Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Kansas Water Quantity and Quality Grants Launched

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Governor Kelly Announces $85M for Two New Water-Related Grant Programs

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Water Office today announced that $85 million over five years will go toward water projects with the launch of the Technical Assistance Fund Grants and Water Projects Fund Grants programs. Both grant programs provide funding for up-front technical assistance and on-the-ground actions needed to address water quantity and quality issues around the state.

The grants were made possible when Governor Kelly signed Senate Substitute for HB 2302, a bipartisan bill from the 2023 legislative session that increased funding for the State Water Plan Fund and established these two grant programs.

“Current drought conditions across Kansas have reinforced that strong water infrastructure is essential to growing our economy and preserving our quality of life for future generations,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These two grant opportunities will provide critical technical assistance and resources to improve our state’s vital water infrastructure.”

The Technical Assistance Fund Grants, totaling $5 million each year for five years, provide funding for planning, engineering, managing, and other technical assistance to develop water infrastructure projects and to process grant and loan applications for such projects. Approved grants will not exceed $1 million.

The Water Projects Fund Grants, totaling $12 million each year for five years, provide funding for construction, repair, maintenance, or replacement of water-related infrastructures and related construction costs; matching money for grant or loan applications for water-related infrastructure projects; and payment towards certain loan balances. Approved grants will not exceed $1 million.

“Access to reliable, clean water supplies is essential to all of our Kansas communities,” Connie Owen, Kansas Water Office Director, said. “These grants can help applicants to identity their water infrastructure needs, navigate application procedures, and obtain funds necessary to providing a safe, secure water supply for their communities.”

Eligible applicants include municipalities with an approved water conservation plan and special districts related to water organized under the Laws of Kansas.

Entities can apply via the Kansas Water Office website at:

More information on the application criteria and process can be found on the Kansas Water Office website at kwo.ks.gov.

Government, Kansas

Kansas October Tax Collections Report

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October Total Tax Collections 4.1% Below Estimate; Individual Refunds up $50.2M

TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends October with total tax collections at $685.4 million. That is $29.1 million, or 4.1%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 7.4% from October 2022.

Individual income tax collections were $298.7 million. That is $51.3 million, or 14.7% below the estimate, and down 16.5% from October 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $57.5 million. That is $27.5 million, or 91.7% higher than the estimate and up 77.2% from October 2022.

“But for the unusually high number of individual income tax refunds, the October total tax receipts would have surpassed the estimate,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “October refunds were $50.2 million more than in October 2022 and continue to reflect the influence of the SALT Parity Act, which presents a complicating variable in the revenue estimating process.”

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $306.0 million, which is $4.0 million, or 1.3% below the estimate and down $15.7 million, or 4.9%, from October 2022.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

FSHS Newsletter November 2023

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Unsubscribe from emails by Pam Hutchison.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for November 7

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

November 7, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.

 

 

  1.   Roll Call:
  2.     VanHoecke       K. Harrington      E. Woellhof        M. Guns         M. Wells

 

  1.   Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation:  M. Wells

 

III.    Approval of Agenda:

 

  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 17, 2023
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1347-A – $736,392.66
  4. Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction – 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion Project – Change Order No. 1 – Increased cost of foundation piers – $16,600.00
  5. Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion        Project – Payment Application No. 2 – $48,978.00
  6. Request to Pay – Bennet, Inc. – 23-005B – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relation Project – Change Order No. 1 – Soil management support from PPB Enviro-Solutions ($22,000.00) and additional requested work for Splash         Pad future restroom infrastructure ($40,000.00) – $62,000.00
  7. Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – 22-306 – CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Pay Application No. 5 – $105,259.50

 

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

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

 

 

  1. Old Business:

 

  1. Consideration of Demolition Bids (Bid No. 2-2023) – 4 S. National and 10 S. National – J. Dickman

 

  1. Consideration of Housing Development – Patrick Wood

 

