Category Archives: Government

Strengthening The Semiconductor Supply Chain Bills

Governor Laura Kelly Joins Bipartisan Coalition of Governors Urging Congress to Take Quick Action to ReconcileLegislation Strengthening the Semiconductor Supply Chain

~~Governors Urge Swift Action to Reconcile the Creating Helpful Incentives for the Production of Semiconductors for America (CHIPS) Act~~ 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has joined a bipartisan coalition of governors from across the country urging Congressional leadership to reconcile two bills swiftly. Quick reconciliation would get the Creating Helpful Incentives for the Production of Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act to the President’s desk for signature.

“As the global semiconductor shortage continues to challenge our manufacturing industry and threatens our supply chain, Congress must take swift action to get the CHIPS Act passed into law,” Governor Kelly said. “I’ll continue working with our federal partners to deliver solutions for our manufacturing industry that will secure our supply chain, create jobs, protect our workers, and further strengthen our economy.”

Governor Kelly, along with Governors Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan; Eric Holcomb, Indiana; Gavin Newsom, California; Ned Lamont, Connecticut; Brad Little, Idaho; JB Pritzker, Illinois; Andy Beshear, Kentucky; Charlie Baker, Massachusetts; Steve Sisolak, Nevada; Phil Murphy, New Jersey; Michelle Lujan Grisham, New Mexico; Kathy Hochul, New York; Roy Cooper, North Carolina; Mike DeWine, Ohio; Kate Brown, Oregon; Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania; Spencer Cox, Utah; Phil Scott, Vermont; Jay Inslee, Washington; Tony Evers, Wisconsin; Mark Gordon, Wyoming, sent a letter to Congress leadership urging swift reconciliation of the bipartisan program that will turbocharge U.S. production of semiconductors that are critically important to the aviation and automotive industries, and parts suppliers, and will strengthen our supply chain.

Read the full letter here.

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FS Street Advisory Board Invites Public to Discussion of Brick Streets

Street Advisory Board Meeting

to

Discuss the Future of Our Brick Streets

PUBLIC PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND

The Fort Scott Street Advisory Board will meet Tuesday, March 8, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. in the City Commission Room at 123 S Main St, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the City’s policy regarding our brick streets.

The issues under consideration include:

  1. Should exposed brick streets be maintained, repaired, and preserved?
  2. Should asphalt overlay be removed and underlying brick streets restored where feasible?
  3. Should the City establish “brick street preservation zones” in which brick is preserved?

(Note-as a consequence, brick streets outside these zones might be overlayed or replaced.)

Please bring your questions, concerns, and suggestions to this meeting. This input will help the Street Advisory Board make recommendations to the City Commission.

Powdered Infant Formula Recalled

KDHE and the FDA warn consumers not to use select Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula 

TOPEKA – Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is investigating complaints of infant illness related to products from Abbott’s Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. Three brands of powdered infant formula were recalled for possible Cronobacter contamination. As a result of the ongoing investigation, the FDA is alerting consumers to avoid purchasing or using certain powdered infant formula products produced at this facility.

The FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas if:

  • the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and
  • the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and
  • the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

Abbott has initiated a voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas. Products made at the Sturgis facility can be found across the United States. Individuals can find more information about returning the product directly to Abbott by using the Product Recall tool.

Cronobacter infections are rare, but they can be deadly in newborns. Infections in infants usually occur in the first days or weeks of life. About two to four cases are reported to CDC every year, but this figure may not reflect the true number of illnesses because most hospitals and laboratories are not required to report Cronobacter infections to health departments.

The first symptom of Cronobacter infection in infants is usually a fever, accompanied by poor feeding, crying, or very low energy. Infants with these symptoms should be immediately evaluated by a health care provider.

Sen. Moran Statement on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  released the following statement after Russian troops invaded Eastern Ukraine:

 

“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an avoidable tragedy for which Vladimir Putin is solely responsible. President Biden and our allies must impose punishing sanctions on Russia’s vital economic sectors and provide humanitarian support to Ukrainian victims of Moscow’s aggression. It is also imperative that all NATO allies remain unified against the Russian threat and ensure the security of the alliance’s eastern-most members. While this moment underscores the need for our allies to contribute more to NATO’s defense, the United States’ commitment to our NATO obligations cannot be in doubt.

 

“I am grateful for our military service members stationed in Europe—and those who have recently deployed there—for demonstrating to our NATO allies in Europe and around the world that the United States can be relied upon.”

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

Caryn Tyson

 

February 18, 2022

 

 

Crazy Weather lately the temperature has fluctuated from unusually hot to very cold – kind of like how this year’s legislative session has gone.

 

Tax Cuts The government takes too much of our money and needs to be more frugal with its spending.  I stand strong for tax cuts, not tax increases.  Last year, I led a successful effort to cut income taxes by increasing the standard deduction and allowing an option to itemize – the Governor vetoed the tax cuts, but the legislature overrode the veto.  This year, I am again working to lower your taxes. Kansans are paying record amounts of taxes – even with last year’s tax cuts.

