Category Archives: Government

Survey area in blue

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to begin a field survey at the First Cow Creek drainage bridge on U.S. 69 at Frontenac on Monday, June 8.

The bridge is 2¼ miles north of the north junction of U.S. 69/U.S. 69A.

The field survey covers .6 miles on the existing alignment. Survey crew members will gather information for the detailed design of a proposed improvement to replace the bridge.

KDOT expects the survey work to last four weeks. Activities include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the corridor.

A member of the survey crew will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property.

Robert Ubben of Affinis Corporation will manage this survey for KDOT.

Persons with questions may contact KDOT Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.

Government, Kansas

DCF Service Centers Reopening June 8

June 5, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Offices reopening based on county COVID-19 data; some offices will remain closed

Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard announced today a select number of DCF offices will reopen to the public beginning Monday, June 8.

“Based on Governor Laura Kelly’s Ad Astra plan for reopening and county data, I feel it is appropriate to slowly begin to open our service centers,” Howard said. “Our reopening plan is based on data and will be done in a safe and measured fashion.”

The agency recently opened some service centers to test its readiness and ensure the safety of both clients and employees. Clients can expect to see several safety measures inside the service centers.

Those include:

Limiting lobby capacity to ensure social distancing
Asking COVID-19 screening questions upon entry
Encouraging clients to wear masks
Asking clients to limit the number of people they bring to the service center
Making phone interviews available
Plexiglass partitions
Designating “phone stations” for clients

Service centers included in this initial round of openings include:

Atchison
Chanute
Colby
Columbus
Concordia
El Dorado 6/10
Fort Scott
Goodland
Hays
Hiawatha
Independence
Junction City
Lawrence
McPherson
Manhattan
Marysville
Osawatomie
Ottawa
Parsons
Phillipsburg
Pittsburg
Pratt
Salina
Topeka
Winfield 6/10

Other ways to connect with DCF

DCF also offers other ways for clients to connect with the agency if they are concerned about entering public spaces.

Clients with general questions about assistance programs can use the agency’s statewide customer service line at 1-888-369-4777.

Kansans who have case specific questions or need to provide information or documents can email those to their local service center at DCF.(city)[email protected] (Example: DCF.TopekaEES.ks.gov).

Clients who have questions about their Kansas Benefits Card can call 1-800-997-6666.

If you need to report suspect abuse or neglect call the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1-800-922-5330.

“We know the pandemic has caused additional stress to the well-being of Kansas families,” Howard said. “Our goal is to be available no matter how someone contacts the agency because we know access to our programs can provide a measure of security during these difficult times.”

DCF will make additional announcements as more offices reopen.

Government, Kansas

Governor applauds bipartisan passage of COVID-19 response bill

June 5, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The following statement is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding the passage of HB 2016 through the Kansas House and the Senate:

“Today’s bipartisan passage of the COVID-19 response bill is a victory for Kansans. Our communities have faced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic and I am proud of the compassion and resiliency they have shown during this difficult time.

“While there are parts of this legislation that I oppose, HB 2016 provides the tools and resources for Kansas families, communities, and businesses to begin the path to economic recovery. I will sign this legislation when it comes to my desk, and will continue to honor my commitment to work across the aisle and move our state forward.”

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Government, Kansas

KS House of Representatives Pass COVID 19 Bill

June 4, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Governor applauds Kansas House of Representatives swift action on bipartisan COVID-19 bill

Urges the Kansas Senate to take swift action

The following statement is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding the Kansas House of Representatives’ passage of HB 2016:

“I appreciate the Kansas House of Representatives’ bipartisan and transparent efforts on the passage of the COVID-19 response bill. Today, in spite of their disagreements, they put the interests of Kansans ahead of politics.

“I urge the Senate to swiftly follow their lead, so that we can get Kansas families, businesses and communities the resources they need.”

Government, Kansas

K-31 resurfacing project to start June 8

June 4, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Project area in yellow

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin a mill and overlay project on K-31 in Anderson, Linn and Bourbon counties on Monday, June 8, weather permitting.

