Category Archives: Government

Governor appoints three members to the Kansas State Fair Board

 

 

Governor Laura Kelly appointed Dylan Evans, Sarah Green, and Kathy Brazle to the Kansas State Fair board.

 

“The Kansas state fair is an important part of Kansas’ story,” Kelly said. “It’s a cherished annual tradition, and Kansans deserve board members who are passionate about our history and culture. Dylan, Sarah, and Kathy encapsulate this passion.”

 

The board acts as the showcase of Kansas agriculture, commerce and industry, and is responsible for presenting a format of entertainment and education that appeals to people from all walks of life in Kansas.

 

The state fair emphasizes the importance of family, education, public and private entities, and Kansas as a whole.

 

Dylan Evans, Lebo, is the owner of Farmers State Bank of Aliceville and DWE Livestock. Evans received his master’s degree in food science, a bachelor’s degree in animal science and industry, and a bachelor’s degree in food science and industry, all from Kansas State University. He succeeds Steve Abrams.

 

Sarah Green, Wichita, currently serves as a writer, editor, and strategic consultant, working as an independent contractor. Previously, she served as Local Foods and Rural Outreach Coordinator under the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Green participated in a graduate fellowship through George Washington University in food policy. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas. She succeeds Matthew Lowen.

 

Kathy Brazle, Chanute, is a retired school administrator. Previously a teacher in Erie, Brazle received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physical education from Southwestern College and a master’s degree in physical education from the University of Kansas. Brazle also received an administration certification from Emporia State University. She succeeds Monica Lair.

 

The governor’s appointments to the state fair board are not subject to Senate confirmation.

 

Angel Investor Tax Credit Application Fee Reduced

Secretary David Toland reduces fee for businesses seeking Angel Investors

 

Topeka, Kan. – Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today that he has reduced the application fee for businesses seeking to participate in the Angel Investor Tax Credit program.

After reducing the application fee from $750 to $500 in February, the Kansas Department of Commerce reduced the fee further to $250, retroactive to July 1, 2019. Applications for companies seeking investment through the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit (KAITC) program for 2019 will be accepted through August 31.

The program offers Kansas income tax credits to qualified individuals who provide seed-capital financing for emerging Kansas businesses engaged in development, implementation and commercialization of innovative technologies, products and services.

“The Angel program exists to support small start-up businesses, so it didn’t make sense to charge an application fee that put the program out of reach to the very businesses seeking help,” Toland said. “This is a straightforward, business-friendly move that we hope will encourage more start-ups to apply and make it easier for Kansans to invest in promising new businesses.”

The KAITC Program is designed to bring together accredited “angel” investors with qualified Kansas companies seeking seed and early stage investment. The purpose of the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit Act is to help facilitate:

  • The availability of equity investment in businesses in the early stages of commercial development.
  • The creation and expansion of Kansas businesses, which are job- and wealth-creating enterprises.

Applications for certification are accepted only for Kansas businesses in the seed and early stage rounds of financing.

Companies must meet the following criteria to be certified as a Qualified Kansas Business:

  • The business has a reasonable chance of success and potential to create measurable employment within Kansas.
  • In the most recent tax year of the business, annual gross revenue was less than $5 million
  • Businesses that are not Bioscience businesses must have been in operation for less than five years; bioscience businesses must have been in operation for less than 10 years.
  • The business has an innovative and proprietary technology, product, or service.
  • The existing owners of the business have made a substantial financial and time commitment to the business.
  • The securities to be issued and purchased are qualified securities.
  • The company agrees to adequate reporting of business information to the Kansas Department of Commerce.
  • The ability of investors in the business to receive tax credits for cash investments in qualified securities of the business is beneficial, because funding otherwise available for the business is not available on commercially reasonable terms.
  • Each applicant must sign a Qualified Company Agreement with the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Certification of companies must meet mandates established by Kansas statute to allow accredited Angel Investors to receive the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit.

