Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly’s Year In Review

Leave a comment

Year in Review: Kelly Administration Delivers a Successful 2023 for Kansas

TOPEKA – As 2023 comes to an end, Governor Laura Kelly today highlighted some of the key successes from the first year of her second term.

“This year, I worked with the Legislature, members of my administration, and Kansans from across the state to continue building on the successes of our first term,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Heading into 2024, there is more work to be done to ensure Kansas remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Bipartisanship: In 2023, Governor Kelly signed 89 bipartisan bills into law, including significant legislation that:

Expanding Affordable Child Care:  The first executive order of Governor Kelly’s second term established the Early Childhood Transition Task Force. The task force was charged with reviewing Kansas’ early childhood programs and developing a roadmap to create a cabinet-level agency solely focused on supporting our youngest Kansans. Earlier this month, the task force presented Governor Kelly with its final report.

Throughout 2023, the Kelly administration has allocated more than $65 million to create nearly 6,000 new child care slots.

Economy and Workforce: In 2023 alone, the Kelly administration closed 256 economic development projects, totaling more than $3 billion in new business dollars invested into the state and creating or retaining more than 12,000 jobs.

In September, Governor Kelly celebrated the anniversary of establishing the Office of Registered Apprenticeship. Now, over 4,500 Kansans are active in a registered apprenticeship program, showing a nearly 55% increase in new registered apprentices and 18 new programs established in 2023.

Infrastructure: In 2023, Governor Kelly announced the final phase of the last two projects remaining from the T-WORKS program. These projects were only able to move forward through the Governor’s and Legislature’s bipartisan work to close the “Bank of KDOT” by the end of her first term.

High-Speed Internet: The collaboration of the Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Research and Education Network, and private providers brought $43 million in federal funding to strengthen the state’s high-speed internet infrastructure. Nearly 9,000 homes and businesses have been connected to high-speed internet in 2023.

Water: In partnership with the Legislature, Governor Kelly invested a record $35 million to protect vital water resources and fund projects to address high-priority dams and small-town water infrastructure through the passage of HB 2302. As she proposed in her budget, funding has also been dedicated to pay off debt for the Milford and Perry Reservoirs, saving Kansas taxpayers money in long-term interest payments.

###

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for January 2

Leave a comment

The only order of business for 1-2-2024 is to establish the new 2024 City Commission. All other business will be discussed on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 6:00PM

 

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
January 2, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
T. VanHoecke M. Guns M. Wells
II. Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: M. Wells
III. New Business
A. Oath of Office – Commissioner Tracy Dancer and Commissioner Dyllon Olson
B. Appointment of Mayor of Fort Scott
C. Appointment of President of the City Commission of Fort Scott
D. Review and agreement of Code of Ethics – Ordinance 3563
E. Review and agreement of Code of Procedure for the Commission of the City
of Fort Scott, Kansas
IV. Public Comment:
Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
V. Reports and Comments:
A. City Manager Comments:
B. Commissioners Comments:
T. VanHoecke –
M. Wells –
M. Guns –
T. Dancer –
D. Olson
C. City Attorney Comments:
VI. Executive Session:
VII. Adjournment:
Next regular meeting scheduled: Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 6:00PM

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Has A New Human Resource Director and City Manager Reflects on 2023, Looks To 2024

Leave a comment

Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin was asked what the city’s accomplishments were this year and also what is on the horizon for 2024 and he sent his reply.

He also announced a new administrative position has been filled by Payton Coyan.

Payton Coyan. Submitted photo

 

Payton Coyan started as the Fort Scott Human Resource Director on December 27.

She has four years of experience in driving strategic human resource operational initiatives, with a  focus on talent acquisition, employee retention, succession planning, organizational development, legal compliance, and grievance management. She also has skills in recruitment, interviewing, resume screening, negotiating, conflict resolution, streamlining operations, and heightening employee productivity by mastering HR situations for integrating human resource functions with overall goals, according to a press release.

She has experience managing employee benefits, employee hiring and onboarding, performance management, and HR records.

Coyan is a graduate of Ottawa University.

“Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends,” she said in the press release. ” I come from an amazing family and am fortunate to have… every one of them in my life. I am a lifelong resident of Bourbon County and love our community full-heartedly. In my free time, I enjoy…camping, (going) on a nature walk, walking downtown, or reading a book.”

