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Category Archives: Government
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Preventing Stillbirth
KDHE partners with parents and providers to improve birth outcomes
TOPEKA – This Mother’s Day, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Bureau of Family Health is partnering with Count the Kicks, an evidence-based stillbirth prevention campaign. The goal of Count the Kicks is to improve birth outcomes by educating expectant parents and providers about the importance of tracking fetal movement in the third trimester of pregnancy. According to Kansas Vital Statistics, one out of every 179 pregnancies* ends in stillbirth.[1] That equates to approximately 210 babies born still each year.[2]
“The Bureau of Family Health is committed to working closely with partners and organizations to support the healthiest outcomes for mothers and infants,” said Rachel Sisson, Director of the Bureau of Family Health at KDHE. “We are proud to support evidence-based prevention programs such as Count the Kicks, and we have heard from Kansas moms that this campaign has made a difference in their lives.”
Maternal health providers, birthing hospitals, social services agencies, childbirth educators and other providers across our state can order FREE Count the Kicks educational materials available at www.countthekicks.org to guide them through the kick-counting conversation with expectant parents.
Count the Kicks also has a free app available in the iOS and Google Play app stores, giving expectant moms a simple, non-invasive way to monitor their baby’s well-being every day. The Count the Kicks app is available in 12 languages, including English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole. Features include kick-counting history, daily reminders and option to count for twins. Nearly 2,100 Kansas moms have downloaded the app.
Count the Kicks teaches the method for, and importance of, tracking fetal movement during the third trimester of pregnancy. Research shows the benefits of expectant moms tracking their baby’s movements daily and learning how long it normally takes their baby to get to 10 movements. After a few days, moms will begin to see a pattern, a normal amount of time it takes their baby to get to 10 movements. If their baby’s “normal” changes during the third trimester, this could be a sign of potential problems and an indication that a call should be made to the health care provider.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, expectant moms have reported changes to their regularly scheduled prenatal visits and an increase in telehealth visits. Now is an especially important time for moms to track their baby’s movements every day in the third trimester. By doing so, moms will have the peace of mind to know when things are okay and when things have changed.
In Iowa, where Count the Kicks began, the state’s stillbirth rate dropped by nearly 32 percent in the first 10 years of the campaign (2008-2018). Iowa’s stillbirth rate was one of the highest in the country and is now one of the lowest. KDHE is hoping to bring the same success that Iowa has seen to Kansas which would save approximately 58 babies each year.[3]
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About Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Family Health
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s mission is to protect and improve the health and environment of all Kansans. The Bureau of Family Health within the Division of Public Health provides leadership to enhance the health of Kansas women, men, children, and families through partnerships with providers and communities. The Bureau administers the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) programming for Kansas, which includes improving maternal and infant health. Find more information about KDHE and the Bureau of Family Health at: www.kdheks.gov/bfh/index.html.
About Count the Kicks
Healthy Birth Day, Inc. is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that created the Count the Kicks public health campaign. Count the Kicks has been featured on Good Morning America, Inside Edition and in O Magazine. Count the Kicks has more than 75 baby-save stories from moms in 24 states around the country who have written in to share how they used Count the Kicks to help save their baby’s life. B-Roll of the Count the Kicks app in use is available upon request. For media interviews or to learn more about the Count the Kicks campaign, please contact Kimberly Isburg at 515-494-5115 or at [email protected].
[1] Number based on dividing 1,000 by the 5-year average stillbirth rate. Stillbirth data from KDHE Bureau of Epidemiology & Public Health Informatics. Stillbirths do not include abortions.
[2] Number based on the 5-year average stillbirth numbers, total stillbirth data from KDHE Bureau of Epidemiology & Public Health Informatics. Stillbirths do not include abortions.
[3] Number based on 5-year average stillbirth rate, multiplied by the 32% reduction seen in Iowa. Stillbirth data is from Kansas Vital Statistics. Note stillbirth rate is calculated by: Fetal Deaths/(Total of Live Births + Fetal Deaths)*1,000.
*Pregnancies does not include abortions, only live births, and stillbirths.
FS Planning Commission Meets May 10
The Fort Scott Planning Commission will meet on Monday, May 10th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to consider a change of zoning from R-1 (Residential) to C-1 (Commercial) for the property at 124 S. Judson Street; a change of zoning from A-G (Agricultural) to M-U (Mixed Use) for the property at 2127 Jayhawk Road; and a change of zoning from R-1 (Residential) to I-1 (Industrial) for the property at 310 N. National Avenue.
This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will be made available via the City’s youtube channel at City of Fort Scott.
