Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Feral Kansas Swine Webinar Dec. 1

Leave a comment

Webinar to Discuss Feral Swine in Kansas

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture will host an informational webinar on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. CST to offer an update on the management practices used in Kansas to control feral swine. The webinar will feature a presentation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service – Wildlife Services program.

 

USDA–APHIS–WS works in collaboration with KDA to help monitor, control and eradicate feral swine in Kansas. This webinar will be hosted by Dr. Justin Smith, Animal Health Commissioner at KDA, and will feature presentations from several USDA representatives including the head of field operations in Kansas along with a disease epidemiologist. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions throughout the presentations, and the webinar will be recorded and available for viewing after its completion.

 

To register for the webinar, go to agriculture.ks.gov/AnimalHealthOutreach. For additional information on the webinar or on animal health issues in Kansas, contact the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601 or [email protected].

Fort Scott, Government

Michell Resigns FS City Commission: Applications Sought For Replacement

Leave a comment
JoLynne Mitchell.

Effective November 19, 2020 JoLynne Mitchell has resigned her position as City Commissioner on the Fort Scott City Commission.

Persons interested in applying to fill the position vacated by Commissioner Mitchell are asked to submit a letter of interest to: City Clerk, Diane Clay at 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 or by email at [email protected].

Letters of interest must be received by the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 30th, 2020. Only individuals who reside in the city limits of Fort Scott are eligible to apply.

Once the appointment has been made, it will become effective at the December 1st, 2020 City Commission meeting and expire in December of 2021.

Any additional information or questions may be obtained by contacting Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Meets Today to Accept Resignation of Mitchell

1 Comment

From the new interim city manager Jeff Hancock.

The City Commission will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to accept the resignation of JoLynne Mitchell and discuss the process on how to fill this position. This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You Tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.

In her existing role, the Mayor has agreed to call this meeting but will not attend. Commissioner Nichols, the Commission President, will preside. A vacancy is created only after the commission accepts the resignation.

I have discussed this issue with the City Attorney. The attached Ordinance 3290 governs the filling of a vacancy and allows us only 10 days after the vacancy is created to fill it. The remaining Commissioners choose a suitable elector/resident of the City to fill the remainder of Commissioner Mitchell’s term. The Commissioners do have some leeway to suspend the rules as it regards to the 10 days but must do so by majority vote. State Statute controls the issue of a tiebreaker. If the Commissioners cannot agree, the City Attorney is technically the tiebreaker. The City Attorney indicates that he will do everything he can to push a decision without him picking and trusts that someone is acceptable to at least 3 of the remaining 4 Commissioners.

I have the attached the ordinance and a previous July 17, 2014 Press Release seeking a Candidates of a City Commission vacancy. If you need additional information, please let me know

Government, Kansas

Commercial Industrial Hemp Hearing Dec. 7

Leave a comment

Hearing for Proposed Adoption of Commercial Industrial Hemp Regulations

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — A public hearing will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 7, 2020, to consider the adoption of proposed regulations to govern commercial industrial hemp production in Kansas. Due to public health concerns posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing proceedings will be held via a video conferencing system to provide the opportunity for virtual participation online. Although in-person participation is also an option, attendance will be limited to allow for social distancing and to comply with local health requirements.

 

Due to the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed hemp from the federal

Controlled Substances Act, and the Commercial Industrial Hemp Act passed in Kansas in 2019, the Kansas Department of Agriculture is proposing rules and regulations K.A.R. 4-34-22 through 4-34-30.

 

A copy of the proposed new regulations, as well as an expanded notice of public hearing, may be accessed on the KDA website at agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment. Anyone desiring to participate via video conference or in person must pre-register and be provided with a video link or instructions for in-person attendance. Written comments can be submitted on the public comment web page prior to the hearing or sent to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS, 66502.

 

Any individual with a disability may request accommodation in order to participate in the public hearing and may request a copy of the regulations in an accessible format. Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least five working days prior to the hearing. For more information, including special accommodations or a copy of the regulations, please contact Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or [email protected].

 

###

 

WHAT:          Public hearing on proposed commercial industrial hemp regulations

WHEN:          10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 7, 2020

WHERE:       Virtual: via video conferencing system

In person: Kansas Department of Agriculture, 1320 Research Park Dr., Manhattan

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Kansas Governor Combats The Spread of COVID-19

Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly Announces New Steps to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced several new steps her administration is taking to combat the spike in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. The new plan includes a public health campaign, community engagement conversations and an executive order establishing a statewide face-covering protocol as part of her administration’s all-of-the-above strategy to keep Kansans healthy, keep schools and businesses open, and protect Kansas’ economy.

“As COVID-19 continues to spread through Kansas communities and hospitalizations increase at concerning rates, it is clear we must take action to protect our communities and our economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Today’s actions are a bipartisan package of recommendations from legislators, health professionals, and business leaders to increase participation in commonsense COVID-19 prevention practices.”

