Category Archives: Government

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Kansas DCF Extends Deadline for Pandemic Relief Program

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Program provides funds to help eligible young adults in need

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families has extended the deadline to Sept. 10, 2021, for its independent living pandemic relief program, which provides a one-time benefit to help Kansas young adults ages 18 to 26 who experienced foster care, juvenile justice or tribal authority out of home placement at or after the age of 14.

“The pandemic has been difficult for all Kansans,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said, “and this program provides eligible young adults in need the chance to apply for this benefit and get financial assistance to help them in their daily lives.”

The program was developed after the Consolidated Appropriations Act (PL 116-260) was signed into law on December 27, 2020. The Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act (H.R. 7947) was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act and provides funding to every state to support youth and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Independent living pandemic relief program recipients must meet the following requirements:

  • Currently between the ages 18 and 26
  • Currently residing in Kansas
  • Experienced out of home placement in the custody of one of the following agencies at age 14 or older:
  • Kansas Department for Children and Families (formerly known as Social and Rehabilitation Services)
  • Tribal authority
  • Kansas Department of Corrections- juvenile services (formerly known as juvenile justice authority)
  • Other state child welfare system (verification of custody will be required for young adults who experienced custody in another state.)
  • Not currently participating in the DCF independent living program

Payments for this program will be issued starting in late September.

To complete the program application online, visit http://www.dcf.ks.gov/CAASP/Pages/ILPandemicRelief.aspx. Applicants will be asked to upload a copy or photo of their identifying documentation: State photo ID, social security card, or certified birth certificate. Applicants will need to have these documents accessible while completing the application.

Interested individuals may also print an application form and send the completed form to DCF youth programs via email, mail, fax (785-296-4685), or in-person delivery.

For mailing or in-person, the address is:

DCF Youth Programs Kansas Department for Children and Families Prevention and Protection Services 555 S. Kansas Avenue, 4th Floor​​ Topeka, KS 66603

If applicants do not have access to a printer, please email [email protected] and a copy will be mailed with an envelope for return.

Government, Kansas

Safer Classrooms Workgroup Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Safer Classrooms Workgroup to Protect Students, Teachers from COVID-19

TOPEKA – To protect Kansas students, teachers, and staff from the threat of the contagious Delta variant of COVID-19, Governor Laura Kelly today announced the Safer Classrooms Workgroup.

The workgroup, composed of highly skilled health professionals from across Kansas, will highlight the urgency of protecting kids from COVID-19 and use the best available science and information to support Governor Kelly’s administration, local governments, and school districts to promote health and safety in our schools.

“Children are catching the virus, being hospitalized, and dying from COVID at increasingly higher rates. There’s nothing more important than keeping our students healthy and in the classroom,” Governor Kelly said. “The Safer Classrooms Workgroup will provide information and guidance to give parents, teachers, school boards, and others the tools they need to make informed decisions to protect our students and our communities.”

The Safer Classrooms Workgroup will be composed of pediatricians, family physicians, school nurses, pharmacists, school psychologists, and other health professionals. They will meet weekly to highlight the urgency of protecting our kids from the delta variant, speaking with educators, parents, and advocates about their experiences as schools work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Every week, the workgroup will release a “School Safety Report” to serve as a resource for media, parents, schools, communities, and policymakers.

Information in this weekly report will include:

  • Timely and relevant policies on testing and masking in schools, and best practices that can be shared across school districts.
  • Updates on school districts with clearly communicated quarantine, testing, and masking policies, to ensure parents and families have what they need to know to keep their children safe.
  • Information on school district vaccination and testing events – with resources to help schools plan, publicize, and implement.
  • County-level data on youth vaccinations, cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.
  • Schools with active outbreaks.

“We got our kids back in school by listening to health professionals, wearing masks, implementing stringent public health protocol, and getting vaccinated,” Governor Kelly said. “We’ll keep them there by continuing to follow the best health practices. I encourage all Kansans to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

Government, Kansas

KDOT kicks off 2021 regional Local Consult meetings

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The Kansas Department of Transportation is hosting eight public Local Consult meetings this fall as part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) project selection process. All Kansans are invited to participate. Participants will have the opportunity to share their community and region’s transportation priorities and provide input on a list of potential highway expansion and modernization projects. This year’s Local Consult meetings will take place virtually to comply with current state guidance related to COVID-19. Participants can attend the online regional meeting as well as a virtual on-demand option.

Online live Zoom meetings – go to https://www.ksdotike.org/projects/local-consult-process to register for each regional meeting. Participate in live conversations about regional transportation priorities and hear directly from KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz. The schedule for the online regional and metro meetings is:

  • Southeast Kansas – 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 8
  • Wichita metro – 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9
  • North central Kansas – 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15
  • Northeast Kansas – 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16
  • Kansas City metro – 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30
  • South central Kansas – 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 4
  • Southwest Kansas – 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 5
  • Northwest Kansas – 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6

Virtual on-demand experience – Allows Kansans to review Local Consult information and provide input on their own schedules. Visit https://www.ksdotike.org/projects/local-consult-process for more information about the schedule for these meetings.