Brad Matkin. Submitted photo

Matkin stated he is sure there is more coming for the city in 2024  but this list of goals will get things going, and “I am sure I missed some things on what we did in 2023.”

2023 Accomplishments:

  • Establishing the “My Fort Scott” App
  • Completion of Cooper Street
  • Completion of the “Old Faithful” sewer project near Nelson Park, between Elm and Pine on North Grant Street.
  • Improved wages for city staff, crews, and public safety members
  • Gunn Park Campground area improvements
  • Lake Fort Scott stem repair
  • The 2022 Cape Seal program completed
  • 2023 Cape Seal program prepped and ready for 2024
  • Increased advertisements and promotion of area events by the Fort ScottTourism Department
  • Approvement of 2nd Phase of  City Connecting Link Improvement grant for the Wall Street project. This is a federal and state-funded program that will start in 2025.
  • Pothole and crack sealing program
  • Established “street repair” crew
  • Memorial Hall improvements (thanks to volunteers for helping this happen)
  • Additional Lake Fort Scott docks
  • Buck Run Community Center improvements
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant lagoon improvements and elimination of the “smell”
  • Assignment of Baker Tilley,  a consulting and public accounting firm, as City Finance Director, with their representative being Ben Hart.
  • Flawless 2022 City audit
  • Establishing a budget that did not increase taxes and freed up city monies for investments
  • Community Development Block Grant sewer repair throughout the city
  • Fort Scott Airport runway and taxi-way improvements thanks to an FAA grant
  • Stormwater project from 15th to 17th and Eddy streets
  • Purchased street line paint machine, city crews painting streets instead of outsourcing
  • Several street and water line repairs
  • Bringing back the Community Development position
  • UTV for the fire department (thanks to Timken Foundation grant)
  • Additional quick-action weapons for the Fort Scott Police Department
  • New Christmas “swags” for downtown
  • Woodland Hills Golf Course cart path improvements and repairs
  • Workman Compensation insurance graded the city with a Gold Star which will equate to a 5% reduction in premium

 

What’s Up in 2024:

  • Tourism Department to branch out to the Kansas City  area to promote Fort Scott
  • 2024 Street program that will improve streets one block at a time
  • Horton Street project
  • Additional aeration systems to the wastewater plant
  • Woodland Hills Golf Course maintenance barn and simulator barn justified; built either in the 4th quarter of ’24 or 1st quarter of ’25.
  • Gunn Park shelter house renovation and shower house built
  • Gunn Park sewer project
  • 2” water line replacement program
  • Caboose in Fisher Park painted and moved to an uptown location at Scott Avenue and Wall Street
  • Two additional police cars were purchased
  • Memorial Hall bathroom renovations (grant pending)
  • Memorial Hall tables and stage lights improvements
  • Phase 1 on the Farmers Market Pavilion completed, and Phase 2 started
  • Buck Run Creek area sewer repair
  • Improved housing initiatives
  • Goals and expectations for our Economic Development Department, which is Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.
  • Contractor licensing completed and implemented
  • Event Tourism Grant policy completed and implemented
  • City of Fort Scott webpage improvements and updated
  • Lake Fort Scott camping area – phase 1
  • Lake Fort Scott secondary valve installed
  • Additional water sources researched
  • Buck Run Walking Trail phase 1 started (grant search and cleanup)
  • Additional downtown parking (plus paving what we currently have)
  • 25th Street rebuilt
  • School speed signs installed on Margrave and National

 

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Governor: Kansans to See State Sales Tax Go Down on Food for Second Straight Year

2 Comments

Governor Kelly Announces Grocery Shoppers Can Expect an Additional $150M in Tax Relief in 2024

~~Kansans to See State Sales Tax Go Down on Food for Second Straight Year~~ 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that in 2024, consumers in the Sunflower State are projected to see an additional $150 million in savings because of the “Axe the Food Tax” legislation she signed in 2022. According to projections from the Kansas Department of Revenue, the reduction of the state sales tax on groceries from 4% to 2% will save shoppers $12.5 million per month in 2024.

“By taking a middle-of-the-road approach, we have been able to continue putting money back in the pockets of every Kansan,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This reduction is a step toward eliminating the state sales tax on groceries completely, which will happen in 2025.”