The road work starts at the south K-31/U.S. 59 junction and continues east and south to the K-31/K-65 junction.

Flaggers and a pilot car will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone during daylight hours; expect delays of 15 minutes or less.

The road work should be finished in one month, weather permitting.

KDOT awarded the construction contract of $1.9 million to Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Inc., of Topeka.

Drivers are reminded to obey the signs and flaggers, and to slow down in the work zone. Persons with questions may contact Troy Howard, (785) 433-6116, or Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.

Project area in yellow

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Confirms No. 8 Case of COVID 19

June 3, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Bourbon County, Kansas

PRESS RELEASE:

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

June 3, 2020;

A Bourbon County, KS positive COVID-19 test was confirmed this afternoon, making Bourbon County’s total number of positive cases 8. The testing was confirmed through a reference laboratory that was used. The resident is in isolation and their family is in quarantine. This case is most likely travel related. The investigation is complete and any potential contacts have been notified. There is low risk of exposure for Bourbon County residents from this case.

The Bourbon County Public Health Department urges the public to continue to take appropriate actions. Individuals should continue to practice social distancing, clean/disinfect any high touched surfaces, wash their hands with soap and water routinely, use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available and avoid touching your face (especially eyes, nose & mouth).

Please remember if you have the symptoms to:

Call before going to a Clinic, Hospital, ER, or Health Department

Close contact means: 6 foot or less for 10 minutes or more, with a positive case.

If you are experiencing life threatening symptoms, PLEASE CALL 911.

For more information you may call the SEK Multi-County Health Department: Bourbon: (620)223-4464 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm OR the COVID-19 Hotline: (866)534-3463.You may also visit the

COVID-19 Resource Center at: https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/OR Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments on Facebook for local updates.

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Incumbents Will Have Contenders in Most Bourbon County Election Races

June 3, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

The filing deadline for Bourbon County residents vying for a political position was noon, June 1, 2020.

The primary election will be August 4, 2020 and the general election will be November 3, 2020

Due to COVID-19, Bourbon County election officials will make the voting process as safe as possible and will have safety measures in place for voters and poll workers, according to an email from Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

There are contenders to incumbents in the county commissioners, the county clerk, the county treasurer and county sheriff positions.

Following is the list of those running and was provided by the county clerk.

County Commission, District 2

Jeffrey Fischer, 2093 Justice Ln, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-6633, Republican is the incumbent

Jim Harris, 2302 Jayhawk Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-0230, Republican

Sparky (Don) Schroeder, 2309 Kansas Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-3344, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

County Commission, District 3

Clifton Beth, 2236 215^th, Fort Scott, KS 66701, Republican

Phillip G Hoyt, 2422 242^nd Terrace, Fulton, KS 66738, 225-335-9927, [email protected], Democratic

Joshua Jackson, 2451 Hwy 7, Mapleton, KS 66754, Republican

Leroy “Nick” Ruhl, 313 Jefferson Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-8172, Republican is the incumbent

County Clerk

Nick Graham, 404 Hill Street, Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-875-5059, [email protected], Republican

Kendell Dawn Mason, 2 S Eddy, Fort Scott, KS 66701, Republican is the incumbent.

Bobby “Bob” Reed, 2191 Ironwood Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-8137, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

County Treasurer

Patty Love, 901 Shepherd St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-1189, [email protected], Republican is the incumbent

Mike Mason, 978 60^th Street, Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-224-6183, [email protected], Republican

Shaunn Pytlowany, 906 South Eddy St, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-9168, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

County Register of Deeds

Lora Holdridge, 1814 Richards Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-4585, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

County Attorney

Jacqie Spradling, PO Box 576, Spring Hill, KS 66083, Republican is the incumbent.

No Democratic candidates filed

County Sheriff

Derick Burke, 348 225^th Street, Garland, KS 66741, Republican

Mike Feagins, 1964 Justice Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-3402, [email protected], Democratic

Bill Martin, 502 Meadow Ln, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-1882, Republican is the incumbent.

