Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Imagination Library Program Expands in Kansas

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Governor Kelly Welcomes Dolly Parton to Kansas for the Imagination Library Statewide Celebration

~~Proclaims August 14 ‘Imagination Library of Kansas Day’ in the State~~

OVERLAND PARK – Governor Laura Kelly today welcomed iconic singer-songwriter and early childhood literacy advocate Dolly Parton to Kansas to celebrate the statewide expansion of her Imagination Library program.

The celebration comes after the announcement last month that every child in Kansas is now eligible to participate in the program to receive one free, high-quality, age-appropriate book per month until their fifth birthday. That’s a total of 60 books from birth to age 5! Today, Kansas is one of just 15 states where the program is available statewide, with more coming onboard later this year.

“Well Kansas, we did it! I’m so thankful for Governor Kelly, Representative Waymaster and the countless friends and local partners across Kansas who have made this dream come true,” Dolly Parton said. “Let’s celebrate by registering as many children and families as we can to receive the gift of Imagination Library books right to their home each month. Together, we can inspire children across Kansas to love books and reading, and that’s a gift that will last a lifetime.” 

This statewide expansion of the Imagination Library was made possible through the additional funding that was included in Governor Kelly’s budget proposal at the start of the 2023 legislative session and was passed by the bipartisan Kansas legislature.

“I’m honored that Dolly has taken the time to help our state celebrate this exciting milestone of being able to provide the gift of reading for children and families in every part of Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I urge all eligible families to take advantage of this program and to sign their children up for the Imagination Library of Kansas.” 

This was a closed event to nearly 500 supporters of the program and special guests hosted by the Imagination Library of Kansas. The event featured a sit-down conversation between Dolly Parton and Governor Kelly where Parton also presented the governor with a copy of her book, Coat of Many Colors. Governor Kelly also declared August 14 “Imagination Library of Kansas Day.” The celebration was emceed by Representative Troy Waymaster, whose three children are all enrolled in the Imagination Library Program. The evening concluded with Parton signing “Coat of Many Colors” and “Try.”

“All children in Kansas should be able to have the same opportunity that my sons have,” Representative Troy Waymaster said.  “All three of our sons participate in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, thank you, Dolly Parton, for providing the gift of reading for all children ages zero to five in the state of Kansas.”

 

About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has gifted over 200 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and Local Community Partners.  The Imagination Library mails more than 2 million high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month from birth to age five – at no cost to families.  Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More.

The program’s impact has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com.

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Fort Scott, Government

This week at City Hall

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This week at City Hall:

 

TUES., AUG. 15TH – 6:00PM – Regular City Commission Meeting – Agenda available on www.fscity.org

WED., AUG. 16TH – 12:00PM – Airport Advisory Board Meeting – No agenda planned

THURS., AUG. 17TH – 5:00PM – Streets Advisory Board Meeting – No agenda planned

 

These meetings are open to the public and will be on the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel.

 

Please publish and announce if possible. Thank you

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

U.S. 54 bridge survey begins this week near Uniontown

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The week of Aug. 14 the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to begin a survey for the replacement of the Turkey Creek bridge on U.S. 54 in Bourbon County. The bridge is 1.2 miles east of the U.S. 54/K-3 south junction (see map).

 

The approximate length of the survey area is 2,500 feet. The survey is based on the existing highway alignment and is expected to be finished by Sept. 7.

 

Activities include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the corridor. A member of the survey crew will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property. Joe Bowen will manage the survey for KDOT. Persons with questions may contact KDOT Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Amended Agenda for August 14

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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

 

August 14, 2023 5:30

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Minutes from 8/7/2023
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $214,430.95
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $394,953.25
  1. Public Comments
  2. Susan Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  3. Discussion of the Changes to the Drug and Alcohol Testing Program
  • Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Overpass Request for Qualifications
  1. Jennifer Hawkins-County Clerk, KC Mart Cereal Malt Beverage License Renewal
  2. Susan Walker, Patty Love, Jennifer Hawkins-Financial Policies & Procedures
  3. Susan Walker & Patty Love-CD’s
  • Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
  • Commission Comments
  1. 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.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Bo Co Commission Agenda for August 14

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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

 

August 14, 2023 5:30

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Minutes from 8/7/2023
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $214,430.95
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $394,953.25
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Overpass Request for Qualifications
  • Jennifer Hawkins-County Clerk, KC Mart Cereal Malt Beverage License Renewal
  • Susan Walker, Patty Love, Jennifer Hawkins-Financial Policies & Procedures
  1. Susan Walker & Patty Love-CD’s
  2. Susan Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  3. Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
  • Commission Comments
  • 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.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools
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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                      Superintendent                                                                                                                                             

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

AUGUST 14, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

 

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                     David Stewart, President

 

2.0       Flag Salute

 

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

 

4.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            4.1       Board Minutes

