Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Agenda for Sept. 12

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CITY OF UNIONTOWN
COUNCIL AGENDA

SEPTEMBER 12, 2023, 6:45PM REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE HEARING,
FOLLOWED BY BUDGET HEARING, FOLLOWED BY REGULAR

COUNCIL MEETING

Page 1 of 2

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
2024 Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing
2024 Budget Hearing
Dangerous and Unfit Structure Hearing – 404 Washington St
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _____, to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating
to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to discuss economic
development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual
proprietorships
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of August 8, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
B. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Citywide yard sales – Sept 23???
KMU Regional Meetings – already registered
KDHE Kansas Drinking Water Application Portal
KMGA Fall Conference, October 19-20, Wichita – already registered
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Electrical in Park –

CITY OF UNIONTOWN
COUNCIL AGENDA

SEPTEMBER 12, 2023, 6:45PM REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE HEARING,
FOLLOWED BY BUDGET HEARING, FOLLOWED BY REGULAR

COUNCIL MEETING

Page 2 of 2

Street project –
Mural Grant –
Placemaking Project –
NEW BUSINESS

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2 nd ___________________,

Attachments:

09-23 Informational Items

2023 Financials-August

Resolution 2023-0912-2

Resolution 2023-0912-1 RNR Exceed

Budget Attachments for Tuesday, September 12, 2023 Hearings

2024 Proposed Budget – Gas Amended

2024 Proposed Budget

Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Minutes of The City of Uniontown Meeting on August 8

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CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779

AUGUST 8, 2023 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
The Regular Council Meeting on August 8, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02PM by Mayor
Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman (8:08), Amber Kelly, and Bradley
Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Amanda Lancaster (Diehl, Banwart, Bolton), Mary
Pemberton, Joe George, Betsie Binford (Old Settlers Committee), Mary Pillion (Old Settlers Committee), Codes
Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk
Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Amanda Lancaster, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton – Amanda Lancaster gave a presentation of the 2022 financial audit.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to accept the 2022 financial audit as presented

CITIZENS REQUEST
Mary Pemberton passed on comments she has heard about the City not having 30AMP or 50AMP receptacles in the park
for food trucks/vendors. Clerk will reach out to other cities. She will get a quote for installation of 2 receptacles and put
on the agenda to discuss further at the next meeting.
Joe George complained about “dirty”, sandy water, but tastes OK. His filter has been very dark. Superintendent Rich will
flush the lines as soon as all of C2’s broken lines have been repaired and flushed.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the July 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was
$399,740.95, Receipts $35,731.67, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $25,392.09, Checking Account Closing
Balance $407,054.53. Bank Statement Balance $407,937.32, including Checking Account Interest of $85.04, Outstanding
Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $882.79, Reconciled Balance $407,054.53. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit
$33,283.27, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,889.95, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,559.71, Total All
Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $493,787.46. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $545.35, and Utility CDs
$331.95 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $877.30. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the
month of July 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. July Transfers from Sewer
Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for
Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of July $7,313.58, Year-to-Date Net Income $63,502.56. Budget
vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $69,373.71 (56.8%), Expenditures $66,903.65 (41.8%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue
$21,771.23 (59.1%), Expenditures $17,537.62 (42.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $94,208.55 (60.1%), Expenditures
$68,835.85 (30.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $129,221.13 (86.3%), Expenditures $94,088.90 (50.9%); and Special
Highway YTD Revenue $6,040.03 (81.0%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The August 2023 estimated payables in the amount
of $40,651.43 were presented.

CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
 Minutes of July 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and July 18, 2023 Budget Worksession
 Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating to
financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to discuss economic
development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and
individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 7:53, include Sally Johnson.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to data relating to financial
affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to continue to discuss
economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 8:10, include Mary Pemberton and Sally Johnson.
Mary Pemberton out at 8:09.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to data relating to financial
affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to continue to discuss
economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships,
trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 8:23, include Sally Johnson.
Open meeting resumed at 8:23, no action from executive session.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported that the boards holding the electrical receptacles need replaced. Mayor Jurgensen
asked that he continue mosquito fogging – this week, skip a week, then next two weeks in a row.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that most property owners had cleaned up after the two storms in July.
Locations that need his attention this month are 201 Second St-fence; 301 Second St #1-pile of debris on west side; 405
Hill-debris in backyard and shingles; 102 Franklin-dead tree/grass/weeds; 505 Washington has been mowed; 303 Second-
grass; and 505 Wall-vehicle is not properly registered/flat tires. Unfit structure hearing for 404 Washington is September
12. Council asked if there were anymore stray dogs in town; seems to be an influx of stray cats and armadillos.
Clerk Johnson reported on the KMGA Regional Meeting.
She asked to attend CCMFOA Region 7 Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control Training in Olathe on October 6, registration
cost is $25.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend CCMFOA Region 7 Kansas
Alcohol Beverage Control Training in Olathe on October 6, registration fee $25
Mayor Jurgensen asked her to contact Bettis Construction for a timeline on starting our street project.

COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS
Mural Grant – an update was given. We have received 75% of grant funds and 100% of donations pledged. Mural is finished.
Placemaking Project – One of the suggestions from the community engagement was to add a baby changing station to
restroom facilities.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-1 (Stewart) to purchase a baby changing station from AmeraProducts, Inc for the women’s restroom
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan will acquire a quote for the concrete slab for the pickleball court. Other amenities for
the area were discussed. Clerk Johnson will send an update to Rachel Carpenter, Health Bourbon County Action Team.

NEW BUSINESS
Old Settlers event insurance –

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to donate $300 in lieu of portapotties to the Old Settlers Committee
Review and update Capital Improvement Plan – after discussion, remove replace/purchase City maintenance vehicle,
as it has been purchased, and purchase/install a chlorination system for the water distribution system, as it is not a priority
now, and add refurbish the warehouse into Public Works space. Leave the rest as is.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to transfer the $10,000 in the fund for the chlorinator to
refurbish the warehouse
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to adopt the Capital Improvement Plan as amended
Moved by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to adjourn

Government, Health Care, Kansas

KS To Promote Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health

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Governor Kelly Announces Kansas to Receive $10M to Integrate Behavioral and Primary
Physical Health Care

~~Expands Kelly Administration’s Efforts to Provide Care to the Whole Person, Reduce Stigma~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is receiving $10 million as part of a five-year federal grant to promote the integration of primary and behavioral health care. Integrated care recognizes the impact physical health can have on an individual’s behavioral health needs and is developed to manage whole-person care.

This project will serve an estimated 8,850 Kansans over the five-year project span, with an estimated average of 1,770 Kansans annually.

“Mental and physical health can’t be separated, and neither should mental and physical health care,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “With this grant, my administration will work closely with partners across the state to improve our health care systems so that they serve the whole person.”

KDADS, in consultation with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Community Care, will partner with four Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or FQHC look-a-likes and one Rural Health Clinic (RHC) to integrate behavioral health care with primary care services.

Partners include the Atchison Community Health Clinic, Konza Prairie Community Health Center, Mercy & Truth Medical Missions Inc., Hunter Health, and Greeley County Health Services, Inc. The main behavioral health conditions to be served include adults with serious mental illness (SMI), children with serious emotional disturbance (SED), persons with substance use disorders (SUD), and persons with co-occurring SMI and SUD.

“Expanding programs and introducing new programs to fund and support the mental health needs of people across the state has been a top priority of the Kelly administration since day one,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “Investments like these from federal grant opportunities help us meet the needs of both adults and children where they are, and oftentimes that is the first person we turn to and trust – a primary care physician. This project will allow us to marry mental health and primary care health and open more doors to services.”

This project will address the key needs for integrated care and implement goals to achieve the following:

  • Reduce barriers to accessing integrated physical and behavioral health care.
  • Increase the capacity for integrated care by implementing evidence-based practices to reduce the proportion of adults and youth with nicotine use disorder and other SUDs.
  • Decrease the frequency of suicidal ideation through collaborative supports and services that address physical, behavioral, and health-related social needs.
  • Improve access to oral health care services through screening and referrals.
  • Develop a robust state infrastructure to implement and establish an integrated care model across Kansas.

Each provider organization’s service area reflects a high need, defined geographic region, and provides or coordinates services to individuals experiencing both physical health concerns and behavioral health concerns. These regions span urban, rural, and frontier areas across Kansas, representing a diverse set of opportunities to advance integrated care and reduce the stigma associated with behavioral health.

