Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

KS October Total Tax Collections at $668.2 M; 3.4% Below the Estimate

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TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends October with total tax collections at $668.2 million. That is $23.4 million, or 3.4%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 2.5% from October 2023.

Individual income tax collections were $311.5 million. That is $1.5 million, or 0.5% above the estimate, and up 4.3% from October 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $38.1 million. That is $21.9 million, or 36.5% below the estimate, and down 33.7% from October 2023.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $294.6 million, which is $3.4 million, or 1.1% below the estimate, and down $11.4 million, or 3.7%, from October 2023.

The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group, comprised of the Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University will meet on Nov. 15.

Click here to view the October 2024 revenue numbers.

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Governor’s Arts Awards Nominations Open for 2025

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TOPEKA – The Department of Commerce announced today that the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) is accepting nominations for the 2025 Kansas Governor’s Arts Awards. Nominations for these prestigious honors will be accepted through Friday, December 13.

Last awarded in 2011, the accolades celebrate individuals, organizations and communities for their outstanding contributions and leadership in advancing the arts in Kansas.

“The Kelly-Toland Administration has been committed to developing and prioritizing the arts and creative businesses across our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “I am excited to reinvigorate these awards that will highlight Kansas leaders in the arts whose collective creativity is driving a significant portion of the state economy.”

An awards ceremony will be held in Topeka on February 20, 2025, to recognize excellence in the following areas: advocacy, arts education, community engagement and artistic achievement. Categories include:

  • Arts Advocate of the Year
  • Arts Community of the Year
  • Arts Leader of the Year
  • Arts Organization of the Year
  • Arts Patron of the Year
  • Emerging Arts Leader of the Year
  • Emerging Arts Organization of the Year
  • Excellence in Arts Education
  • Excellence in the Arts in Business
  • Excellence in Public Service in the Arts
  • Kansas Arts Legacy Award
  • Excellence in Artistic Achievement

“The arts inspire us, bring us joy and stimulate the state’s economy,” Kansas Arts Commission Director Curtis Young said. “The Governor’s Arts Awards acknowledge our vibrant arts and culture community for their contributions to a thriving Kansas.”

For more information about the nominations process or to submit a nomination, please visit here.

To learn more about the Kansas Arts Commission, visit here or contact Ben Stanton by email or phone (785) 213-5959.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Fort Scott, Government

Horton Street Is Open, But Not Completed

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Horton Street is open for the rest of the night. It is not done so please drive careful from 8th Street to Lakin Drive because the west lane is not paved. Emory, Sapp, and Sons will be back in the morning, and they tell me they will have the asphalt part completely done tomorrow, weather permitting or barring problems. So, with that, please use an alternate route tomorrow instead of Horton unless you live on Horton. This helps ESS but also eliminates slowdowns and possible accidents. Thank you, very much and Happy Halloween!

Brad Matkin
City Manager

City of Fort Scott

Government, Kansas

Kansas Cold Weather Rule takes effect Nov. 1

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TOPEKA – The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, begins  tomorrow and will remain in effect through March 31.

While the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, utility companies cannot disconnect a customer’s service when the local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, implemented the rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold.

The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements; however, it is the customer’s responsibility to contact their gas or electric company to make those arrangements.

Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.

The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric and natural gas utility companies under the KCC’s jurisdiction, however many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar winter weather policies.

Information about the Cold Weather Rule is available on the Commission’s website. Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027 or 785-271-3140.

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Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda For Today’s Bourbon County Commission Meeeting

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

October 31, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/21/2024
  1. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  2. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  3. Approval of Longevity Pay-$55,900.00
  4. Election Update
  5. Countywide Food Drive
  6. Real Property Relief Application
  7. Tri-Valley Letter Transportation Letter of Support
  8. Brandon Whisenhunt-Operation Greenlight Resolution 13-24
  • Resolution Rescinding the Moratorium on Solar Projects
  • Termination of Prior Agreements with Hinton Creek Solar
  1. Discussion of Development Agreement, Road Agreements, and Decommissioning Agreements with Doral, NextEra, and Advance Power
  2. Commission Comments
  3. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas Corporation Commission warns consumers to beware of electric savings scam

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission has received a report that an individual claiming to be working with the KCC is calling utility customers and offering a 30% discount on their electric bills. Based on what has been reported, the caller asks about Medicare or Medicaid eligibility, then asks for a credit card so the refund can be applied.

This individual is not affiliated with the KCC and the agency urges consumers to use caution if they receive a call. Above all, if you receive a call like this, do not provide credit card information. More information will be released if it becomes available.

Fort Scott, Government

Avoid Horton Street Traffic For A Few Days Starting Today

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Horton update: Emory, Sapp, and Sons are laying asphalt on the east side of Horton today and will be to 18th Street by this evening weather permitting. The west lane is open, but we would like to keep all traffic that does not have to drive down Horton to go a different route due to safety reasons.
 There are several dump trucks, loaders, and rollers working on Horton and additional traffic could cause an accident that we want to avoid.
Use another route if possible unless you live on Horton, or it is an emergency.
ESS is doing a great job along with Heck and Wicker getting this project done in a timely, safe, and quality manner, but we need the citizens’ help by going on one of the side roads instead of Horton.
It will be for only a couple of more days, weather permitting, then it will be good to go, and I will assure you the end result is going to be awesome! Thank you as always for your support, your patience, and your care for Fort Scott.
Brad Matkin
City Manager

City of Fort Scott

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda For The Bourbon County Commission on October 31

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

October 31, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/21/2024
  1. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  2. Approval of Longevity Pay-$55,900.00
  3. Election Update
  4. Countywide Food Drive
  5. Real Property Relief Application
  6. Tri-Valley Letter Transportation Letter of Support
  7. Brandon Whisenhunt-Operation Greenlight Resolution 13-24
  8. Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for October 31

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

October 31, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/21/2024
  1. Mary Pemberton-Donation Agreements
  2. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  3. Approval of Longevity Pay-$55,900.00
  4. Election Update
  5. Countywide Food Drive
  6. Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Agenda for October 31

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

October 31, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/21/2024
  1. Mary Pemberton-Donation Agreements
  2. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  3. Approval of Longevity Pay-$55,900.00
  4. Election Update
  5. Countywide Food Drive
  6. Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.