Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Building Up Local Economies From Fed Money

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces $1 Million Federal Grant to Support Economic Development in Kansas

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration has awarded Kansas $1 million to accelerate economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and build up local economies.

“My administration set the stage for economic growth early on – and despite the challenges of the pandemic, we’ve achieved one business recruitment victory after another, experienced record-breaking investment, and earned national recognition for our successes,” Governor Kelly said. “These dollars will allow us to keep up that momentum, and support our efforts to build a better, more resilient economy for future generations of Kansans. I want to thank our federal partners for their investment in our communities.”

EDA awarded $24 million in grants to states and territories across the nation for statewide planning efforts to boost economic development, enhance U.S. competitiveness, combat the climate crisis, and recover from the pandemic. These are the first EDA American Rescue Plan grants announced.

All 59 states and territories have been invited to apply for a $1 million grant through EDA’s Statewide Planning program—one of six programs EDA developed to equitably distribute its $3 billion in American Rescue Plan funding. 24 grants were awarded yesterday, with the remainder being disbursed in the coming weeks and months.

For more about EDA’s Statewide Planning grant and other American Rescue Plan programs, please visit: https://www.eda.gov/arpa/.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov) The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Moderna and J&J Booster Shots Announced

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Kansas Adopts CDC’s Recommendations for Moderna and J&J Booster Shots

~ COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and free ~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced Kansas will adopt the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) new recommendations around Moderna and J&J booster shots, following a similar announcement last month around the Pfizer-BioNTech (also known as Comirnaty) booster. She has authorized all COVID-19 vaccine providers to begin administering the booster shots to all eligible Kansans today.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is free, safe, effective, and the best way to keep our communities protected from this virus. CDC approval means that additional protection is now available to the qualified Kansans who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine six or more months ago and those 18 and older who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine two or more months ago,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Whether you are considering your first shot or signing up for a booster, I urge everyone to get the facts and get vaccinated. Together, we can put an end to this deadly pandemic.”

“Starting today, over 2,000 COVID-19 vaccine providers across Kansas stand ready to provide a free booster dose for Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine to anyone who is eligible,” said Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “But this isn’t just a question of access. In every community in our state, we need to be talking to our family, our friends, and our neighbors about the need to get this safe and effective vaccine.”

After thorough review, the CDC now recommends the booster shots for the following Kansans who have completed their primary Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine series:

  • People aged 65 years and older, regardless of a medical condition, should receive a Pfizer or Moderna booster shot;
  • Residents 18-plus in long-term care settings should receive a Pfizer or Moderna booster shot;
  • People aged 18-plus years with underlying medical conditions may receive a Pfizer or Moderna booster shot;
  • People aged 18-plus years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a Pfizer or Moderna booster shot, based on their individual benefits and risks.

The vaccine booster dose only applies to individuals who completed the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine series at least 6 months ago.

For all people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.

There are now booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may prefer the vaccine type that they originally received and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for a mix and match dosing for booster shots.

Eligibility for a booster dose based on an underlying medical condition will only require self-attestation – a prescription or assessment from a health care provider is not required.

Available data right now show that all three of the COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the United States continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging. To find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic visit Vaccines.gov.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance awards$52 million to protect tenants with eviction risk

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Pandemic relief measure provides rental, utility, and internet assistance to more than 9000 Kansas families
TOPEKA, Kan.— The Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program has provided more than $51.9 million in relief funding to communities across the state. To date, KERA funds have supported 23,834 residents of 9,220 tenant households and 3,786 landlords facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID pandemic.
When Nick Baumgartner’s small business began to flounder in 2020, he could not afford to pay his rent and was barely keeping up with utility bills. “I never had to ask for any kind of financial assistance before,” said Baumgartner, whose Topeka business served local restaurants. “But because restaurants were so negatively impacted by the pandemic, my profits suffered too.”
That’s when Baumgartner’s landlord suggested they jointly apply for Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA). After receiving rental assistance, his landlord was made whole, and Baumgartner was able to keep his own business running, helping local restaurants bounce back financially. He has since reapplied for three prospective months of rental assistance.
KERA provides rent, utility, and internet assistance to households financially impacted by the COVID pandemic. Landlords and tenants apply via a joint application process, and payments are made directly to housing and service providers. Once eligible KERA applicants receive assistance for any past-due amounts, they are eligible to recertify for three prospective months of rental assistance at a time, for a total of up to 15 months of support.
Recent program updates have streamlined application processing and provided additional resources to Kansans at risk of eviction:
  • Thanks to recent changes in Treasury rules, KERA applicants can now self-attest to eligibility guidelines including household income, COVID hardship, and housing instability, easing the documentation burden and shortening processing time.
  • The program’s new Bridge to Housing Stability initiative has partnered with community organizations across the state, providing more than $7.3 million to support Kansans experiencing homelessness. Bridge partners use KERA funds to provide hotel vouchers, housing counseling, and rapid rehousing solutions, helping tenants enter into new leases with KERA funding.
  • KERA has prioritized applicants at imminent risk of eviction and utility shutoff, halting 349 active evictions, preventing utility shutoffs for more than 1,900 households, and restoring utility services to more than 100 homes.
  • Through partnerships with the legal community, KERA has provided free representation to applicants engaged in eviction proceedings, as well as program resources and training to attorneys and judges. These efforts have helped tenants avoid eviction and helped landlords avoid legal action.
Funded by the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations act of 2021, the KERA program is administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC).
To learn more and apply, please 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].
Government, Kansas

State Experts Offer Tips for Preventing Deer-vehicle Collisions

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PRATT – As the days get shorter and weather gets cooler, the breeding season for deer will begin. Traversing pastures, roadways, rivers and streams – male white-tailed and mule deer will begin a nearly month-long quest for suitable mates, stopping for very little, including motorists.

Commonly referred to as the “rut,” this time of year marks the distinct period when deer-vehicle collisions are most frequent, and the Sunflower State is no exception. That’s why the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and AAA Kansas offer  helpful tips that can help drivers safely navigate Kansas roadways and potentially avoid collisions with deer.

“If you are unfortunate enough to have a deer enter the highway in front of your car, it is best to hit the animal and not swerve to avoid it,” said KHP Lieutenant Candice Breshears. “Often, we find more serious crashes occur when you swerve to miss the deer, potentially losing control of your vehicle, leaving the road or veering into oncoming traffic.”

While the vast majority of deer-vehicle collisions do not involve serious injury, data collected by KDOT indicates that from 2011-2019, 51 people have been killed in Kansas crashes involving deer.

“In addition to potentially causing human injuries and loss of life, deer collisions often cause significant vehicle damage that can lead to large expenses for the vehicle owner if not properly insured,” said Shawn Steward, public and government affairs manager for AAA Kansas. “Of the animal strikes reported by AAA Insurance policy holders in 2020, the average cost per claim was nearly $5,500, an increase of more than $1,000 per claim from 2019.”

Steward attributes the higher repair costs to advanced driver assistance technology and the expensive sensors and calibration requirements in newer vehicles.

To avoid incurring costly vehicle repairs, or worse, state experts offer these helpful tips:

  • Be especially watchful at dawn and dusk, when deer are more active.
  • If you see one deer, expect others, as deer seldom travel alone.
  • Drive at a reduced speed and be extra vigilant near wooded areas or green spaces, such as parks and golf courses, and near water sources such as streams and ponds.
  • Deer crossing signs show areas where high numbers of vehicle/deer crashes have occurred in the past; heed these warnings.
  • Use bright lights when there is no oncoming traffic, and scan the road ahead for the reflective eyes of deer.
  • Do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer – the most serious crashes sometimes occur when motorists veer and collide with another vehicle or run off the road and hit an obstacle.
  • Always wear a seat belt and use appropriately-fitting child safety seats, as these are the best defenses in a crash.
  • Honk the vehicle’s horn using one long blast, as this may frighten large animals, such as deer, away from the roadway.
  • Lastly, if a collision occurs, move the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway, if possible, and call law enforcement – KHP dispatch at *47, the Kansas Turnpike at *KTA and local law enforcement at 911.