After working tirelessly to put the state on solid financial footing, in 2021 Governor Kelly called on the Kansas Legislature to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries as soon as possible. The legislature ultimately passed legislation that gradually reduced the state sales tax on groceries over three years.

In 2023, the state sales tax rate on groceries went down from 6.5% to 4%, saving consumers $187.7 million per year. By the end of 2024, it is projected that shoppers will have saved more than half a billion dollars in sales tax on groceries over the two years the reduction has been in place.

The state sales tax reduction applies to food, food ingredients, and certain prepared foods. When looking at a receipt, shoppers will see two tax rates, one for qualifying purchases and one for all other items.

The reduction to the 2% state sales tax on qualifying items goes into effect on January 1, 2024.

###

Government, Kansas

There is a Resource for Residents Seeking Info on Legislative Matters

Leave a comment

Kansans encouraged to call, chat, or email the State Library’s Legislative Hotline

TOPEKA –As the beginning of the 2024 legislative draws near, the State Library of Kansas reminds Kansans of the dedicated Legislative Hotline, an ongoing resource for residents seeking information about state legislation or legislative matters. Staffed by experienced librarians, this hotline serves as a trustworthy point of contact.

Residents can inquire about various topics, such as:

  • Identifying their legislators
  • Accessing legislator contact information
  • Checking the status of specific bills
  • Understanding the legislative process
  • Locating historical information
  • Other inquiries related to Kansas government

“Finding timely and accurate information about state government can be challenging, yet is critical to ensuring that Kansans can engage with their elected officials on the issues that matter the most to them,” said State Librarian Ray Walling. “By reaching out to the legislative hotline, Kansans can get the information they need from trusted librarians.”

Kansans can connect with the Legislative Hotline by phone, chat or email:

Live assistance is available Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. Outside of these hours, messages left via voicemail or email are promptly returned on the next business day. Additionally, Kansans can engage in real-time conversations with librarians through the Ask a Librarian service at kslib.info/ask. TTY users can dial 711 for assistance.

###

Exercise, Government, Kansas

Celebrate New Years Day With A Hike In The Park

Leave a comment

Kansas State Parks to Offer New Year’s Day Hikes

SHAWNEE – Celebrate the New Year with fun, fresh air, and scenic views by participating in a First Day Hike at a Kansas State Park. These self-led and guided hikes are organized annually by parks staff to encourage individuals and families to start the year on the right foot – by getting outside and connecting with nature.

This year, more than 1,000 hikes will be available in state parks around the country, including 33 First Day Hike events hosted by Kansas State Parks. While the distance and rigor of the hikes will vary at each state park, all aim to create a fun experience for all. Savor the beauty of the natural, cultural, and historical resources our state parks offer, and be inspired to continue taking advantage of these local treasures throughout calendar year 2024.

“This will be our 13th year to offer First Day Hikes in Kansas’ state parks and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Linda Lanterman, Kansas State Parks director. “Each year, these events grow more and more popular because they’re a fun and healthy way to start the New Year, they’re a great cure for cabin fever, and they’re held in some of the prettiest parts of our state.”

Where to Participate
For a complete list of First Day Hike events in Kansas on January 1, 2024, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Special-Events/First-Day-Hikes.

What To Expect
Hikers can choose guided hikes that fit their comfort levels including walks along lakes, exploring trails, and options best for wildlife viewing. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. And, if hiking isn’t in your interest or ability, Kansas State Parks invite you to explore other fun offerings, from boating to fishing and horseback riding, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment from a park picnic table or bench.

What To Bring
Kansas State Park staff recommend coming prepared for a First Day Hike with the following, if possible:

  • Water
  • Snacks Weather appropriate clothing (hat, gloves, heavy coat)
  • Hiking shoes
  • Binoculars
  • Hiking stick
  • Camera

NOTE: LIMITED First Day Hike T-Shirts will be available for participants on a first-come, first-served basis. And, a vehicle permit may be required ($5.00 at the state park entrance).

First Day Hikes began more than three decades ago at the Blue Hills Reservation state park in Massachusetts in 1992. Since 2012, all 50 states have participated. America’s State Parks hopes to make 2024 a record-breaking year as the annual event approaches major milestones, including inching closer to 1 million miles hiked and 500,000 participants in the program’s history.

