Category Archives: Government

Gov. Kelly: Paying Down Debts, Paying Cash For Projects

Kelly Administration Saves Taxpayers Over $750M by Retiring Debt and

Paying Cash for Projects

~~Fiscal Responsibility is ‘Transformative’ for Kansas~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that actions taken by her administration in Fiscal Year 2022, including paying down debts incurred by the Brownback Administration and paying cash for projects, have saved Kansans $754.2 million in interest payments.

“By prioritizing fiscal responsibility, we have put Kansas back on track and ready for the road ahead,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration has managed our budget wisely in order to save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and axe taxes – all while making historic investments in our schools, infrastructure, and law enforcement.”

In Fiscal Year 2022 (July 2021 through June 2022), the Kelly Administration used the budget surplus to retire debt early and pay for projects with cash rather than through issuing bonds. The Administration paid down $1.6 billion in debt, saving $632.0 million in interest payments, and will pay cash for $203.0 million of new capital projects, saving Kansans more than $100 million in interest that would have otherwise accumulated through bonds.

These savings also include saving Kansans $22.2 million in interest by paying off the nearly $100 million of a $200 million transportation bond that was issued in 2012.

“Utilizing our surplus to pay down this level of debt in one year – while simultaneously building our reserves to record levels – is a transformative event,” Adam Proffitt, State Budget Director, said. “This will insulate our budget from potential future economic volatilities, which will provide fiscal stability, allowing us to continue to fund critical services for all Kansans for years to come.”

These savings include paying off debt to KPERS, for the KBI Lab at Washburn University, and for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, among others.

Lisa Lewis: New Fort Scott City Clerk

Lisa Lewis is the new Fort Scott City Clerk, as of Oct. 1, 2022.

Lisa A. Lewis, 56, is the new Fort Scott City and Municipal Court Clerk, as of Oct. 1, when Diane Clay retired.

Lewis and husband, Tony, are new to Fort Scott. The Lewis’s came in 2021, having lived in Chicago and raised their four children there.

From 2019 to 2021 they lived in Queen Creek, AZ but  decided they liked Midwest living better than the desert, so decided to move to Kansas, she said.

She started working at the city of Fort Scott as administrative support in January of 2022 working with Jackson Tough and Tourism as well as City Hall.

“My son in Spring Hill, KS was the one responsible for us all moving to Kansas,” she said. “We wanted to come back Midwest, where our heart is, but never back to Illinois. He played baseball for Wichita State University and then minor league for the Chicago White Sox. My husband also played minor league for the San Diego Padres and was sold on Fort Scott because of the LaRoche Stadium, where he currently works, so he is enjoying life here too and hoping to make more opportunities for the city with that aspect.”

“We wanted to move to a small town, from the big cities of previous years, and start to slow down,” she said. “I began working at City Hall but opportunities came fast and furious that changed all of that. Diane Clay took me under her wing and brought me along. She truly is amazing and someone I look up to. I hope to make her proud. I most certainly have a lot to learn in order to represent like she did, but I will get there. I believe I bring a lot of life experiences, I have dabbled in many of the pertinent professional areas over the years. I also have the passion and mindset to be an integral part of a team to help this charming little town be all it can be and more.”

“I come from big towns, and I know how to live ‘big town’, however, I have quickly come to love the charm and pace of small town living; but it is a definite learning curve,” she said. “I hope the residents will afford me that necessary grace period to learn all about Fort Scott and its needs, because my intentions are nothing but good. I am enjoying getting to know everyone. People are friendly here even though I am an outsider. Residents and my co-workers have been extremely gracious, welcoming and patient to date. I am used to being surrounded by shopping and services galore. Now I realize that if Wal-Mart doesn’t have it, we may not really need it anymore…that’s a good thing.”

With her husband of 33 years, Tony,  they raised four children.

“My daughter (32) is married with one child and one on the way,” she said. “She lives in Shawnee, KS and  her husband works for Johnson County Corrections. Our son (30) lives in Chicago, IL and is a general manager for Menards. He plans to move to Kansas in the near future. Our son (26) is married with one child on the way and lives in Spring Hill,  where he is a deputy sheriff for Johnson Co. Sheriff’s Office. Our daughter (16) is a junior at Fort Scott High School and found her passion in the theater there.”

Her work experience includes: Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Graphic Designer (20 years), Illinois DCFS Case Aide /Court Liaison (9 years), worked in healthcare as a CNA, Phlebotomist and Lab Clinical/Clerical Assistant (7 years).

Contact info for the city clerk:

The office is located at 123 S. Main St.

Fort Scott, KS 66701 and the phone number is

(620) 223-0550. FAX:  (620)-223-8100

or email  [email protected]

 

The clerk’s office hours are Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM.

Fort Scott City Hall.

