Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Significant Changes to CDBG Community Facilities Programs

Leave a comment

Commerce Unveils Groundbreaking Overhaul of Community Development Block Grant Program

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today significant changes to its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – Community Facilities program to allow a rolling application process, lower local match requirements and an expanded scope of eligible projects.

“This is a game-changer for Kansas communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “For decades, we’ve seen too many worthy projects stalled due to rigid deadlines and high local match requirements. By streamlining the process and reducing financial burdens, we’re ensuring that cities and counties — large and small — can bring transformative projects to life.”

The revamped CDBG – Community Facilities program opens the door for projects ranging from emergency sirens and ADA upgrades to new libraries and major park developments. Notably, the transition from an annual competition to a rolling application process means that cities and counties can apply for funding year-round, receiving decisions in a matter of weeks rather than waiting months for a single funding cycle. Additionally, the local match requirement has been reduced from its normal 25% to a 10% match for small projects and 20% for large projects.

“This continues the significant shift in the way the Kansas Department of Commerce is approaching community development” Commerce Assistant Secretary Matthew Godinez said. “In 2024, we rebranded the Community Development Division as the Quality Places Division to better reflect our mission of fostering vibrant, connected and resilient communities. We’re removing bureaucratic roadblocks and getting critical dollars where they’re needed faster. This is about leveling the playing field so that smaller or lower-income communities have a real shot at funding transformational projects.”

Key program enhancements include:

  • Rolling Application Process: Applications will be accepted year-round starting May 1, with monthly reviews and grant agreements executed within five business days of approval.
  • Reduced Match Requirements:
    • Small projects ($50,000 to $210,000) require only a 10% local match.
      • Examples include:
        • Accessibility and ADA Improvements
        • Parks and Recreational Facilities
        • Community Centers and Public Infrastructure
        • Public Safety and Emergency Service
    • Large projects ($210,001 to $1.5 million) require only a 20% local match.
      • Examples include:
        • Public Infrastructure and Facility Development
        • Public Safety and Emergency Services
        • Libraries and Educational Facilities
  • Pre-Application for Readiness Screening: Cities and counties can submit a short pre-application starting April 1, 2025, to gauge project eligibility and receive feedback within five business days. The full application stage opens on May 1, 2025.
  • Flexible Project Categories: Communities can apply for any eligible CDBG-funded project, from public safety improvements to large-scale community facility developments.

By expanding access and accelerating the funding process, the Kansas Department of Commerce is ushering in a new era of community investment across the state.

“This is about empowering Kansas communities,” Toland said. “No longer will cities and counties be forced to wait for a single shot at funding each year. We’re making the process flexible, fair, transparent and focused on results.”

For more information about the CDBG program, 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.

###

Government, Kansas

KS Launches New Support to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers

1 Comment

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Launches New Programs to Support Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) recognizes the significant emotional, physical, and financial toll that caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia can take on families. To provide much-needed support, KDADS is launching two new initiatives: the Kansas Respite for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program (K-RAD) and the Kansas Dementia Roadmap: A Guide for People Impacted by Dementia.

In Kansas, more than 55,000 individuals are living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, and more than 89,000 individuals are providing unpaid care. Families serve as the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities across the nation. According to the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers report developed by the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Act Family Caregiving Advisory Council and the Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, gaps in the availability of and access to respite care can add to the stress and burden faced by unpaid caregivers. Respite care often comes with high costs and limited availability, leaving caregivers responsible for most expenses.

Kansas has allocated funding for a state-funded respite program to address these challenges. The K-RAD program offers relief to unpaid caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s or related dementia by providing temporary care services that replace the direct care given by the caregiver for short or intermittent periods.

“We are excited about the K-RAD program and the ability it provides our agency to help our caregivers with respite care for their loved ones,” Leslea Rockers, Executive Director for East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging, said.

Caregivers can apply for K-RAD funds to cover respite care costs. More information is available on the KDADS website, and applications can be obtained through local Area Agencies on Aging or by contacting the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-855-200-2372.

Additionally, KDADS has introduced the Kansas Dementia Roadmap: A Guide for People Impacted by Dementia. This resource acknowledges that caring for someone with memory loss or dementia is a long and unpredictable journey. The Roadmap provides essential guidance, support, and information for families, helping them navigate the challenges of dementia care.