Veterans: Explore Creative Arts Career
Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission to hold webinar series for military artists
TOPEKA – The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) will present a virtual Artist INC Express workshop for military servicemembers, veterans and their family/caregivers living in Kansas who want to explore career options in creative arts industries.
The Artist INC Express workshop will introduce Kansas military members and veterans to career options in the creative arts sector. These highly interactive sessions will provide resources and an understanding of numerous career pathways in arts professions. Workshop sections include writing about your work, building a personal brand, goal setting and more.
“KCAIC specializes in high-quality professional development programs, and this particular workshop will provide an incredible opportunity for our military and veteran community in Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Their experiences and perspectives are welcome and needed in creating meaningful, expressive art that enriches communities and lives. I strongly urge military servicemembers, veterans and their families to participate in this valuable and interesting workshop to discover and explore ways to engage in the arts industry.”
Artist INC Express is sponsored by KCAIC in partnership with the Arts Council of Johnson County and the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs at Kansas State University.
“The Artist INC program has a proven track record of connecting creatives in all disciplines to the resources and networks necessary to build a successful practice,” KCAIC Director Peter Jasso said. “This workshop will provide critical skills to members of the military community who wish to pursue a career in the creative sector, build professional relationships, and continue service to their community through personal experience and creative expression.”
The workshops will be facilitated by experienced Artist INC peer professionals Erin McGrane, Chris Dahlquist and Erica Iman. Participants will have access to networking opportunities in discussions and activities with the artists and facilitators.
Dates and times:
- Friday, May 21, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, May 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sunday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To register for the workshop, click here.
This 3-day workshop is for veterans, military servicemembers and their family/caregivers living in Kansas. Registration is required, however, admission to the workshop is free. All participants must be at least 18 years old and attend all three days. Seats are limited to 20.
Priority registration ends at midnight on Sunday, May 16.
The workshop will be delivered via Zoom and will be highly interactive. Registrants must have a microphone and camera-enabled computer or iPad/smart tablet or smart phone, along with a strong internet connection.
For additional questions, please contact Kathy Liao at [email protected]
To learn more about the KCAIC webinar for military artists, click here.
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.
Updated Agenda for FS Commission Meeting May 4
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
APRIL 20, 2021
6:00 P.M.
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Roll Call:
K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
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Invocation: Led by: Associate Pastor Brian Rhoades, Grace Baptist Tabernacle
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Proclamations/Recognitions:
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Consent Agenda:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 20th, 2021 and special meeting of April 27th, 2021 and amended minutes of April 6th, 2021.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1287-A totaling $270,376.88.
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Certificate of Appropriateness – Unsung Heroes Park sign murals
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Consideration to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $7,335.00-River Intake Project
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Approval of Cereal Malt Temporary Beverage License – Good Ol’ Days – Beer Tent – June 4th & 5th, 2021
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Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
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City Manager Reports and Comments
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Director Update: Allyson Turvey-Smart Growth/T-Mobile Update
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Old Business: None
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Appearances: Emilie Zalfini – NLC Presentation
Shaun O’Brien – Requests for closure of streets for Good Ol’ Days event:
Old Fort Blvd. from Wall Street to National Avenue
Main Street from Skubitz Plaza to Third Street
Scott Street from Wall Street to Second Street
Wall Street from National to Scott
First Street from National to Scott Street
Second Street from National to Scott Street
Use of Memorial Hall for Baby Contest and Talent Extravaganza
Heritage Park at corner of First and Main
Parking lot behind Heritage Park
Parking lot at corner of Third and Main
Parking lot at Second and Scott
Parking lot at Wall and Scott
Parking lot at Wall and alley between Main and Scott
Parking lot between Memorial Hall and the Library
Parking lot between National and Block House (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, June 2nd)
Parking lot between Old Fort Blvd. and H & H Realty Agency (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, June 2nd)
Old Fort Blvd – South side from National to alley (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, June 2nd)
Skubitz Plaza – (No special set up for event this year, but need Old Fort Blvd closed when tents go up Wednesday on east bound from Main. All closed Thursday and Friday.
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New Business:
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Consideration of Conditional Use Permit – 10 N National – Allow residential living on the first floor
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Request to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation Invoice – $1,914.00
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Consideration of Curbside Pickup Program
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Consideration of RFQ’s – Wastewater Treatment Plant Engineering
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Discussion of Proposed and Recommended Deed Restrictions from Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee
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Consideration to purchase mini-excavator
XI. Reports and Comments:
B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
XIII. Adjournment:
Kansas April Tax Receipts Announced
Governor Laura Kelly Announces April Tax Receipts
~April receipts show $91.3 million more than estimated~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas saw a $91.3 million, or 10.2%, growth over the estimated tax receipt with $982.4 million in total tax collections during the month of April. That is $404.3 million, or 69.9%, better than last year. This increase is due, in part, to businesses having opened back up compared to the same month last year.