What Participating Organizations Are Saying:

“This grant will not only support the much-needed integration of behavioral health and primary care services within our clinic but also facilitate collaboration with community providers. Community health centers are positioned extremely well to identify patients in need of behavioral health services, and this grant offers us the ability to expand our ability to provide and coordinate care for some of our most vulnerable citizens. ACHC is excited to demonstrate the positive impact that integrating services has on our patient’s quality of life.”
– Steve Durkin, CEO, Atchison Community Health Clinic (Atchison, Kan.)

“We’re so pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the Promoting Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care grant as part of Community Care. We welcome the chance to improve services to the rural residents of far western Kansas and work with our fellow clinics across the state.”
– Chrysanne Grund, Project Director, Greeley County Health Services (Tribune, Kan.) 

“We are honored to be a recipient of the Promoting Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care grant. This is an incredible opportunity for Hunter Health to join with our partners across Kansas to support the improvement of integrated care models statewide. We look forward to working with SAMHSA, KDADS, Community Care, and other community health centers to promote integration and collaboration between primary care and behavioral health care in community health centers.”
– Amy Feimer, CEO, Hunter Health (Wichita, Kan.)

“What great news! There is so much need in the communities we serve. No one organization can meet them all; it takes collaboration.  As a community health center, Konza aims to reduce barriers to health by providing as much care as possible for the patients we see. Meeting patients’ needs by integrating behavioral health services in the medical exam room, in the dental operatory, and throughout the various patient support services available at the health center not only reduces stigma but it improves access and embodies what we believe- health care is for all, and that includes behavioral health.”
– Dani Hallgren, CEO, Konza Prairie Community Health Center (Manhattan, Kan.)

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Government, Kansas

KS High School Athletics Adopted New Policy in Response to Fairness In Women’s Sports Act

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As schools kick off fall sports season, AG Kobach commends KSHSAA

TOPEKA – (Sept. 7, 2023) – With the start of fall sports, the Kansas Attorney General’s Office reminds Kansas school districts that a Kansas State High School Athletic Association (KSHSAA) policy prohibits biological males from competing in girls’ sports. The KSHSAA Executive Board adopted the policy last April in response to a new state law, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act.

“I want to commend KSHSAA for adopting these well-reasoned guidelines that fully comply with Kansas law,” Attorney General Kris Kobach said. “As the father of five girls who enjoy sports and athletic competition, I am delighted that the Kansas Legislature and KSHSAA have taken strong action to defend opportunities for women athletes and to protect them from unfair competition.”

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Bourbon County, Government

KDOT: Bourbon County To Receive New Light Towers

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KDOT announces approved August bids
The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Aug. 23, 2023, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

District One — Northeast

Doniphan – 238-22 KA-7101-01 – K-238, from the U.S. 36/K-238 junction north to the Kansas/Nebraska state line, milling and overlay, 1.4 miles, Herzog Contracting Corp., Saint Joseph, Missouri, $582,608.70.

Douglas – 10-23 KA-6977-01 – K-10, slopes at the intersection of Peach Orchard Road (1900 Road) and K-10, slide repair, Kings Construction Co. Inc., Oskaloosa, Kansas, $1,999,379.65.

Jackson – 214-42 KA-7099-01 – K-214, from the U.S. 75/K-214 south junction north to U.S. 75/K-214 north junction, sealing, 2.0 miles, Vance Brothers Inc. And Subsidiary, Kansas City, Missouri, $101,564.47.

Jefferson – 16-44 KA-7042-01 – K-16, from the U.S. 59/K-16 south junction east to the west city limits of McLouth, milling and overlay, 5.6 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,876,751.08.

Lyon – 35-56 KA-7142-01 – I-35, from 0.09 mile north of the I-35/KTA junction north to the I-35/U.S. 50 east junction, pavement marking, 5.8 miles, Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., Chicago, Illinois, $370,537.54.

Nemaha – 36-66 KA-3880-01 – U.S. 36, bridge #001 over the North Fork Black Vermillion River located 1.06 miles east of the Nemaha/Marshall county line, bridge replacement, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $4,205,908.88.

Riley – 18-81 KA-5469-01 – K-18, beginning at the K-18/K-177 west junction, east to 0.10 mile east of the K-18/K-177 east junction, pavement reconstruction, 0.7 mile, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. & Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $3,807,986.55.