Craig A Rice, 1932 Maple Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-1381, Republican

Julie Saker, 2495 Locust Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-768-9260, Democratic

Township Trustee-Drywood

Richard Cullison, Jr, 506 260^th, Garland, KS 66741, 620-224-6160, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee- Franklin

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Township Trustee-Freedom

Janice Seested, 2330 215^th St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Marion

Steve Geiger, 1121 Hwy 3, Uniontown, KS 66779, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Marmaton

David Duffey, 1201 Locust Rd, Redfield, KS 66769, 620-228-1779, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Millcreek

Yvonne Beck, 1821 159^th Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-829-5442, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Osage

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Township Trustee-Pawnee

Karen A Endicott-Coyan, 1635 Fern Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-547-2571, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Scott

Jim Sackett, 2019 Maple Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-5537, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Timberhill

Dan Laughlin, 2275 105^th St., Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-743-3441, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee –Walnut

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Township Treasurer- Drywood

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Township Treasurer – Franklin

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Freedom

Karen A Paddock, 608 W Cedar St., Fulton, KS 66738, 620-224-9379, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Marion

Rex Wilson, 905 Clay St., Bronson, KS 66716, 620-939-4750, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Marmaton

Wilma K Graham, 102 W 4^th, Redfield, KS 66769, 620-756-4436, Democratic

No Republican candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Millcreek

Betty L Graham, 1458 Tomahawk Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-6072, Democratic

No Republican candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Osage

Kathleen Valentine, 2638 Tomahawk Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-857-4133, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Pawnee

Sharon Middleton, 1374 Eagle Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-4894, Democratic

No Republican candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Scott

Harold Rogers, 2189 Ironwood Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-1329, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Timberhill

David Scharenberg, 1045 Yale Rd, Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-224-8932, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Treasurer- Walnut

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Democratic Committeeman-1st Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-2^nd Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-3^rd Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-4^th Ward

Jeff Sweetser, 1012 S National Ave, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-2282, [email protected]

Democratic Committeeman-5^th Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-6^th Ward

Dwight Moore, 801 Fairway Dr, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-341-3074, [email protected]

Democratic Committeeman-7^th Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Drywood

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Franklin

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Freedom

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Marion

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Marmaton

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Millcreek

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Osage

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Pawnee

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-North Scott

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-South Scott

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Timberhill

Clinton L Walker, 1999 105^th St, Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-743-0114

Democratic Committeeman-Walnut

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-1^st Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-2^nd Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-3^rd Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-4^th Ward

Kate Emmett-Sweetser, 1012 S National Ave, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-2282, [email protected]

Democratic Committeewoman-5^th Ward

Carol Ann MacArthur, 702 S Crawford St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-1505, [email protected]

Democratic Committeewoman-6^th Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-7^th Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Drywood

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Franklin

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Freedom

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Marion

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Marmaton

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Millcreek

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Osage

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Pawnee

Shirley J Palmer, 1862 Eagle Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-704-1934, [email protected]

Democratic Committeewoman-North Scott

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-South Scott

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Timberhill

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Walnut

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeeman-1^st Ward

William Michaud, 7 N Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 785-213-7745, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-2^nd Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeeman-3^rd Ward

Todd McDermed, 110 S Broadway, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-4364, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-4^th Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeeman-5^th Ward

Shane A Walker, 1123 Burke Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-7272, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-6^th Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeeman-7^th Ward

Glenn Rash, 906 Emmert, Fort Scott, KS 66701 620-719-7502, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Drywood

Larry Shead, 2468 Cavalry Rd, Garland, KS 66741, 620-215-2396, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Franklin

Lynne D Oharah, 2120 95^th St., Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-215-3120, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Freedom

Lawrence Paddock, 608 Cedar Street, Fulton, KS 66738, 620-224-1381, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Marion

Lafe W Wilson, 924 Jayhawk Rd, Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-654-8231, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Marmaton

Charles Robison, 1761 Locust Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-3755, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Millcreek

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeeman-Osage

Marvin Creager, 2141 245^th, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-857-4158, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Pawnee

Kevin D Wagner, 390 130^th Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-2174, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-North Scott