For information on First Day Hikes across the nation, visit stateparks.org/special-programs/first-day-hikes/. And don’t forget to share your January 1 hiking story on social media with #FirstDayHikes and #MyKSStatePark.

Click HERE to find a Kansas State Park nearest you.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Tops Nation in Economic Growth Over Fall 2023 

Leave a comment

~~Kansas’ Economic Growth Was #1 in the Nation in the 3rd Quarter of 2023,
#2 in the Nation in the 2nd Quarter~~ 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today celebrated that, according to data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the Kansas economy grew by 9.7% in the 3rd quarter of 2023 — the fastest rate in the nation. This improves on an already impressive record of economic growth; in the 2nd quarter of 2023, Kansas’ economy grew at the second-fastest rate in the nation at 7.4%.

“This data shows that our efforts to support businesses, create a stable economy, and grow our workforce are paying off,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, Kansas is outstripping the entire nation in economic growth and attracting business investment. Last week, I announced Kansas surpassed $18 billion in business investment since I took office in 2019. It’s clear we have the momentum to continue this trajectory of economic success into 2024 and beyond.”

The Kelly Administration’s work to support the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industries helped drive this economic growth. While those industries decreased nationally and in 33 other states, they were leading contributors to growth in Kansas.

Kansas also ranked third in the nation for growth in personal income, with personal income growing at 4.9% over the 3rd quarter of 2023. Farming, which decreased nationally and in 41 other states, was the leading contributor to the increased earnings in Kansas.

Kansas’ economic growth is measured by the change in its real gross domestic product (GDP), or the market value of goods and services produced in the state. The second quarter of 2023 included April through June; the third quarter included July through September.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Non-resident Turkey Permits Begin January 9

Leave a comment

Application Period for Non-resident Turkey Permits to Begin January 9

SHAWNEE – Non-resident hunters who wish to obtain a 2024 Kansas spring turkey permit may submit an application for the all-new lottery draw from January 9 through February 9, 2024. Non-resident hunters may apply for a permit – valid only in a single unit – in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6; a $10 application fee will apply. Similar to Kansas’ non-resident deer permit draw, any leftover non-resident spring turkey permits will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis shortly after the draw.

To apply for a 2024 non-resident turkey permit:

  1. Visit gooutdoorskansas.com between the dates of 01/09/24 – 02/09/24.
  2. Select “Purchase Licenses, Permits, & Tags”
  3. Login to your account
  4. Select “Limited Draw Applications”

NOTE: Hunters who qualify as a “resident” or “non-resident tenant” may still purchase a spring turkey permit in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6 either over the counter or online beginning March 5.

The all-new lottery draw is part of a larger strategy by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to reduce overall hunting pressure and turkey harvest in Kansas in response to declining turkey populations nationwide.

Staff first recommended to Commissioners a lottery draw for non-resident turkey permits in August 2022, after which it remained a regular public meeting agenda item until voted on by the Commission on June 22, 2023 – the group’s sixth meeting to examine and discuss the recommendation.

For more on turkey hunting in Kansas ­– including season dates, other special draws, and how to obtain an electronic permit – click HERE.

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission on December 11

Leave a comment

December 11, 2023                                                                         Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Leroy Kruger, Teri Hulsey, Jason Silvers, Dale Griffiths, Jon Lowry, Michaela Hawthorne, Michael Hoyt, Clint Walker, and Kevin Schafer were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.

 

Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 12/4/23. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

During public comments Leroy Kruger introduced himself and stated he is a lifelong resident of Bourbon County and announced his plan to run for Sheriff in 2024. Mr. Kruger stated he is a former Chief Deputy with the Sheriff’s Department and his promise for running is to lower the budget and bring peace and unity back to local government. Troy Felt spoke again of Medicaid expansion and voiced his concern of subsidizing and ER. Mr. Felt said he wants a hospital back not just and emergency room. Dale Griffiths said he is a resident of western Bourbon County and that he watches every commission meeting on YouTube and would like to talk about how constituents are treated when they have a differing opinion. Mr. Griffiths stated it comes across that our Commission treats its constituents as smaller or lower class than them when we have a differing opinion and he asked the Commission to keep that in mind in the future. Mr. Griffiths said he understands that things can get heated but just because someone is questioning what the Commission is operating on or has come up with different facts than them doesn’t mean we should belittle them.