For more information, visit kansasangels.com or contact:

Rachéll Rowand

(785) 296-3345 Office

(785) 207-4755 Mobile

[email protected]

 

Business Incubator: Offering Office Space to Entrepreneurs/Professionals To Start Up

The new Bourbon County Business Incubator offices  are located in the old SRS Building at 108 W. Second Street, Fort Scott.

A business incubator is being developed by Bourbon County to attract new entrepreneurs and professionals back to the area.

What is a business incubator?

It is a facility established to nurture young, startup firms during their early months or years, according to businessdictionary.com. It can provide affordable space, shared offices and services, hands-on management training, marketing support and, often, access to some form of financing.

“The business incubator is still under development,” Bourbon County’s Economic Director Jody Hoenor, said. “But is available… it’s a county-wide service.”

“The vision is to have a workspace for a professional business, someone who needs office space,” she said. “The first six months are free, then rent is negotiable. The maximum stay is two years.”

“The point is to get their business up and going without initial opening costs,” she said

Skilled professionals such as web designers, architects, and lawyers. for example, who want to start a business, are the target for the incubator.

Retail would not be appropriate for the space, she said.

“Shane Walker (Bourbon County Information Technology) and Justin Meeks (Bourbon County Counselor) have been working on this before I started in October 2018,” Hoenor said.

There are six office spaces available, one with a reception area attached.

The largest of the offices shown by Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoenor is 11 feet by 23 feet. The other offices are smaller, but each has a window.

There is a lobby, conference room, kitchen space and bathroom that goes with the office spaces, and includes high-speed internet access.

Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoenor opens the door to the reception area, next to the largest office space available for skilled professionals to start up a business.

Hoenor can be reached at 210 S National Ave.,

Fort Scott, KS 66701, or 1-620-223-3800 or

1-620-215-5725 Mobile, or

www.bourboncountyks.org

 

Bourbon County repurposed the building at 108 W. Second Street, just west of the courthouse. Years ago it housed the Social and Rehabilitation Services offices, most recently the Bourbon County Attorney had an office there until that office was moved to the second floor of the courthouse.

Currently, the building is being used also by the community corrections office and the driver’s license bureau.

 

 

 

Governor Appointments Update

Governor’s Appointments Pass Senate Oversight Committee

 

The Kansas Senate Oversight Committee Monday approved Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Shawnee, to serve as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration and Herman Jones, Berryton, as Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, along with other appointments to state boards and agencies.

 

“I appreciate the Senate committee’s action in approving the appointments of Kansans who are all well qualified and committed to public service,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It’s truly an outstanding group, and I look forward to seeing the work they do in helping to move our state forward.”

 

Burns-Wallace was the Vice-Provost of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Kansas, and also served as the assistant dean in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at Stanford University.

 

Before working in education, Burns-Wallace worked for the U.S. Department of State as a management officer in the foreign service in China, South Africa and Washington D.C., experience she says helped prepare her for her new role at the Department of Administration.

 

“Managing a foreign mission for the U.S. government is a complex set of challenges that touch on logistics, construction, budgeting, HR – these issues also line up closely to the mission of the Department of Administration,” Burns-Wallace said. “I’m excited to start working on some of these issues for the State of Kansas.”

 

Burns-Wallace holds a dual bachelor’s degree in international relations and African American studies from Stanford University, a master’s degree in public affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Herman Jones began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Emporia Police Department. He then served as a state trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol from 1982 to 1992. Later, he was an instructor at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

He returned to the Kansas Highway Patrol as the director of administration from 2000 to 2011. In 2011, he became Undersheriff of Shawnee County, and later was appointed Shawnee County Sheriff in April 2012, elected in November 2012 and re-elected in 2016.

Jones is a graduate of Emporia State University, the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, the Kansas Highway Patrol Academy, and the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

“I’m honored to be Governor Kelly’s choice to serve in this important law enforcement position,” Jones said. “I’ve dedicated my career to public safety and take great pride in working with the men and women of the Kansas Highway Patrol to strengthen our agency and improve public safety across Kansas.”