Bill Lalman, 2047 Native Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-9218

Republican Committeeman-South Scott

Larry G Martin, 2141 Ironwood Dr, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-4300

Republican Committeeman-Timberhill

Dan Laughlin, 2275 105^th, Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-743-3441

Republican Committeeman-Walnut

Jason L Sutterby, 148 Hwy 39, Savonburg, KS 66772, 620-224-7495, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-1^st Ward

Jennifer Michaud, 7 N Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 785-230-7010, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-2^nd Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeewoman-3^rd Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeewoman-4^th Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeewoman-5^th Ward

Jana R Walker, 1123 Burke Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-7272, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-6^th Ward

Rhonda Dunn, 420 Rosemary Lane, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-1186, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-7^th Ward

Patty Love, 901 Shepherd St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-3800 x-192, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Drywood

Vickie Shead, 2468 Cavalry Rd, Garland, KS 66741, 620-224-4149, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Franklin

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeewoman-Freedom

Janice Seested, 2330 215^th St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-857-4768

Republican Committeewoman-Marion

Linda S Wilson, 924 Jayhawk Rd, Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-654-7413, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Marmaton

Celena (CJ) Robison, 1761 Locust Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-0816, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Millcreek

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeewoman-Osage

Carol Creager, 2141 245^th, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-857-4158, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Pawnee

Rachel M Wagner, 390 130^th, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-547-2233, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-North Scott

Glenda Lalman, 2047 Native Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-3805

Republican Committeewoman-South Scott

Debra M Martin, 2141 Ironwood Dr, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-6846, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Timberhill

Jan Laughlin, 2275 105^th Street, Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-743-3441, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Walnut

Rebecca Sutterby, 148 Highway 39, Savonburg, KS 66772, 620-224-7495, [email protected]

Fort Scott, Government

FS Golf Advisory Board Will Meet June 12

June 3, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Golf Course Advisory Board will meet on Friday, June 12^th, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton. The meeting will take place in the clubhouse.

The Golf Course Advisory Board meeting will not be open to the public at this time due to the limited number of 15 allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting will be made available via the City’s Facebook at City of Fort Scott.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Street Advisory Board Will Meet June 9

June 3, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Street Advisory Board will meet on Tuesday, June 9^th, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the City Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street.

The Street Advisory Board meeting will not be open to the public at this time due to the limited number of 15 allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.

Bourbon County, Business, COVID-19, Government, Jobs

Bourbon County Has Funding For Helping Businesses Recover

June 3, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

The Bourbon County Economic Director announces that Bourbon County was awarded $132,000 Community Development Block Grant-CV Grant for county businesses.

“We will announce open applications as soon as we can, we know you are eager to obtain relief,” Jody Hoener said. “The granting process will be based on a scoring algorithm that will be widely available.”

“The grant’s purpose is for job retention,” she said. ” In addition to year-round employment, our priorities in granting will also include closure/impact to operations, other relief awarded, and food system supply chain impact.”

To view the news release from the Department of Commerce click here:
https://www.wibwnewsnow.com/66-kansas-cities-and-counties-to-receive-community-development-block-grants-to-support-coronavirus-response/

“If you have any questions at all do not hesitate to reach out,” she said.

She can be reached at
1-620-223-3800
1-620-215-5725 Mobile
www.bourboncountyks.org

Government, Kansas

Bipartisan Agreement to Advance the Economic Recovery

June 3, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Announces Support For Bipartisan Agreement to Advance the Economic Recovery

Below is a statement from Governor Kelly on the bipartisan agreement reached ahead of the special legislative session:

“Kansas has faced unprecedented challenges over the last three months because of Covid-19. I’m proud of the efforts my administration has taken working with our local and federal partners to prioritize the health and safety of Kansans, while also creating a decisive and transparent process for our economic recovery.

“Last week, I vetoed legislation sent to me by the Legislature because it would have undermined my ability to honor the promises I made to Kansans about how we would govern during this crisis. It was rushed, written without bipartisan discussion, and passed unconstitutionally.

