Category Archives: Government

Commerce Launches Kansas Global Business Expansion Program

TOPEKA – The International Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce today launched the Kansas Global Business Expansion (K-GLOBE) program. The program merges two formerly separate programs – the Kansas International Trade Show Assistance Program (KITSAP) and the Kansas International Trade Marketing Assistance Program (KITMAP) – into one international business development-focused grant.

“Commerce is streamlining the manner in which Kansas companies receive assistance to start or continue growing their exporting potential,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The K-GLOBE program is going to provide entrepreneurial businesses with resources to expand their sales internationally, putting their products and services in front of a much larger marketplace.”

K-GLOBE is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce’s International Division to support exporting efforts of small- and medium-sized Kansas businesses by exhibiting products internationally at trade shows and conferences. The grant assists Kansas companies by conducting export-related marketing and business development activities such as foreign sales trips, market research, website localization, and translation and interpretation services.

“95% of potential customers for Kansas products and services reside outside of the United States. We want Kansas companies to have the opportunity to effectively capture this international market share and bring revenue home from abroad,” Commerce International Director Laura Lombard said. “K-GLOBE aims to support companies by being a financial resource for those international goals and we are hopeful that Kansas businesses will take advantage.”

The new program provides companies with a reimbursement for 50% of eligible direct expenses up to $10,000 per fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Eligible businesses are companies with their headquarters located in Kansas whose products or services originated in the state, or with products that received substantial value-added processing in Kansas.

“Applications and paperwork are inevitable in any grant process, but we’re grateful to Kansas Commerce for their initiative to simplify the programs,” Sam Billen of Primary Color Music, LLC said. “We expect to continue using K-GLOBE and hopeful that many other Kansas-based businesses will take advantage of these resources.”

For more information about K-GLOBE, 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.

Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on November 14

 

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

 

November 14, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 11/7/2024
  1. Casey Brown-SEKCAP Transportation Funding Request
  2. 9:15-James Krstolich-Ideatek Broadband Letter of Support
  3. 9:30-Tara Albin0Cox Broadband Letter of Support
  • Jennifer Hawkins-Holiday Dinner
  • Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
  1. Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
  2. Commission Comments
  3. 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.

 

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Opens Early in Kansas

 

DCF Will Begin Taking Applications Nov. 18

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has announced that Kansans needing assistance with winter energy bills will be able to begin applying for its Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Monday, Nov. 18. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 31, 2025.

“Kansas winters can be harsh and unpredictable. When temperatures fall, heating bills rise. By opening the LIEAP application period in mid-November, we’re hoping families will have the help they need to cover those higher heating bills and stay warm in their homes,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard.

LIEAP provides a one-time per year benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating costs, whether the home is heated with electricity, natural gas, propane, or other home heating fuels. In 2024, over 40,000 Kansas households received an average benefit of $645.

To qualify, households must have an adult at the address responsible for the home’s heating costs. Applicants must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The level of benefit received varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel, and utility rates.

DCF and partnering energy companies are planning in-person events to help Kansans submit their LIEAP applications. For a schedule of in-person LIEAP application events, visit dcf.ks.gov. Kansans applying for LIEAP should have with them their identification, proof of income for all adult household members, copies of heating utility bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.), and a copy of their rental agreement if living in subsidized housing (a complete list of required information can be found in the FAQ document). Partnering energy companies, Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy, Evergy, Kansas Gas Services, and Midwest Energy, may attend LIEAP application events in their service areas.

Applications can be accessed online at dcf.ks.gov​ by clicking the “Apply for Services” button on the top right side of the website. LIEAP applications will be accepted beginning Nov. 18 until 5 p.m. March 31, 2025.

2025 Income Eligibility Guidelines

 Persons Living at the Address 

 Maximum Gross Monthly Income 

  1

  $1,882.50

  2

  $2,555.00

  3

  $3,227.50

  4​

  $3,900.00

​  5

  $4,572.50

  6​

  $5,245.00

  7​

  $5,917.50

  8​

  $6,590.00

  +1    $672.50 for each additional person

Learn more about LIEAP​ in Kansas, including frequently asked questions, other community resources, and the complete schedule of LIEAP application events. Funding for LIEAP is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

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The Kansas Department for Children and Families’ (DCF) mission is to protect children, strengthen families, and promote adult self-sufficiency. DCF’s more than 35 service centers across the state offer a wide range of support services, including food, utility, child care assistance, child support services, and employment education and training. DCF also partners with grantees to provide foster care services to children, including case planning, placement, life skills, and foster parent recruitment and training. DCF partners with organizations, communities, and other agencies to support families, children, and vulnerable adults, connecting them with resources, supports, and networks in their home communities.

City of Fort Scott Agenda For Special Meeting on Nov. 12

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

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

November 12, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.