“Our April tax collection numbers are encouraging, but we must maintain fiscally-responsible policies as we continue to recover from COVID-19 to ensure our continued growth,” said Governor Laura Kelly.
With federal stimulus money, federal tax refunds, and state tax refunds getting into the pockets of Kansans, retail sales and compensating use tax collections were more than the estimate. Retail sales tax collections were $236.5 million; a 9.5%, or $20.5 million, growth from the estimate. Compensating use tax collections were $59.2 million; up $13.3 million, or 29.0%, for the month.
In addition to changing consumer purchasing patterns, another contributing factor to the increase in compensating use tax collections is the fact that more out-of-state businesses are registering with the state to collect and remit taxes that are due and owing.
Individual income tax collections are $26.5 million, or 5.8%, more than the estimate with $487.3 million collected. Corporate income tax collections were $152.8 million; a 23.9%, or $29.4 million growth from the estimate.
To view a complete breakdown of April tax receipts, click here.
Restaurants: Apply For Revitalization Grants
Governor Laura Kelly Encourages Kansas Restaurants Apply for Restaurant Revitalization Fund Grants
~Revitalization Fund Grants will boost hospitality industry and aid continued economic recovery~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today urged Kansas restaurants and eligible businesses in the hospitality industry to apply for federal funding through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). Registration for the RRF began on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 8 AM CT and applications will open on Monday, May 3, 2021, at 11 AM CT.
“These RRF grants will boost our hospitality industry and aid our continued economic recovery as we get our state back to normal,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I strongly encourage all eligible businesses to apply for this program and thank the SBA for their partnership to provide relief for Kansas businesses.”
The SBA will be co-hosting a webinar for Kansas businesses with the Governor’s Office of Recovery, the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Department of Agriculture on Wednesday, May 5 at 9 AM CT. Learn more about the webinar at https://covid.ks.gov/rrf/.
“Restaurants are vital to our state’s hospitality sector, and this program exists solely to help them,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Hospitality businesses have been incredibly resilient through this historic and unprecedented challenge, and restaurants have had to be creative to get through the storm. This program is a lifeline for them, and I would encourage all Kansas restaurant owners who need help to take full advantage.”
The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss, up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023.
Entities eligible for the RRF include:
- Restaurants;
- Food stands, food trucks, food carts;
- Caterers;
- Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns;
- Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars;
- Additional entities if onsite food or beverage sales are at least 33% of gross receipts (e.g. Bakeries, brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms, breweries and/or microbreweries, Wineries and distilleries, Inns).
“Restaurants and the food service industry are critical to the economic wellbeing of our communities,” said Michael Barrera, District Director, SBA-KC District. “Restaurants are gathering places for our cities and towns and are where many milestones and everyday conversations take place in our lives. The RRF will help keep these ‘centers of influence’ going and we here at the SBA look forward to working with our Kansas partners to make this program a Kansas success!”
“The RRF provides critical support to restaurants, food trucks, small caterers, coffee shops and other food service companies hit hard by the pandemic,” said Wayne Bell, District Director, SBA-Wichita District. “We want Kansas small businesses to be fully prepared for this opportunity.”
“As we look toward the future, it is crucial that we support the restaurant industry in every way we can,” said Ryan Wills, Kansas Department of Commerce Hospitality Industry Liaison. “Food service organizations provide nourishment to our community not just through food, but also through fellowship. They are essential to our economic vitality, and the Department of Commerce is looking forward to the RRF providing much needed relief to businesses across our great state.”
Learn more about the RRF and apply at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund.
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter
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Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter
City of Fort Scott Seeking Nominations
One town. One pic. One MAJOR upgrade.
The City of Fort Scott is seeking nominations from the community to enter a Hometown Techover Contest offered by T-Mobile.
T-Mobile is offering one lucky town the makeover of their dreams with a tech upgrade valued at $3 million. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for one small town to get a multi-million-dollar Techover.
Cities can have multiple nominations which will show community support. The nomination form is simple, upload a photo or video of Fort Scott and tell what makes it special. Entries must be submitted by 8pm on Friday, May 7th. Complete nominations at
If selected, the City intends to utilize this opportunity for downtown placemaking projects.
