Category Archives: Government

Government

Guide To Boost Eco Devo in Rural Areas Available

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USDA and EDA Launch Resource Guide to Boost Economic Development in Rural Communities

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small and U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Deputy Assistant Secretary Dennis Alvord today unveiled a joint resource guide to help community organizations access USDA and EDA resources to build strategies to boost economic development in rural America.

“America’s rural communities are critical to the success of our nation’s economy,” Torres Small said. “When we invest in rural communities, we build opportunity and prosperity for the people who live in them. The guide we are unveiling today will better equip people with the tools they need to make their communities more attractive, economically viable and safe places to live and work.”

Alvord added, “We are committed to working together to explore new ways to support and strengthen rural America. It’s important that we’re equipping our communities with tools that are easily accessible and easily utilized to maximize the work of providing greater, inclusive economic prosperity across our country. This guide is a great tool to deliver on that commitment.”

 

The resource guide outlines programs and services that can be used to advance community and economic development in rural communities through four key focus areas:

  • Planning and technical assistance
  • Infrastructure and broadband expansion
  • Entrepreneurship and business assistance
  • Workforce development and livability

 

The guide also features information and links to USDA Rural Development and U.S. Economic Development Administration key priorities and resources.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under 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. 

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)

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

 

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

 

Government, Kansas

KS Expands Computer Science Education

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Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bill Expanding Computer Science Education in Kansas Schools

~~This Legislation Helps Students Transition from Career and Technical Education Programs into the Workforce~~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed bipartisan House Bill 2466 to promote computer science education in Kansas schools and provide additional funding for current and aspiring teachers to receive training in computer science programs. HB 2466 also establishes a pilot program that covers credential exam costs and assists career and technical education students in their transition to the workforce.

“By expanding computer science education and creating this transition program, we can better retain the skilled workforce Kansas produces through our K-12 schools,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “In addition, it signals to companies looking to build or expand their business that Kansas is the place to do it.”

HB 2466 provides scholarships for educators in rural areas and underrepresented socioeconomic groups to obtain computer science education training.

“HB2466 will bring much needed resources and training to our teachers,” Representative Steve Huebert, District 90, said. “With that, more classes will be offered, allowing students to gain the computer science skills they need for today’s workforce demands.”

More information about HB 2466 can be found here.

Governor Kelly also signed the following bills:

HB 2138
Provides for the use of electronic poll books in elections and the approval of such books by the secretary of state, requires all voting systems for elections to use individual voter-verified paper ballots with a distinctive watermark, requires the secretary of state and local election officers to develop an affidavit to be signed by election workers regarding the handling of completed ballots, requires audits of any federal, statewide or state legislative race that is within 1% of the total votes cast and requires randomized audits of elections procedures used in four counties in even-numbered years, requires a county election officer to send a confirmation of address when there is no election-related activity for any four-calendar year period and exempts poll workers from certain election crimes.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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May 6, 2022

 

The legislature is on another break until May 23.  The delayed schedule is a response to the Congressional map and now the state senate map being challenged in court.

 

Meat Labeling Conference Committee Report (CCR) 261 will stop the use of the word “meat” when a product at the grocery store does not contain meat.  The bill does not address the use of the word “meat” in restaurants or the use of the word “milk”, but it is a step in consumer protection and forcing accurate labeling of non-meat products.  The CCR passed unanimously.

 

Taxes collected were $175 million above estimates for April.  Last year the Governor vetoed income tax cuts, calling them reckless.  The legislature overrode the veto and the tax cuts were implemented.  Taxes collected are at an all-time high.  A majority of legislators voted to pay down some debt (KPERS unfunded liability), which I supported.  However, a majority of legislators also voted to increase spending and put $750 million in reserves – so that government can spend it at a later date.  I do not support allowing government to grow, especially at that pace.

 

As Chairman of the Senate Tax Committee, I am grateful for the hard work by the Senate and the House to get some good tax legislation passed this year!  Here are some of the highlights: property tax freeze for low income seniors and disabled veterans, tax credits for teachers who purchased school supplies with their own money, removing state sales tax on delivery and postage costs, doubling personal income tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans from $2250 to $4500, and many other provisions.  And of course, after many years of trying, we finally passed legislation that will bring the state sales tax on groceries to zero. These are big wins for Kansans and I am grateful for the teamwork between the House and Senate to the tax policies passed with veto proof majority.

