Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Protect Your Genetic Data Amid 23andMe Bankruptcy

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Consumer Advisory for Kansans

TOPEKA – (March 27, 2025) – Attorney General Kris Kobach today issued a consumer alert warning Kansas resident of the recent bankruptcy filing by 23andMe, a direct-to-consumer genetic testing and information company. 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 23. The company said in a press release, “There are no changes to the way the Company stores, manages, or protects customer data.” However, the bankruptcy raises the risk that 23andMe may attempt to sell Kansans’ genetic data and other private information as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.

“Protecting Kansans’ personal information and genetic data is of the utmost importance to our office. Because of the company’s current financial situation, we encourage Kansans to consider requesting deletion of their genetic data held by 23andMe,” Assistant Attorney General Sarah Dietz said.

Kansas residents should be aware of their rights and the protections afforded to their genetic data under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) and the Wayne Owen Act.

Since this data is incredibly personal and sensitive, it’s important to understand your rights under Kansas’s privacy laws, including how to delete your genetic data from 23andMe.

How to Take Action and Protect Your Genetic Data
If you wish to rescind access to your genetic information and request the destruction of your test sample, follow these steps:

How to delete genetic data from 23andMe

  1. Sign in to your 23andMe account at www.23andme.com.
  2. Navigate to your profile’s “Settings” section.
  3. Scroll down to the “23andMe Data” section at the bottom of the page.
  4. Click “View” next to the “23andMe Data” heading.
  5. If you would like to keep a copy of your genetic data, download your data before continuing.
  6. Locate the delete data option.
  7. Select “Permanently Delete Data”.
  8. Check your email for a confirmation link and follow it to complete the deletion process.

How to destroy your 23andMe Test Sample 
If you previously chose to allow 23andMe to store your saliva sample and DNA but would now like to opt-out, you can update your settings by going to “Preferences” on your account page.

To Revoke Permission for Your Genetic Data to be Used for Research:
If you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers to use your genetic data and sample for research, you may withdraw consent from the account settings page under “Research and Product Consents.”

Please visit the Office of the Kansas Attorney General’s website for more information on your rights under the KCPA and the Wayne Owen Act, guidance in managing your data, or to file a complaint.

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Government, Kansas

U.S. 69 Overlay Project in Bourbon and Linn Counties: March 31 to December

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Monday, March 31, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin resurfacing work on U.S. 69 in Bourbon and Linn counties. An overlay will be placed on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69, starting at the south U.S. 54 junction in Fort Scott and continuing north for 25.6 miles to K-52 near Pleasanton.

 

Traffic will be carried through the work zone with alternating lane closures and intermittent ramp closures. Weather permitting, the road work should be finished by mid-December. Pearson Construction, of Wichita, is the primary contractor on the $17.6 million resurfacing work.

 

Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway conditions and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Information Officer Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

 

 

 

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Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Bourbon County Republicans Are Accepting Applications For 3rd District Commissioner

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Due to the recent vacation of the county commissioner seat by Leroy Kruger, the Bourbon County Republicans will be accepting applications to fulfill this important role. Interested Republican residents of Bourbon County District 3 (definition below) seeking to fill the county commission seat should send a letter of interest with qualifications, rationale and reasons why they should be selected to: Kaety Bowers, Chairwoman, email bourbon.county.republicans@gmail.com. The deadline is Thursday, April 3, 2025 by 5pm.

The Bourbon County District 3 Appointment Area is defined as the area designated as District 3 (prior to the geographical redistricting done to increase the Bourbon County commissioner total from three to five). See the map above for details; District 3 is labeled and shaded red.

Any questions regarding your address and its location within the district should be directed to Susan Walker, Bourbon County Clerk; phone 620-223-3800 ext. 191

Area News, Government, Kansas

Fort Scott Native Lori Bolton Fleming In Line For KS Court of Appeals Judge

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Lori Bolton Fleming. Taken from the kscourts.gov website.


Governor Laura Kelly announced on March 4 the appointment of Judge Lori Bolton Fleming to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Henry Green on the Kansas Court of Appeals, according to a press release from the governor.

That is the second of four steps in the process of filling the vacancy.

The next step was for the Senate Judicial to pick her for that role and the final step is for approval from the Kansas Senate, sometime in the next few weeks, Fleming said in an interview.

Fleming is a Fort Scott High School graduate and also taught there for a year, she said.

She was inspired to attend law school by some of her students who were in the foster care system.

“They were involved in the juvenile justice system, and I hoped to advocate, be a good voice for kids,” she said.

Bolton Fleming lives in Pittsburg, Kansas, and is the Chief Judge for the 11th Judicial District, which includes Cherokee, Labette, and Crawford counties. 