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 4

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

 

Date: October 4, 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
  • Delwin Mumbower – Burn Ban Update
  • Lora Holdridge—South East Kansas Regional County Officials Meeting
  • Clifton Beth – SEK Area Agency on Aging – Board Opening
  • Ashley Shelton – Gas Price Lock In
  • 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.

All Outside Burning Order is Set Due to Drought Conditions in the County

On September 27, 2022 the Bourbon County Commission ordered  all outside burning in the county prohibited, unless specifically approved by the fire chief, with the exception of covered barbeque grills.

High heat and little rain since June have prompted the ordinance, and is in effect until a sufficient rain occurs.

Under these extreme dry conditions, once started a fire would be difficult to control by fire departments. Water usage is of great concern and also the availability of enough water to put out the fire.

To view the entire order:

doc03175320220927113432

Special Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda for Sept. 28

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

 

Date: September 28, 2022 at 3:00 pm

1st District-Nelson Blythe                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton

 

         

A SPECIAL MEETING TO BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM

 

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Executive Session – 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
  • Commission Comment-Approval for all commissioners to attend the Southeast Kansas Regional County Officials Meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

WIC Program: Weekly at The Health Department Starting Oct. 5

SEK Muliti-County Health Department, located at 6th and Lowman Streets, Fort Scott.

A program geared to all aspects of a mother and young child’s life will start weekly appointments in Fort Scott, next Wednesday.

The Women’s, Infants and Children (WIC) federal program is for low-income pregnant women and  follow up care,  and also for children five years and under who are at nutritional risk.

The program will start on  October 5 by appointment in Fort Scott at the Southeast Kansas Multi County Health Department, 6th and Lowman Street.

Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director.
Some of the benefits of the program, according to the US Dept. of Ag website
  • Supplemental nutritious foods. Examples of WIC foods include milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, juice, fish, whole grains, cereal, peanut butter, beans (dried or canned), fresh fruits and vegetables, infant formula and baby food.
  • Nutrition education and counseling at WIC clinics.
  • screening and referrals to other health, welfare and social services.

“WIC has been available to the county for years now by the Crawford County Health Department, but will be now located in one location rather multiple locations,” said  Becky Johnson
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer at the SEK Multi-County Health Department. “Since the Bourbon County Health Department moved to a much larger building, we have been working to acquire other services here at our new location.”

“Previously WIC was at Buck Run Community Center, Mercy Hospital and for the last couple of years it has been at our new location about three days a month,” she said.” We are excited to have it housed in one location and are very glad to be able to provide this program to our residents.”

 

Monday, 7:00am To 5:30 pm
Tuesday, 7:00am To 5:30pm
Wednesday, 7:00am To 5:30pm
Thursday ,7:00am To 5:30pm
Note: Closed for lunch from noon-12:30pm.

The health department can be reached at (620) 223-4464.
Also offered for women at the health department is a mother’s support group:

Breastfeeding Help

“We also will be starting training for a new service next month which is the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program through WIC,” she said. ”

“Breastfeeding Peer Counselors (BFPC) are women in the community with personal breastfeeding experience similar to WIC participants including: age; language; similar ethnic/cultural background; current or previous WIC participation; and an enthusiasm for breastfeeding. Peer Counselors provide education and support for WIC mothers. Programs vary but in general peer counselors are available to WIC clients both inside and outside usual clinic hours and the WIC clinic environment,” according to https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1433/Breastfeeding-Peer-Counselor-Program

Holly Fritter. Submitted photo.

“Our Breast Feeding Peer Counselor, Holly Fritter, has been working for us since 2019 as the Home Visitor for Bourbon County,” Johnson said. “Home visiting for families with young children is a longstanding strategy offering information, guidance, risk assessment, and parenting support interventions at home.”

“The typical ‘home visiting program’ is designed to improve some combination of pregnancy outcomes, parenting skills, and early childhood health and development,” Johnson said. “Holly works out of our Fort Scott office, but will also cover Allen, Anderson and Woodson Counties for the BFPC Program. These programs are an asset to our counties, as it is free to the clients, and provides much needed support and guidance to mothers and families. ”

Other Services Provided by the Health Department

 

Women’s Health – Breast Exam, Pap Smear, Lab Work, Sexually Transmitted Disease testing, Blood pressure screening, hemoglobin, blood sugar & birth control if desired.


Immunizations
– Call to schedule an appointment. We are not having walk-in days due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


KanBe Healthy Screening
– For Kancare eligible children up to 18 years of age. Full physical, hear & vision screenings, developmental screenings and lab work.


Maternal Child Health Home Visitor
– Provides home visits to pregnant mothers and parents of newborns. Provides parents with resources and referrals for various assistance programs they are eligible for. They also provide a breastfeeding support group meetings, call for dates and times.


