Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board Minutes of Sept. 12

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Monday, September 12, 2022

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 12, 2022, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President Danny Brown opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

 

  • Minutes from August 8, 2022, Board of Education meeting and minutes from August 1, 22, and 23, 2022, Board of Education special meetings
  • Financials – Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – August 20, 2022 – $1,361,769.35
  • Activity Fund accounts
  • First Day Enrollment Count
  • Appointment of Zach Reynolds as the school attorney for the 2022-23 school year
  • FSHS Orchestra Fundraiser Application

 

The board heard reports from FSKNEA regarding the bucket auction for scholarships, staff returning to school, and thanked Superintendent Brown for his visibility in the schools.

 

The Superintendent reviewed the KSDE Accountability Report for 2020-21 and the recent culture survey that was taken of staff.  Superintendent Brown updated the board on assessments and PLC professional development on behalf of the Assistant Superintendent.

 

The Business Manager reported on the special education audit, financial audit, and annual reporting.

 

 

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Contract with Greenbush for federal E-rate related to connectivity which allow the district to receive an 80% discount on services.
  • Place three (3) buses and a suburban for sale through auctiontime.com. In addition, scrap two buses that are no longer in service.
    • Vehicles for auction will be:
      • 2006 Blue Bird 27 passenger
      • 1998 AMTRAN 64 passenger
      • 2003 Blue Bird 40 passenger
      • 1990 Chevy Suburban
    • Contract with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton CPAs for the annual financial audit.
    • Curtain divider purchase to allow additional classroom space at Fort Scott Middle School.
    • Roof bids to Meridian Roofing Solutions. This will address roofs at Winfield Scott, Fort Scott High School, and Eugene Ware Elementary.  The total bid was for $1,341,401.
    • Direct Communication & Public Relations proposal to evaluate communication with students, families, and staff.
    • KDHE Kansas K-12 Stay Positive Test Negative Initiative Grant in the amount of $776,558. This is a non-matching grant that will allow for testing to continue for the schools and the purchase of Synexis machine to fight viruses, bacteria, mold, odors, and insects.
    • Personnel Report – following

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters and the superintendent evaluation process.

 

President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

  • Dennis Dennigan – Resignation – FSHS special education teacher, effective September 1, 2022
  • Makyah Goldsby – Resignation – FSMS paraprofessional, effective September 13, 2022
  • Ashley Wolf – Resignation – Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective August 23, 2022

EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS – FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR

  • Shelly Sanborn – FSHS paraprofessional to FSHS special education teacher
  • Elizabeth Underwood – Winfield Scott paraprofessional
  • Jessica Smith – FSHS paraprofessional
  • Laeci Hall – FSHS paraprofessional
  • Amaiya Terry – FSHS paraprofessional
  • Nissa Dinneen – FSMS paraprofessional
  • Tosha Guffin – Winfield Scott paraprofessional
  • Alicia Craig – Winfield Scott paraprofessional
  • Nina Merriman – Van driver
  • Lewis Dunkeson – FSMS Summer Conditioning
  • Brendon Blackburn – FSMS Summer Conditioning Assistant
  • Katie Chipman – FSMS Gym Supervisor
  • Sarah Dunivan – FSHS Musical Music Director
  • Abby Stepps – FSHS Play Assistant
  • Christina King – FSHS Play Assistant
  • Chad Ruddick – FSHS Fall Esports
  • Matt Glades – FSHS Spring Esports
  • Amy Harper – FSHS National Honor Society
  • Becky Howard – FSMS Gym Supervisor
  • Brian Hutchison – FSMS Assistant Football Coach
  • Guiding Coalition for 2022-23
    • Winfield Scott – Cristin Stark, Robin Webb, Hayden Travis, Emily Giffin, Anna Swank, Bre Eden
    • Eugene Ware – Regina Cruse, Joyce Flanner, Brenda Hill, Marci Mix, Sherry Lindsay, Kelsey DeMott
    • Middle School – Lisa Chaplin, Jayci Cosens, Whitney Beth, Brent Cavin, Tammy Stanley, Jannah Farrington
    • High School- Polly Mayberry, Amy Harper, Mark Spore, Sara Jackman, Nikki Regan, lared Martin, Justin Robinson, Ryan Miller, Morgan Sage
  • Mentors for 2022-23
    • Angie Bin, Tracey Bogina, Danielle Cavin, Tammy Claypool, Kelly Cox, Lindsey Davis, Kelsey DeMott, Autumn Durossette, Jannah Farrington, Carson Felt, Joyce Flanner, Ali Gorman, Lindsay Gulager, Brenda Hill, Curtis Horton, Sara Jackman, Sabrina Keating, Michelle Laubenstein, Amber Malone, Polly Mayberry, Josh Messer, Linda Minor, Nikki Regan, Abby Stepps, Rhiannon Tuck, Robin Webb
Government, Kansas

Internet, Phone Discounts Available for Families

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Broadband, phone discounts are available for students and families

TOPEKA – The start of a new school year is an expensive time for families. If you are struggling to pay for phone and internet services while navigating back to school costs, help is available to stay connected.