“I will support this bipartisan bill that was created with input from Republicans, Democrats, and stakeholders that I believe will provide the framework our state needs as we continue on the path to recovery. To be clear, there are parts of this bill that I do not support. However, my priority is and will always be the interests of Kansans first. I believe that the majority of this legislation accomplishes that and upholds my commitment to work across the aisle to move our state forward.”

Government, Kansas

Millions of Dollars to Local Governments For COVID 19 Expenses

June 3, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

SPARK Taskforce Executive Committee approves proposal of $400 million to local governments for COVID-19 expenses

Commits to delivering resources swiftly and thoroughly to Kansas communities

Today, Governor Laura Kelly’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce Executive Committee reviewed and approved a proposal to distribute $400 million to local governments to help address the health and economic challenges inflicted by COVID-19.

“Over the last few months Kansans have faced unprecedented challenges because of COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “Through it all, they have shown resiliency and compassion that has served as a strong reminder that we are all in this together.

“Every region of our State has been impacted by the health and economic crisis of this pandemic. We need to provide local governments with all the resources we can to mitigate the virus and revitalize our economy. We want to make these funds available, so communities can address current challenges and jumpstart our economic recovery,” Kelly said.

This is the first action of the SPARK Taskforce, which is charged with distributing over a billion dollars in federal funds Kansas received under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“This fair, impactful and timely distribution of funds to county governments will strengthen our health, speed the reopening of our economy and help our state remain open for business,” Cheryl Harrison-Lee, Executive Director of the Recovery Office, said. “I’m grateful to the Executive Committee members for the swift action they took today and look forward to collaborating with them and the Steering Committee to put the remaining funds to work.”

Harrison-Lee proposed a three-phased approach to allocating the funds. The first round will focus on providing relief to county governments which had not already received funding under the CARES Act. Johnson and Sedgwick Counties have already received funds because they have populations over 500,000.

Under the SPARK proposal, each county would receive funds based on the following formula:

Population: All counties are guaranteed to receive at least $194 per person. This is the same amount awarded to Johnson and Sedgwick residents previously.

Impact Fund: Counties will receive additional dollars based on their COVID-19 case rates and unemployment rates. The purpose of the Impact Fund is to provide additional dollars to those counties hit hardest by the virus. Johnson and Sedgwick counties will receive funds through this fund as well.

Fifty percent of each county’s share will be for reimbursement of COVID-19 related expenses and the remaining 50 percent will be direct aid for eligible expenditures under the CARES Act.

To receive funds, counties will be required to pass a resolution affirming they will allocate the funding consistent with the CARES Act and to share and allocate funds to educational and municipal entities within their counties.

Under this proposal, there will be two additional funding rounds later this year. Public and private entities will be eligible for funding in the later rounds, which will focus on strategic investments and revitalizing the State’s economy.

“While our initial focus is on strengthening health, the second round will target short-term and long-term opportunities to generate economic growth for all Kansans,” Lyle Butler, SPARK Executive Committee Chair, said. “I’m so pleased at the talent we’ve assembled both on our Executive and Steering Committees – we’re going to need it to make sound, inclusive investments that serve rural and urban Kansas now and in the future.”

To find the full presentation, please find it here: https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/SPARK-Process_6.2_FINAL_Presentation.pdf

Fort Scott Biz

Category Archives: Government

Survey for U.S. 69 bridge in Frontenac starts June 8

DCF Service Centers Reopening June 8

Governor applauds bipartisan passage of COVID-19 response bill

KS House of Representatives Pass COVID 19 Bill

K-31 resurfacing project to start June 8

Bourbon County Confirms No. 8 Case of COVID 19

Incumbents Will Have Contenders in Most Bourbon County Election Races

FS Golf Advisory Board Will Meet June 12

FS Street Advisory Board Will Meet June 9

Bourbon County Has Funding For Helping Businesses Recover

Bipartisan Agreement to Advance the Economic Recovery

Millions of Dollars to Local Governments For COVID 19 Expenses

Bourbon County Local News