 

  1.     Call to Order

 

  1.     Roll Call

Tim VanHoecke,   Matthew Wells,   Dyllon Olson,   Kathryn  Salsbury,  Tracy Dancer

 

III.       Pledge of Allegiance

 

  1. Invocation

 

  1. Approval of Agenda

 

  1. Public CommentSign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

VII.      Unfinished Business

 

  1. Request to Pay – Project No. 24-414 – Horton St. & 6th Street Improvements – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Application for Payment No. 4$402,686.80 – Tabled from Nov. 5, 2024.
  2. Consideration of Bids for WWTP Maintenance and Installation Services – S. Flater                                    Removed from November 5, 2024, agenda.                 

      

VIII.    Reports and Comments        

 

 

  1. Adjourn

Agenda for the USD234 Board of Education on November 11

 

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

November 11, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY

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. 10/14/2024
    1. 4:00 PM
    2. 5:30 PM

            4.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – October 18,  2024 – $1,693,306.83

4.5       Activity Funds Accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts

4.7       Zero Reasons Why Fundraising

4.8       Orchestra Fundraising

5.0       Employee Recognitions

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       FSHS Update & Report                              

 

7.0       Old Business

7.1       District Values & Goals (Action Item)

8.0       New Business

            8.1       Pre-Employment Drug Screening (Discussion)

8.2       Winfield Scott Chilled Water Line Insulation Project (Action)

            8.3       Middle School Boiler Retubing Project (Action)

8.2       District Health Insurance Recommendation (Action)

 

9.0       Public Forum

10.0     Other Business –

 

10.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

10.2     Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)

10.3     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)        

 

11.0     Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)            David Stewart, President

Agenda for Uniontown City Council Meeting on Nov. 12

City of Uniontown will meet for a council  meeting on November 12 at 7 p.m. in City Hall.

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of October 8, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Siren maintenance agreement

2025-2026 Projected Gas Schedule

KMGA prepay project

Progress on warehouse

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball court project –

 

Streets/FEMA –

 

Sale of Property –

 

SEED Grant –

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Motion by _____________, Second by  __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on October 10

The Regular Council Meeting on October 10, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Christina Miller, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

none

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the September 2024 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $293,284.75, Receipts $26,524.95, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $43,856.83, Checking Account Closing Balance $272,926.87. Bank Statement Balance $277,322.90, including Checking Account Interest of $58.90, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $4,396.03, Reconciled Balance $272,926.87.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,624.74, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,491.62, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,426.41, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $371,469.64. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $526.69, and Utility CDs $1,443.93 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,970.62.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of September 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  September 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 Loss for the month of September $20,357.88, Year-to-Date Net Income $37,447.67.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $85,303.47 (69.1%), Expenditures $91,153.26 (56.1%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $26,081.71 (70.6%), Expenditures $22,478.11 (53.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $96,558.19 (65.9%), Expenditures $82,294.82 (46.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $159,408.25 (81.5%), Expenditures $145.554.58 (47.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,120.92 (84.2%), Expenditures $7,183.05 (70.0%).  The October 2024 payables to date in the amount of $23,176.99 were presented.  The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Johnson-Schowengerdt, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of September 10, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and September 18, 2024 Special Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan reported that 405 Hill St sold, utilities will not be turned on until new sewer and/or gas service lines have been installed.  He spoke to owner of 107 S Washington.  They will be demolition the structure.  He requested a “Mow Your Grass” door posting for 406 Fulton.  He also sent a letter to 303 Washington regarding dogs at large.  He will not be checking for ordinance violations through the winter.  He will be back in attendance at the April 2025 meeting.

 

City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.

 

Clerk Johnson presented a proposal from TextMyGov.  After discussion, Council decided not to take action at this time.

She informed Council of an educational opportunity for the new clerk and provided information about .gov websites and email addresses

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – Trunk or Treat will be on October 31.  Council directed Clerk Johnson to provide candy to FFA.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Mary Pemberton reported will try to get fence up in next few weeks.

 

Streets/FEMA – Mayor Jurgensen reported that a site inspection was conducted by FEMA on drainage ditch.  Clerk Johnson reported that Janelle Phillips with KDA/DWR was notified of culverts that we wish to increase in size.  No permitting is needed at this time.

An email was received from Bill Delich, Bettis Asphalt, that they will be here as soon as they complete work on US 54 late this week or early next week.  The S Washington extension will need prepped before they come.  Quotes were received from Marbery Concrete, Inc ($1,375) and Bloesser Outdoor Services ($750).

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to accept quote from Bloesser Outdoor Services

 

Sale of property – No comments were received.  Union State Bank has offered $1,000 and pay all closing costs to purchase the west 70’ of Lot 56, Block 7, Uniontown.

 

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2024-1008-1 to sell the west 70’ of Lot 56, Block 7, City of Uniontown as is by accepting offer of $1,000 plus all closing costs

 

NEW BUSINESS

SEED Grant – We can apply for a $10,000 to $25,000 grant to make improvements to the library/clerk’s office/park amenities.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to apply for grant.