During Lifeline Awareness Week, the Kansas Corporation Commission encourages Kansans in need of assistance to apply for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Plan (ACP). Both programs help low-income individuals and families stay connected so they can access healthcare, attend classes, keep up with homework, find jobs and call for help in an emergency.

Anyone who qualifies for Lifeline is automatically eligible to participate in both programs. Due to higher income maximums, ACP also has the potential to help many families with internet costs that may not qualify for other types of assistance. For example, the maximum income for a family of four on the ACP program is $55,500 per year. The maximum annual income for a family of four on the Lifeline program is $37,463.

Lifeline provides federal and state discounts up to $17.02 per month on phone service (wireless or residential) and broadband. The Affordable Connectivity Plan (ACP) provides a service discount of up to $30 per month for broadband service and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet purchased through a participating provider. Both programs offer additional discounts for subscribers living on tribal lands.

Eligibility is based on income (at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for Lifeline or at or below 200% for ACP) or participation in certain assistance programs such as:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA)
  • Veterans Pension & Survivors Pension Benefit
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • Head Start Tribal Programs (income based)
  • The Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands.

Regardless of Lifeline eligibility, Kansans may still qualify for ACP if they meet any of the following criteria:

  • Are approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
  • Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020.
  • Meet the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program.

More information on income eligibility, participating providers, and the enrollment process is available on the KCC website.

Fort Scott, Government

Updated FS City Commission Special Meeting Anouncement

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The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 14th, 2022 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.  The City Commission will meet for the 2023 Budget Hearing.  An executive session will follow the public hearing.

 

This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel.  This meeting is open to the public.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon Country Commission Agenda for Sept. 13

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: September 13, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Teresa Davenport – Care To Share Blue’s Festival (2006 Maple Rd)
• Bill Martin – Vehicles
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer 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.

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of August 9

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The Regular Council Meeting on August 9, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:04), Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart.

Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Raymond George and Randy Rathbun (Uniontown Ruritan), Bill Delich, Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Jason Thompson and Josh Bales (Green Environmental Services), Mary Pemberton, Carey Spoon, SEK Regional Planning Commission, and Amanda Lancaster, Diehl Banwart Bolton, CPA, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Open Bids for street mill & asphalt project – Bettis Asphalt & Construction Base Bid $127,287.85, Alternate $70,950.15, total $198,238.00.  Killough Construction Base Bid less mill/pack on Seventh St/Sherman St $60,813.24.  Due to one bid not having a complete base bid and not comparable to the other bid received and the other bid was over our budgeted amount for the project, all bids were rejected.  The Council will consider asking for line item bids in the future as they also consider other funding options.  Clerk Johnson will send letter to Killough Construction.

 

Open RFPs for Trash Service – The City is required to follow the procedure laid out in KSA 12-2036.  The procedure was explained by Clerk Johnson.  No RFPs were opened.  Green Environmental Services was given their unopened proposal and Clerk Johnson will return the other with a letter of explanation.  Clerk Johnson will send out a supplemental newsletter with this information.

 

2022 Financial Audit presentation – Due to a misunderstanding regarding the Gas Utility Loan and collection of gas surcharge to repay loan, the Gas Utility Fund expenditures were over budget.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to accept 2022 Financial Audit as presented

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George asked the Council is they wanted lever handles in and out or a push bar or the inside.  Lever handles were selected.  Doors will open out and have programmable locks.  Ruritan would like for it to be open to the public during the day.  He is meeting with electrician tomorrow.  There will be a fan in the attic area and can lights.

Randy Rathbun gave a presentation for the proposed addition of a “fire truck” in the playground in honor of Dale Jackson.  Council was receptive of the addition.