VII.    Appearances:

  1. Kylie Paulsen and Lindsey McNeil – LHEAT – Homeless Presentation

 

  1. Rachel French and Bailey Lyons – McDonald Hall (10 and 12 S. Main – The Kitchen Collective and Collaborative

 

  1. Splash Pad Committee – Restroom Project

 

  1. Kendall Schoenrock – Certificate of Appropriateness – DCF building plans – to come if recommended by DRB on 11/6/2023

 

  1. Rachel French and Bailey Lyons – Certificate of Appropriateness – 6 S. Main and 8 S. Main storefronts – to come if recommended by DRB on 11/6/2023

 

VIII.   Public Hearing:  None

 

  1.  New Business: 
  2. Consideration of Interview Room recording system and case management software – J. Pickert – $11,467.00

 

  1. Consideration of reappointment of Frank Halsey to Parks Advisory Board – recommended by Park Advisory Board – B. Matkin

 

  1. Consideration of Gunn Park shower house contract with Hofer & Hofer – Recommended by Parks Advisory Board

 

  1. Consideration of Lake Fort Scott Boat Ramp bids – B. Matkin
  2. Consideration of City Employee Holiday Bonus – B. Matkin
  3. Consideration of 2024 City Holiday Schedule – B. Matkin
  4. Consideration of Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) proposal      with Gilmore & Bell – M. Wells
  5. Consideration of South Industrial Park Waterline Inspection Proposal – Earles Engineering – $76,383.00 – J. Dickman
  6. Consideration to accept resignation of Brad Matkin, City Manager
  7. Tourism Rubric – B. Matkin

 

 

 

  1. Reports and Comments:

 

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

 

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1.  Executive Session:

 

XII.     Adjournment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next regular meeting scheduled:  Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 6:00PM

Government, Kansas

KDOT Staffing Shortages Could Impact Highway Snow and Ice Removal

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KDOT continues to contend with staffing shortages;

highway snow, ice removal could be impacted

The Kansas Department of Transportation is committed to keeping the highways clear whenever inclement weather impacts the state.

However, KDOT staffing shortages create the potential for highways to not be cleared of snow and ice in a timely manner. The agency is in need of equipment operators – the agency’s primary snowplow operators.

The agency has dealt with reduced staffing in the past, but the shortages have been greater in recent years. Across the state, KDOT is about 25% short of its preferred number of snowplow operators needed to be fully staffed.

“KDOT field crews always do their best, but with less staff, it could cause delays to clear snow and ice from the highways,” said KDOT Director of Field Operations Clay Adams. “We are able to pull in crews from across the state to affected areas, but that’s not always possible depending on the scope and severity of winter storms.”

KDOT snowplow operators work 12-hour shifts. Highways and bridges will be pretreated in advance of approaching storms when possible.

The agency also will deploy employees – including supervisors and managers – with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to plow snow and will hire seasonal employees. KDOT assists selected applicants in obtaining a CDL, including providing training. Persons interested in working at KDOT can apply at https://kdotapp.ksdot.gov/KDOTJobs/Default.

KDOT field offices made preparations in September and October to be ready for snow and ice season, or SNICE. Salt, sand and other materials are fully stocked and pre-maintenance work on snowplows and other equipment is complete.

“Motorists can do their part to be prepared by checking on road conditions and weather forecasts before heading out and possibly altering or delaying travel plans,” said Secretary Calvin Reed. “Plan ahead and stay informed – these are key to helping you stay safe.”