Additionally, the following appointments by the governor were approved Monday by the Senate Confirmation Oversight Committee:

 

  • Cheryl Harrison-Lee, Gardner, Shellaine (Shelly) Kiblinger, Cherryvale, and Jonathan Rolph, Wichita; Kansas Board of Regents

 

  • Emily Hill, Lawrence, Kansas Public Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees

 

  • Earl Lewis, Topeka, director, Kansas Water Office

 

  • Constance Owen, Overland Park, chair, Kansas Water Authority

 

  • Joni Franklin, Wichita, Jonathan Gilbert, Dodge City, and Michael Ryan, Junction City; Public Employee Relations Board

 

  • Doug Jorgensen, Topeka, State Fire Marshal

 

  • Kelly Kultala, Basehor, Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission

 

  • Kala Loomis, Lawrence, executive director, Kansas State Gaming Agency

 

  • Stephen Durrell, Lawrence, executive director, Kansas Lottery

 

  • Catherine Moyer, Ulysses, and Kenneth (Ed) Trimmer, Winfield; Kansas Lottery Commission

 

The appointments approved Monday by the Senate Oversight Committee will be voted on by the full Senate in the 2020 Legislative Session.

 

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of July 2

July 2, 2019                                                    Tuesday 9:00 am

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

Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune was also present.

Jim Harris reported that they have been paving on Condensory (235th), he said the new paver is doing a great job. He said they are saving money by using the new paver verses the old. He estimated that by the end of the next paving season the material savings will pay for the cost of the new paver. He said they should be done working in this area tomorrow and will be moving the equipment to Mapleton once completed. After the work at Mapleton is completed, they plan to start working in the Industrial Park. Jeff complimented the professionalism of the work done on Condensory Road.

Dale Arnold met with the Commissioners and Jim Harris; he reported a washed out area on 2nd Street.

Jim Harris discussed an Asphalt/Rock John Deere Cold Plainer that will be needed when work is done in the Industrial Park, on the bridge on Condensory Road and on 215th; he said it is $3,500/month to rent and $20,200 to purchase the machine. After discussion, Jeff made a motion to purchase the new Asphalt/Rock John Deere Cold Plainer with a 30” cut for $20,200, Nick seconded and all approved.

Nick made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Lynne seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Jim Harris and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Lynne reported that Tom Davis reported a hole in the road at 157th & Range Road; Jim Harris said he would view the road.

Jeff reported a request for work to be done on 215th with the pothole patching machine from Dale Bollinger; Jim will view the road.

Lynne and Jim plan to meet Ed Guss with the City of Redfield on July 3rd to discuss the city boundaries.

Jeff made a motion to approve Resolution 14-19, changing the mileage reimbursement rate to .58 cents/mile effective July 1, 2019, Nick seconded and all approved and signed the Resolution.

Jeff made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Robert Uhler with the City of Fort Scott arrived at the meeting.

The Commissioners considered the Kansas Statewide Housing Assistance Program; Justin Meeks said he had reviewed the documents, he said it appeared to be no cost to the County and could benefit low to moderate income families. Jeff said it is based on issuers of bonds that provide funding assistance and they want the County to agree to cooperate with the program; Jeff said he felt that if the program could help people get into homes then it was a good thing. Jeff made a motion to approve Resolution 15-19 agreeing to cooperate in the Kansas Statewide Housing Assistance Program, Nick seconded and all approved.

Appraiser Clint Anderson and Matt Quick met with the Commissioners to present their 2020 budget; Clint requested a grand total of $274,371 for 2020. This total included a budgeted 3% increase for wages for his office. Lynne suggested that Clint revise his budget to include budgeted money in the equipment reserve fund for the future purchase of replacement vehicles. Clint revised his budget and requested a grand total of $284,371, (this included a budgeted amount of $13,213 in the equipment reserve fund).