 

In the next day of session, May 23, watch for CCR 2597 which would amend income tax, sales tax, and would enact the COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Act, providing partial property tax relief for businesses who were restricted at their storefront during the Governor’s COVID-19 shut down.  The legislation would gradually remove state income tax on Social Security, increase the standard deduction based on inflation, remove state sales tax on electric and other utilities for businesses (homeowners are already exempt), and other tax provisions to help return record tax collections to Kansas taxpayers.

 

There was good teamwork and leadership this year that has brought good tax policy to fruition, but there is still work to be done on May 23.

 

K-12 funding for each Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, 2023, 2024 is over $6 billion in CCR 2567.  There was some policy items in the CCR, most notably, adoption of Open Enrollment, allowing students to move between schools provided the receiving school has the capacity to accept the student transferring.  There are several questions with the legislation.  It was in a budget bill and the Governor can line item veto budgets.  Does it apply to this bill?  The CCR passed the Senate 24 to 14.  I did not support the major spending increase.  I did support the school transfer version of the bill and had voted Yes when it was a standalone bill.

More legislation that passed can be found at www.KSLegislature.org.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 To Interview Superintendent Candidate Destry Brown

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The Fort Scott Board of Education encourages the community to come meet the candidates at the Meet & Greet opportunities on Tuesday (05/10) and Thursday (05/12).  These will be held at the Fort Scott Middle School Flex space from 4-5 pm and from 5:30-6:15 pm.  Please enter through the south doors.

Those who attend the Meet & Greet receptions will be given a paper survey to provide feedback.  Be sure to turn this in before you leave to provide your feedback.  The responses will be tallied and provided to the board in summary.  The Board will then meet in executive session at the board office for purposes of interviewing each candidate Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm.

Submitted by Gina Shelton, U234 Board Clerk

 

 

USD 234

Mr. Destry Brown will be interviewing for the position of superintendent with the board of education on May 10, 2022.

Mr. Destry Brown is the first of two candidates that the USD 234 Fort Scott board of education will be interviewing. Candidates were selected for interviews based on their fit with desired characteristics that were developed with input from focus groups and an online community survey utilized during the search process.

Mr. Destry Brown is currently serving as the Superintendent of the Clinton, Missouri schools.   Mr. Brown has also served as superintendent of schools in Pittsburg, KS, Frontenac, KS and has been an elementary principal.

 

Mr. Destry Brown’s Schedule

05/10/2022

 

12:00 p.m. – 12:25 p.m. Meet with district office staff, directors, and administrators
12:30 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. Tour of district school buildings with community host
3:00 p.m. – 3:55 p.m. Community tour with community host
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Meet & Greet with staff and community at FSMS Community Space
5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Private time for candidate
5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Meet & Greet with staff and community at FSMS Community Space
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Dinner followed by formal interview with the candidate and the board in executive session.

 

The board of education will conclude interviews on May 12, 2022. They will then determine which candidate is the best fit for the superintendent position in USD 234 Fort Scott.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Agenda For U234 Board Meeting May 9

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USD 234 Board Meeting Agenda

May 9, 2022 – 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Open the meeting
  2. Flag Salute
  3. Open budget hearing
  4. Comments
  5. Close budget hearing
  6. Consider official agenda
  7. Consider consent agenda
  8. Public Forum
  9. HTK Architects
  10. Principals’ Reports
  11. Academic Director’s Report
  12. Superintendent’s Report
  13. Finance Director’s Report
  14. Consider budget adoption
  15. Summer Maintenance Projects
  16. KESA Update
  17. ESSER III Update
  18. Consider high school science curriculum recommendation
  19. Consider summer camps
  20. Consider 2022-23 lunch fees
  21. Consider 2022-23 fees
  22. Board Member Comments
  23. Executive session – to discuss employee-employer negotiations for the 2022-23 school year
  24. Executive session – to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel
  25. Consider Resolution 21-13 – Intent to Nonrenew a Teacher’s Contract
  26. Consider employment
  27. Executive session – to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel
  28. Adjourn

 

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Government

Tourism on the Rise in Fort Scott

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Jackson Tough. Submitted.

Tourism is the act of spending time away from home in pursuit of recreation, relaxation, and pleasure, while using commercial services, according to Britannica Dictionary.

Local tourism is looking healthy as evidenced by the transient guest tax from 2015 through 2022, which just completed its first quarter, JacksonTough, Fort Scott’s Public Relations and Tourism Director said.

“Transient guest tax is probably the most common form of raising funds to promote tourism in a given community,” Tough said. “It’s simply a tax on hotel/motel rooms that visitors pay when they stay in Fort Scott.”