Local Consult is a process that takes place every two years for KDOT to listen to regional needs from the perspective of Kansans who live and work in each of the six districts and two metropolitan areas. The regional discussions will be influenced by the 1,900 Kansans who participated in a survey earlier this summer to share their top transportation interests and concerns.

About the IKE Program – IKE is a 10-year program that addresses highways, bridges, public transit, aviation, short-line rail and bike/pedestrian needs across Kansas. The program and associated projects are focused on making roads safer, supporting economic growth and creating more options and resources for Kansans and their communities. For more information about the IKE program: www.ksdotike.org.

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This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request.

For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the KDOT Communications Division,

700 SW Harrison St., 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3754 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.

 

 

 
Government, Kansas

KS National Guard Deployed to Louisiana

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Governor Laura Kelly Sending Kansas National Guardsmen to help in Louisiana

~~Kansas National Guard Providing Critical Aid to Areas Affected by Hurricane Ida~~

TOPEKA –Today Governor Laura Kelly announced Soldiers and Airmen from the Kansas National Guard will be deployed to Louisiana to provide support in and around areas affected by Hurricane Ida. The Guardsmen are deploying as part of an Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a multistate agreement that allows states to send government aid to other states in emergency situations.

“In times of crisis, Kansans have always stepped up to help out our fellow Americans – and today is no different,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Today, I deployed Kansas National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to Louisiana to help those struggling in the areas affected by Hurricane Ida. We stand ready to provide relief for the impacted families.”

Approximately 280 Soldiers and Airmen will deploy for this mission, which is expected to last 21 days, including travel. The deploying Soldiers and Airmen are members of the Kansas Army National Guard’s 130th Field Artillery Brigade, Manhattan; 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, Hutchinson; 1161st Forward Support Company, Wichita; 169th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Olathe; 635th Regional Support Group, Wichita; 891st Engineer Battalion, Iola; and the Kansas Air National Guard’s 184th Wing, Wichita and the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Topeka. The Guardsmen will be taking engineering equipment such as skid steers, dump trucks, chain saws, and excavators. They will also be taking other equipment which includes generators, light medium tactical vehicles, high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles, and palletized load system trucks.

“This humanitarian mission is part of what the National Guard is all about,”Maj. Gen. David Weishaar, the adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management said. “Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen supporting the civil authorities in time of trouble. It’s a mission we do well, are proud to do and one that we have asked our Guardsmen to do quite often the past 18 months. The efforts of these Kansas Soldiers and Airmen will give their Louisiana brothers and sisters in uniform much-needed relief and help the people affected by this disaster get back on their feet that much quicker.”

Fort Scott, Government

FS Golf Course Advisory Board Vacancy

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The Fort Scott Golf Course Advisory Board has a vacancy.

There is one opening for a city resident.

The function of the Golf Course Advisory Board is to advise the City Commission in all matters referred to them regarding the Woodland Hills Golf Course. They will also independently evaluate all aspects of the operation of the Golf Course and make recommendations to the City Commission and City Manager. They meet on an “as needed” basis.

If you have a desire to serve on this Board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. She will then submit your letter of interest for consideration by the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on any of these boards, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by September 17th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Budget Work Session Sept. 2

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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: September 2, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM

 

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Budget Work Session

 

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.

Government

New Heirs’ Property Relending Program Accepting Applications

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Lenders Can Now Apply for New Heirs’ Property Relending Program 

 

Manhattan Kansas, August 30, 2021 – Intermediary lenders can now apply for loans through the new Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications today through October 29, 2021, and cooperatives, credit unions and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for these competitive loans, which ultimately will help agricultural producers and landowners resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues.  

 

“Heirs’ property issues have long been a barrier for many producers and landowners to access USDA programs and services, and this relending program provides access to capital to help producers find a resolution to these issues,” said Charles, Pettijohn, Acting State Executive Director, Farm Service Agency (FSA). “USDA is committed to revising policies to be more equitable and removing barriers faced by heirs’ property owners is part of that effort.”  

 

Through HPRP, FSA loans up to $5 million at a 1% interest rate to eligible lenders. Then, those eligible lenders will reloan funds to heirs to help resolve title issues by financing the purchase or consolidation of property interests and financing costs associated with a succession plan.  

 

How to Apply 

Intermediary lenders should apply by the October 29, 2021 deadline using the HPRP application form (FSA-2637), which can be submitted to FSA by mail: 

 

FSA Deputy Administrator for Farm Loan Programs 

Loan Making Division 

STOP 0522 

1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.  

Washington, DC 20250 

 

Additionally, FSA will host a webinar on September 15 at 2 p.m. ET for interested lenders, who can register or learn more on the FSA Outreach and Education webpage. 

 

Eligible Lenders 
Intermediary lenders must: 

  • be certified as a community development financial institution, and 
  • have experience and capability in making and servicing agricultural and commercial loans that are similar in nature. 

