Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for Bourbon County Commission on Sept. 11

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Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

September 11, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 8-28-2023 and 9-7-2023
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $237,409.87
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $408,015.91
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Brad Matkin-Fort Scott City Manager-Request to Waive Fees at the Bourbon County Landfill for Disposal of Building owned by Department of Child and Family Services at 2 S. National
  • Appointment of Marmaton Township Clerk
  • Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
  1. Commission Comments
  2. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the  attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Accounts Payable 9-8-2023

Payroll 2 9-8-2023

Payroll 9-8-2023

Government, Kansas

KDOT to host 2023 Local Consult meetings

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Survey seeks public input in advance of regional meetings
KDOT is hosting nine meetings this fall as part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) Local Consult process. KDOT holds Local Consult meetings every two years to discuss regional transportation project priorities with Kansans.

Attendees will have an opportunity to share their region’s transportation priorities, hear about investments being made in transportation in their area, and learn about various grant funding programs available through KDOT.

These meetings are an important step in gathering public input for the IKE program – the state’s current 10-year transportation improvement program. They are open to all Kansans.

In advance of the Local Consult meetings, KDOT has launched a short survey asking for input on the Kansas transportation system. The survey will be available online through September 22 at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KDOTLC2023.

Local Consult locations, dates are times:

  • Northeast Region (District 1) – Tuesday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. – noon, Four Points by Sheraton in Manhattan.
  • Southwest Region (District 6) – Wednesday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m. – noon, Clarion Inn in Garden City.
  • South Central Region (District 5) – Thursday, Oct. 5, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m., Meridian Center in Newton.
  • Northwest Region (District 3) – Tuesday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. – noon, Hilton Garden Inn in Hays.
  • North Central Region (District 2) – Wednesday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. – noon., Hilton Garden Inn in Salina.
  • Southeast Region (District 4) – Thursday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. – noon, Bowlus Fine Arts Center in Iola.
  • KC Metro – Tuesday, Oct. 17, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., at the Lenexa Hyatt Place Kansas City/Lenexa City Center in Lenexa.
  • Wichita Metro – Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. – noon, at the WSU Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex in Wichita.
  • Virtual Meeting – Tuesday, Oct. 24, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (To receive virtual meeting registration information, please email: [email protected]).

More information about the Local Consult process is available online at: ike.ksdot.gov/local-consult-process.

About the IKE Program – IKE is a 10-year program that addresses highways, bridges, public transit, aviation, short-line rail and bike/pedestrian needs across Kansas. For more information about the IKE program: www.ksdotike.org.

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Government, Kansas

Support To Build Infrastructure For Treating Alzheimer’s Disease

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Governor Kelly Announces Nearly $1.2M to StrengthenSupportsforKansans with Alzheimer’s

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) will receive $1,185,000 over five years to build public health infrastructure and increase capacity to treat Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Kansas was one of 43 recipients of funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act.

The funding will be used to reestablish an Alzheimer’s disease coalition in Kansas, which will use the CDC’s Healthy Brain Initiative State and Local Road Map for Public Health to revise and implement proven strategies in the Alzheimer’s State Plan. It will also support KDHE and its partners to implement activities to support the revised state plan.

“My administration continues to be laser-focused on providing resources fundamental to the health of all Kansans, including those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding is a step in the right direction as we work to expand quality, affordable health coverage to more Kansas families.”

These efforts are part of a KDHE initiative that helps clinicians refer patients to community supports. The project will work with Kansans with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, caregivers, and health care providers.

“We are excited that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has been awarded this grant to assist with the work that’s already being done across our state to care for the 55,000 Kansans living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias,” Ken Jackson, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association – Heart of America Chapter, said. “We look forward to the advancement of new and cutting-edge approaches to address this public health crisis in order to provide support to the people caring for a loved one with this disease.”

Alzheimer’s disease is the 8th leading cause of death in Kansas. In 2019, about 335,000 Kansas adults 18 years and older reported the experience of worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss. This is one of the earliest noticeable symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. People with Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to have other chronic diseases like hypertension, depression, diabetes, and hearing loss. They are also more likely to experience depression, mental illness, and increased financial burden due to health care costs.

“As the number of Kansans living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia continues to rise, it is important that we establish systems to support them and their caregivers through early detection and diagnosis,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said. “These funds will target all levels of prevention – primary, secondary, and tertiary – to ensure that Kansans and their caregivers maintain a healthy quality of life before and after diagnosis.”

This project will strengthen and expand community partnerships, data availability for decision-making, and public knowledge about brain health and support services. The project will also reduce stigma and bias about cognitive decline. The project will emphasize coordination across community and clinical systems to strengthen Kansas’s basic foundations of health and health equity.

Click here for more information about BOLD.

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Fort Scott National Historic Site, Government

Fort Scott National Historic Site Welcomes 96 New Citizens

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Special Naturalization Ceremony

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Thursday, September 14, 2023, Fort Scott National Historic Site will host the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services (USCIS) and the U.S. District Court, Kansas District, for a Special Naturalization Ceremony. Check-in for new citizens begins at 8 am and the ceremony will begin at 10:30 am. The Honorable Teresa J. James, United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Kansas, will preside over the ceremony on the historic grounds of the Fort.

 

The ceremony features musical performances from the Fort Scott High School orchestra and choir, welcoming remarks by Acting Superintendent Carl Brenner and Mayor Matthew Wells, and an address from Mark McCoy, former city manager for the City of Fort Scott.

 

Approximately 95 applicants will be naturalized from 36 different countries (Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Burma, Canada, China, Congo (Kinshasa), Egypt, El Salvador, France, Ghana, Honduras, India, Iran, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Korea, South, Laos, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, and Vietnam) at the ceremony, which is open to the public. There will be seating for the applicants, but other seating will be limited. Friends, family, and guests are highly encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets for seating. In case of rain or other inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at Fort Scott Memorial Hall.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

-NPS-

 

Credit Photo: NPS Photo

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Announces Appointments to Kansas Corporation Commission

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Governor Kelly Announces Appointments to Kansas Corporation Commission


TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced she has appointed former longtime State Representative Annie Kuether and reappointed Andrew French to serve on the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). These appointments will be submitted to the Kansas State Senate for confirmation.

“Representative Kuether brings experience to the Kansas Corporation Commission from her 25 years in the Legislature, where she served as a ranking minority member on the energy, utilities, and telecommunications committee,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am pleased to appoint her and reappoint Andrew French to serve the people of Kansas on this vital commission.”

The KCC is one of the first state regulatory bodies in the nation, originally formed in 1883, and has five main divisions: Administration, Conservation, Utilities, Transportation, and Energy. The KCC consists of three members appointed by the Governor to overlapping four-year terms.

Kuether was previously a member of the Kansas House of Representatives from 1997-2022, representing a central portion of Topeka in District 55. Kuether’s appointment replaces Susan Duffy, who decided not to seek reappointment when her term ended on March 15, 2023. If confirmed, Kuether would begin on October 3, 2023.

French was originally appointed to the commission in 2020. He currently serves as the Kansas representative to the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and the 2023 SPP Regional State Committee President. If confirmed again, his new term will begin on March 16, 2024.

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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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Our mailing address is:
120 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66612
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.