District Two — North Central

Ellsworth – 156-27 KA-7103-01 – K-156, from the north city limits of Ellsworth northeast to I-70/K-156 junction, milling and overlay, 10.7 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,644,938.47.

Lincoln – 53-C 5120-01 – Lincoln County, all paved major collectors, minor collectors and local roads, pavement marking, 25.7 miles, Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., Chicago, Illinois, $158,791.52.

McPherson – 135-59 KA-6752-01 – I-135, bridge #032 and bridge #033 over the KO Railroad located 0.76 mile north of U.S. 56 (northbound and southbound), bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. & Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $918,781.50.

District Three — Northwest

Ellis – 255-26 KA-7104-01 – K-255, from the beginning of route north to I-70/K-255 junction, milling and overlay, 1.2 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $414,150.60.

Graham – 283-33 KA-7105-01 – U.S. 283, from 2.7 miles north of the Graham/Trego county line north to the U.S. 24/U.S. 283 junction, sealing, 13.7 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $2,160,215.17.

Phillips – 74-C 5130-01 – Phillips County, all major collectors, minor collectors and local roads west of U.S. 183, signing, 156 miles, KOMO Construction LLC / DBA A&H Co., $481,817.00.

District Four — Southeast

Bourbon – 54-6 KA-6884-01 – U.S. 54, light tower #1: 006L0002 located east of U.S. 69 approximately 500 feet south of U.S. 54; light tower #2: 006L0003 located west of U.S. 69 approximately 750 feet north of U.S. 54; light tower #3: 006L0001 located south of U.S. 54 approximately 500 feet west of U.S. 69, lighting, 0.5 mile, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $396,512.00.

Cherokee – 11-C 5153-01 – Bridge, 0.5 mile south and 0.8 mile east of Columbus over Brush Creek, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, B & B Bridge Company, LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $888,661.00.

 Coffey – 75-16 KA-7090-01 – U.S. 75, from the Woodson/Coffey county line north to the south edge wearing surface of bridge #056 over North Big Creek located north of the K-58 north junction, milling and overlay, 4.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $774,736.20.

Coffey – 35-16 KA-6901-01 – I-35, bridge #013 over U.S. 75 located 12.32 miles east of the Lyon County line, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $83,609.00.

Montgomery – 63-C 5128-01 – County Road 4700 (portions of RS 1673 and RS 507), from 126 feet south of CR 1450 to Coffeyville south city limit, grading and surfacing, 1.1 miles, B & B Bridge Company, LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $1,596,962.40.

Wilson – 75-103 KA-7098-01 – U.S. 75, from the east city limits of Neodesha north to the Wilson/Woodson county line, sealing, 23.9 miles, Circle C Paving And Construction LLC, Goddard, Kansas, $682,520.56.

Woodson – 75-104 KA-7089-01 – U.S. 75, from the north city limits of Yates Center north to the Woodson/Coffey county line, milling and overlay, 10.5 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $2,013,277.16.

Statewide ‑ 106 TE-0402-07 – Flint Hills Trail, Iowa Road to Louisiana Terrace west of the city of Ottawa in Franklin County, special, 2.3 miles, Dondlinger & Sons Construction Co. Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $4,942,584.51.

District Five — South Central

Butler – 8-KA 7044-01 – U.S. 54, bridge #005 over Whitewater River located 0.7 mile east of Southwest River Valley Road; K-254, bridge #165 over Whitewater River located 0.7 mile east of Southwest River Valley Road, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $38,730.00.

Cowley – 166-18 KA-7092-01 – U.S. 166, from the Sumner/Cowley county line east to the west city limits of Arkansas City, milling and overlay, 5.0 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, $1,546,167.80.

Harvey – 50-40 KA-6938-01 – Culvert #532 over Sand Creek drainage, culvert repair, 0.01 mile, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $151,919.14.

Kiowa – 54-49 KA-5783-01 – U.S. 54, from 6.8 miles east of the U.S. 54/U.S. 183 junction east for 0.43 mile (westerly extension) and 8.4 miles east of the U.S. 54/U.S. 183 junction east for 0.76 mile (easterly extension), including widening of bridge #519, grading and surfacing, 1.2 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $5,979,645.50.