 

Senator Tim Shallenburger introduced himself to the Commissioners and stated he is the State Senator for the 13th District. Mr. Shallenburger stated his was a banker by profession, served in the legislature in the 90s, was State Treasurer, and Mayor of Baxter Springs until he was elected in January to replace Richard Hilderbrand. Mr. Shallenburger touched on Medicaid expansion and said that will come up again in Topeka as well as tax reform at the state level. Mr. Shallenburger said the next session starts in January and that he currently sits on the Transportation Committee and recommends talking to KDOT about projects in our county and to participate in grant programs that are available at the state level. Jim asked Senator Shallenburger if he thinks the Governor will be successful with Medicaid expansion and the Senator responded that he has not seen the bill and does not know what she is proposing or what will be included in the bill. Mr. Shallenburger spoke how the delivery of healthcare has changed and does not feel that if Medicaid expansion is approved that it wouldn’t open a hospital in Fort Scott. Clifton stated he is disappointed in both sides for using the ER closing as political gain but not offering to help. Clifton said he is not talking about Senator Shallenburger and appreciates the Senator for coming but he doesn’t put a lot of faith in Topeka.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated Purple Wave was there today getting information on equipment that will be selling in the January 9th auction. Eric said there was a culvert that began to collapse last week east of 120th Street on Kansas Road. The culvert is in a flood plain so they are working with Ag Engineering to perform a hydraulic study. There are barricades up but residents are still able to get by to access their property. Eric informed the Commissioners of a solid waste compliance inspection that happened at the landfill on November 29th. There was only one violation and that was due to not notifying KDHE within their specified time frame of a fire that occurred at the compost site. Eric stated they have received the trailer for the special bridge crew. Eric said his crew would like to thank the Commission for the longevity pay and holiday dinner. Jim said to thank them for doing a good job.

 

Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, stated she wanted to let the community know that Bourbon County EMS isn’t going anywhere. There has been a lot of talk and concern in the community and Teri wanted to allay their fears. Teri said she has noticed the marquee is off at the Hospital building and is checking about getting a Bourbon County EMS sign to place along the highway. Teri said there have been a lot of questions about where they will transport patients and Teri stated they have to go to the closest appropriate facility. Teri said the ER will be closing on December 20th and they will be implementing all call. They have two trucks that are manned 24/7 and when both trucks go out, they will send out an all call which will notify employees to come into the station to be ready to provide service if additional 911 calls come in.

 

Shane Walker requested an executive session.

Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-mnute executive session under 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 to include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Shane Walker and will return at 6:15. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:15 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks, County Counselor, requested a 15-minute executive session.

 

Nelson made a motion to go into a 15-mnute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Rob Harrington and will return at 6:31. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:31 with action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Justin asked for permission to schedule with Rob an emergency evening meeting with the City Commission, Mr. Farmer, the possibility of City bond council, and our Commissioners.

 

Clifton made a motion to have an emergency meeting before our next regularly scheduled meeting and if the meeting happens it will consist more than likely of an executive session most likely due to KSA 75-4319(b)(4) and they will make that motion at the start of the meeting if needed. Nelson seconded the motion and added Tuesday or Wednesday night would be good for him and the other Commissioners stated they are available those nights as well. All approved the motion.

 

Nelson had no comments during the Commission comments section. Clifton said as someone who works in healthcare, he agrees with Medicaid expansion and that the fearmongering people put out isn’t backed up with facts. Clifton said if Medicaid expansion does happen, we wouldn’t have people knocking on our door to open a hospital. Clifton said that Senator Moran is introducing a bill to change the REH date to 2015 and said the Senator has listened to all the phone calls he received. Clifton thanked Senator Moran and stated he hopes they can get that passed in Washington. Jim also thanked Senator Moran for introducing the bill.

 

Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:39. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                   ___________________, Commissioner

 

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

12-18-2023                 Approved Date

 

 

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Statewide Transportation Improvement Program Comments Sought

Leave a comment

KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.  In addition to the project list is Administrative Modification #2 for narrative updates in the STIP.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Jan. 3. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

###