 

SEK Regional Planning Commission, Carey Spoon – State of Kansas had a summit last month regarding the Hub they have set up to administer the funds from BIL.  Most federal funding is wanting regional projects and an action plan would have to be submitted before any funding for the implementation could be applied for.  She gave a handout to each person at the table with information explaining Safe Streets 4 All.  CDBG is not accepting applications for street projects this year.  They are not very familiar with KDOT funding sources but will try to help us as much as possible.  They are having a meeting August 23, 11-1 (in person or zoom) on BIL funding.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Mary Pemberton gave an update on the progress of their rehab.  Scheduled to pour sidewalk next week.  Codes Officer Coyan will meet with her again.  Inside should be completed by end of August and all work should be completed by end of October.  She also reminded the Council of the Bourbon County REDI vision meeting on August 23, 6PM, at River Room above Luther’s BBQ in Fort Scott.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the July 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $371,765.26, Receipts $28,432.97, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $27,542.60, Checking Account Closing Balance $369,629.63. Bank Statement Balance $372,396.19, including Checking Account Interest of $1.43, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $2,766.56, Reconciled Balance $369,629.63.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,100.97, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,593.23, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,381.43, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $446,705.26. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $208.02, and Utility CDs $168.40 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $376.42.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of July 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  July Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Loss for the month of July $2,135.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $45.886.13.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $64,623.57 (61.3%), Expenditures $63,375.25 (48.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $20,413.55 (57.2%), Expenditures $22,756.67 (55.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $87,681.63 (62.8%), Expenditures $84,919.58 (34.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $100,488.77 (78.2%), Expenditures $88,140.99 (53.3%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $5625.70 (82.1%), Expenditures $1,041.18 (9.8%).  The August 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $40,671.74 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of July 12, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich reminded Council he has two weeks vacation time that has to be taken before October 29, then gets three weeks.  He is to take one week at a time.

KCC Pipeline Safety Seminar is October 26-27 in Manhattan.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to allow Bobby Rich to attend KCC Pipline Safety Seminar in Manhattan on October 26-27

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported the deadline for Smith Estate is September 1.  City Attorney suggested preparing resolution for condemnation.  It was suggested to have a structural engineer inspect the property prior to preparing the resolution.

 

Clerk Johnson informed the council that HBCAT needs budget numbers for the placemaking project.  She will add a survey to the supplemental newsletter for community input of what exercise equipment to purchase and/or build pickleball court.

KMEA/KMGA Annual Conference is September 29-30 in Wichita.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend KMEA/KMGA Annual Conference in Wichita on September 29-30

 

We received a letter from FEMA regarding the 30-day data submission notification for the draft flood insurance rate map (FIRM) for Bourbon County.  The draft shows decreased potential for flooding and no special flood hazard areas in the city limits.

There have been requests for fall citywide cleanup.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to have a fall citywide cleanup August 22-26, 8AM-8PM with dumpsters removed when full.

 

Clerk Johnson will also add this and a reminder about school starting to the supplemental newsletter.

The November regularly scheduled council meeting is on election day.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to reschedule the November regular council meeting on November 15, 2022, 7PM

 

The HP color printer/copier has quit.  RTS Electronics said parts are not available and would recommend replacing with a laser color printer instead of an inkjet, more cost effective.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, approved 4-0 to have Clerk Johnson get a new color printer/copier

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – He attended the KMGA Regional Meeting in Humboldt on July 14 (handouts in packets).  BBCO REDI Vision Meeting, August 23, 6PM, River Room, Fort Scott.  He also asked if the dog issue had been resolved.  Clerk Johnson stated that she informed Animal Control Officer Binford and that the dogs that were chasing the kids were back at home and tied up in different areas than before, so dog owner is aware they were loose but she hasn’t been able to connect with him yet.

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – received a complaint of a property owner being injured while mowing the easement ditch on his property on Seventh St.  Council asked Rich to look at ditch and talk to property owner.

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – Two lights out in park, northeast corner and west side.  Rich spoke to Evergy today and they said it could be 10 business days before they are repaired/replaced.

 

OLD BUSINESS

American Rescue Plan Act update – Council directed Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan to get bids for the ADA bathroom upgrade at City Hall.  Also asked Johnson to amend the BBCO REDI grant application for this project instead of the public bathroom project.

 

2023 Budget, Gas Surcharge/Loan – Budget has been reworked to add gas surcharge revenue and loan payments.  Johnson also revised the 2022 budget to include the gas surcharge revenue and loan payments.  At this time, it does not appear that we will need to republish.  She asked Council to review the reworked budget and let her know by the end of the week if something needs amended.  She will send notice of hearings to Tribune next week.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:28PM.