E.O. #20-68 takes effect beginning 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, November 25, and will remain in place until rescinded or until the current statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires – whichever is earlier.

“My administration recognizes that each Kansas county is faced with unique challenges – and a one-size-fits-all approach can be difficult for some communities to navigate,” Governor Kelly said. “The order allows local officials one week to craft and implement their own version of a face covering ordinance that works for them and their communities.”

Under the order, Kansans shall wear face coverings when inside public spaces, or in situations where physical distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific locations or situations in which face coverings should be worn is outlined within the order.

Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others outlined in the order are exempt from face covering protocol.

View E.O. #20-68 here.

In addition to the face-covering protocol, the Kelly administration is partnering with The Leadership Center to mobilize its alumni base, which is nearly 12,000 strong, to mobilize and lead virtual non-partisan convenings across Kansas beginning the week of November 17 and concluding by late December. The project will dramatically increase the number of local leaders – pastors, coaches, neighborhood leaders, business owners, community officials, and others to use their influence to combat the virus.

This week, Governor Kelly also approved CARES Act funding to assist a coalition of stakeholders including the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Farm Bureau, and others, to create a statewide public health campaign to begin next week. The campaign will encourage Kansans to follow the best practices, encourage voluntary testing, avoid mass gatherings, and use face-coverings.

COVID-19, Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234: No In Person Classes Starting Tomorrow

Leave a comment

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

What:

Fort Scott High School – Remote Learning – November 19 & 20

Professional Development Day – No School – November 23 & 24

 

Abstract:

 

With the recent increase of COVID-19 cases in Bourbon County and a shortage of substitutes, USD 234 has decided that the students at Fort Scott High School will be in remote learning on Thursday and Friday, November 19 and 20.  USD 234 has also decided that there will be no school for all students on Monday, November 23 and Tuesday, November 24.  These two days will be used as professional development for the USD 234 staff.

 

For high school students:

  • Food service will still be provided on Thursday and Friday.  Go to the following link to sign-up for lunches for Thursday and Friday.  Families will need to come to the high school to pick up the lunches.  https://forms.gle/soWWGAveLvXhfoQeA
  • High school students without Internet can come to the school to receive their instruction remotely.
  • High school students who need to attend on Thursday and Friday should follow entrance directions below:

o   Senior and Juniors – enter through the East entry doors

o   Sophomore and Freshman – enter through the West entry doors

 

As COVID-19 cases rise in our community, we have seen an increase in isolations and quarantines in the school district for our students and staff.  USD 234 will continue to monitor the number of COVID-19 cases in our county as well as evaluate our Remote Learning Plan.  USD 234 will release information before Thanksgiving Break about what the learning plan for the district after Thanksgiving Break will be.  To continue the opportunity for students to learn in person, USD 234 will need to see a decrease in COVID-19 cases in our communities, which will cause a decrease in our schools.

 

Wear a mask.  Wash your hands frequently.  Stay socially distant from each other.  We need everyone to do their part to keep our school doors open.

 

 

When:             November 18 & 19 – High School Remote Learning

November 23 & 24 – No School for All Students

 

Where:            USD 234 School District

 

Contact:          Ted Hessong

Superintendent of Schools

 

Fort Scott, Government

FS Lake Advisory Board Meets Nov. 21

Leave a comment

The Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board will meet on Saturday, November 21st, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at the City Hall Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting is open to the public, but is limited in space due to COVID. To join by teleconference, call the dial-in number: 620-724-9910. When prompted, enter the access code 515698# and when prompted state your full name followed by the pound # key.

The meeting will be available on the City’s YouTube channel.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

Leave a comment

States, countries removed

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has removed two states and three countries from its travel quarantine list: North Dakota, South Dakota, Andorra, Belgium and Czechia. Those who have travelled during the below dates, as well as those who have been on a cruise or attended any out-of-state mass gatherings with 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance and wear masks, will need to quarantine.

 

This list is effective for all persons returning to or entering Kansas on the effective dates.

 

  • Traveled to or from South Dakota between November 4 – November 17.
  • Traveled to or from Belgium and Czechia between November 4 – November 17.
  • Traveled to or from North Dakota between October 21 – November 17.
  • Traveled to or from the country of Andorra between October 21 – November 17.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.

 

“The removal of states from our list isn’t cause for celebration,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary. “We base our list on new case rates by population size and unfortunately, Kansas’ numbers are increasing significantly. Practice social distancing, wear a mask, stay home if you’re sick, avoid large gatherings. Each one of us is responsible for our actions.”

 

Mass gatherings are defined as any event or convening that brings together 500 or more persons in a single room or space at the same time such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theater or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. This includes parades, fairs and festivals. Mass gatherings does not include normal operations of airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, or other spaces where 500 or more persons may be in transit. It also does not include typical office environments, schools, restaurants, factories or retail/grocery stores where large numbers of people are present, but it is unusual for them to be within 6 feet of one another for more than 10 minutes.