“I am confident Judge Bolton Fleming will be an exceptional addition to the Kansas Court of Appeals,” Governor Laura Kelly said in the press release. “Her extensive legal career, commitment to public service, and strong reputation will make her an excellent Court of Appeals Judge.”  

Fleming’s Background

Governor Sam Brownback appointed Bolton Fleming as a district court judge in 2012. As a district court judge, she handles a wide variety of cases including felony criminal, child in need of care, Chapter 60 civil, and domestic cases. She has conducted jury trials for high-level criminal and civil cases as well as bench trials and has frequently been invited to sit with the Kansas Court of Appeals and the Kansas Supreme Court to hear and assist in deciding cases. In total, she has rendered opinions in 38 cases as an assigned appellate judge.  

Bolton Fleming was appointed as chief judge by the Kansas Supreme Court in 2021. In this role, she oversees the operations of the 11th Judicial District, which covers five courthouses in southeast Kansas.  As chief judge, she is responsible for the creation of the 11th Judicial District’s first recovery court and serves as the administrator of the program.

“It is my honor to be selected by Governor Kelly to serve on the Kansas Court of Appeals,” said Fleming. “I intend to work hard every day to be the best possible appellate judge for all Kansans.” 

She has spent her entire legal career in southeast Kansas and would be one of the few rural voices on the Kansas Court of Appeals. The majority of the justices come from Wichita, Topeka or Kansas City.

“I feel it’s important to have rural representation on the Court of Appeals,” she said.

Prior to her judicial appointment, Bolton Fleming served as an assistant county attorney in Crawford County before specializing in legal research and writing for Spigarelli Law Firm. She then practiced with Wilbert and Towner law firm, working on criminal, civil, juvenile, business, adoption, and probate cases.    

Bolton Fleming is active in her local community through many volunteer efforts, including partnering with Pittsburg State University to create a pre-law internship program to help address the rural attorney shortage. She has also served on several Kansas Supreme Court committees, including the Rural Justice Initiative, the Pretrial Justice Task Force, the Kansas Digital Evidence Advisory Group, the COVID Jury Trial Advisory Group, and the Cybersecurity Committee.  

Prior to joining the legal profession, Bolton Fleming served as an elementary music and English teacher at Fort Scott High School and Leavenworth Public Schools.  

Bolton Fleming graduated from the Washburn University School of Law in 2001, where she served as the editor-in-chief of the Washburn Law Journal. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Pittsburg State University in 1996.   

Government, Kansas

Cold Weather Rule and the LIEAP application period end soon

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) wants to remind utility customers that there are two important dates coming up that they should be aware of.  First, the Cold Weather Rule ends on Monday, March 31. The Cold Weather Rule protects residential customers, served by KCC regulated utilities, from disconnection when temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees.

In addition, Monday is the deadline to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, known as LIEAP. Applications for the federally funded program must be received by the Kansas Department of Children and Families by 5 p.m. on Monday.  Information about the program is available at https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx

When the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, regulated utilities are required to offer a 12-month payment plan upon request, even if a previous payment plan has been broken. When that protection ends on Monday, failure to make arrangements or failure to adhere to an already established payment plan could result in disconnection. Reconnection after March 31 may require past due balances be paid in full, depending on the utility’s policy. That is why it is important to call now – while regulated utilities are still required to offer the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan.

The KCC urges all customers facing financial difficulties to act now to stay connected. To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, please contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.

It is important to note that the KCC does not regulate co-ops or municipal utilities, although many of those utilities also offer a cold weather payment plan. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit: http://kcc.ks.gov/about-us/jurisdiction

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Government, Kansas

KS Dairy Producers Reminded to Obtain 2025 Dairy Margin Coverage by March 31   

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Manhattan, Kansas March 25, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging dairy producers to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program that helps offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup began Jan. 29 and the deadline to enroll is March 31, 2025.

“We encourage producers to join the 67 dairy operations in Kansas that have already signed up for this important safety net program in advance of the deadline,” said USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Deputy State Executive Director Joshua Ridder “At $0.15 per hundredweight for $9.50 coverage, risk protection through Dairy Margin Coverage is a cost-effective tool to manage risk and provide security for your operations.”

The American Relief Act, 2025 extended provisions of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) authorizing DMC for coverage year 2025.

DMC provides dairy operations with risk management coverage that pays producers when the difference (the margin) between the national price of milk and the average cost of feed falls below a certain level selected by the program participants.

DMC offers different levels of coverage minus a $100 administrative fee. The administrative fee is waived for dairy producers who are considered limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged or a military veteran.