“Placemaking projects assist in developing a community’s identity, which in turn not only creates a deeper connection for the locals who call that community home, but also shapes a place that people are inspired to visit.” said Allyson Turvey, Community Development and Tourism Manager.
Downtown Fort Scott has overcome devastation from the 2005 fire creating a remarkable destination. “While the accessibility of US 69 provides tremendous convenience, the downtown is the heart of our community. What an incredible story of rebuilding the local economy. The downtown district offers unique urban amenities in an unwavering and welcoming rural community” according to Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director.
Complete nominations at T-MobileHometownTechover.com no later than 8pm on Friday, May 7th. Additional information on the Hometown Techover Contest at https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/t-mobile-unveils-hometown-techover-contest.
Hometown Techover: No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of all 50 United States and the District of Columbia aged 18 or older. Enter April 8, 2021 through May 7, 2021. Full rules at T-MobileHometownTechover.Com. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: T-Mobile USA, Inc. Most Reliable 5G according to an audit report conducted by independent third-party umlaut containing crowdsourced data for user experience collected from September 2020 until February 2021. Full details at: www.umlaut.com/en/benchmarking/USA
About T-Mobile: T-Mobile U.S. Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Sprint. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com.
The Bourbon County Commission Agenda For May 4
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: May 4, 2021
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM.
Call to Order
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- Flag Salute
- Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
- Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
- Kendell Mason – Real Property Relief Application
- Elected Officials Comment
- County Counselor Comment
- Susan Bancroft, Finance Director
- Public Comment
- Commission Comment
- Zoning Discussion
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.
Fort Scott City Commission Elections Jan. 2022
The terms of three members of the Fort Scott City Commission will expire in January 2022. Individuals interested in becoming a candidate for the Fort Scott City Commission election are asked to contact the Bourbon County Clerk’s Office located in the Bourbon County Courthouse at 210 S. National in Fort Scott, Kansas, or by phone at 620-223-3800. The deadline to file as a candidate is 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, June 1st, 2021.
Qualified candidates must be registered voters and residents of the City of Fort Scott at the time of the election. The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021. If more than nine (9) qualified candidates file, a Primary will be needed and it will be held on August 3rd, 2021.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected].
FS Commission Agenda For May 4
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
APRIL 20, 2021
6:00 P.M.
-
Roll Call:
K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
-
Invocation: Led by: Associate Pastor Brian Rhoades, Grace Baptist Tabernacle
-
Proclamations/Recognitions:
-
Consent Agenda:
-
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 20th, 2021 and special meeting of April 27th, 2021 and amended minutes of April 6th, 2021.
-
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1287-A totaling $270,376.88.
-
Certificate of Appropriateness – Unsung Heroes Park sign murals
-
Consideration to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $7,335.00-River Intake Project
-
Approval of Cereal Malt Temporary Beverage License – Good Ol’ Days – Beer Tent – June 4th & 5th, 2021
-
Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
-
City Manager Reports and Comments
-
Director Update: Allyson Turvey-Smart Growth/T-Mobile Update
-
Old Business: None
-
Appearances: Emilie Zalfini – NLC Presentation
Shaun O’Brien – Requests for closure of streets for Good Ol’ Days event:
Old Fort Blvd. from Wall Street to National Avenue
Main Street from Skubitz Plaza to Third Street
Scott Street from Wall Street to Second Street
Wall Street from National to Scott
First Street from National to Scott Street
Second Street from National to Scott Street
Use of Memorial Hall for Baby Contest and Talent Extravaganza
Heritage Park at corner of First and Main
Parking lot behind Heritage Park
Parking lot at corner of Third and Main
Parking lot at Second and Scott
Parking lot at Wall and Scott
Parking lot at Wall and alley between Main and Scott
Parking lot between Memorial Hall and the Library
Parking lot between National and Block House (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, June 2nd)
Parking lot between Old Fort Blvd. and H & H Realty Agency (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, June 2nd)
Old Fort Blvd – South side from National to alley (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, June 2nd)
Skubitz Plaza – (No special set up for event this year, but need Old Fort Blvd closed when tents go up Wednesday on east bound from Main. All closed Thursday and Friday.
-
New Business:
-
Consideration of Conditional Use Permit – 10 N National – Allow residential living on the first floor
-
Request to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation Invoice – $1,914.00
-
Consideration of Curbside Pickup Program
-
Consideration of RFQ’s – Wastewater Treatment Plant Engineering
-
Discussion of Proposed and Recommended Deed Restrictions from Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee
XI. Reports and Comments:
B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
XIII. Adjournment: