Category Archives: Government
Deadline for Conservation Reserve Program July 23
Deadline Fast Approaching for
Conservation Reserve Program General Signup
Manhattan, Kansas July 19, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Kansas is reminding producers and landowners that the signup deadline for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) current general signup is fast approaching. Eligible producers must submit their offers by July 23, 2021.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) made several changes to CRP to make it more appealing to all producers, including those who are historically underserved, beginning, and veterans. FSA added incentives to encourage producers to include climate-smart agricultural practices in their operations to increase natural resource and environmental benefits.
“Agricultural producers and private landowners should take advantage of the opportunities offered by the revamped CRP,” FSA Acting State Executive Director Charles Pettijohn said. “Explore the increased payment rates and new incentives for climate-smart agricultural practices to see if elements of the revamped CRP fit your operation.”
Updates to the Conservation Reserve Program
USDA’s goal is to enroll up to 4 million new CRP acres by raising payment rates and expanding the incentives offered under the program. CRP is capped at 25 million acres for fiscal year 2021, and currently 20.7 million acres are enrolled, but the cap will gradually increase to 27 million acres by fiscal year 2023. To help increase producer interest and enrollment, FSA has:
· Adjusted soil rental rates. This enables additional flexibility for rate adjustments, including a possible increase in rates where appropriate.
· Increased payments for Practice Incentives from 20% to 50%. This incentive for continuous CRP practices is based on the cost of establishment and is in addition to cost share payments.
· Increased payments for water quality practices. Incentive increased from 10% to 20% for certain water quality practices available through the CRP continuous signup, such as grassed waterways, riparian buffers and filter strips.
Additionally, to mitigate climate change, FSA introduced a new annual Climate-Smart Practice Incentive for the general, grasslands, and continuous signups that aims to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-Smart CRP practices include establishing trees and permanent grasses, developing wildlife habitat, and restoring wetlands. The Climate-Smart Practice Incentive amount is based on the benefits of each practice type.
More About CRP
CRP is one of the world’s largest voluntary conservation programs with a long track record of preserving topsoil, improving water quality, sequestering carbon, reducing nitrogen runoff and preserving healthy wildlife habitat.
Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the United States. It was originally intended to control soil erosion and stabilize commodity prices by taking marginal lands out of production. The program has evolved over the years, providing more conservation and economic benefits. CRP marked its 35-year anniversary in December 2020.
Program successes include:
· Preventing more than 9 billion tons of soil from eroding, which is enough soil to fill 600 million dump trucks.
· Reducing nitrogen and phosphorous runoff relative to annually tilled cropland by 95% and 85% percent, respectively.
· Creating more than 3 million acres of restored wetlands while protecting more than 175,000 stream miles with riparian forest and grass buffers, which is enough to go around the world seven times.
· Benefiting bees and other pollinators and increasing populations of ducks, pheasants, turkey, bobwhite quail, prairie chickens, grasshopper sparrows and many other birds.
More information about the program can be obtained through this CRP fact sheet.
More Information
Interested producers should contact their local USDA Service Center. In addition to the CRP General signup, FSA is also accepting applications for the CRP Grasslands and CRP Continuous signups. Learn more at fsa.usda.gov/crp.
To find their local FSA county office, producers can visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator. Service Center staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, e-mail, and other digital tools. Because of the pandemic, some USDA Service Centers are open to limited visitors. Producers should contact their service center to set up an in-person appointment. Additionally, more information related to USDA’s response and relief for producers can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is engaged in a whole-of-government effort to combat the climate crisis and conserve and protect our nation’s lands, biodiversity and natural resources including our soil, air and water. Through conservation practices and partnerships, USDA aims to enhance economic growth and create new streams of income for farmers, ranchers, producers and private foresters. Successfully meeting these challenges will require USDA and our agencies to pursue a coordinated approach alongside USDA stakeholders, including State, local and Tribal governments.
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Updated FS Commission Agenda July 20
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JULY 20, 2021
6:00 P.M.