Check the www.KanDrive.gov website or use the KanDrive App before traveling. KanDrive provides KDOT’s road condition information. KanDrive is updated 24/7 for highway conditions, short-term closures and general traffic alerts, and provides camera views of current road conditions in that area. The Kansas 511 phone system gives reports on a specific route, in a city or between two cities.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Highlights from the USD 234 Board of Education Meeting Last Evening

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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 SPECIAL MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, October 30, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 30, 2023, for a special meeting at the board office.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

October 30, 2023

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Caitlin Shrewsbury – Resignation – Eugene Ware – End of school year

 

TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

For the 2023-24 school year:

Certified:

Abigail Duffy – Eugene Ware – Leave of Absence

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

 

Justin Eichenberger – Part Time Paraprofessional – Fort Scott High School

Rhonda Hoener – Special Education Instructional Aide/Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Brad Matkin – Business Manager

 

Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

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Capitol Tour
Jennifer Mathes of Overland Park

Jeff Mathes of Overland Park

Katherine Mathes of Overland Par

Alexandra Mathes of Overland Park

Stephen LaPrad of Pratt

Sally LaPrad of Pratt

Phil Gibson of Ottawa

Claudia Gibson of Ottawa

Ryan Grabman of Wichita

Shelby Jacques of Ellis

Devin Jacques of Ellis

Jerry Koehn of Montezuma

Jane Koehn of Montezuma

Nancy Lawrence of Topeka

Frank Wright of Lawrence

Kim Wright of Lawrence

Jason Ramirez of Shawnee

Justin Ramirez of Shawnee

Mike Hoedel of Matfield Green

Cindy Hoedel of Matfield Green

Bill Wachter of Pittsburg

Mary Kay Wachter of Pittsburg

Karen Carlin Finstad of Topeka

K-State
Hon. Lynn Jenkins of Topeka

Matt O’Keefe of Manhattan

Jaylen Lane of Topeka

Oikos Development Corporation
Michael Snodgrass of Kansas City

Kansas Credit Unions
Ronald Smeltzer of Topeka

Pizza Hut Franchisees
Mary Beth Schwanke of Wichita

Greg L. Shelton of Wichita

Jason Staab of Hays

Victor Heutz of Hays

Northwestern Mutual
Kristin Goodwin of Mission Hills

John Goodwin of Mission Hills

Garney
Whitney Briggs of Reading

Independent Grocer Association
Jenny Osner of Conway Springs

Large Urology Group Practice Association
Jay Gilbaugh of Wichita

USDA
Christy Davis of Cottonwood Falls


 

 

 


Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.

Kansas City Region Designated a Tech Hub
On Monday before returning to Washington, D.C., I was in Kansas City to announce that the Greater Kansas City Region has been designated as a Tech Hub by the U.S. Department of Commerce. This announcement represents official recognition of something we have known in Kansas and Missouri for a while: the Kansas City Region and the Animal Health Corridor have the concentration of expertise, research and development resources necessary to be a global bio and medical technology hub. This designation will attract public and private resources to grow this key technology area in Kansas and Missouri, further expanding the region’s capacity for innovation in the biotech sector.

This designation is the culmination of the first phase of a two-phase program called the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program, which was established as part of the CHIPS and Science Act that Congress enacted last year. I supported the CHIPS and Science Act to give organizations in Kansas the opportunity to help strengthen our national and economic security, particularly by increasing research in key technology areas, like biotechnology. As a designated Tech Hub, the KC BioHub will be able to move on to Phase 2 of the program and compete against the other 30 designated Tech Hubs for a federal implementation award of up to $75 million. I applaud the efforts of BioNexus KC and the other consortium of members in Kansas and Missouri on a successful Tech Hubs application.

I would like to thank U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, BioNexus KC President and CEO Dennis Ridenour, Greater KC Chamber President Joe Reardon, and UMKC President C. Mauli Agrawal for joining me in making this announcement.