“Residents do not pay into the tourism tax unless they happen to stay in a hotel/motel in Fort Scott,” he said. “Advertising funds are primarily used for promotion of Fort Scott; from print ads, brochure distribution, website maintenance, materials to target motorcoach tours and conferences, social media ad placement, among others.”

The City of Fort Scott has had several tourism directors through the years whose job it is to promote events and attractions

Tough started last June as the newest public relations and tourism director.

Earlier this year, his office was moved from city hall to the Bourbon County Regional Economical Development Inc. office on the second floor of the Landmark Bank, 200 S. Main, he said. He is still an employee of the city but the move allows he and the REDI Executive Director Rob Harrington to work more closely.

Because tourism is also a form of economic development the city commission and the REDI board agreed that it would be smart for the two entities to work side by side, Tough said.

“Like Rob’s job is to help existing businesses increase and to facilitate new business, my job is to help grow existing tourism as well as promote for new events and tourism attractions to Fort Scott,” Tough said.

“I’m very excited about the direction we’re headed in, Harrington said. “Jackson and I work well together. He has his own economic development experience when he was in broadcast marketing and management and also through the chamber of commerce. He has put together a solid plan for marketing Fort Scott tourism into the future.”

 

The NICA race at Gunn Park in April 2022. Submitted photo.

“Even though tourism is on the rise there’s always room for improvement,” Tough said. “We are constantly researching opportunities. Whether it’s the possibility of more motor sports, expansion of rodeo events, adding disc golf or baseball tournaments.”

“There has been discussion of combining and incorporating Gordon Parks, Company D – 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment and other little known and under told stories of progressive African American leaders and events from the Fort Scott area,” Tough said. “It’s an inspirational story that should be told about our area.”

“Advertising funds are primarily used for promotion of Fort Scott; from print ads, brochure distribution, website maintenance, materials to target motorcoach tours and conferences, social media ad placement, among others.”

The Fort Scott Mud Run in April 2022. Submitted.

To view the prior story on the mud run:

Watch Fun in the Mud April 23-24 at Bo Co Fairgrounds

“We recently hosted two new events to Fort Scott,” Tough said. “The first annual Fort Scott Mud Run at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds drew approximately 500 visitors to town last month. The first annual National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) youth race at Gunn Park, also in April,  brought approximately 400 visitors to Fort Scott.”

This month Bourbon County hosted with Crawford and Cherokee counties the 2022 Big Kansas Road Trip which features three Kansas counties each year.

The three counties cooperated to invite folks from across Kansas to explore the area.

“It’s been a fantastic event to be a part of!” Tough said.

These Are Events The Fort Scott Tourism Office Works With

  •  FSCC Rodeo each March,
  •   National Historic Site Spring Civil War Encampment in April,
  • Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Swap Meet and Town-Wide Sale each May,
  •  Good Ol’ Days Celebration in June,
  •   Lavender Fest  in June,
  • Marmaton Massacre/Tri-Yak-A-Thon in September,
  • Pioneer Harvest Fiesta,  and the Gordon Parks Celebration in October,
  • Veterans Day Events (Monuments & Memorials, Military Mixer, etc.) in November,
  • National Historic Site Candlelight Tours in December.

“We also promote Dolly the Trolley, the U.S.National Cemetery #1, our Historic Downtown District, as well as other events/attractions” Tough said.

“Fort Scott Tourism is continuing to build a strong brand, expand our social media reach, and target consumers that fit our primary visitor demographics,” Tough said. “Brand awareness is critical to building a relationship with travelers. We will continue to utilize creative concepts that deliver…measurable results. A unique proposition targeted to prospective travelers can create consumer engagement.”

 

For more information about Fort Scott tourism click www.VisitFortScott.com to discover more events, attractions, excellent eateries, cozy accommodations and more.

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Meets Monday

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: May 9, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 9TH AT 9AM IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

Bourbon County, Business, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of April 12

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The Regular Council Meeting on April 12, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, and Josh Hartman.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Susan Eldridge, Uniontown Alumni Association, Raymond “Skeet” George, Uniontown Ruritan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Susan Eldridge, Uniontown Alumni Association asked for permission to hold the all school reunion in the city park the evening of Saturday, September 3, 2022.  They will provide insurance certificate.  They request that the ban on alcoholic beverages in the park be lifted for that evening and want to know if there are any other limitations.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second  by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to allow Uniontown Alumni Association to host all school reunion in the city park on September 3, 2022, allow alcohol consumption from 5PM to Midnight, and no glass containers allowed

 

Raymond “Skeet” George, Ruritan – asked the council to recess to view the location for the proposed public restrooms.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to recess for 10 minutes to view 112 Second St

