There will not be a Bourbon County Commission Meeting held on Monday, July 3, 2023.
The Courthouse and Transfer Station will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day
There will not be a Bourbon County Commission Meeting held on Monday, July 3, 2023.
The Courthouse and Transfer Station will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 235
UNIONTOWN, KANSAS
SPECIAL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Friday, June 30, 2023
7:00 a.m.
AGENDA
III. Action Items:
Next regular board meeting date is Monday July 10, 2023 at 7:30.
June 19, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present at the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Teri Hulsey, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, and Deb McCoy were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes the approval of minutes from 6/12/2023, approval of payroll totaling $337,222.05, and approval of accounts payable totaling $433,607.15. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to move Susan Bancroft and the discussion of the HRSA notice before the department updates sections. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Susan Bancroft, CFO, informed the Commission that a notice was received Friday from the Department of Health and Human Services regarding the first payment of Cares Act funding for EMS. The payment was issued with the stipulation that the county had to make application and do reporting. The reporting was never completed and Susan was unable to obtain an extension since the reporting cutoff was in 2021. Susan said Jody was the initial contact, and is unsure where the letters went from the time she left until Jennifer received the final notice letter. Jennifer and Susan looked unsuccessfully through files over the weekend for documentation regarding the funding. Since the cutoff period has passed with the county’s obligations not met, we will have to pay back more than $38,000 plus penalty which started assessing as of May 28, 2023 unless Susan can get a grievance. Nelson questioned why we never received notices, and Susan said it was due to turnover. Susan stated we need to have a county contact with a general email address so when people leave, we are still in touch and receiving all the information we need. Clifton said that by state statute the County Clerk is the County Commissioners secretary so he feels she should be a contact, and Jim agreed. Justin said there should be at least two contacts and recommended the Treasurer, Chairman, and CFO. Jim made a motion to allow Susan to file a grievance so we won’t have to pay back the funding. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved.
Dustin Hall, Assistant Public Works Director, gave and update and thanked the First Church of the Nazarene who provided an appreciation breakfast for the public works crew this morning. The asphalting on Valley Road has been completed and they will now be heading south on 245th Street to Soldier Road. Dustin reported there was a delay in receiving asphalt oil that is being delivered from Oklahoma due to the storms they received over the weekend. Dustin gave an update on noxious weed chemicals stating the 160-acre maximum per person per chemical has been re-instated and a chemical order was placed and will arrive Friday. Clifton questioned the 160-acre maximum stating individuals should be spot spraying to eradicate noxious weed not spraying entire pastures. Clifton said when he purchased chemical from the county in the past you had to pay for the chemical that day. Clifton also questioned why we are providing so many types of chemicals and that he feels we are subsidizing people with county tax dollars and that is infuriating to him. Jim suggested putting reasonable limits on what we sell. Nelson brought up the voucher program that Linn County uses, however Dustin said he fears it would cost the county more money to do. Dustin asked for permission to go out for bid on a mini-excavator and trailer for the bridge crew and road graders. Dustin discussed the equipment replacement plan that Public Works has and how they plan to get on a schedule so they can replace equipment while it still has some trade-in value. Jim told Dustin to check fuel consumption on the road graders as they bid because an additional four gallons per hour over five years would result in substantial savings for the county. Nelson clarified that Dustin was just going out for bid at this time and not actually buying equipment, which Dustin confirmed. Jim expressed his concern about not having the mowers out mowing the ditches. Dustin updated the Commissioners on parts they have ordered and are still waiting for to fix one of the mowers. Nelson asked Dustin where they were on dust control. Dustin stated the truck is tied up asphalting now and they are waiting for a final number of participants this year so they can spray the dust control between asphalting projects. Dustin said the price to participate is $1.75 per linear foot again this year with a minimum of 300 feet. Nelson said he was contacted by USD 235 who received a grant to rebuild their walking trail and it was questioned if the county would help remove the old trail. Dustin said if the Commission gave the approval, then they would make it happen.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented Gary Hall’s fence viewing application again to try to set up a time with the Commissioners to attend a viewing. Clifton called Gary who after discussion over times said he would try to figure out a time for the following week and let the Commission know.
Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, handed out quotes for repairs to one of the ambulances. Dustin said the ambulance had been previously sent out to a company for repairs, and Teri said she doesn’t think it had been in service one week since it was picked up from the company. Dustin said they have had a hard time finding companies to do the repairs in our area and were looking for some in the Kansas City area. Another ambulance is needing repairs and Dustin had a quote for $29,000 but he felt it was high and will be getting quotes from the additional companies in the Kansas City area. Dustin suggested the Commission consider purchasing a new ambulance since they are three years out on delivery dates. Teri said the company they purchased the last ambulance from will work with us to order now and set up payment options so that we comply with cash basis law.
Susan Bancroft requested a 10-minute executive session. Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. The executive session will include the three Commissioners, Susan Bancroft, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:29. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:29 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. The executive session will include the three Commissioners, Susan Bancroft, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:40. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:40 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
During the public comments section Clint Walker discussed noxious weeds and how they can build up resistance to chemicals if sprayed with them over and over.
During the Commission comments Clifton explained he had over 35 years of experience farming over 3,000 acres and he knows about noxious weeds. Jim asked Justin Meeks, County Counselor, why the Commission were going to a fence viewing if the fence was already built. Justin explained they have to go in an open meeting to view the fence to determine who all pays for the fence. Jim also asked about having a meeting on the night of July 3rd since most fireworks shows will be held that night. Jim made a motion to not hold a meeting on the night of July 3rd. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. Justin asked if the Commission will be holding meetings in Redfield or Bronson. After discussion it was determined to hold a meeting in Redfield on June 26, no meeting on July 3, be back in Fort Scott on July 10 and possibly hold a meeting in Bronson on July 17.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:48. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Approved 6-26-2023
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
_______________, Approved Date
Introducing Legislation to Improve the VA
This week, I introduced the Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act. This legislation would strengthen the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) authority to hold bad employees accountable and put the interests of our veterans first. I was joined by my colleagues, Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), in introducing this important bill in the Senate and by Congressman Mike Bost (R-IL), the chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, who introduced it in the House of Representatives.
While the vast majority of VA employees work every day to do what’s best for veterans and their families, we have seen time and time again instances of veterans who are harmed by the bad actions of certain poor-performing VA staff. That is why, in 2017, Congress passed a bill I supported, the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, to give the VA the ability to break through the bureaucracy and hold employees accountable. Unfortunately, recent decisions from the Federal Circuit, the Federal Labor Relations Authority and the Merit Systems Protection Board rendered the 2017 law unusable for most VA staff. The VA must be able to act quickly and fairly to right the wrongs of bad actors in the VA’s workforce so veterans can have confidence in the health care and benefits that the VA provides and VA employees can have a safe, well-functioning workplace. The Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act would reaffirm the intent of the 2017 law, increase accountability for hundreds of thousands of VA staff across the country and – most importantly – put our nation’s veterans first. Like the 2017 law, the Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act is supported by leading veteran and military service organizations. I look forward to working with them and my colleagues to send this bill to the President’s desk as quickly as possible.
You can read more from Military Times here.
Promoting the Air Capital of the World
Kansas has a rich history of aviation and manufacturing with a culture of innovation. Over the past several years, the state has seen a significant amount of new business and expanded opportunities for the companies that currently call Kansas home. As we build on these successes, I was pleased to work alongside the Greater Wichita Partnership and Wichita State University to lead the largest Kansas delegation ever to this year’s Paris Air Show, offering the ideal opportunity to share with the world Kansas’ capabilities in aviation, space and national defense.
This year’s aviation and defense forum offered the opportunity to meet with government and business leaders from around the world and to discuss current and future partnerships to bring new business to Kansas.
Promoting U.S. Capabilities in Aerospace & Defense
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H) and I joined Bloomberg Markets live from the air show to the importance of the U.S. aviation and defense industry. You can watch the full interview here.
Meeting with President Macron
I also took the opportunity to urge our NATO allies, specifically France, to remain united in our shared support for Ukraine. I met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss Putin’s unjust invasion of Ukraine and the implications the outcome of this war will have on the security of Europe and the Western Pacific. It is vital NATO allies are united behind Ukraine, and we reaffirmed to President Macron our resolve and long-term commitment to help Ukraine not just survive, but to win. It is an honor to represent Kansas’ aviation and manufacturing capabilities on the international stage, as well as our nation’s resolve in assisting Ukraine.
The U.S. Must Project Strength When Dealing with China
Over the weekend, I joined Neil Cavuto on Fox News to discuss Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to China and need to project strength when dealing with China. You can watch the full interview here.