“This roadmap will help families navigate their dementia journey so that they won’t become lost in the diagnosis,” Jamie Gideon, Kansas Director of Public Policy for the Alzheimer’s Association, said.

Printed copies of the Kansas Dementia Roadmap are available at local Area Agency on Aging and Alzheimer’s Association offices. A downloadable version is also available at https://www.kdads.ks.gov/services-programs/aging/alzheimer-s-disease-and-dementia/kansas-dementia-roadmap.

###

Fort Scott, Government

City of FS Commis Meeting Cancelled for Tonight Rescheduled Feb. 24 With Work Session

Leave a comment

Tonight (2/18/2025), the City Commission meeting is cancelled and rescheduled to MONDAY, (2/24/2025) along with the scheduled work session on storage containers.

 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH – 5:00 TO 6:00 – WORK SESSION (Storage Containers) immediately followed by the REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING beginning at 6:00PM.

 

 

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson February 14, 2025

Leave a comment
Caryn Tyson

 

The week was slow on the Senate floor in Topeka, but President Trump kept things moving in D.C.  Next week things will pick up because it is turnaround.  It is the half-way point in session. House bills that were never in an exempt committee will die if they do not pass the House by turnaround.  In the Senate, bills that aren’t exempt don’t die, but no more action can be taken on them until next year.  For a bill to be exempt it must have been in the Tax, Federal & State Affairs, or Ways and Means committee in the Senate.  The House exempt committees are Tax, Federal & State Affairs, or Appropriations.   During the week of turnaround, both chambers will be working diligently to pass bills that are non-exempt.

 

More Election protection is the intent of Senate Bill (SB) 5.  It would block wasteful spending by the United States government used to influence elections, such as targeted voter registration.  This money has been sometimes referred to as “Bidenbucks”.  A couple of years ago, I offered an amendment that blocked third party money that was trying to influence elections procedures, it was referred to as Zuckerbucks.  You might remember Mark Zucherburg made donations to election offices trying to influence election procedures.  Kansas law now blocks these types of donations from individuals or companies, SB 5 would block federal money trying to influence election results.  Federal money provided for election security would still be allowed.  It passed on a bipartisan vote 33 to 6.  I voted Yes.

 

Move Over for stopped vehicles displaying hazard warning signal and proceed with caution or you can be fined if SB 5 becomes law.  SB 8 passed the Senate unanimously and is on its way to the House.

 

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

Caryn

Fort Scott Community College, Government

January 27 Minutes of the FSCC Board of Trustees

Leave a comment
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27, 2025
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, and Doug Ropp (via
Zoom)
ALSO PRESENT: Sara Sutton – Interim President (via Zoom), Juley McDaniel – Board Clerk, faculty, staff,
community members.
Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm in the meeting rooms of the Cleaver-Burris-Boileau
Agriculture Building.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and Holt reading FSCC’s mission statement.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION UPDATE: Kirk Sharp, Director of the Gordon Parks Museum,
highlighted the events of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration as well as the Gordon Parks Museum. Students
read tributes to Martin Luther King, Jr. at the recent celebration. In addition to the Lunch and Learn, a Day of
Service was held to take donations for the Beacon. The Museum is gearing up for Black History Month. A Lunch
and Learn will be held on February 12. Tribute panels will be displayed in the Ellis Fine Arts Center Lobby
throughout February to showcase lesser-known members of history. KSN’s Living Well program will highlight the
Gordon Parks Museum in February, as well. First graders from Winfield Scott recently visited the Museum, and
Eugene Ware fifth graders are planning an upcoming visit. Kirk will be presenting to PSU’s Black Student Union in
February. Other upcoming events include Gordon Parks Fashion Bootcamp, Gordon Parks Museum Fundraiser
event, and Fort Scott Now Stories Documentary and Photos. The museum is going to start expanding the Langston
Hughes and Gordon Parks traveling collection with support of Kansas Tourism. The history of the Waymen Chapel
AME Church Park Project was shared. The annual Gordon Parks Celebration will be on October 2 – 4, 2025.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous 5-0 vote to appoint Bryan
Holt as Board Chair. Holt abstained.
A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous 5-0 vote to appoint
Doug Ropp as Board Vice-Chair. Ropp abstained.
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS, POSITIONS, AND OFFICIALS FOR 2025:
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve appointments below
for 2025.
INFORMATION OFFICER Juley McDaniel
CLERK OF THE BOARD Juley McDaniel
TREASURER Melissa Scott
KPERS REPRESENTATIVE Juley McDaniel
KACCT REP AND COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS REPRESENTATIVE Chad McKinnis, Ronda Bailey
FINANCIAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE Bryan Holt, Jim Fewins
GREENBUSH REPRESENTATIVE John Bartelsmeyer
NEGOTIATIONS REPRESENTATIVE Chad McKinnis
DESIGNATED BANK FOR GENERAL FUND Landmark National Bank
DESIGNATED ATTORNEY Zackery Reynolds
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER Fort Scott Tribune6

CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent
agenda.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. TRUSTEE EMERITUS: Ronda shared the Trustee Emeritus possibility as shared by Robert Nelson. The
board agreed that if it starts there needs to be criteria and guidelines and also identify who is in charge of
keeping it up and going. Fewins questioned if any other community colleges have a similar recognition.
Board members will further research the topic and bring ideas back to the next meeting for discussion.
REPORTS:
• ADMINISTRATION – The Board reviewed and heard updates from Academic Affairs, Student Services,
Foundation, Finance and Operations, and the Interim President.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous
vote to adjourn to executive session for fifteen minutes beginning at 7:00 pm for the purpose of discussing non-
elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable information of non-elected personnel with no action
expected to follow. The board invited Sonia Gugnani and Sara Sutton to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
return to open session at 7:15 pm.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous
vote to adjourn to executive session for fifteen minutes beginning at 7:16 pm for the purpose of discussing non-
elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable information of non-elected personnel with no action
expected to follow. The board invited Sonia Gugnani and Sara Sutton to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
return to open session at 7:31 pm.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous
vote to adjourn to executive session for fifteen minutes beginning at 7:35 pm for the purpose of discussing non-
elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable information of non-elected personnel with no action
expected to follow.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
return to open session at 7:50 pm.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
7:50 pm by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk7

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Board of Trustees Agenda For Feb. 17

Leave a comment

To view the complete packet: 2.17.25 Consent Agenda

February 17, 2025

‌Board of Trustees‌‌

‌Fort Scott Community College 2108 S. Horton

‌Fort Scott, KS 66701

‌The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, February 17, 2025. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott Community College.

5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting

‌THE AGENDA‌

‌5:30 ROLL CALL, 3‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

‌MISSION STATEMENT‌

Fort Scott Community College is an institution of higher learning with a long history of culture and diversity that provides affordable academic, technical and occupational programs to meet student needs while fostering a mutually supportive relationship between the college and its communities.

‌CALL TO ORDER, 4

  1. Comments from the Chair, 4

  2. Comments from the Public, 4

  3. FSCC Basketball Program Update, 4

‌CONSENT AGENDA, 5‌

  1. Approval of Agenda, 5

  2. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on January 27, 2025, 6

  3. Approval of Bills and Claims, 13

  4. Approval of Personnel Actions, 4

‌DISCUSSION ITEMS, 37

  1. Purchase Order Board Approval, 37

  2. Trustee Emeritus, 37

  3. Civility Policy, 38

  4. Recruitment Code of Conduct, 40

  5. Disposition of Surplus Property, 42

  6. Review of Mission Statement, Core Values, and Vision Statement, 43

ACTION ITEMS, 44

  1. Scheduled Policy Review and Approval, 45

  2. Consideration of Vector Training Solution, 48

  3. ‌Approval of 2025-26 Academic Calendar and 2024-25 Academic Calendar Revision, 76

  4. ‌Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Bourbon County REDI, 79

CORRESPONDENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES, 80

EXECUTIVE SESSION, 91

ADJOURNMENT, 92

UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:

  • February 17, 2025 Board Meeting

  • March 24, 2025 (Changed from March 17 due Board Meeting to spring break)

  • March 17 – 21, 2025 Campus Closed – Spring Break

  • March 28, 2025 Aggie Day

  • April 18, 2025 Campus Closed – Good Friday

  • April 21, 2025 Board Meeting

  • May 19, 2025 Board Meeting

  • May 26, 2025 Campus Closed -Memorial Day

  • June 16, 2025 Board Meeting

Sincerely,

Bryan Holt, Chair

Sara Sutton, Interim President

FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Agenda for Feb. 18

Leave a comment

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

February 18, 2025  –  6:00 P.M.