Kiowa – 54-49 KA-5785-01 – U.S. 54, from 1 mile east of the Ford/Kiowa county line east for 1.95 miles, grading and surfacing, 2.0 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $7,817,984.09.

Pawnee – 19-73 KA-7093-01 – K-19 Spur, from the K-19/K-19 Spur junction north to the U.S. 56/K-19 Spur junction; K-19, from the K-19/K-19 Spur junction east to the Pawnee/Stafford county line, milling and overlay, 10.6 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,901,207.10.

Rice – 14-80 KA-7041-01 – K-14, from 0.26 mile north of Avenue U north to the south city limits of Lyons, milling and overlay, 7.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,857,293.70.

Stafford – 19-93 KA-7094-01 – K-19, from the Pawnee/Stafford county line east to U.S. 281/K-19 junction, milling and overlay, 9.0 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,538,241.00.

Sumner – 166-96 KA-7091-01 – U.S. 166, from mile marker 9 east to the Sumner/Cowley county line, milling and overlay, 5.0 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $1,450,129.50.

District Six — Southwest

Meade – 54-60 KA-5782 01 – U.S. 54, from 3.4 miles east of the east U.S. 54/U.S. 160 junction east for 2.7 miles, grading and surfacing, 2.7 miles, J & R Sand Company Inc., Liberal, Kansas, $8,418,824.59.

Meade – 54-60 KA-5781-01 – U.S. 54, from the Meade/Seward county line east for 1.8 miles, grading and surfacing, 1.8 miles, J & R Sand Company Inc., Liberal, Kansas, $6,544,945.65.

 

The following projects were approved from the July 19, 2023, letting.

Johnson ‑ 46 N‑0703‑01 ‑ City of Gardner, South Center Street bridge over BNSF and west side of North Center Street from West Shawnee Street to West McKinley Street, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.3 mile, Primetime Contracting Corp., Riverside, Missouri, $199,634.00

Rawlins – 77 C 5134-01 – Major collector routes, east of K-25 in Rawlins County, signing, 121.9 miles, Signs Up LTD Haren’s Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $498,471.48

Montgomery ‑ 169‑63 KA‑5989‑01 ‑ U.S. 169, from 0.3 mile south of 15th Street north 0.2 mile, pavement reconstruction, 0.2 mile, J Graham Construction Inc., Coffeyville, Kansas, $1,241,166.00

Wichita ‑ 25‑102 KA‑6444‑01 ‑ K‑25, from 0.03 mile north of K‑96 to I Street, pavement reconstruction, 0.1 mile, Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc., La Crosse, Kansas, $472,692.02.

Greeley ‑ 96‑36 KA‑6994‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the K‑27/K‑96 junction east to the Greeley/Wichita county line, sealing, 10.2 miles, Heft and Sons LLC, Greensburg, Kansas, $725,761.44.

Hodgeman ‑ 156‑42 KA‑7003‑01 ‑ K‑156, from the Finney/Hodgeman county line, east to Road 214, sealing, 14.6 miles, Heft and Sons LLC, Greensburg, Kansas, $689,668.00.

Scott ‑ 95‑86 KA‑6996‑01 ‑ K‑95, from the U.S. 83/K‑95 south junction north to the U.S 83/K‑95 north junction, sealing, 6.6 miles, Heft and Sons LLC, Greensburg, Kansas, $383,363.69.

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This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 700 SW Harrison St., 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3745 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.
Government

KS Senators Urge Fed to Adjust Electricity Transmission Costs

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Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. and Jerry Moran (R-KS) wrote a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) urging the commission to adjust their electricity transmission costs that are disproportionately hurting Kansas consumers. 

Currently, Kansans are paying an absurd amount to transport wind energy generated in Kansas to other states. In fact, Kansans are paying for 67% of the transmission costs for the energy but only need to use about 30% of it.

Last October, the FERC issued a ruling that would have fixed this unfair cost allocation but recently reversed that decision. In the letter, the senators call on the FERC to immediately reinstate the original ruling and ensure Kansas energy consumers are not subsidizing neighboring states energy usage. 

“Kansas ratepayers are being penalized by bureaucrats in Washington for providing critical energy resources across the country,” Senator Marshall said. “At a time when Kansans are paying more by double digits for just about everything due to inflation, FERC’s recent waiver reversal just rubs salt in the wound for Kansas consumers. The current framework is unfair; Kansans should not have to subsidize energy costs for neighboring states, it’s that simple.” 