Nathan Fawson, Joe Springer and Marty Dewitt with the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center met with the Commissioners to present their 2020 requested budget. Bill Martin and Bobby Reed were also present for the meeting. They requested $97,850 for 2020. “Services provided by SEKMHC include 24/7 crisis intervention, outpatient psychiatry, therapy, chemical abuse counseling and education, case management, parent support, psychosocial skill development groups, and supported employment and housing.

In August of 2019, they will provide USD 234 with a school-based therapist and case mangers to better meet the mental health needs of our community’s students and families”.

Mr. Fawson discussed the State of Kansas and the moratorium that Oswatomie has in place; he said Oswatomie has to restrict the level and type of clients that can be there, SEMHC steps in and helps the others that need care. SEKMHC supports Medicaid expansion. Nick questioned since the Hospital had closed, how they help patients with mental needs; Mr. Fawson said if law enforcement felt that a person needed psychiatric help they would go to the Emergency Room and if inpatient is necessary they begin coordinating care, if a person is uninsured or does not have Medicaid or is a threat and refusing care then Oswatomie could be their only option and if there are no beds available there then law enforcement and SEKMHC put forth attentive care. Mr. Dewitt helps rehabilitate inmates. He said he started his work in mental health in schools; he said over the years schools have become more accommodating to their presence in schools. SEKMHC is comprised of 6 counties; Mr. Fawson said he felt that they were under-serving our communities needs.

Emergency Manager Will Wallis met with the Commissioners to present his 2020 budget request; he requested a grand total of $57,039.

Emergency Manager Will Wallis gave a disaster update regarding the recent flooding; he said once the applicant briefings were underway they would have 18 months to complete all programs. Will said he didn’t initially view the debris removal from the bridges; he questioned what the County policy is on repairs for low water crossings and river crossings. Will said that two grader operators still haven’t provided him their grader maps which could help him assess damages. Will said the County could easily hit the $366,000 target.

Justin Meeks discussed the tax sale; he said that Gill Gregory will be reviewing the tax sale list and then Justin will do the publication.

Jeff made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Nick made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

At 11:56, Jeff made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

0709/2019, Approved Date

Fort Scott Commission Work Sessions July 25

Notice of Budget Work Sessions:

Thursday, July 25th, 2019 – 9:00 a.m.

Thursday July 25th, 2019 – 12:00 p.m.

There will be two work sessions of the Fort Scott City Commission held on Thursday, July 25th, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. and then again at 12:00 p.m. in the City Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street. These work sessions will be held to discuss the 2020 budget. No action will be taken at these work sessions. These meetings are open to the public.

KDHE to co-locate employees in DCF offices

Kansas Agencies Co-locate to Improve Stakeholder Experience

 

 

Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard and Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman, M.D. today announced a new partnership designed to improve efficiencies and expand the reach of both agencies.

 

KDHE eligibility employees will now be co-located in 17 DCF offices across the state to foster collaboration around the KanCare application process for the elderly and people with disabilities.

 

“I’ve always believed that our DCF offices can be an important connection point for Kansans who need services,” Howard said. “This new partnership is a first step in providing a more efficient experience for those who need assistance with the complicated KanCare application process.”

 

“As an agency, we are continually looking for opportunities to collaborate and improve the stakeholder experience,” Norman said. “By co-locating, we are making good use of existing state office space and extending our reach across the state.”

 

Elderly and disabled KanCare applications are among the most complex. For many years, processing of these applications has been privatized. The process is now brought back in to KDHE. Under the new partnership, KDHE employees will initially spend most of their time processing Home and Community Based Service applications.

 

They also will be available to work with DCF staff on complicated cases. Once the full transition is complete in mid-2020, it is expected that KDHE staff will be able to meet face to face with Kansans who need help navigating the KanCare application process.

 

“I believe this collaboration with DCF will result in positive outcomes for Kansans,” Norman said.