DMC payments are calculated using updated feed and premium hay costs, making the program more reflective of actual dairy producer expenses.  These updated feed calculations use 100% premium alfalfa hay.

For more information on DMC, visit the or contact your local USDA Service Center.

 

 

 

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

 

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Note: Bourbon County is represented by Kansas Senator Tim Shallenberger and Representative Rich James. They have not responded to requests for a weekly newsletter. In the interest of providing legislative information, Senator Tyson provides a weekly newsletter. U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt has recently started providing information at the federal level.

Caryn Tyson

March 21, 2025

 

It was a difficult week in the legislature.  Over 80 bills were worked on the Senate floor.  It was intense and made for a long week.  There were too many bills to discuss in this update.  All the legislation is posted at www.KSLegislature.gov.

 

Property Taxes are a concern for most Kansans.  The Senate Tax Committee held hearings on the House position of limiting taxable valuation increases in House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 5011 and repealing part of the Truth in Taxation, Revenue Neutral notices, in House Bill (HB) 2396.  The Committee didn’t support the House averaging over several years to limit tax values and instead supported the 3% tax value limit passed in Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1603, 28 to 12 on February 5th.  So, the Committee voted to put the same language in 1603 into 5011.  The Senate then passed 5011 on a bipartisan vote of 30 to 10.  I voted Yes.

 

The Tax Committee also rejected repealing Revenue Neutral notices, but did move forward on a protest petition that would block local governments from increasing their property tax revenues (i.e. taxes).  The Senate lowered the threshold to 3% or an inflation index, whichever is lower, plus new construction and voted on bonds.  If the local government unit increases property taxes greater than that amount, voters could block the increase by signing a protest petition.  Some of the logistics still need to be worked out, but it is being considered.  One thing that most of us can agree on is that the current system is taxing people out of their homes and needs attention.

 

Slowing State Government Growth by passing SB 259, automatic income tax reductions would be set in place based on taxes collected the previous year.  For years Kansas taxpayers have been paying more, growing the beast that is big government.  SB 259 would trigger a personal income tax cut for the next year when taxes collected are greater than inflation until the personal income tax bracket is 4.5%.  Once 4.5% is reached, the trigger would be used to decrease corporate and privilege taxes until comparable reductions are reached.  The bill passed 30 to 10.  I voted Yes.

 

Illegals Voting in Kansas elections would be exposed if HB 2020 becomes law.  It would require the Department of Revenue to notify the Secretary of State of any noncitizens drivers licenses issued.  The Secretary would then be required to investigate any names on the noncitizen list with voter registrations and direct county clerks to remove the registered voter from the voter rolls.  The bill passed 32 to 8.  I voted Yes.

 

Special Elections that often increase taxes will only be held in April, August, or November if HB 2022 becomes law with the Senate changes.  A recent election in Sedgewick County cost taxpayers $136,000.  If it would have been on the August or November ballot, there wouldn’t have been an extra expense.  I voted yes.  It passed 24 to 16.

 

Artificial Intelligence generated visual sexual images of children will be a sex crime if HB 2183 becomes law.  It passed the Senate unanimously.

 

Prayers for those who have lost loved ones.  It was a difficult week in the Kansas Senate, as a few senators lost loved ones.  It is one of the hardest things we face in life.  For all who have lost a loved one, their life was a gift from God and may their memory continue to bless you.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

Government, Kansas

K-52 resurfacing project will begin soon in Linn County

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The week of March 31, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a resurfacing project on K-52 in Linn County. The 14-mile project area includes two highway sections: from K-31 northeast to the U.S. 69 south junction, and from the U.S. 69 north junction east to the Kansas-Missouri state line.

 

Project activity includes a mill and overlay. Flaggers and a pilot car with guide one-lane traffic through the work zone during weekday daylight hours; expect delays of 15 minutes or less. Weather permitting, the work should be completed by June.

 

KDOT awarded Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., of Topeka, the $3.2 million construction contract. Persons with questions may contact Ian Stringham, (785) 433-6116, or Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.

KDOT urges drivers to slow down and obey the posted signs in all work zones. For information on this project and other construction activity on state highways in Kansas, visit www.kandrive.gov or call 5-1-1.

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Construction Careers Highlighted at Kansas Virtual Job Fair

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KANSASWORKS Highlighting Construction Careers at Upcoming Virtual Job Fair

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today encouraged jobseekers and employers interested in construction careers to take advantage of an upcoming virtual job fair. Hosted by KANSASWORKS, the sector-specific fair will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 9.