Adult Physicals
– Basic adult physical provided by registered nurse for employment purposes. Physicals also provided for State of Kansas foster care or adoptions.


Childhood Physicals
– Physicals for public schools, daycares, Headstart or preschool. Full physical, hearing & vision screens, lab work. No Athletic Physicals.

 

Blood Pressure & Glucose Checks – We will monitor blood pressure/blood glucose and keep a record for you.

 

Pregnancy Tests – Provided for $15.00. Referrals to SRS, WIC, HSHV, and family doctor are provided.


Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing & Treatment
– We will test for and treat gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.


Lab/Blood Draws
– Cholesterol, diabetes, drug screens, pregnancy, CBC, Thyroid, prostate. Lab tests are on a cash basis and with a physician order. Please call for full list and pricing.

KS Renewable Energy Conference Registrations Close Oct. 3-4

Registration Closing Wednesday for 2022 Kansas Renewable Energy Conference

TOPEKA — Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today said there still is time to register for the upcoming 2022 Kansas Renewable Energy Conference. Those interested, however, will need to act quickly. Registrations for the Oct. 3-4 event in Manhattan will close at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 28th.

“Renewable energy is a rapidly developing and growing segment of the state economy,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Wind energy alone, our state’s leading source for electricity generation, has attracted more than $15 billion of investment to Kansas. This conference will provide a great opportunity to further our role as a leader in the renewable energy industry.”

The Kansas Department of Commerce holds the Renewable Energy Conference every year to showcase the latest trends and developments in the renewable energy industry. After a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, the conference will return in-person at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan.

The conference will have three general sessions and four breakout sessions on topics of wind energy and transmission, solar energy and storage, hydrogen development, electric vehicles, and renewable natural gas, as well as a panel featuring public and private sector perspectives from within the industry.

This year’s conference will be highlighted by U.S. Department of Energy representative Crystal Perkins, who will discuss the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The Act includes funding and incentives for clean power generation and storage, domestic manufacturing of clean energy and transportation technologies. IRA also will make purchasing energy-efficient appliances more affordable for Kansas families and support climate-smart agricultural practices.

In addition, the conference will feature a session with Southwest Power Pool representative Mike Ross that will discuss the state of the power grid and how transmission facilitates renewable energy growth.

The conference will also feature business and community leaders discussing renewable energy developments in wind, solar, storage and hydrogen, and highlighting the economic impacts associated with these areas. Program sessions will look at innovations in transportation and the role of transmission in facilitating renewable energy growth and economic expansion.

Conference attendees will have the chance to test drive two electric vehicles provided by Evergy and learn how businesses can receive funding to install charging infrastructure. The two EVs that will be at the conference will be Ford’s F-150 Lightning and Volkswagen’s compact SUV, the VW ID.4.

This year’s conference sponsors include:

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

For more information about the conference, please visit www.kansascommerce.gov/renewable-energy-conference.

If you are interested in attending the conference, online registration is open until September 28 for $125 or a discounted student rate of $60. You may register online here. Please note, if you require an invoice for registration, select that option at the bottom of the first page.

The Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan has a reduced-rate, room block reserved for conference attendees. Contact the hotel online or by calling (785) 532-9116. The group code is KSDPTC.

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.

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KDOT Debt Paid Off Early

Kelly Administration Pays Off Transportation Debt Early, Saving Taxpayers $22.2M

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that for the first time ever, debt issued by the Kansas Department of Transportation has been paid off early, resulting in a savings of $22.2 million in interest payments. The Kelly Administration was able to pay off the debt due to strong state revenues and its work to close the Bank of KDOT.

“Kansas taxpayers continue to see the benefits of our fiscal responsibility,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “By closing the Bank of KDOT and balancing the state budget, my administration has saved taxpayers millions of dollars – all without compromising the quality of our state infrastructure.”

The now-retired C Series bonds issued to KDOT in 2012 initially had a principal of $200 million. This summer, KDOT was able to pay off the remaining $97.8 million in principal of the 20-year bond, thus saving $22.2 million in interest. The bond was retired with current cash flow and without negatively impacting existing programs or construction projects as part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE). Under the Kelly Administration, KDOT has increased construction lettings by 300 percent across the state.

From 2014 through 2018, under the Brownback Administration, the state transferred more than $1.7 billion from KDOT to other parts of the state budget – a practice known as raiding the “Bank of KDOT.” The state budget for fiscal year 2023, as approved by the Kansas Legislature and signed by Governor Kelly last April, did not include a transfer out of the agency and effectively closed the Bank of KDOT.

“We are always mindful that this not KDOT’s money; it’s the taxpayers’ money and we have responsibility to manage it in a way that generates the most benefit for Kansans now and in the future,” said Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz. “Saving Kansans $22 million and delivering IKE projects as promised is testament of that and I want to thank all our KDOT workers who worked hard to make this happen.”