“Kansas is home to an abundance of energy production, but families and businesses have been paying inflated transmission costs as a result of FERC procedure,” Senator Moran said. “It is FERC’s statutory obligation to make sure costs are allocated in a manner that is roughly commensurate with the benefits received. I urge the commission to work with stakeholders to create a reasonable cost allocation plan that does not overburden Kansas ratepayers.”

 

Highlights from the letter include:

“I write to urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to reinstate its order accepting the Southwest Power Pool, Inc.’s (SPP) tariff filing that was issued in this proceeding on October 28, 2022… SPP’s filing created a process to resolve the unreasonable allocation of costs for transmission facilities in geographic portions of the SPP region that have experienced rapid expansion of new wind generation resources,” the Senators wrote.  

“FERC’s recent reversal of its order accepting SPP’s filing means that Kansans alone will continue to pay unreasonably high transmission rates for facilities that benefit the entire SPP region,” the Senators continued. 

“In recent years, Kansas has been in the top five states in the country in terms of both the level of wind energy supplying electricity generation in Kansas and the annual growth of wind capacity in Kansas. However, as discussed below, the overwhelming majority of the wind generation in the Sunflower Zone is not affiliated with any customer in the Zone and is instead exported to the SPP region,” the Senators said.

“As you are also aware, the excessive level of transmission costs allocated to the Sunflower Zone as a result of the influx of wind generation in the State of Kansas is a consequence of SPP’s “Highway/Byway” (HWBW) cost allocation methodology. Under the HWBW methodology, the costs for reliability and economic upgrades that are identified in SPP’s transmission planning process are allocated among individual SPP Zones and the entire SPP region based on the voltage level and location of transmission facilities,” the Senators wrote.

You may click HERE to read the full letter.

Government, Jobs, Kansas

Apprenticeships Increase in Kansas

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Governor Kelly Celebrates Nearly 40% Increase in Apprentices Since Creation of Office of Registered Apprenticeship One Year Ago

TOPEKA – Today marks one year since Governor Laura Kelly established the Office of Registered Apprenticeship through Executive Order 22-07. The Office was created to strengthen workforce development and grow the economy by modernizing and expanding apprenticeship opportunities and by building partnerships with educational institutions.

Since Governor Kelly’s executive order, Kansas has made great strides in expanding apprenticeship opportunities: There has been a 37.9% increase in Kansans participating in apprenticeships since September 2022, with nearly 4,400 apprentices in Kansas today. In addition, the Office has expanded the type of occupations in which Kansans can gain experience: 49 new job titles have been added, resulting in a total of 107 occupations in the apprenticeship pipeline.

“Through the Office of Registered Apprenticeship, we are helping Kansans gain the skills they need to get jobs that don’t require a college degree – and we’re developing the workforce needed to attract new businesses to the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Because of our efforts, Kansas continues to lead the nation as the state with the most business investment per capita.”

All Registered Apprenticeship programs must have five core components to be recognized for certification, including on-the-job training, related technical instruction, mentorship, wage progression, and industry-recognized credentials. However, the driving force must be a business or industry willing to support an apprentice to “earn and learn” a career.

“Registered apprenticeship is an increasingly central component of our efforts to build up the Kansas workforce,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our purposeful economic development is creating thousands of new opportunities for hard-working Kansans across the state.”

Since the creation of this office, there has been a 38.8% increase in the completion of apprenticeship programs – from 129 program completers in 2022 to 179 in 2023.

“We are executing a targeted plan to expand high-quality registered apprenticeships, and we are showing results across the entire state of Kansas,” said Shonda Anderson, Director of the Kansas Office of Apprenticeship. “Most importantly, we are bridging partnerships with our labor unions, business and industry, local workforce boards, non-profits, higher education, and even cross-departmental partnerships.”