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Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter →

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Minutes of October 23

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October 23, 2023                                                                                                                 Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Karla Cox, Dale Bollinger, Clint Walker, Michael Hoyt, Jason Silvers, and Deb McCoy were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 10/16/23, approval of payroll totaling $342,018.24, and approval of accounts payable totaling $694,895.54. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

During the public comments Dale Bollinger stated he spent 28 years providing fire and EMS services for the City of Fort Scott and felt obligated to come speak. Mr. Bollinger asked for clarification on the amount that Clifton had previously stated it would cost to put an EMS barn in the western part of Bourbon County. Jim stated a new ambulance is around $350,000 and Clifton added we need new ambulances now then to add additional for a western EMS barn plus the payroll for additional employees. Mr. Bollinger stated he was trying to make suggestions on ways to operate and suggested putting an ambulance at the Uniontown Fire Station. Jim asked why we haven’t received a request from those out west for an EMS barn in their part of the county. Mr. Bollinger asked questions regarding the current EMS processes and abilities and it was suggested to him that he speak to EMS Director Teri Hulsey. Mr. Bollinger voiced his opinion on the necessity of an emergency room stating that EMS could stabilize and transfer to the nearest appropriate health care facility and asked Commissioners not to get in a hurry funding 1.5 million of taxpayer dollars. Clifton said Dale’s opinion is we don’t need an ER and his opinion is that we do. Clifton stated he has spoken to two doctors that he trusts that advised him we need an emergency room. Clint Walker stated Allen County EMS just ordered an ambulance and is on a two year wait list. Mr. Walker asked that Bourbon County be proactive instead of reactive and informed the Commissioners of a water program he heard about and suggested it be looked into to see if Elm Creek might qualify. Pete Allen stated we have excellent EMS service in Bourbon County and that we need to get an ambulance to people as quickly as possible which is why he suggested putting an ambulance in western Bourbon County. Mr. Allen questioned the need for an emergency room in Fort Scott and stated our taxes are already high and that we can’t afford to lose more residents. Clifton asked if Mr. Allen  knew the estimated loss of industry in Bourbon County if we don’t have an emergency room and stated it is 20%.

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, provided the Commissioners a letter of support to sign for CHC SEK’s transportation program grant application. Jennifer asked the Commissioners to approve the 2024 calendar so that workdays could be submitted to KPERS. Clifton made a motion to pass Resolution 16-23 designating 2024 holidays for Bourbon County. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Jennifer Hawkins requested a 5-minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel. Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include all three Commissioners, Jennifer Hawkins, and Susan Walker and will return at 6:20. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:20 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks requested a 5-minute executive session.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow for an executive session. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:27. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:27 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated the asphalt on Eagle Road from the railroad tracks east to the state line is completed. Last week the crew worked on building the base and replacing crossroad tubes on Eagle Road from 69 Highway to 230th Street. Eric said the crusher quit this afternoon and threw a code so they contacted the company and are waiting to hear back from them. Eric told Jim he looked at the culvert near 30th Street and Highway 39 and that the crew would have to fix it as it had fallen in. Eric said they have added oversize rock to the boat ramp at Elm Creek. Eric stated Murphy Tractor has reached out about going to Iowa to tour the factory where the graders are made. Jim said he wouldn’t be able to go until spring but it is worth the trip. Nelson verified that the 4-way stop that was approved last week was placed and Eric stated he will make sure it is up. Jim suggested speaking about speed limits on gravel roads next week.

 

Nelson said that 30% of people who go to the emergency room are for non-emergency issues and that people call an ambulance when they could have waited and gone to the clinic the next day. Clifton stated that the problem didn’t happen overnight and won’t be fixed overnight. Clifton spoke about opinions that are posted online and in the newspaper as fact. Jim stated he has been contacted by individuals and businesses who have stated if we do not have an emergency room that they would have to leave Bourbon County. Jim said there is a Community Connection Luncheon hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday but Nelson and Clifton couldn’t attend so Jim will be attending. Jim discussed the candidate forum that will be hosted at Fort Scott Community College on Wednesday evening. Jim made a motion that all three Commissioners may attend the candidate forum at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on Wednesday with no county business being conducted. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:40. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

 

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk

10-30-2023                                     Approved Date

 

Government, Kansas

The Kansas Cold Weather Rule takes effect November 1

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TOPEKA – The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, will begin on Wednesday, November 1 and remain in effect through March 31.