 

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

Government, Kansas

Resident Death at Kansas Correctional Facility

Leave a comment

 

 

TOPEKA, Kansas – An Ellsworth Correctional Facility (ECF) resident who died Sunday, November15 had tested positive for COVID-19. This is third resident death from ECF, and the tenth resident death related to COVID-19 for the department.

 

The resident was moved October 26 to the Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) COVID-19 Management Unit (CMU) after testing positive for the virus, and then transported from LCF to the hospital.

 

The resident was a 68-year-old white male with underlying medical concerns that contributed to his condition. He was serving a life sentence for first degree murder

 

The Ellsworth Correctional Facility opened in 1988. Serving only males, the Central Unit provides housing for 820 multi-custody residents and the East Unit provides housing for 95 minimum-custody residents.

 

For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, and to sign up for updates, go to the KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center at kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.  For information on KDOC’s response to COVID-19, visit https://www.doc.ks.gov/kdoc-coronavirus-updates.

 

Government, Kansas

David Toland: Kansas Has a New Way of Doing Business

Leave a comment

Key Quote: “Gov. Kelly’s direct involvement in this process and her relationship-building with prospects have been difference-makers in every way. Without doubt, our Education Governor also deserves recognition as the Economic Development Governor. Under her leadership, we’re offering the best place in the nation to do business. Kansas’ natural advantages, spirit of innovation and unfaltering work ethic have helped drive recent economic growth.”

David Toland: Kansas has a new way of doing business
Gannett Kansas
Commerce Secretary David Toland
November 14, 2020

Kansas recently passed an unexpected economic development milestone, topping $2 billion in projects so far this year across Kansas.

It’s an even more impressive total considering the state saw $1.3 billion in capital investment in all of 2019 — and the sharp increase over last year occurred in spite of the far-reaching economic harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and global recession that shook the world economy.

Facing the staggering and unprecedented toll of the virus, businesses worldwide raced to embrace a new normal — and Kansas was ready with strategic opportunities. As a result, Gov. Laura Kelly has announced impressive Kansas-based growth plans from firms including Amazon, Merck and Co., Urban Outfitters, Schwan’s, Kubota, Bell Textron and others.

We now have nearly $3.5 billion in economic investment since the Kelly administration took office in January 2019 — and there will be more significant developments to announce very soon. Every investment, every new job of the more than 19,000 created and thousands more retained since 2019 are helping our state recover and grow.

The surge has been fueled by Gov. Kelly’s commitment to helping businesses of all sizes succeed through smart and transparent economic development strategies. Without question, Kansas was uniquely positioned to move quickly and effectively when COVID-19 struck.

Not every state was this fortunate. We were prepared because Gov. Kelly set the foundation for recovery with swift action after taking office.

With the Department of Commerce she inherited in disarray, the governor was clear from the start: Fix our state’s economic development agency and launch a blueprint for economic success. Our new Framework for Growth, the first such endeavor in more than three decades, showcases Kansas’ numerous strengths in a central location, solid infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, great schools, quality-of-life amenities and other advantages.

Another early and significant step forward came in the long overdue ceasefire of the economic border war with Missouri that ended the senseless luring of businesses across the border for practically no economic gain. All of our state incentives now are exclusively geared toward meaningful job creation and robust economic growth, and always with transparency in mind.

Just more than a year into our efforts to resurrect Commerce and enact a thoughtful growth plan, the coronavirus did change life as we knew it. But COVID-19 didn’t derail our economic development push in Kansas. In fact, the opposite occurred.

We rolled up our sleeves and did even more to present Kansas as a truly prime location for forward-thinking businesses. Many companies — especially those overseas — want to make their supply chains more secure, so they’re rethinking production and distribution strategies. Kansas fits their distribution and logistics needs in many ways.

The current momentum shows Kansas also becoming a national leader in manufacturing, bioscience, renewable energy sources and other key sectors. As a result, the state’s project pipeline is stronger than it’s been in several years, even during a pandemic.

Thanks to the commitment of our restructured, re-energized team at Commerce, companies are rediscovering Kansas. Understandably, they’re impressed.

We’re also helping Kansans and companies circumvent coronavirus-related challenges by offering virtual job fairs and supporting businesses with Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas grant funding.

All of these endeavors are combining to power a more stable economy and business climate that will serve Kansas well for many years to come.

Gov. Kelly’s direct involvement in this process and her relationship-building with prospects have been difference-makers in every way. Without doubt, our Education Governor also deserves recognition as the Economic Development Governor.

Under her leadership, we’re offering the best place in the nation to do business. Kansas’ natural advantages, spirit of innovation and unfaltering work ethic have helped drive recent economic growth.

And we won’t slow down.

Our state motto, “Ad Astra Per Aspera” — to the stars through difficulties — is so appropriate today. We’re more determined than ever before to face challenges and encourage business success, and in turn foster healthier communities and a stronger state.

David Toland, a native of Iola and seventh-generation Kansan, is secretary of commerce for the Kelly administration.