 

 

  1.     Call to Order/Roll Call
  2. Pledge of Allegiance

III.       Invocation

  1. Approval of Agenda
  2. Consent Agenda
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1378-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of January 30, 2025 – February 11, 2025 – $435,193.60
  4. Approval of Minutes: February 4, 2025
  5. Request to Pay – Olsson – Invoice 524497 – AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-024/025-2025 – Grading and Runway Lighting – Design & Bidding Fee – Phase 1 – $33,480.00
  6. January Financials

                                                                

  1. V Public Comment

VII.      Appearances

                       

VIII.   Unfinished Business

  1. Status of 118 E. Wall – Kruger

 

  1. New Business

            Public Hearing:

  1.   Zachary Bradley – Vacation of Alley between 1418 Wall and 1416 Wall

 

            Action Items:

  1.  Credit Card Purchasing Charges – D. Tally
  2.   Approval of Purchase – Golf Course Grounds Greens Mower –  M. Wyatt
  3.   Discussion of Projects for Grant Opportunities – M. Wyatt
  4.  Christmas Tree Approval – B. Matkin
  5.   Consideration to Amend Verizon Tolling Agreement – B. Farmer

              

  1. Reports and Comments

 

  1. Adjourn
Government, Kansas

Topeka Government Offices Reopen Tomorrow

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Announces State Offices to Re-Open Thursday for State Employees in Shawnee County

TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that she has ordered state offices in Shawnee County to re-open on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. Governor Kelly previously ordered state offices in Shawnee County closed on Wednesday due to safety concerns regarding potentially hazardous conditions resulting from the winter storm.

“Thanks to the hard work of crews, roadway conditions have improved, and state offices will return to normal operations on Thursday,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Please exercise caution when traveling and continue to give crews the necessary space as they keep working to clear roadways.”

All non-essential state employees in Executive Branch agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction who work in Shawnee County are required to report to work as normal.

For continuously updated road information, go to www.KanDrive.gov and click on the Road Condition map. Other construction information, camera views, weather websites and travel details are also available. You can also call 511 – for Kansas road condition information from anywhere in the U.S., call 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).

                                                            ###

 

Government, Kansas

Ks Senator Caryn Tyson’s Weekly Legislative Report

2 Comments
Caryn Tyson

 

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

February 7, 2025

 

Property Taxes are high, and most people would agree the system is not always accurate or fair, so the Senate acted by passing a constitutional amendment, Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1603, to limit taxable valuation increases of real property to a maximum of 3% a year, unless certain triggers occur. Local governments often rely on skyrocketing valuations to collect more property taxes.  SCR 1603 would limit the tax value of real properties so local governments would have to vote to raise the mill levy, providing more transparency to property tax increases.

 

The SCR would have to pass the House and then voters would decide to amend the Kansas Constitution and limit taxable valuation increases each year or not.  It passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote 28 to 11.  I voted yes.

 

Election ends on election day, SB 4, would require all ballots to be returned by 7 p.m. on election, not three days later.  It passed the Senate 29 to 10.  I voted yes.

 

Rank choice voting, where you can rate the candidates on the ballot by selecting your first choice, your second choice, your third chose and so on, would be banned in Kansas if SB 6 becomes law.  It is a voting system in which the candidates are ranked when you vote.  It’s difficult to count and can delay election results.  SB 6 passed 29 to 10.  I voted yes to ban this election system in Kansas.

 

Budgets can be used for political volley.  It’s disappointing but it does happen.  To correct this, the Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 14 so that if a budget is not passed into law by June 30th, then the state government would not shut down because the previous year’s budget would be adopted.  It passed the Senate 31 to 8.  I supported this effort.

 

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

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Vetoes Divisive Legislation

2 Comments


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday vetoed Senate Bill 63.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 63:

“Right now, the Legislature should be focused on ways to help Kansans cope with rising prices. That is the most important issue for Kansans. That is where my focus is.

“Infringing on parental rights is not appropriate, nor is it a Kansas value. As I’ve said before, it is not the job of politicians to stand between a parent and a child who needs medical care of any kind. This legislation will also drive families, businesses, and health care workers out of our state, stifling our economy and exacerbating our workforce shortage issue.

“It is disappointing that the Legislature continues to push for government interference in Kansans’ private medical decisions instead of focusing on issues that improve all Kansans’ lives.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 63.”

###