While the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, utility companies cannot disconnect a customer’s service when the local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, implemented the rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold.

The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements; however, it is the customer’s responsibility to contact their gas or electric company to make those arrangements.

Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.

The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric and natural gas utility companies under the KCC’s jurisdiction, however many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar winter weather policies.

Information about the Cold Weather Rule is available on the Commission’s website. Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027 or 785-271-3140.

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Government, Kansas

KDOT sets online meetings for input on projects to address extreme weather, natural hazards

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The Kansas Department of Transportation is receiving federal funds to address transportation infrastructure vulnerabilities caused by extreme weather events and natural hazards that can happen anytime across the state.

To receive input from the public about transportation infrastructure needs in Kansas regions or communities, KDOT is holding three online meetings on Wednesday, Nov. 1.

“We want to know where the trouble spots are, such as frequently flooded roadways,” said David Schwartz, KDOT Assistant to the Director of Planning and Development. “We also want to know where critical community assets might be at risk of losing access during disasters. Having additional background and data from the public will assist KDOT staff when making project selections.”

Eligible project costs could include:

  • Planning, design, construction, rehabilitation and property acquisition related to improving the resilience of the state transportation system.
  • Equipment acquisition to support disaster response and transportation resilience.
  • Natural infrastructure, flood protection and ecosystem restoration projects in connection with transportation improvements.

Each of the Nov. 1 online meetings will have a different emphasis. They will be:

  • 2 p.m. – Focus on Wichita metro.
  • 5:30 p.m. – Focus on Kansas City metro.
  • 7 p.m. – Kansas statewide focus.

To connect to one of the meetings and for more information, go to https://tinyurl.com/mrxcysx6. Reservations are not required. The meetings will be recorded for later viewing and comment submission at the website address above.

The funds are through the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Formula Program. This program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is providing funds for Federal Highway Administration programs through 2026.

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Government, Health Care, K-State Extension, Kansas

The A, B, C, & D’s of Medicare

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

 

We’ve all seen the Medicare ads that will make you wonder if you are missing out on important benefits.  This is not necessarily the case and there is no need to ponder this concern alone!  Trained and unbiased Senior Health Insurance Counselors are available to visit with you and see what works best for your situation.

 

Medicare Annual Election Period, running from October 15th-December 7th, is a great time to ask your questions!  Call 620-244-3826 to schedule an appointment.  Until then, here are some Medicare basics:

 

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that can cover:

  • individuals ages 65 and older, individuals younger than age 65 years with disabilities, and individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

 

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance that covers:

  • Inpatient hospital care
  • Qualified short-term stay in skilled nursing facilities
  • Home health care Hospice care
  • Part A is premium-free for most individuals

 

Medicare Part B is medical insurance that covers:

  • Doctor’s office visits
  • Outpatient hospital care
  • Lab tests and certain medical equipment and supplies
  • In 2024, this monthly premium for most people is $174.70.

 

Medicare Advantage Plans are also called Medicare Part C:

  • Combine Part A and Part B services (i.e., HMO, PPO, PFFS, etc.)
  • Some offer prescription drug coverage
  • Should visit with your doctors prior to see if accepts this plan

 

Medicare Part D is Prescription Drug Coverage:

  • Insurance that covers both generic and brand-name prescriptions
  • Coverage is provided through private insurance companies
  • Most will pay a monthly premium for a drug plan

 

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap):

  • Private health insurance that helps pay beneficiaries’ share of costs in Original Medicare

 

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

  • Helps pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, co-pays for individuals with limited income and resources

 

Part D Extra Help:

  • Helps pay for premiums, deductibles and prescription drug costs with an income eligibility requirement

 

For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.

 

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.