 

Open meeting resumed at 9:28PM.

 

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to increase base pay for Animal Control Officer to $12/hr

 

Moved by Ervin, Second

Bourbon County, Government

City of Uniontown Revenue Neutral Hearing Sept. 13 at 6:45 p.m.

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ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing –

 

 

2023 Budget Hearing –

 

 

Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of July 12, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Vacation time –

Lead & Copper results

 

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

Smith Estate

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

BBCO Health Dept Flu Shot Clinic – scheduled for October 17, 9:30-10:30AM

Reminder that November meeting has been rescheduled for November 15.

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking Survey –

 

 

American Rescue Plan Act update–

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

2023 Budget

2022 Financials-August

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Agenda for Sept. 12

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BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY
1.0 Call Meeting to Order Danny Brown, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Minutes from August 8, 2022, Board of Education Meeting
Minutes from August 15, 2022, Special Board of Education Meeting
Minutes from August 22, 2022, Special Board of Education Meeting
Minutes from August 23, 2022, Special Board of Education Meeting
4.2 Financials–Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – July 20, 2022 – $1,361,769.35
4.5 Activity Fund accounts
4.6 First Day Enrollment Count
4.7 Appointment of Zach Reynolds as the school attorney for the 2022–23 school year
5.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion)
5.1 FS KNEA Report
5.2 Superintendent’s Report
5.3 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
5.4 Business Manager’s Report
6.0 Old Business
6.1 No items
7.0 New Business
7.1 Approval of Erate contracts (Action Item)

 

7.2 Approval to place three buses and a suburban for sale through an online auction
and scrapping two buses (Action Item)
7.3 Approval of audit contract with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton (Action Item)
7.4 Approval of FSMS Curtain Divider Purchase (Action Item)
7.5 Approval of roof bids (Action Item)
7.6 District Communication & Public Relations Proposal (Action)
7.7 KDHE Grant – Kansas K–12 Stay Positive Test Negative Initiative (Action)
8.0 Public Forum
9.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
8.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
8.2 Exit Executive Session
8.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
8.4 Exit Executive Session
9.0 Adjourn Meeting
President Brown

Government, Kansas

Funding Grants for Revitalizing Downtown Buildings Announced

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Commerce and Patterson Family Foundation Announce More Funding Available for Revitalizing Downtown Buildings

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced a second round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants intended for revitalizing downtown buildings in small communities across the state.  The HEAL program, which is funded by the Department of Commerce and the Patterson Family Foundation, will invest $850,000 in projects in the Fall 2022 grant round.

The HEAL program is designed to bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for:

  • New or expanding businesses
  • Housing
  • Arts and culture
  • Civic engagement
  • Childcare or
  • Entrepreneurship

“The first round of the HEAL program is supporting the revitalization of 32 commercial buildings in small towns across the state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The need for this program was staggering, with more than 200 applications received. Thanks to our strong partnership with the Patterson Family Foundation, we are able to offer another round of the HEAL program allowing us to invest in more communities and continue to create new jobs and services for Kansans across the state.”

HEAL is intended to close financial gaps in restoring underutilized properties and making downtown districts throughout the state more economically vibrant. Projects submitted must show potential as economic drivers in the community.

There are a few changes to this round of the HEAL program. HEAL matching grants will be awarded for either 1) façade or 2) building construction projects. Eligible applicants must be organizations applying on behalf of building owners and may include designated Kansas Main Street programs, economic development organizations, cities, counties, 501c3 or 501c6 organizations, and local community foundations. Communities that received a previous HEAL grant are not eligible to apply in this round.

Proof of matching funds from the building owner will be required at the time of application. The application window opens September 12 and closes October 21 with award notifications in early December. A spring round of HEAL is anticipated for February 2023.

A virtual webinar on the specifics of the program is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 13. Registration is required and the Zoom link will be provided after registration. Organizations and building owners interested in applying should register and attend the webinar.

Information about the HEAL grant program and the online application can be viewed at www.kansascommerce.gov/healfall2022.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Government, Kansas

Organic Certification Program Funds Available

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has funds available for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP). Through this program, farms, ranches, and businesses that produce, process or package certified organic agricultural products may be reimbursed for eligible expenses.

The purpose of the NOCCSP is to defray the costs of receiving and maintaining organic certification under the National Organic Program. For Federal Fiscal Year 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency set the reimbursement amount at 50% of the certified organic operation’s eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $500 per scope. Scopes include the areas of crops, livestock, wild crops, and handling (i.e., processing). This change is due to a limited amount of funding available and will allow a larger number of certified organic operations to receive assistance.