  1. 07/17/2023 Regular Meeting
  2. 08/07/2023 Special Meeting

            4.2       Financials-Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – July 20, 2023 – $1,619,878.22

            4.5       Activity Fund accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts

           

5.0       Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)

5.1 Student Recognition

5.2 Employee Recognition

5.3 Board Member Acknowledgements

 

6.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            6.1       Superintendent’s Report

            6.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            6.3       Special Education Director’s Report

            6.4       Finance Director’s Report

                                               

7.0       Old Business

7.1       Addition of two (2) full-time substitute positions (Action Item)

 

 

 

8.0       New Business

8.1       Handbooks for the 2023-24 school year (Action Item)

Emergency Operations Plan

Employee – Classified

Employee Safety Manual

Federal

8.2       KASB Policy Updates (Action Item)

8.3       SRO Agreement with the City of Fort Scott (Action Item)

8.4       MOU with Learning Tree Institute (Action Item)

 

  9.0     Public Forum

 

10.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters

10.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

10.2     Exit Executive Session

10.3     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

11.0     Adjourn Meeting

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for August 14

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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

 

Attachments:

Payroll 1 of 2 8-11-23

Payroll 2 of 2 8-11-2023

Accounts Payable 8-11-2023

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

August 14, 2023 5:30

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Minutes from 8/7/2023
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $214,430.95
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $394,953.25
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Overpass Request for Qualifications
  • Jennifer Hawkins-County Clerk, KC Mart Cereal Malt Beverage License Renewal
  • Susan Walker, Patty Love, Jennifer Hawkins-Financial Policies & Procedures
  1. Susan Walker & Patty Love-CD’s
  2. Sheriff Bill Martin-Policy & Procedure of Random Drug Testing
  3. Susan Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
  • Commission Comments
  1. 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.

 

Government

KS Crime Victims Compensation Awarded

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Crime Victims Compensation Board awards more than $545K to victims in Q2

TOPEKA – (August 10, 2023) – The Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board awarded financial assistance to 236 victims of violent crime at its meetings during the second quarter of 2023, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach said.

The Board reviewed 245 new applications submitted by victims and approved $545,685.48 to be awarded to victims.

“While compensation cannot erase the trauma that victims experience, we hope that our support can alleviate the financial pressure faced by victims of crime,” said Kristen Czugala, Division Chief for Victim Services.

The Crime Victims Compensation program was established in 1978 to help victims of violent crime pay for unexpected expenses such as medical treatment, mental health counseling, lost wages, dependent support and funeral expenses.

This quarter, the compensation board helped pay for the funerals of 17 victims in Kansas. The board also assisted 23 victims in relocating to a safe place after experiencing violence at the hands of another. The individuals helped include a grandmother who received a quarterly payment to help with the expenses of raising her grandchildren whose mother was murdered. In another instance, the board helped pay up to $25,000 in medical expenses for a stabbing victim.

The state’s Crime Victims Compensation Board determines claims that are eligible for payment and how much money will be awarded to each claimant. Awards are limited to a maximum total amount of $25,000 with limitations of $7,500 for funeral and burial expenses, $5,000 for outpatient mental health counseling, $10,000 for inpatient mental health treatment and $1,500 for grief counseling for family survivors of homicide victims.

A portion of assessed court costs and fines, inmate wages, parole fees and restitution paid by convicted offenders provides funding to the program.

For more information about the Crime Victims Compensation program call (785) 296-2359 or visit the attorney general’s website at www.ag.ks.gov.

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CONTACT: Danedri Herbert – (785) 414-0210 I [email protected]
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Copyright © *2023* *Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach*, All rights reserved.

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

Agenda for Ft. Scott City Commission Meeting on August 15

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

August 15, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.   Roll Call:
  2.     VanHoecke       K. Harrington      E. Woellhof        M. Guns         M. Wells
  3.   Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation:  Led by E. Woellhof

III.    Approval of Agenda:

  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 25, 2023
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1341-A — $1,627,351.54
  4. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $41,723.74

Invoice #16731 –    2022 Sanitary Sewer Inspection – $12,538.74

Peter W. Earles – 10.00hrs/$200.00 – $2,000.00

Shane Redfern – 48.50hrs/$48.50 – $6,741.50

Jason Dickman – 18.00hrs/&147.50 – $2,655.00

Amanda Simpson – 6.00hrs/$48.50 – $291.00

Mileage – 1,309.6 miles/0.65 – $851.24

 

Invoice #16727 –   South Horton St. & West 6th St.  –  $22,485.00

                            Preliminary Design (100%) – $6,210.00

Final Design (35%) – $16,275.00

 

Invoice #16726 – 21-303A – WWTP – System Designs – $6,700.00

                             Phase III – $3,500.00

Phase II – $3,200.00

 

  1.        Request to Pay – Invoice #08072301-EPEC-WWTP Aeration – $206,654.50

                                      Phase II Aeration Upgrade (Total: $826,618.00)

25% of Total due – $206,654.50

 

  1. Request to Pay –  Bourbon County –  I.T. Services 2023 –  $25,500.00

 

                              Shane Walker – $12,000.00

Jimmy Kemmerer $13,500.00

 

  1. July Financials

 

  1. Public Comment:   Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda

and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission’s discretion.