 

If applications exceed the amount of available funds, FSA will prioritize applicants that both:  

  • have at least 10 years or more of experience with socially disadvantaged farmers; and 
  • are located in states that have adopted a statute consisting of enactment or adoption of the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act (UPHPA). A list of these states is available at farmers.gov/heirs/relending.  

 

More Information 

Frequently asked questions (including those in Spanish, Thai and Chinese), the August 3, 2021 overview webinar, and other resources can be found on farmers.gov/heirs/relending.  

 

After the loans are announced, USDA will distribute information for heirs on how to apply. Information for heirs is also on farmers.gov/heirs/relending.  

 

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 safe, 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. 

 

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Government, Kansas

Grants For Non-Profit Arts Organizations Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces New Grant Program to Support Non-Profit Arts Organizations

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced new grant program designed to help non-profit arts organizations in Kansas recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These grants will provide immediate help for non-profit arts organizations across Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration will continue supporting our arts community to create new tourist opportunities and recruit new families and businesses to Kansas. I encourage any organization that would benefit from these funds to apply now.”

The Short-Term Operational Support program provides immediate on-time grants to arts non-profits facing financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. Funding for this program comes from the National Endowment for the Arts through the 2021 Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Nationally, $54 million has been allocated for 62 state and regional agencies to grant.

Grant funding can be used for:

  • Salary support;
  • Fees to support the services of contractual personnel for specific activities required as part of annual organizational operations;
  • Facility operational costs such as rent and utilities;
  • Costs associated with health and safety supplies for staff and/or visitors;
  • Marketing and promotion costs.

“These grants will help ease this financial burden for Kansas’ arts community,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “This funding is designed to assist with day-to-day operations that are critical to any organization. If you think that your organization might benefit from this program but aren’t sure how to start, reach out to the Commerce team and we’ll be happy to help.”

Applications are open through September 4, 2021. For more information, including qualifications and how to apply, click here.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee of Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) and Kansas Department of Commerce staff. Grant recommendations and reviews will be presented to the full KCAIC Board, which will make final determination based on available funding and size of qualified applicant pool.

KCAIC will notify all applicants of the final decision in early October.

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 in 2021 was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Offices Closed For Labor Day

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The City of Fort Scott Administrative Office will be closed on Monday, September 6th, 2021 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 7th, 2021.

The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, September 4th, 2021 for the Labor Day holiday. It will be open again on Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Sept. 1

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Wednesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: September 1, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM

 

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • CDBG CV Close Out Hearing

 

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.

Government, Kansas

Long-Term Care Facility Vaccine Data Tracked

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KDADS Header

For Immediate Release:    
August 27, 2021

Contact:    
Cara Sloan-Ramos
[email protected]

Kansas Launches Online Dashboard to Track Vaccination Data Among Healthcare Personnel in Long-Term Care Facilities

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and Kansas Department for Health and Environment (KDHE) have collaborated to create an online dashboard that makes it easier for the public to track vaccination rates among healthcare personnel in the state’s long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in anticipation of the federal regulation requiring staff vaccinations within the nation’s more than 15,000 Medicare and Medicaid-participating nursing homes.

The anticipated emergency federal requirement is being developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This new requirement is a key component of protecting the health and safety of nursing home residents and staff by ensuring that all nursing home staff receive COVID-19 vaccinations.

The state’s newly launched dashboard extrapolates data specific to Kansas from the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) COVID-19 Long Term Care Facility Module and provides a view of the healthcare personnel vaccination rates for Kansas’s federally licensed LTCFs.

“The importance of vaccinations for individuals who work with the older population so profoundly impacted by COVID-19 can’t be overstated as the decision to get vaccinated can not only protect their health, but the health of their colleagues, patients and their families, and the communities they serve,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “The dashboard provides Kansas an important local tool to share CMS vaccination data among healthcare workers in this setting with the public.”

The most recent healthcare personnel vaccination rate data available from CMS (updated August 26, 2021) shows that in Kansas, 86.7 percent of current residents and 58.1 percent of current staff (healthcare personnel) have completed COVID-19 vaccinations per facility.

“We know that vaccinations are the most effective way to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19,” said Lee Norman, M.D., KDHE Secretary. “This dashboard helps to highlight CMS facilities in the state as they work to vaccinate their employees to protect the important population they serve.””

The Kansas dashboard, to be updated by KDHE Fridays by 12:30 p.m., includes both a map view and a table view. The map view of the dashboard categorizes federally licensed LTCFs into four categories based on healthcare personnel vaccination rates:

  • Below 50%
  • 50-70%
  • 70-90%
  • Above 90%

The table view provides a list of all federally licensed LTCFs and their healthcare personnel vaccination rates.

The state dashboard includes the most recent healthcare personnel vaccination rate data available from CMS. CMS publishes data reported by nursing homes to the CDC’s NHSN on a weekly basis; the data is typically published 11 days after being submitted. More information is available on the CMS website.