I. K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)
IV. Approval of Agenda:
V. Proclamations/Recognitions:
A. Recognition of Lisa Walther for 25 years of service to the Fort Scott Public Library
VI. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1292-A totaling $538,748.47
B. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering Inc. – River Intake Improvement – $ 54,902.50
C. Request to Pay – Health Insurance – $1,192.61
D. Request to Pay – Agricultural Engineering Associates – Mayco Ace Project Inspection –
$4,000
E. Request to Pay #3 – Triangle Builders, LLC – Mayco Ace Project – $59,993
F. Resolution 8-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at – 14 S. Margrave St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
G. Resolution 9-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 114 S. Barbee St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
H. Resolution 10-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 323 S. Hill St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
I. Resolution 11-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 510 S. Heylman St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
J. Resolution 12-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 619 S. Ransom – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
K. Resolution 13-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 611 S. Ransom St.– Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
L. Resolution 14-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 316 S. Main St.– Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
M. Resolution 15-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1517 S. Main St. – Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
N. June financials
VII. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per
person, at Commission discretion)
VIII. City Manager Reports and Comments
IX. Engineering Firm Update
X. Old Business:
A. Discussion of Lake Fort Scott repairs/upkeep
B. Approval of Ordinance No. 3586 pertaining to operation of golf carts
XI. Appearances:
XII. New Business:
A. Approval and adoption of USDA Loan Resolution for River Intake/Dam Repair Project
B. Approval of Resolution 17-2021 – Emergency Removal of Unsafe and Dangerous Structure
located at 14 S. National Ave.
XIII. Reports and Comments:
B. Commissioners Report and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XIV. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
XV. Adjournment:
Kansas Redistricting Process
Kansas Commissions Urge Transparency, Constituent Engagement in Redistricting Process
TOPEKA – The Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission, the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, and the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns today sent a joint letter to the Kansas Redistricting Committee outlining steps it should take to ensure constituent participation, transparency, and accessibility during the redistricting process.
“It is crucial that the redistricting process is as transparent as possible and that as many people have the opportunity to be involved in the decisions that will impact who their voice in the legislature is for potentially the next decade,” the letter says. “Yet, there remain several steps this committee should take to ensure constituent participation.”
Suggested steps outlined in the letter include:
- Holding hearings in an Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliant space;
- Providing both sign language and Spanish language interpreters, and notifying the public of the availability of such services;
- Ensuring several meetings be held during the evening and on the weekends to accommodate working schedules;
- And including maps and/or statements submitted by Communities of Interest.
“These steps are not egregious in their scope and should be considered to ensure Kansans have confidence in the procedures that will shape our collective future,” the letter says.
KDOT resurfacing K-7 section in Linn County
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has started a resurfacing project on K-7 in Linn County, from K-52 north to K-152. Project activity includes a mill and overlay. Flaggers and a pilot car will guide one-lane traffic through the work zone; expect delays of 15 minutes or less on days when the project is active. KDOT awarded the construction contract of $1.8 million to Shilling Construction, Manhattan. Weather permitting, the project should be finished by late August. Persons with questions may contact Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.
Bourbon County Commission Meeting July 20 Cancelled
The County Commission Meeting for tomorrow is CANCELLED due to two commissioners not available.
Supports and Training For Employing People with Disabilities Announced
Supports and Training for Employing People Successfully
Introducing a new program from KDHE & Working Healthy
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces the launch of a new employment program for individuals with disabilities. Supports and Training for Employing People Successfully (STEPS) provides employment and independent living supports, enabling them to increase their income while gradually decreasing their reliance on Social Security and other public benefits.
STEPS is a pilot program that launched July 1 and is facilitated by a Community Services Coordinator who helps participants prepare for employment, increase independence, receive/maintain health care coverage, and provide on-going supports to help maintain employment. STEPS services are provided by community agencies with the experience to successfully support people with disabilities to reach and maintain their employment goals. The program is scheduled to run through 2023 and if successful, it may be extended.
The eligibility requirements for STEPS are as follows:
- Must be a KanCare beneficiary aged 16 to 65, and
- Must qualify under one of the following criteria:
- Individuals who receive SSI or SSDI and have one or more qualifying behavioral health diagnoses;
- Individuals who receive SSI and are waitlisted for the Physical Disability (PD) or Intellectual or Developmental Disability (I/DD) home and community-based services waiver; or
- Individuals who are current on the Brain Injury (BI), Physical Disability (PD), or Intellectual or Developmental Disability (I/DD) home and community-based services waiver who wish to leave their waiver to participate in STEPS.
To enroll or if you have questions, please contact the STEPS Program Manager. Those community providers who may also be interested in participating or learning more are also asked to contact the STEPS Program Manager.