Writing to WSJ Journalist Evan Gershkovich
This week, I joined 30 of my Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Evan Gershkovich, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal who has been wrongfully detained by Russia since March. We expressed our anger over his current circumstances and pledged our support in advocating for his release and the release of Paul Whelan, who has been held unjustly in a Russian jail since 2018. When I met with President Emmanuel Macron of France in Paris, I worked to secure his commitment to work with the United States to bring our fellow citizens home. I hope this letter provides Evan some comfort and demonstrates the importance my colleagues and I place on securing his freedom.
One Year Since Supreme Court Ruling on Roe v. Wade
“It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives.” – Justice Alito, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
Saturday marked one year since the Supreme Court of the United States struck down Roe v. Wade and ended nearly 50 years of widespread legalized abortion. In the year since this ruling, numerous states have passed laws to restrict abortion and save unborn lives. This ruling has paved the way for states to use their authority to pass laws based on the people they represent. The American people now have the opportunity to make their voices heard through their representatives and the legislative process to pass laws that protect the unborn and support their mothers.
Introducing Commissioner Starks to Commerce Committee
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plays an important role as the primary regulator of the communications industry, and it is important that the right people are selected for its leadership. On Thursday, I questioned three FCC nominees about the role they believe the FCC should play in regulating broadband, access to broadband and securing Americans’ data. The expansion of broadband to Americans currently without access is vital for the economic success of rural parts of the U.S., which is most often where there is no broadband access. But the growth of internet applications has created new pathways for foreign adversaries to siphon off Americans’ personal and sensitive data, creating a national security risk. Congress and federal agencies, like the FCC, must counter this threat. I have introduced legislation to protect American data online and to provide the government the tools necessary to stop entities controlled by foreign adversaries from collecting such data. If these nominees are confirmed, I look forward to working with them to address this issue.
During the hearing, I was pleased to again introduce Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, a native of Leawood, to the committee. I first introduced Commissioner Starks in 2018, when he was nominated for the FCC by President Trump. One of the most important qualifications for an FCC Commissioner to me is the ability to work in a bipartisan, productive manner. Commissioner Starks has experience working on bipartisan issues like broadband access and network security, and I expect this would continue if he were confirmed. It is also important to me that Kansas is well represented in federal institutions, and I appreciate Commissioner Starks bringing Kansas values to the table at the FCC.
Questioning Amtrak Board Nominees During Commerce Hearing
On Wednesday, the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation held a hearing to consider nominations to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), as well as the Amtrak Board of Directors. When President Biden nominated his slate of directors, he did not comply with a provision in the 2021 Surface Transportation Reauthorization I authored, which requires at least four of the eight Amtrak board members to reside in or near regions of the United States that are geographically distributed outside the Northeast Corridor.
During the hearing, I spoke on the importance of a geographically diverse Board of Directors – not dominated by one particular region of the country – and the correct implementation of the law. I have held a long-time interest in making certain that long-distance Amtrak is a priority of the board, even by amending the law to make clearer Amtrak’s value of the long-distance routes. I questioned the nominees on, if confirmed, what their commitment to long-distance service would entail. I strongly urge the President to rescind one of his nominees who resides in the Northeast Corridor and amend his slate to come into compliance with the law.
You can read more from the Hutch Post here.
You can watch my remarks here.
Meeting with Kansans
Congressional Award Gold Medalists
On Wednesday, I met with Kyanne Carlgren and Amara Patel of Leawood to congratulate them on receiving the Congressional Award Gold Medal for their outstanding achievements. The Congressional Award aims to recognize excellence in young people by examining four areas of achievement: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition.
Over the course of two years, each awardee completed more than 400 hours of community service, dedicated 200 hours to a personal development activity, 200 hours to physical fitness and completed a 5-day, 4-night expedition. I commend Kyanne and Amara for their incredible accomplishments and selfless work on behalf of others. I was pleased to have the opportunity to congratulate them and their families.
Electric Cooperative Youth Tour
On Thursday, I met with Kansas students from the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, an organization which has brought high school students to Washington, D.C., for a week in June every year since the late 1950s. Nearly 50,000 students from rural areas and small towns across America have participated in this program. Students apply and are selected for this program by their local electric cooperative and more than 2,400 young people and their chaperones from 44 states participate in the Youth Tour each year. I am always impressed by these students from all across Kansas and enjoy the chance to visit with them each year. I am always encouraged by their commitment to learn about public service, government and preserving the Kansas way of life in our state.