FSA awards the NOCCSP funds to eligible state agencies that serve as administering entities who work directly with organic operations to reimburse organic certification costs. The current period of qualification for organic operations seeking reimbursements is from Oct. 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2022. Applications are now being accepted through November 1, 2022, or until all funds are expended, whichever comes first. Applications may be submitted either by mail or email.

It is the mission of KDA to support all facets of agriculture, including lending support to those who wish to market and sell their products as certified organic. For more information, go to the KDA website at agriculture.ks.gov/OrganicCostShare or contact KDA economist Tori Laird at [email protected] or 785-564-6726.

Government, Kansas

Fostering A Skilled Workforce

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Governor Laura Kelly Establishes Office of Registered Apprenticeship

~~Executive Order Expands Administration’s Workforce Development Efforts~~

TOPEKA – Today, on the heels of Labor Day, Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order #22-07 establishing the Office of Registered Apprenticeship within the Kansas Department of Commerce. The Office will dramatically scale up the Kelly Administration’s efforts to meet the talent needs of Kansas businesses, give workers the skills and experience they need to compete in the modern economy, and knock down barriers to employment.

“We have spurred remarkable economic growth here in Kansas, but to continue that success, we have to ensure Kansas workers have the skills and opportunities they need to compete in today’s global economy,” Governor Kelly said. “I created this new Office of Registered Apprenticeship to prioritize fostering a workforce that meets the needs of Kansas businesses and of essential industries like education and healthcare.”

Registered Apprenticeship programs are a key workforce development tool for the Kelly Administration and the Kansas Department of Commerce.

In May, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced appointments to the Kansas Apprenticeship Council (KAC), a significant step in modernizing the Registered Apprenticeship program in Kansas. The 12-member KAC helps establish Registered Apprenticeship programs in traditional and non-traditional occupations and provides approval for submitted program requests.

All Registered Apprenticeship programs must have five core components to be recognized for certification, including on-the-job training, related technical instruction, mentorship, wage progression, and industry-recognized credentials. However, the driving force must be a business or industry willing to support an apprentice to “earn and learn” a career.

“The Office of Registered Apprenticeship is a key part of our strategy to develop the workforce that Kansas companies need,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Engaging and partnering with businesses to provide on-the-job training allows for a more highly skilled and qualified workforce, which in turn reduces turnover rates and recruitment costs while increasing productivity.”

The Office of Registered Apprenticeship will be housed in the Kansas Department of Commerce and led by Shonda Atwater, current Director of Internships and Apprenticeships. Kansas currently has 212 recognized Apprenticeships programs with 3,396 Kansas residents participating.

“Robust partnerships are essential to growing Registered Apprenticeship opportunities across Kansas,” said Director of Internships and Apprenticeships Shonda Atwater. “The new Office of Apprenticeship will serve as the primary resource to connect industry partners and training providers, in order to prepare Kansans for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

The Office of Registered Apprenticeship will:

  • Evaluate, and report annually on, the extent, quality and impact of registered apprenticeships in Kansas.
  • Develop strategies to modernize the registered apprenticeship program to include additional industries such as healthcare, IT, agricultural manufacturing, and distribution and logistics – all critical segments in the Kansas economy.
  • Develop and advocate for registered apprenticeship program policies that place a special focus on veterans, women, people of color, those formerly incarcerated and others with barriers to successful employment.

Governor Kelly made the announcement at a state-of-the-art auto body repair shop at Washburn University Institute of Technology alongside leaders in organized labor and higher education.

“Registered apprenticeships give workers the tools they need to learn a trade and help build a stronger, more resilient Kansas economy. In fact, an apprenticeship program is how I first entered the construction industry,” said Alise Martiny, Business Manager of the Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council. “Thank you Governor Kelly for creating this new office to expand apprenticeships and economic opportunities for working Kansans.”

“We have to do college differently, work differently, and train differently to continue to produce and recruit highly technical and skilled employees to our Kansas communities,” said Washburn University Institute of Technology Dean Michael Strohschein, Ed.D. “That’s what we’re doing here at Washburn Tech, and what we believe this new Office of Registered Apprenticeship will help achieve throughout the state.”

More information on Kansas Registered Apprenticeships can be found on the Kansas Department of Commerce website. In addition, regular “Dinner Bell Calls” are held to help build and promote registered apprenticeship programs, share resources, connect with others, and hear and share success stories.