 

KDHE employees will move into the Hays and Wichita offices the week of July 22. Other offices that will have KDHE employees include:

  • Kansas City and Overland Park in August
  • Emporia, Great Bend and Newton in September
  • Manhattan and Pittsburg in October
  • Atchison, Chanute and Salina in November
  • Dodge City, Garden City, Hutchinson and Liberal in December
  • Independence in Jan. 2020

 

As more KDHE staff are hired, the agencies plan to expand to other DCF offices that have available space.

 

“I’ve heard first hand from our workers how excited they are to have KDHE staff in the same office,” Howard said. “We know is this is an important step in helping Kansans connect with services that are vital to their well-being.”

Bourbon County Commission Agenda July 23

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: July 23rd, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45- Jim Harris

9:45-10:00-KDOT

10:00-10:15-Conservation District 2020 Budget

10:30-10:45-Will Wallis-Update on Disaster Applicants

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney client relationship-30 min.

12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch

2:30-3:00-Bill Martin-Sheriff/Jail 2020 Budget

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

          Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Flags Half-Staff for Stevens

Governor orders flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Associate Justice John Paul Stevens 

 

In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, and following the proclamation of President Donald J. Trump, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset Tuesday, July 23, in honor of John Paul Stevens, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.  

 

“Justice Stevens was a remarkable public servant and leaves behind an honorable legacy,” Kelly said. “My deepest condolences are with his family in this difficult time. May we all strive to serve our own communities, state and nation with such conviction.”  

 

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors 

Governor appoints Director of Kansas Water Office: Earl Lewis

 

 

Governor Laura Kelly appointed Earl Lewis as Director of the Kansas Water Office.

 

“Earl has proven to be a skilled and knowledgeable leader when it comes to water conservation and other important issues related to this precious resource,” Kelly said.

 

Lewis joined the Kansas Water Office in 1999 working first with reservoir operations and analysis before serving as the agency’s chief technical staff and overseeing agency operations. Before joining the Kansas Water Office, he worked for seven years in the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources working on water use, water right compliance, water conservation, and interstate litigation.

 

“I’m honored the Governor has selected me for this position and am excited to join the Kelly administration,” Lewis said. “I look forward to working with the Governor and stakeholders across Kansas to improve our water resources.”

 

Lewis is a lifelong Kansan and was raised on a farm in Osage County. His family raised row crops, cattle, and ran a custom hay business. He attended both Emporia State University and the University of Kansas, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1992.  He also holds a professional engineering license in Kansas.

 

Lewis’ appointment is pending confirmation by the Senate.

 

Governor appoints 13 members to Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force 

 

 

In response to Executive Order #19-08, Governor Laura Kelly appointed 13 members to the Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force.

 

 

This task force assesses the current and future impact of Alzheimer’s disease on Kansas residents; examines the existing industries, services, and resources addressing the needs of people with Alzheimer’s, their families, and caregivers; and develops a strategy to mobilize a state response to the public health crisis.

 

“Alzheimer’s disease touches so many lives, and we must do what we can to help patients and their families cope with this tragic ailment,” Kelly said. “I appreciate the interest from all willing to serve on this important task force.”

 

The appointed task force members:

 

  1. Jamie Gideon, Haysville – Chair
  2. Cindy Schmidt, Hays
  3. Gina Long, Gardner
  4. Rita Ortolani, Independence
  5. Robert Miller, Wichita
  6. Sarah Duggan, Manhattan
  7. Steve Harader, Wichita
  8. Dr. Joseph G. Schlageck, Overland Park
  9. Janie Krull, Wichita
  10. Dr. Stephen Benson, Wichita
  11. Randy Clinkscales, Hays
  12. Carol Jolly, Topeka
  13. Rob Razo, Topeka

 

The task force meets monthly or as needed at the discretion of the Chair.

 

The task force will receive data, research, administrative support and guidance from the following agencies: Kansas Department of Labor, Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services shall be primarily responsible for and take the lead in providing support.

 

The Task Force is directed to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature and Governor in the form of a Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Plan by January 13, 2020, or as appropriate during the intervening period.