 

Meeting resumed at 7:19.  Mr George asked for action to designate the location for the project.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to allow preliminary planning for construction of an ADA public restroom at northeast corner of 112 Second St

 

Discussion followed regarding funding for the public restroom, pickleball court, and outdoor equipment.  This project qualifies for the placemaking pathway we pledged.  Contact REDI for best time to submit an application for 2022 funding.  ARPA funds could also be used for this.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger was absent. March written Treasurer’s Report and 1st Quarter Report were presented.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $338,643.12, Receipts $52,765.73, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $23,883.18, Checking Account Closing Balance $364,499.67. Bank Statement Balance $364,938.99, including Checking Account Interest of $29.90, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $439.32, Reconciled Balance $364,499.67.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,063.99, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,566.16, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,346.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $441,475.94. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $85.61, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $160.45.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of March 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  March Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of March $25,856.55, Year-to-Date Net Income $40,756.17.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $27,812.18 (26.4%), Expenditures $25,333.54 (19.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $8,633.12 (24.2%), Expenditures $11,942.48 (29.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $54,144.38 (38.8%), Expenditures $28,296.04 (11.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $49,170.41 (38.3%), Expenditures $29,562.90 (17.9%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,814.86 (26.5%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%).  The April 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $29,474.19 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of March 8, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich reported that the storage building at 112 Second St has been removed, two gas main valves have been replaced, and the speed bumps/signs have been installed.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that 104 Fulton has been cleaned up by new owner. An issue of trash in a trailer and debris in the back yard at 202 Fourth St was addressed and trailer has been removed.  103 Fifth is being cleaned up by new owner.  He has contacted our attorney twice in the last two months to get something resolved with the Smith Estate with no response back.  301 Second St #1 has a lot of clutter and debris.  Clerk Johnson will contact the attorney to try to speed things up.  It was suggested to schedule a worksession to continue discussion on shipping/storage containers, accessory/storage buildings, fences regulations and citywide solid waste.  It will be scheduled at next meeting.  Councilmember Ervin asked him to go by 301 Second St and address the collection of clutter/debris.

 

Clerk Johnson presented the financial audit contract with minimal increase in cost but less than anticipated in the budget.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept the financial audit engagement letter with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton

 

Loren Korte was here with the insurance renewal and went over changes with Clerk Johnson.  Overall increase in premiums is 6.74% but less than anticipated in the budget.  He will present to council if needed.  Council concurred it was not needed.

Rabies clinic was April 9 with a good turnout.  Thirteen dogs and seven cats were registered at the clinic.  Clerk Johnson presented a list of animals registered last year that are not yet registered this year, a list of new residents that need a reminder that dogs and cats are required to be registered, and a list of those that have registered but not provided proper rabies documentation.  She will go over this list with Animal Control Officer Binford to get citations issued.

Kansas Municipal Utilities conference in April 27-29 in Wichita which also includes the KMGA Board of Directors meeting and an afternoon of sessions on gas.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to allow Bobby Rich and/or Sally Johnson to attend the KMU conference in Wichita, April 27-29, if they choose

 

KMGA will be hosting regional meetings this year.  The one for our area will be in Humboldt on July 14.  Will put on the agenda again in June.  Clerk Johnson also presented a market update from KMGA.

Midwest Assistance Program would like to assist communities in the application process for USDA community facility project grants and/or loans.  Clerk Johnson will contact them for more information about what is available and what would be the city’s obligation.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilman Stewart – absent

Mayor Jurgensen – thanked councilmembers and employees that attended the county commission meeting last month.  Asked if fish food has been received.  Clerk Johnson has ordered but it has not been shipped yet, she will follow-up.  He had a request to change elected officials pay to monthly whether attend regular meeting or not which led to a discussion on protocol for elected officials censure or removal.  Clerk Johnson will have the attorney draft an ordinance addressing elected officials pay and protocols.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Wholesale water supply – table until next month.

 

Pond Improvement Project – Invitations to bid should be sent/published next month and the liner needs to be ordered due to shipping times.

 

City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – this does not need to be discussed monthly, put on the agenda quarterly for updates.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – The annual report has been submitted. There was some discussion about using the funds for the public restrooms, pickleball court, and outdoor exercise equipment.  We will add discussion of the funds to the worksession we schedule next month.

 

Street Repair – Mayor Jurgensen was thanked for asking county commissioners for a commitment to help us on our streets this year at the March 22 commission meeting.  Table further discussion until next month.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:00PM

 

Meeting resumed at 9:00PM.  No action was taken

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at