National Association of Fixed Annuities Award Presentation
I met with members of the National Association of Fixed Annuities (NAFA) this week and was grateful to be presented with their Legislator of the Year Award. I introduced a Senate Resolution honoring June as National Annuities Awareness Month, recognizing the efforts of groups like NAFA to promote strong financial futures for Kansans. The investments made now in retirement planning stand to benefit generations of hard-working American families, and I will continue to advocate for responsible federal retirement legislation that maintains state-based jurisdiction.
Madison Coyne of Overland Park
On Thursday, I visited with Madison Coyne of Overland Park, a high school student who served as one of my Senate pages over the summer. I received many compliments from my colleagues who noticed her dedication and hard work during her time serving as a Senate page, and I am grateful to Madison for her time spent serving in our nation’s capital.
Visiting with DEA Fellow Brian Hutchison and Family
This week, I visited with the family of my Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Congressional Fellow Brian Hutchison. During our meeting, I expressed my thanks to his wife Amber and their three children, Caden, Conner, and Charlie, for supporting Brian in the work he does to support our law enforcement. His experience with the DEA provides valuable insight into my work to make certain the men and women in law enforcement have the tools they need to perform their duties. I am grateful to Brian and his family for their sacrifices and heart for public service.
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today announced a formal opinion that provides guidance on the Women’s Bill of Rights, which becomes law on July 1. He was flanked by state Sen. Renee Erickson, Reps. Tory-Marie Blew, and Barb Wasinger, and the Kansas Solicitor General Anthony Powell.
The Women’s Bill of Rights codifies a legal definition of “woman” in state statute. Erickson, Blew, and Wasinger helped carry the Women’s Bill of Rights legislation, SB 180,
The Attorney General opinion requires the Kansas Department of Revenue to list individuals’ biological sex at birth on driver’s licenses. It requires the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to list a person’s biological sex at birth on birth certificates, and it requires that only biological females be housed in a specific portion of the Topeka Correctional Facility.
“State records must be accurate and reflect the truth as defined in state law. A birth certificate is a record of what happened at the moment a baby came out of the womb. That baby weighed a specific amount and was a specific sex,” Kobach said. “Similarly, a driver’s license is a state document reflecting a state database for state purposes. It is not a canvas on which a person can paint one’s expression and preferences.”
Erickson said “The truth matters. You can choose whatever name you want. You can present yourself however you want, but state records reflect the truth.”
Wasinger said, “Women are being erased in the record books. Women need the protection of Title IX, and we need the protection of SB 180.”
Blew said, “It is bizarre that this is controversial, and for most Kansans, it is not. For most of human history, everyone understood the difference between a man and a woman.”
The Attorney General’s Office notified the state departments of revenue, health and environment and corrections prior to the press conference. Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed SB 180, but lawmakers overrode her veto.
“Just as I must defend every Kansas law whether I agree with it or not, the governor must execute the law whether she agrees with it or not,” Kobach said. “We expect the Governor’s office and her agencies to conform to the law.”
Read the formal opinion here.
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION SPECIAL MEETING
JUNE 27, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 Call Meeting to Order Danny Brown, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 New Business
3.1 High School Science Resources (Action Item)
3.2 Preschool Resource Frog Street Purchase (Action Item)
3.3 KERMP Property, Casualty, Auto Insurance Renewal (Action Item)
3.4 Laptop Storage & Supply (Action Item)
3.5 Year-End Review and Approval of Transfers (Action Item)
4.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
4.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
4.2 Exit Executive Session
4.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
5.0 Adjourn Meeting
President Brown
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has been awarded a $6.46 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program.
The purpose of the RFSI program is to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems by creating new revenue streams for Kansas producers. Funds will support expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products excluding meat and poultry. This program is intended to provide similar support to other programs which provided USDA funding for meat and poultry processing, but this program is focused on sectors other than meat and poultry.
KDA will work in partnership with USDA to make competitive sub-award infrastructure grants to Kansas food and farm businesses and other eligible entities, including nonprofit organizations, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools and hospitals.
KDA is soliciting feedback from interested parties to identify funding priorities. Two listening sessions will be held on July 6, 2023, to gather input. There is also an online public comment form available. For more information, visit agriculture.ks.gov/RFSI or contact Brittney Grother, KDA grants coordinator, at [email protected] or 785-564-6797.
The vision of the Kansas Department of Agriculture is to provide an ideal environment for long term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. The agency will achieve this by advocating for sectors at all levels and providing industry outreach.
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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
1st District Commissioner
2nd District Commissioner
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Redfield Community Center
June 26, 2023, 5:30 PM
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 Kan. – Celebrate American independence with the sounds of cannon fire and immersion in America’s history while honoring the service men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation.