More information about STEPS can be found on kancare.ks.gov/consumers/working-healthy/steps.
North Section of National Closed: City Discusses July 19
The Fort Scott City Commission will have a Special Meeting on Monday, July 19, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall Commission Room, 123 S. Main St. The Commission will be discussing next steps for the Eagle Block Building located at 10 N. National Ave.
National Ave. from Wall St. to Oak St. will remain closed until further notice. The buildings on the west side of this block of National, including the Hammons building, CDL, and Sharky’s will also remain vacated.
Gov. Kelly’s Weekly Newsletter
WEEK OF July 12, 2021
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“The Community Service Tax Credit program is an excellent tool we can use to support our state’s nonprofits and strengthen the essential services they provide to their communities. My administration will continue pursuing innovative initiatives like CSP to improve Kansans’ access to quality education, healthcare, childcare, and housing to make Kansas the best state in the nation for families and businesses to call home.”
Press:
- Nearly 30 Kansas nonprofits awarded Community Service Tax Credits
WIBW - Kelly announces $4 million to benefit 26 Kansas nonprofits
KFDI
Governor Laura Kelly Creates Bipartisan Cybersecurity Task Force to Protect Kansas’ Digital Infrastructure
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“As cyber-attacks become more sophisticated, it’s critical that we prevent disruptions in essential public services, and protect Kansans’ privacy, economic activity, and public safety. Through this bipartisan, collaborative effort, with partners from both the private and public sectors, we will develop a plan to protect our digital infrastructure and improve cybersecurity statewide.”
Press:
Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill to Protect Public Safety and Reform Kansas’ Criminal Justice System
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“Senate Bill 60 will improve public safety for all Kansans and protect our law enforcement officers from dangerous car chases. I was proud to stand with advocates today and sign this commonsense legislation.”
Press:
- From sex crimes to traffic violations; What to know about Kansas’ sweeping crime law
FOX 4 - Kelly signs SB 60
KSNF
Governor Laura Kelly’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice Releases Second Round of Recommendations
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FS Commission Agenda For July 20
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JULY 20, 2021
6:00 P.M.
I. K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)
IV. Approval of Agenda:
V. Proclamations/Recognitions:
VI. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1292-A totaling $538,748.47
B. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering Inc. – River Intake Improvement – $ 54,902.50
C. Request to Pay #3 – Triangle Builders, LLC – Mayco Ace Project – $59,993
D. Resolution 8-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at – 14 S. Margrave St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
E. Resolution 9-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 114 S. Barbee St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
F. Resolution 10-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 323 S. Hill St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
G. Resolution 11-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 510 S. Heylman St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
H. Resolution 12-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 619 S. Ransom – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
I. Resolution 13-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 611 S. Ransom St.– Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
J. Resolution 14-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 316 S. Main St.– Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
K. Resolution 15-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1517 S. Main St. – Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
L. June financials
VII. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per
person, at Commission discretion)
VIII. City Manager Reports and Comments
IX. Engineering Firm Update
X. Old Business:
A. Discussion of Lake Fort Scott repairs/upkeep
XI. Appearances:
XII. New Business:
A. Approval and adoption of USDA Loan Resolution for River Intake/Dam Repair Project
B. Approval of Resolution 16-2021 regarding governing body’s intent to levy a property tax
exceeding the revenue neutral rate
XIII. Reports and Comments:
B. Commissioners Report and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XIV. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
XV. Adjournment:
To view the 71 page packet with the agenda:
Bourbon County Agenda For Today
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: July 16, 2021
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
**MEETING WILL BE HELD FRIDAY, JULY 16TH AT CITY HALL 123 S. MAIN, FORT SCOTT
7:00 PM – Emergency Declaration regarding the Eagle Block Building
Bourbon County Commission Agenda For July 20
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: July 20, 2021
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM.
Call to Order
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- Flag Salute
- Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
- Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
- Matt Quick – Resolution to Appoint an Interim Appraiser
- Lynne Oharah – KCAMP
- Michael Braim – Lynne Oharah’s outburst at Anne Dare in the last meeting
- Jim Harris – Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships (10 minutes)
- Mary Pemberton – Budget Comments
- Tiana McElroy – Personnel
- Elected Officials Comment
- County Counselor Comment
- Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
- Public Comment
- Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
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 security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.