 

Councilman Ervin will write the grant with the assistance of Clerk Johnson.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to hire Christina Miller to replace Clerk Johnson

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 8:07

 

Open meeting resumed at 8:07.  No action from executive session.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:08PM

 

City of Fort Scott Design Review Advisory Board Meeting

 

 

When: November 12th, 2024

Time: 4:00 pm

Location: City Hall

Topic for discussion:

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness for 24 S. National Ave. in Fort Scott submitted for consideration.

 

The meeting is open to the public and the recording is available to watch on YouTube after the meeting is held.

 

Submitted by

Mary Wyatt

Planning, Housing, & Business Development Director

City of Fort Scott

Governor Kelly Announces Commutations, Pardons

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that she granted clemency to seven individuals by commuting the sentences of two incarcerated individuals and granting pardons to five individuals, all of whom show strong signs of rehabilitation. The decision to grant the commutations and pardons was made following independent reviews by the Prison Review Board, the Kansas Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team.

“Granting commutations and pardons is not something I take lightly,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By vetting numerous applications through a careful and thorough process, it was determined that these individuals have demonstrated their commitment to making amends and positively contributing to society. In cases where a disproportionally harsh sentence is imposed or a miscarriage of justice exists, commutation can be a tool to ensure reasonable action and a fairer sentence. In extraordinary cases where the criminal justice system failed to account for mitigating factors surrounding an individual’s alleged crime throughout the legal process, including sentencing, commutations can give a second chance to individuals experiencing incomprehensible circumstances at the time of their offense.”

Governor Kelly took into consideration numerous factors to determine if the commutations and pardons were warranted, including but not limited to: the nature of the offense, harsh sentences, impact of the crime on victims or survivors, demonstration of rehabilitation, criminal history, absence of disciplinary issues in prison, positive achievements and growth while incarcerated, and the ability to contribute to society following release.

Article 1, Section 7 of the Kansas Constitution and K.S.A. § 22-3701 grants the Governor’s authority to grant clemency. Below, please find the list of individuals receiving commutations and pardons:

Jose Arellano, pardon

Deshaun Durham, commutation

Stephen Gontz, pardon

Jeffrey Gronewaller, pardon

Lauren Holle, commutation

James Valentine, pardon

Scottie Way, pardon

Review of clemency applications by the Governor is ongoing, and there is no set timeline for review. By law, clemency applications in Kansas must be submitted to the Prisoner Review Board and notice of an individual’s application for clemency must be published in the county newspaper where the crime was committed. The Board reviews all applications before forwarding them for further review. Additional information about the process can be found at the Board’s website: https://www.doc.ks.gov/prb

The Governor’s Office encourages victims and survivors to reach out to the Office of Victim Services, which provides confidential support and information to victims, survivors, or witnesses of a crime. Information can be found here or by phone at 866-404-6732.

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DCF Fort Scott Service Center Moves to 10 S. National, Opens on November 12

DCF Moves Fort Scott Service Center to New Building
Building Opens Nov. 12, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Planned for Nov. 19

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is moving its Fort Scott Service Center to a new office building. The new location, 10 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, will open to the public Nov. 12.

The new building is a modern workspace designed with comfort and convenience in mind for DCF employees and clients.

The central location provides convenient access to residents in Fort Scott and the surrounding area.

About 29 staff members will be based out of this office. DCF is leasing the building through SilverRock Ventures, LLC, based out of
Junction City.

Phone and fax numbers for the Fort Scott Service Center will remain the same and are being transferred to the new location.

DCF will continue doing business at its current location at the Fort Scott Professional Building, 710 W. Eighth St., through
Thursday, Nov. 7.

Both locations will be closed to the public Friday, Nov. 8, as staff complete the move process. Clients can still call the local
phone number, fax, and use the drop box at the Eighth Street location through Friday.

DCF offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. The new office will open for business
Tuesday, Nov. 12.

DCF will celebrate the opening of the new location with a ribbon-cutting event Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 2-4 p.m. The celebration is open to the public and will include remarks from DCF Secretary Laura Howard and a ribbon-cutting followed by refreshments and guided tours. The service center will remain open for business during the event.

“We are excited to celebrate the grand opening of our new Fort Scott Service Center. While our previous office served us
well, this new location puts us back in the heart of downtown Fort Scott and provides additional safety and comfort for
our staff and clients,” Howard said.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
When: Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 2-4 p.m.
Where: 10 S. National Ave., Fort Scott
What: Remarks from Secretary Laura Howard, ribbon cutting, refreshments and guided tours

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Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on Nov. 7

 

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

 

November 7, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/31/2024
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $442,955.86
    3. Approval of Payroll Totaling $306,687.17
  1. Casey Brown-SEKCAP Transportation
  2. Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(6)
  3. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  4. KWORCC Voting Delegate
  5. Election Update
  • 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.

Accounts Payable 11-1-2024d

Payroll 11-1-2024