Governor Kelly has also taken other actions to support apprenticeships, including:

  • Governor Kelly signed the Kansas Apprenticeship Act to promote and expand apprenticeships for the most in-demand industries in Kansas through tax credits and grants.
  • U.S. Department of Labor awarded Kansas $6.3 million to “Lead Apprenticeship Results in Kansas.” With this, the Office of Registered Apprenticeships will work with stakeholders to grow teacher educator apprenticeships, inside and outside justice involved apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and other programs in Kansas’ most in-demand industries.
  • Kansas was selected to participate in the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) Policy Academy to Advance Youth Apprenticeship. Through the Policy Academy, Kansas will develop a strategy to expand apprenticeship opportunities to youth ages 16 and older to help them build the skills needed for the modern workforce.
  • The Office of Registered Apprenticeship launched a statewide Teacher Educator Apprenticeship Program, making Kansas home to one of the most innovative teacher-educator apprenticeship programs, allowing para-educators to obtain their bachelor’s degree and gain a Kansas Teaching certificate while being paid to teach in the classroom from day one.
  • The Office is using $4.7 million in grants to expand registered apprenticeships in the care economy, IT sectors, construction, and more.

More information on Kansas Registered Apprenticeships can be found on the Kansas Department of Commerce website.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government

City Works to Replenish Water to Marmaton River From Lake Fort Scott

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Bourbon County is part of the section of the state of Kansas in emergency drought status. Submitted graphic.
The City of Fort Scott staff opened the Lake Fort Scott valve four turns today to help replenish some of the water lost in Rock Creek, according to Brad Matkin, the city manager.
The city gets its water supply from the Marmaton River, as do many outlying areas. The 50-acre Rock Creek Lake is an integral part of the city and rural water reserve systems.
“The Marmaton River is down to 8.3′ and we need it to be 9.5′-10′,” he said. “We will monitor this for the next several days. Still in Water Warning stage #1. There is a video on the City of Fort Scott’s Facebook page.”
Bourbon County was declared by Governor Kelly that it is in a drought emergency in mid-August.
Government, Kansas

Funding to Create New Child Care/High Speed Internet Awarded Kansas

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Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Awarded $40M to Build Community Multi-Purpose Facilities, Expand Access to Child Care

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund announced today that Kansas has been awarded $40 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury for a new program, the Capital Projects Fund Accelerator (CPF Accelerator). The program will provide local communities with funding to build or renovate multi-purpose facilities that create new licensed child care slots and provide Kansans access to high-speed internet for digital work, health, and education supports.  

“The Capital Projects Fund Accelerator Grant program is another example of how my administration is finding new ways to expand access to affordable, quality child care and other essential community services,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This grant opportunity will enable more communities to work with local businesses to meet a pressing need for Kansas families.”

In June 2023, the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund’s Child Care Capacity Accelerator awarded more than $43 million to 52 organizations and partnerships across Kansas. The new CPF Accelerator grant opportunity builds on that momentum by providing prospective grantees a new funding source for the construction, renovation, or rehabilitation of community facilities and other capital improvement for community-driven projects and programs. This funding is the latest effort to support the state’s rapidly growing work in early childhood and boost communities in scaling up their facilities to serve families and children.

“The Capital Projects Fund Accelerator is another exciting chance to invest in the infrastructure needed to increase access to affordable, high-quality childcare as well as a full range of programs and services to help families meet basic needs,” said Melissa Rooker, Executive Director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. “The Kansas Children’s Cabinet is proud to continue our work to champion community-driven solutions to the multi-faceted challenges facing families with young children today.”

The RFP is available here, with two submission deadline options. The first-round application deadline is Oct. 2, 2023, and the second-round deadline is Dec. 18, 2023. The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund encourages applicants to decide which deadline is appropriate for their project as there is no advantage or consequence in applying by either deadline. Applications will be submitted online via the Kansas CommonApp portal.

Kansas was previously awarded $83.5 million from the Capital Projects Fund to build reliable broadband infrastructure and extend high-speed internet to more than 24,500 homes, businesses, schools, health care facilities, and other public institutions in underserved counties across the state. A portion of Kansas’ $40 million award for the CPF Accelerator will be used to assist in the administration of the program. Combined with the Child Care Capacity Accelerator Grant programs, these two funding opportunities will infuse more than $83 million into Kansas’ early childhood care and education sector.

Click here to learn more about the Capital Projects Fund Accelerator.

Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

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Wishing Kansans a Happy Labor Day
Kansas is home to hard workers and major industries that support agriculture, aviation, health, science and more across our nation and the world. Thank you to all who contribute to make Kansas a great state to work, live and raise a family.