KDOT has had the authority to issue debt to ensure necessary cash flow since 1992. On a 20-year bond, refinancing or full payment can take place at the 10-year mark. This was the first time the agency was able to pay off a highway bond early. To date, KDOT has not issued bonds during the IKE program.

“KDOT focuses on making sound financial and investment decisions that allow the agency to be good stewards of state resources,” said Pam Anderson, Interim Director of Fiscal and Asset Management. “Saving money and spending wisely go hand in hand to make every dollar count.”

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FS Planning Commission Meets Oct. 3

The Fort Scott Planning Commission will meet on Monday, October 3rd, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.  This meeting will be held to consider the following:

 

A change of zoning from R-1 (Residential) to C-3 (Commercial) and consideration of a Conditional Use Permit to allow an animal kennel for the property located at 205 Arthur Street.

 

This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.

 

Diane Clay Retires as City Clerk On Oct. 1

Diane Clark, Fort Scott City Clerk, sits at her desk at city hall.

Diane Clay’s first job with the City of Fort Scott was as Administrative Assistant to the City Manager Richard U. Nienstedt in March 1998.

Her last day on the job is October 1, 2022.

“I have been employed for 24 years…with the City of Fort Scott,” she said.  “I have been City Clerk 23 of those years.”

For many, Clay was the first contact with the city that citizens had.

And for this reporter, she was always helpful and timely in her responses to questions.

The best part of the job for Clay has been helping citizens and working for the city commissioners, she said.

No job is without challenges, and for her,  “Changes are a challenge and there has been lots of them.”

Indeed, there have been five new city managers in the last two years, and a high turnover rate of city commissioners.

Clay said her duties as city clerk included:

  • All licensing – Cereal Malt Beverage, Drinking Establishment – Liquor Stores – Electrician – Plumbers – Trash – Fireworks – Golf Cart – UTV
  • Preparing city commission agenda packets
  • Taking and transcribing minutes from all meetings as well as 12 advisory board meetings.
  • Keeping the city website up to date
  • Posting all street closings/notices on Facebook and city website
  • Plus many, many more

Besides the city clerk, Clay has been the Municipal Court Clerk for the city, whose duties include:

  • Attending court and taking accurate recordings of the court sessions.
  • Inputing actions into the city’s software
  • Keeping accurate accounting of payments made on cases
  • Preparing a court docket twice monthly
  • Preparing reporting statements to the State of Kansas

Clay became a Certified Municipal Clerk in November 2003 and a Master Municipal Clerk in June 2008, through Wichita State University.

In 2018, Clay was named Outstanding Court Clerk for the State of Kansas.

Plans for retirement?

“Travel and relax!” she said.  “My husband and I have a daughter and son-in-law and a precious 4-year-old grandson that live in Joplin Missouri.  We will spend more time with them I’m sure.”

In addition to her family, Clay has been a constant at her church.

” I have taught Sunday School at Grace Baptist Tabernacle for 49 years!” she said.  “I have sung in the choir for probably 49 years also, and been very involved in the church and will continue to do so.”

Lisa Lewis will assume the Fort Scott City Clerk position on Oct.1 and has been training for the job from Clay for three months.

 

WIC Program Starts Oct. 5 at Bo Co Health Department

Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director.

The Bourbon County Health Department (524 S. Lowman, Fort Scott) will be the location where WIC (Women, Infants, Children) Program will be held at in Bourbon County from here on out. It is every Wednesday, starting October 5th. If anyone has questions, we’d be happy to help and our number is 223-4464.

We do have flu shots available now as well as the new COVID-19 Bivalent Booster shots.

Submitted by Becky Johnson
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer
SEK Multi-County Health Department

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Sept. 27

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: September 27, 2022

1st DistrictNelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley 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

Eric Bailey Executive Session KSA 754319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

Delwin Mumbower Burn Ban Update

Bill Martin Fuel Request Road & Bridge

Clifton Beth Benefits Committee

Ashley Shelton SEK Area Agency on Aging Board Opening

o Gas Price Lock In

Jim Harris Executive Session KSA 754319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the
public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorneyclient relationship

Justin Meeks County Counselor Comment

Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer Comment

o Budget Documents

o Years of Service Recognition Donald Gene Bailey

Shane Walker Chief Information Officer Comment

Tiana McElroy County Attorney Position

Public Comment

Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

KSA 754319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

KSA 754319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorneyclient relationship

KSA 754319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employeremployee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

KSA 754319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

KSA 754319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

KSA 754319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Years of Service Recognition

Bill Martin – Fuel Request

Bank Rec for August 31, 2022

Annual Budget