Anyone involved in a deer-vehicle crash resulting in personal injury or property damage that totals $1,000 or more is required to immediately report the incident to the nearest law enforcement agency. Failure to report any vehicle crash is a misdemeanor and may result in suspension of driving privileges.

To remove a deer carcass, or any part of a deer, from a crash site, a salvage tag must first be obtained. Salvage tags can be issued by KHP troopers, sheriff’s deputies or KDWP game wardens.

This fall season, motorists can ensure the “holiday traffic” they encounter remains as safe as possible, for humans and deer, by staying alert and simply slowing down.

Click here to download the KDOT Motor Vehicle/Deer Crash Summary.

Government

Mandatory ten-digit dialing begins Sunday in area codes 785 and 620 

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TOPEKA – Kansans that live in area codes 785 or 620 will be required to use 10-digit dialing when making local calls beginning on Sunday, October 24. At that time, local calls dialed with only seven digits will not go through, and a recording will inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed.  This change, while it may take some time to get used to, will make it easier for persons in crisis to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Last July, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved 988 as the new abbreviated number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As a result, any area code that uses the 988 prefix in telephone numbers is mandated to adopt 10-digit dialing.  That includes Kansas area codes 785 and 620, which cover the majority of the state. In total, 82 area codes in 36 states will make the change.

The FCC initiated a practice period in April allowing both 7-digit and 10-digit dialing to help callers adjust to the change. On Sunday, 10-digit local calling becomes mandatory with the exception of any three digit abbreviated numbers available in the community, such as 911. Callers will still dial 1 + the area code and telephone number for all long distance calls.

With the switch to 10-digit dialing about to take effect, residents are encouraged to make sure any services with automatic dialing equipment, such as life safety systems, medical monitoring devices, security systems and fire alarms, mobile phone contact lists and call forwarding settings are reprogrammed if needed.

Beginning July 16, 2022, callers can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988. Until then, callers will continue to dial 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).

More information about the change to 10-digit dialing is included in a flyer titled “Ten things to know about 10-digit dialing” which is available on the Kansas Corporation Commission’s website at https://kcc.ks.gov/images/PDFs/telecommunications/10_DigitDialing.pdf.

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

Self-Administered COVID-19 Testing Available to Child Care Providers

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Self-Administered COVID-19 Testing Available to Child Care Providers

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is partnering with Battelle, a leader in the field of science and technology, to provide rapid self-delivered COVID-19 testing to all licensed child care providers in Kansas.

Battelle has been selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to manage the logistics of administering COVID-19 tests for millions of Americans in 16 states through the Midwest Expanded Testing Coordination Hub.

“Until vaccines are approved for our kids, testing is one of the best tools we have to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our schools and child care centers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Child care providers have done excellent work throughout the pandemic to keep our children safe. With this extra assistance, our providers can ensure Kansas families maintain access to safe, quality child care.”

KDHE recognizes how important it is to provide access to easy, reliable, and rapid testing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and control outbreaks. Testing in child care settings helps identify individuals who have the virus but do not have symptoms and who may be contagious. This testing can support organizations with maintaining normal operations and keeping children, staff, visitors, and volunteers safe.

“Child care providers across the state have continued to provide this vital service to Kansans,” said Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of KDHE. “We are excited to partner with Battelle to provide another tool for child care providers to use. Through COVID-19 testing, positive cases will be identified earlier to reduce the amount of spread of this virus.”

Outreach for the Midwest Coordination Center is ramping up this month. Battelle has an extensive team on board ready to assist organizations who serve children in group settings to administer the complete testing process from registering and collecting samples to receiving the results. Saliva testing is now available for children as young as 3 years old, and nasal swab testing is available for children as young as 5 years old, both with a 24 to 48-hour turnaround time for results. Testing supplies, shipping, and technical assistance are available at no charge.