 

  1. Old Business:

 

  1. Consideration of bids for investment CDs from WWTP funds – B. Hart
  2. Consideration to approve purchase of split case pump and impellor for WTP- $31,052.92 – S. Flater
  3. Consideration to approve MOU to join Bourbon County Health in All Policies Task Force and select a City representative – TABLED 7/25 AND 8/1 –
  4. Consideration to adopt a new policy for City Commission Agenda deadlines
  5. Consideration to pay Diehl, Banwart, Bolton $18,150.00 (approved 7/25/2023) for Certified Audit of Records and Preparation of Audit Report for the year ending 12/31/22. Invoice #161402 indicates an additional $4,975.00 for Single Audit of Federal Funds. Total amount due $23,125.00 requiring a new motion.
  6. Approval to go out for bid for KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension

 

 VII.   Appearances:  None

 

VIII.   Public Hearing:  None

 

  1.  New Business: 
  2. Consideration of Lake Campsite Improvements – B. Matkin
  3. Consideration of 14-Day Camping Regulation at Gunn Park (Ordinance No. 3606) and corresponding municipal codes
  4. Shelter House Price Increases for #2 and #6 (Ordinance No. 3607) and corresponding municipal codes
  5. Consideration to Approve Sale of General Obligation Bonds,  Series 2023 to USDA – B. Hart
  6. Consideration to Adopt Bond Ordinance No. 3752
  7. Consideration to Adopt Bond Resolution No. 10-2023
  8. Consideration to Approve Earls Engineering and Inspection, Inc. submission of work hours estimate for CCLIP US54-from US 69–Barbee Street – J. Dickman

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:
  5. VanHoecke –
  6. Harrington –
  7. Woellhof –
  8. Guns –
  9. Wells –

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1.  Executive Session:

 

XII.     Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

Ft. Scott Commission Discusses Certified Local Government Program This Evening

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WORK SESSION REMINDER

Please join us on Friday, August 11th at 5:00PM to discuss the idea of Fort Scott considering the option of applying to the Certified Local Government Program as presented to the Design Review Board and the City Commission by Mayor Matthew Wells. The Certified Local government (CLG) program is designed to promote the preservation of prehistoric and historic sites and districts by establishing a partnership between the local government on behalf of the State of Kansas and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), a division of the Kansas Historical Society. Katrina Ringler, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, and Director of Cultural Resources Division of the Kansas Historical Society will be present at the meeting to answer questions.

Please share with anyone who might be interested in learning more about this program and participate in the discussion of this proposal for the City.

Further information that was presented at the City Commission meeting can be found at http://www.fscity.org/AgendaCenter

An announcement will be posted on Facebook as well.

Government, Kansas

Grant to Revitalize Downtown Buildings Announced

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New Round of Funding Announced for Revitalization of Downtown Buildings

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today $1.5 million will be available for a fourth round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants to revitalize dilapidated and underutilized downtown buildings in small communities across the state. HEAL grants help close financial gaps for communities striving to make their downtown districts more economically vibrant.

Since the HEAL grant program was launched in 2021, more than $3.5 million has been awarded to fund 63 projects in 48 counties throughout Kansas.

Enhancements have been made for HEAL 4.0 that are designed to set up applicants for even greater success, including a longer application period and a maximum award of $100,000.  Additionally, formal bids will be required this round from licensed contractors at the time of application submission.

“HEAL 4.0 will offer even more support and funding for communities working to bring vacant and underutilized buildings back to productive use,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “We want as many communities as possible across the state to benefit from this successful program that breathes new life into downtown districts.”

HEAL grants help bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for:

  • New or expanding businesses
  • Housing
  • Arts and culture
  • Civic engagement
  • Childcare
  • Entrepreneurship

Submitted projects must show potential to be economic drivers in that community and also demonstrate that the space will be occupied by the end of the project. Proof of 1:1 matching funds from the building owner will be required at the time of application.

Communities that received a HEAL grant in the first round (awarded spring/summer 2022) are now eligible to apply again. Communities that received HEAL grants in either fall 2022 or spring 2023 are not eligible to apply this round.

The application window opens August 14 and closes November 10 with award notifications in mid-December.

A virtual webinar about the specifics of the program is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 18. Registration is required and the Zoom link will be provided after registration. Organizations and building owners interested in applying should register and attend the webinar. To register, please click here.

Additional information about HEAL, the webinar and the online application can be accessed 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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.