“As we continue on our strong trajectory of economic growth, there has been a corresponding increase in new building construction across the state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Many employers are eager to hire hardworking Kansans ready to fill the many open construction roles – and at the same time help build a new and better Kansas.”

The virtual job fair allows anyone searching for a new position to fill out applications, chat live, and interview virtually with participating employers.

The virtual job fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.

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.

About the KANSASWORKS:

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.

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Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the March 11 Uniontown City Council

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The Regular Council Meeting on March 11, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Joe George, the PSU Nursing Students Anthony Arulzu, Shannon Kalgreen, Mia Perez, Cora Simpson, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing–not in attendance, Mitchell Trenching submitted a bid for replacing lines from main through building.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0 to accept Mitchell Trenching bid of $900.

 

SEED Grant bid opening–one bid was received by Terry Nading for all SEED projects total material and labor $14,440.

Terry Nading provided 2 sizes for the bullet proof glass window: 58 ¾” x 29 7/8” for $1,600 or 36” x 29 7/8” for $800 and labor $1,260.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to accept Terry Nading bid proposal for all but the window at this time.

 

FEMA Flooding bid opening–2 bids were received for all 4 components by Marbery Concrete, Inc. and Roger and Sons Concrete. No decision made on theses bids at this time as Council is waiting until after the FEMA meeting on 3/18/25.

 

2 Sidewalk bid opening-2 concrete bids were received. Marbery Concrete, Inc. and Roger and Sons Concrete. No decision made on the 2 concrete bids at this time as Council is waiting on response from business owner.

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Johnson presented the February 2025 financial reports.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds for February was $306,769.02, Receipts $37,051.18, Transfers Out $3,024.00, Expenditures $59,968.41, Checking Account Closing Balance $280,827.79. Bank Statement Balance $289,529.93, including Checking Account Interest of $58.11, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,702.14, Reconciled Balance $280,827.79.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,042.59, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $2,2822.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $44,871.48, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $386,564.12. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $119.73, and Utility CDs $581.65 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $701.38.  Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00 for Total Transfers of $3,024.00. Net Loss for the month of February $25,941.23, Year-to-Date Net Income $16,964.05.  Appropriations to date for February 2025 are $50,641.45

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second byKelly, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of February 11, 2024 Regular Council Meeting.
  • Treasurer’s Reports & Monthly Transaction Report for February 2025 and the Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Tractor-tractor repair completed, Brad Stewart delivered and picked up tractor with his trailer and fuel, please compensate him for

wear and tear on equipment and fuel costs for $500

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 4-0-1 (Stewart abstain) to approve payment.

 

Mosquito Workshop-superintendent requested workshop attendance.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to approve Mosquito workshop attendance.

 

Clerk Report:  Danea Esslinger  

Jayhawk software & Quickbooks online update-started the Jayhawk software requirements and have not started Quickbooks online.

Telephone/Blue Tooth Ear Headset/Monitor-asked Council for 2 new monitors, new updated telephones, and blue tooth headset

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to approve requested equipment.

 

Reminders for upcoming events for the City of Uniontown:

Rabies Clinic will be on 3/29/25 @ 1:30pm to 3pm with Dr. Lora Holeman

City Office will be closed on March 19, 20, 21, 27, & 28, 2025

CCMFOA Conference – March 19-21, Manhattan

KACM Conference – March 27-28, Manhattan

Dogs at large-Dog catcher has been unable to catch the dogs at large in the City. Council advise to send 2 citations for repeat offenders, and a certified letter to the other offender.

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –none

Councilman Kelly – none

Councilwoman Pemberton – are we are still needing and accepting book donations? Treasurer Johnson said yes.

Councilwoman Pritchett –letter needed to tenant and landlord regarding trash on front porch and now in back yard

Councilman Stewart– none

Mayor Jurgensen –none

 

OLD BUSINESS

Warehouse Building Electric update-have electricity installed and have rollup doors programed

Council stated to get a bids for the foam installation for the warehouse building.

 

Motion by Pritchett, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to get bids for the foam installation of the Warehouse.

 

Park electric –electrician is waiting for boring to be completed

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:00 PM.

 

Johnson called in at 8:45, out at 9:00.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:15 PM.

 

Esslinger called in at 9:03, out at 9:20.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:30 PM.

 

Open meeting resumed at 9:30.  No action from executive session.

 

City Clerk asked the council if need to send a debtor to collections with CBK, Inc. Council agreed to send.

 

Council member stated need to change the next month meeting from April 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM to April 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to move date and time of next month meeting to April 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

 

ADJOURN Time 9:45 Moved by Ervin, 2nd Kelly, Approved 5-0