These services are also available to other congregate settings in Kansas such as schools, organizations that provide group services for children, homeless shelters, group homes, or detention centers.

For more information about the Midwest Coordination Center and the testing program overview, please visit the website at www.testedandprotected.org.

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Bourbon County, Government

No Meeting On Oct. 19 for Bourbon County Commission

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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: October 19, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton

 

   

THERE WILL BE NO COMMISSION MEETING AS COMMISSIONERS WILL BE ATTENDING

KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES CONFERENCE

 

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustee Minutes of Sept. 20

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
September 20, 2021
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart (via Zoom), Bill Meyer, and Robert Nelson (via Zoom)
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, and staff Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:33 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None
KACCT Update: Kirk Hart gave a summary from the recent KACCT Quarterly Meeting that took place on August 27 and
28.
BUDGET HEARING:
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None
COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD: None
APPROVAL OF RNR: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the
budgeted mill levy of 29.299 for Budget 2022, which slightly exceeds the revenue neutral rate of 28.055.
APPROVAL OF THE BUDGET: A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the 2022-23 budget as presented.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the KJUMP
Symmetry Settlement Agreement for a reimbursement of $16,348.70.
B. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the KJUMP contract with WoodRiver Energy for natural gas transport.
C. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the quotes from Ash Hollow Fabrication & Fence for the revision to the alleyway and chute on the south end of Arnold Arena for$13,913.00
D. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to continue following the
COVID protocol that has been in place since August 11, 2021.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of correspondence.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Miami County Campus, Gordon Parks Museum, Public Relations, Student Services, Instruction, Finance and Operations, and the President.
Board member Jim Fewins commended the facilities crew who have worked on Garrison Apartments saying they have done a tremendous job!
Board member Robert Nelson reminded attendees of the upcoming Gordon Parks Celebration in October. He said the committee has worked very hard preparing the celebration. “They’re doing a great job!”
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:59
p.m. by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk
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Fort Scott Community College, Government

Agenda for FSCC Trustees Meeting Oct. 18

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October 18, 2021
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, October 18, 2021. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
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
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Perkins Recognition, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on September 20, 2021, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 7
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 60
A. Consideration of Baseball and Softball Turf Financing Bids, 60
B. Consideration of Weight Room Equipment Bids, 67
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 74
REPORTS, 78
A. Administrative Updates, 78
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 88
ADJOURNMENT, 89
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• October 18, 2021: Board Meeting
• October 18, 2021: Math Relays
• November 15, 2021: Board Meeting
• November 22 – 26, 2021: Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• November 30, 2021: Graduate Assessment Exam
• December 7 – 10, 2021: Finals
1
• December 13, 2021: Board Meeting
• December 17, 2021 – January 4, 2022 Christmas Break, Campus Closed
• January 7, 2022: In-Service
• January 12, 2022: Spring Semester Begins
• January 17, 2022: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Campus Closed
• January 24, 2022: Board Meeting
• February 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• March 14 – 18, 2022: Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• March 25, 2022: Aggie Day
• April 15, 2022: Good Friday, Campus Closed
• April 18, 2022: Board Meeting
• 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
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.

A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. PERKINS RECOGNITION
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
September 20, 2021.
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) Conor Chadwell, Head Athletic Trainer, effective September 23, 2021
b) Tonya Umphenour, Cosmetology Instructor, effective October 4, 2021
c) Veronica Snow, CAMP Academic Student Support Coordinator, effective October 18, 2021
d) Deborah Stedman, Resident Hall Housekeeper, effective October 18, 2021

2) Separations
a) Courtney Goucher, Cosmetology Instructor, effective September 20, 2021

3) Transfer
a) Santos Manrique, HEP Instructional Coordinator, effective October 1, 2021 (retaining associate dean responsibilities)

To view the entire trustee packet:

10.18.21 Consent Agenda(1)