proposed to help safeguard the agricultural industry from the threat of invasive weeds which is part of the agency’s mission to protect plant health.
KDA welcomes public input on any portion of the proposed regulations — especially the addition of the new species, including those species of Old World Bluestem — to the list of restricted weed seeds. Input can be shared on the public comment portion of the KDA website at agriculture.ks.gov/
Public comment will also be possible at the public hearing both for in-person and online participants. Anyone desiring to participate via video conference must pre-register at the Public Comment webpage to be provided with a video link.
Any individual with a disability may request accommodation to participate in the public hearing and may request a copy of the regulations in an accessible format. Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least five working days prior to the hearing. For more information, including special accommodations or a copy of the regulations, please contact Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or [email protected].
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WHAT: Public hearing on proposed Kansas Seed Law regulations
WHEN: Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Kansas Department of Agriculture
1320 Research Park Dr., Manhattan, Kansas
Or virtual: via video conferencing system
Hearing for Proposed Seed Law Regulations.pdf
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