 

Senate Bill (SB) 431 modernizes the $20,000 exemption for the schools 20 mil of property tax.  Presently, $20,000 is subtracted from a homeowner’s valuation for the 20 mill collected by the state and sent to the schools.  The $20,000 exemption was established in 1997.  To count for inflation, SB 431 would increase the $20,000 to $65,000 for 2021 and adjust annually.  The bill passed out of the Senate Tax Committee and hopefully, will be debated on the Senate floor next week.

 

Improving Adoptions in Kansas SB 12 would require performance-based contracts to be established by Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) with stakeholders.  The plan would help with early intervention services for families and children who are awaiting adoption.  The bill passed the Senate unanimously.

 

Increasing Healthcare Access

SB 200 would provide Kansans an option to see a pharmacist to start therapy for the flu, strep, and UTI (Urinary Tract Infections).  Some think this is a doctor’s responsibility and overreach for a pharmacist.  While others see it as a way to improve our healthcare system.  I voted Yes.  The bill passed 37 to 2.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

FS City Commission Special Meeting Feb. 22

There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022.

Discussion will be the Airport Runway project.

There will be a work session immediately following the special meeting to discuss the prioritization of Lake Fort Scott projects.

These meetings will be held at 123 S. Main Street in the City Commission meeting room and will be broadcast on the City’s you tube channel. These meetings are open to the public.

FSCC Trustees Agenda For Feb. 21

The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will start at 4 pm with a training provided by Dr. Doug Moeckel of KASB.  This will be open session, but no official business will be conducted during this training session.

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
February 21, 2022. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
4:00 p.m. Board training provided by KASB in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at 4:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at 5:00 followed by regular board meeting at
5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
4:00 KASB BOARD TRAINING
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on January 24,
2022, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 9
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 61
A. Approval of Beverage Sales and Vending Provider on Campus, 61
B. Approval of 2022-23 Academic Calendars, 79
REPORTS, 82
A. Administrative Updates, 82
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 100
ADJOURNMENT, 101
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• February 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• March 14 – 18, 2022: Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 21, 2022: Board Meeting
1
• March 25, 2022: Aggie Day
• April 12, 2022: Foundation Scholarship Dinner
• April 15, 2022: Good Friday, Campus Closed
• April 18, 2022: Board Meeting
• May 6, 2022: Athletic Award Show
• May 7, 2022: Hall of Fame Golf Tournament and Banquet
• May 10 – 13, 2022: Finals
• May 14, 2022: Graduation
• May 16, 2022: Board Meeting
• May 30, 2022: Memorial Day, Campus Closed
• June 20, 2022: Board Meeting
• July 16, 2022: Foundation Gala
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
2
ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Robert Nelson
3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
4
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on January
24, 2022.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Melissa Schelah, IDRC Project Specialist, effective February 1, 2022
b) Madison Dehlinger, Assistant Volleyball Coach, effective February 18, 2022

2) Separations
a) Bethanne Elliott, Admissions Representative/Graphic Design Specialist,
effective February 15, 2022
b) Aliya Higginbotham, Head Volleyball Coach, effective February 18, 2022
c) Brian Lancaster, Director of Admissions, effective February 28, 2022

To view the entire packet:

2.21.22 Consent Agenda

Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula Alert

OOS - JSFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 18, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

KDHE and the FDA warn consumers not to use select Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula 

TOPEKA – Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is investigating complaints of infant illness related to products from Abbott’s Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. Three brands of powdered infant formula were recalled for possible Cronobacter contamination. As a result of the ongoing investigation, the FDA is alerting consumers to avoid purchasing or using certain powdered infant formula products produced at this facility.

The FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas if:

  • the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and
  • the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and
  • the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

Abbott has initiated a voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas. Products made at the Sturgis facility can be found across the United States. Individuals can find more information about returning the product directly to Abbott by using the Product Recall tool.

Cronobacter infections are rare, but they can be deadly in newborns. Infections in infants usually occur in the first days or weeks of life. About two to four cases are reported to CDC every year, but this figure may not reflect the true number of illnesses because most hospitals and laboratories are not required to report Cronobacter infections to health departments.

The first symptom of Cronobacter infection in infants is usually a fever, accompanied by poor feeding, crying, or very low energy. Infants with these symptoms should be immediately evaluated by a health care provider.

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Agenda For Bourbon County Commission Feb. 22

Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: February 22, 2022
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
• Cereal Malt Beverage Permit Approval
• Removal of Special Assessment Process
• County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
o Inclement Weather
o Control Room Request
o Finance Report Update
• Public Comment
• Elected Officials Comment
• Commission Comment

Legislative Update Coffee Tomorrow at the Empress Event Center

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
is hosting a Legislative Update Coffee
Tomorrow ~ Saturday, February 19, 2022
10:00-11:30am
PLEASE JOIN US ~ ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND!
Empress Event Center
7 N. Main St.
(Coffee, juice, and light breakfast refreshments will be served)
Kansas Senators Caryn Tyson and Richard Hilderbrand and Representatives Trevor Jacobs and Ken Collins have been invited to give an update on the current session as well as address any issues or questions presented by the audience.
Thank you to our Chamber Champions members for all of their support