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Miles Across Kansas
While traveling across Kansas during the August Work Period, I added almost 6600 miles to my truck. Thank you to all the Kansans I met with during my time back home.

Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter →

Government, Kansas

KS Tourism Grants Available

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Governor Kelly Announces $1M Available for Tourism Attraction Development Grants

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $1 million in Attraction Development Grants is available from Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. Attraction Development Grants are designed to assist in the development of sustainable tourism experiences that influence travel decisions and create economic impact, including new jobs, capital investment, revenue, and increased visitation.

“Kansas tourism is an economic driver that highlights the many reasons why our state is the best place in the nation to live, work, and raise a family,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By investing in our tourism industry, we strengthen our economic growth and Kansas’ placement as a destination state for tourists from around the world.”

A first round of applications is now open with a deadline of October 1, 2023. A second round will open on February 1, 2024. $500,000 will be awarded in each round. Successful grant applications must have an accountable tie to the tourism industry, with funds being used to develop new or enhance existing tourism attractions.

“Investing in the growth and development of our destination-based assets contributes to economic prosperity in communities of all sizes across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Tourism empowers local communities by creating job opportunities and strengthening the overall business landscape.”

Tourism has a total economic impact of $11.2 billion on the state, which includes $7 billion in direct visitor spending on lodging, dining, transportation, and entertainment. Eligible projects for this grant program include new attraction construction, enhancements to an existing attraction, and new or enhanced exhibits that will improve a visitor’s experience.

“By strategically fostering new tourism development, we are inspiring quality vacation experiences for our visitors,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Visitors spend dollars while in our state, and those dollars provide increased tax revenue, new jobs, and a better quality of life for all.”

For more information on the Attraction Development Grant Program, click here or email Kansas Tourism Grant Program Manager Carrie Doud here.

Funding for Kansas Tourism grants, including the Tourism Marketing Grant, is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF) from state lottery proceeds.

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Art, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Gordon Parks Museum, Government, History

Skubitz Plaza Mural Completed

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Ist Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment mural. August,2023.

The local historic depiction of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment is completed.

The mural faces the Fort Scott National Historic Site, the place of the mustering of the regiment during the American Civil War.

St. Louis artist Cbabi Bayoc worked on the mural for a week in August with temperatures over 100 degrees.

The new mural was created by Cbabi Bayoc, pictured here in a submitted photo.

“The project took six days to complete,” Bayoc said in an interview. “I started spray painting the sketch on Monday and made final touches on it Saturday afternoon. The only long day was Wednesday which was crucial in getting it done on schedule.”

He worked from afternoon to evening because of the location of the mural on the north side of the building. That week of August 2023 the community experienced over 100 degrees daily.

“The heat was a definite factor,” Bayoc said. “It cut my days shorter than I am used to spending on murals of this scale. Also the rail and the steps made for some interesting body maneuvering to get the soldier on the left and the banner bottom middle done.”

Bayoc describes his work and its meaning.

“I chose the soldier with the flag because black folks always hoped going to battle for the country would gain their rights and respect as citizens,” he said. “The ad (To Arms! To Arms!) was crucial because putting guns in the hands of black soldiers was crucial to the (Civil War/slavery) times and foreshadowed their being the first regiment to see battle. I like the line created by the rifle and what it adds to the design. Their name and regiment number flank the left side and of course, elements from the battalion flag provide the backdrop.”

 Fort Scott left a good impression on the artist from St. Louis.

“The folks we interacted with were warm and inviting,” he said. “My wife and I thought the downtown was gorgeous. We look forward to returning in October.”
The revealing and acknowledging of the mural will be during the annual Gordon Parks Museum Celebration the first weekend in October.
To learn more about that event:
 

The public is invited to join the “Free To Serve” mural unveiling on Friday, October 6 from 4 to 4:30 p.m.

This is in honor and tribute to the regiment’s sacrifice and willingness to serve during the Civil War.
The mural is located at the north downtown building at 9 South Main St, near Skubitz Plaza, facing the Fort.

“We will veil the mural before out-of-town guests arrive for the Gordon Parks celebration for a more grand reveal, but until then the mural is available to be photographed,” Rachel French, coordinator of the project for the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Division said.

 

The Kansas Department of Commerce Office of Rural Prosperity awarded funding for the project, along with several local benefactors.