On Saturday and Sunday, July 1st and 2nd, we will fire artillery, host interpretive programs/discussions addressing the differences between officers and enlisted men, lead Fort tours, and play historic games. Join Ranger Jessica for a nature walk on Saturday and Tuesday. The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc. will be serving free ice cream at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
On Tuesday July 4th, black powder programs will continue with artillery demonstrations and a special program/discussion on the meanings of the Declaration of Independence.
SATURDAY, JULY 1
9 a.m. – Tallgrass Prairie Walk
10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration
11:30 a.m. – Homemade Ice Cream (Friends of Fort Scott NHS, Inc.)
Noon – Historic Games
1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration
3 p.m. – Rank has Privileges: Interpretive Discussion
SUNDAY, JULY 2
10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration
Noon – Historic Games
1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration
3 p.m. – Rank has Privileges: Interpretive Discussion
TUESDAY, JULY 4
10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration
Noon – Tallgrass Prairie Walk
1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration
3 p.m. – We Hold These Truths: Meanings of the Declaration of Independence Discussion
4 p.m. – Flag Retreat
Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
-NPS-
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
1st District Commissioner
2nd District Commissioner
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Redfield Community Center
June 26, 2023, 5:30 PM
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.
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin mill and overlay projects on K-39 and U.S. 59 in Neosho County the week of June 26.
The adjoining projects start on K-39 east of Chanute and continue east and north for 15 miles, ending at the Neosho-Allen county line. The contractor plans to begin at the county line and work westward.
Flaggers and a pilot car operation will guide one-lane traffic through the work zone during daylight hours. Expect delays of 15 minutes or less. The road work should be finished by August, weather permitting.
KDOT awarded the construction contract of $4.6 million to Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka. Check KDOT’s traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Doug Pulliam at KDOT-Pittsburg, (620) 235-9523, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
Nominations Now Open for 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The popular annual awards program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make to their communities and to the Kansas economy.
This year’s banquet and award ceremony will be held October 12th at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center in Wichita.
“It is important to celebrate the successes of Kansas companies and businesspeople who not only are driving the state economy but uplifting their local communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “To The Stars recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit and achievement that are on display daily throughout our great state. I would encourage everyone to nominate a company or individual for this notable honor.”
Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following categories:
AgriBusiness – companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
Business Innovation – companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
Healthcare/Nonprofit – noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
Manufacturing/Distribution – outstanding achievement for companies large and small involved in manufacturing and distribution
Non-Traditional Talent Pools – companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
Retail/Service – exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
Under 30 Entrepreneurs – young entrepreneurs achieving business success under the age of 30
Welcome Back – entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State
The Department of Commerce also will announce both the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner and the 2023 Exporter of the Year during the banquet and awards ceremony.
“There is no shortage of success stories in Kansas communities large and small,” Commerce Assistant Secretary of Business Development Nadira Hazim-Patrick said. “Spotlighting the best of the best is what To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards is all about.”
To learn more about To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards award categories, view past winners and to nominate a busiNominations Now Open for 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The popular annual awards program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make to their communities and to the Kansas economy.
This year’s banquet and award ceremony will be held October 12th at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center in Wichita.
“It is important to celebrate the successes of Kansas companies and businesspeople who not only are driving the state economy but uplifting their local communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “To The Stars recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit and achievement that are on display daily throughout our great state. I would encourage everyone to nominate a company or individual for this notable honor.”
Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following categories:
AgriBusiness – companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
Business Innovation – companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
Healthcare/Nonprofit – noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
Manufacturing/Distribution – outstanding achievement for companies large and small involved in manufacturing and distribution
Non-Traditional Talent Pools – companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
Retail/Service – exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
Under 30 Entrepreneurs – young entrepreneurs achieving business success under the age of 30
Welcome Back – entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State
The Department of Commerce also will announce both the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner and the 2023 Exporter of the Year during the banquet and awards ceremony.
“There is no shortage of success stories in Kansas communities large and small,” Commerce Assistant Secretary of Business Development Nadira Hazim-Patrick said. “Spotlighting the best of the best is what To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards is all about.”
To learn more about To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards award categories, view past winners and to nominate a business or businessperson, including your own, click here. The nominations portal will accept nominations through July 20.
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.
###ness or businessperson, including your own, click here. The nominations portal will accept nominations through July 20.
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.
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