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Category Archives: Government
FS Golf Advisory Board Meets at City Hall on Feb. 3
Interim City Manager, Brad Matkin, has changed the location of the GOLF ADVISORY BOARD MEETING to CITY HALL (123 S. Main St.) in the Commission Room. This will allow for it to be available to citizens to view on the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel.
The meeting date and time remain the same. It will be Friday, February 3rd at 12:00PM.
Initiative For Expanding Employment for People with Disabilities
Kansas 1 of 10 “Core” States Selected to Participate in Initiative to Expand Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced today that Kansas is 1 of only 10 states and the District of Columbia selected by the U.S Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) to participate as a “core state” for its National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network initiative (NEON).
NEON is a technical assistance initiative that advances collaboration with national provider organizations (NPOs) to develop strategic plans for increasing competitive integrated employment (CIE) opportunities for the individuals they serve, including those with significant disabilities and those who have faced barriers to employment. Until now, NEON has focused primarily on advancing CIE by offering national provider organizations technical assistance from recognized subject matter experts and support for local provider organizations. By expanding participation to core states, NEON seeks to focus on promoting positive changes in state-level policies and systems.
“KDADS is honored to be selected as a participant in this initiative designed to make employment a reality for more people with disabilities,” KDADS Secretary Howard said. “We are committed to making competitive, integrated employment a priority and implementing a strategic plan that supports effective practices and promotes healthier workplace equality.”
Competitive integrated employment (CIE) is defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis for which an individual is:
- Compensated at or above minimum wage and comparable to the customary rate paid by the employer to employees without disabilities performing similar duties and with similar training and experience;
- Receiving the same level of benefits provided to other employees without disabilities in similar positions;
- At a location where the employee interacts with other individuals without disabilities; and
- Presented opportunities for advancement similar to other employees without disabilities in similar positions.
Kansas’s participation in this initiative will help KDADS connect to consulting, capacity building support and ongoing mentoring as we seek to increase CIE for individuals with disabilities in the state.
Kansas has been designated to receive 100 hours of technical assistance from subject matter experts to be used by August 31, 2023, based on the state’s goals and needs with additional hours available as needed and approved by ODEP. This can include blending, braiding, and sequencing of funding, strategic planning, and data collection and analysis. KDADS will begin holding monthly stakeholder meetings to gather input.
Expectations for core states as set forth by NEON include a scope of work that includes the opportunity to work with a maximum of four subject matter experts (SMEs) who will provide virtual and onsite training, technical assistance and policy consulting to include:
- One-on-One (1:1) Policy Consulting: Individualized support in accomplishing 1-3 policy-specific outcomes to assist the state in developing or implementing technical assistance objectives with the alignment of policies, practices, and funding to support the state’s initiative to enact Employment First principles, assist providers in transforming their business model, and advance NEON’s National Plan to Increase CIE.
- Capacity Building Assistance/Training in Effective Practices: A combination of in-person and virtual capacity building assistance and training which will result in the accomplishment of 2-5 major outcomes that align with ODEP’s Criteria for Performance Excellence in Employment First State Systems Change and Provider Transformation.
In addition to the policy support described above, each NEON Core State will also have access to and be expected to engage in all ODEP’s National Employment First Community of Practice (CoP) activities, including but not limited to: monthly training webinars, a virtual policy platform, national inventory of resources to help providers achieve increased CIE, and timely updates from Federal officials on new policy developments and funding opportunities to support state NEON efforts.
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FS Parks Advisory Board Has Opening For a Member
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The function of the Fort Scott Parks Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding all the parks within the City of Fort Scott. All boards and commissions of Fort Scott serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you have a desire to serve on this board, please submit a Letter of Interest to the City Clerk, Lisa Lewis, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 or [email protected]. The names and letters will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission. Please submit your letter of interest by 4:00 PM on March 3rd, 2023.
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Kansas Education Enrichment Program to Open for Applications February 22
Governor Kelly Announces Program to Provide $1,000 per Student to Qualifying Families to Promote Learning Recovery
TOPEKA – As Kansas students continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Laura Kelly announced today the creation of the Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP), which will provide qualifying parents and guardians with a one-time $1,000 award per child to pay for educational goods and services such as tutoring and school supplies. KEEP will open for application on February 22. Kansas businesses that provide educational materials or services are urged to join the KEEP Marketplace.
“With KEEP, we’re enabling Kansas students to access the resources and support they need to thrive in the classroom. I look forward to families being able to access these funds soon,” said Governor Kelly. “In the meantime, I am calling on all Kansas businesses that provide education services to join the KEEP Marketplace and help our students live up to their highest potential.”
Students whose household income is less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines will be eligible for KEEP funds.
KEEP funds will be able to be used on enrichment and educational activities including:
- The purchase of curriculum and educational materials, including school supplies and certain allowed technological devices
- Camps with academic-related curriculum such as music, arts, science, technology, agriculture, mathematics, and engineering
- Tutoring
- Language classes
- Musical instruments and lessons
The funds will not be eligible for private school tuition.
Parents and guardians may select enrichment and educational activities from approved service providers via the online KEEP Marketplace or request that a service provider be approved and added to the statewide directory.
Businesses that offer educational opportunities and services are encouraged to join the KEEP Marketplace to assist families and students. Businesses interested in becoming a provider on the KEEP Marketplace can apply to become a Qualified Education Service Provider on the program website: www.keep.ks.gov.
More information on how families can apply for, access, and use their funds is forthcoming and will be available in February when the KEEP application launches.
KEEP is being offered through a contract between Merit International, Inc. and the Kansas Office of Recovery, with the goal of providing educational activities and learning opportunities to students across Kansas to promote educational learning recovery in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter
Happy Kansas Day!
On January 29, 1861, the great state of Kansas was founded. Each year, Kansans everywhere celebrate the history, ideals, people and natural beauty that make our state unique. Our history is marked by the events and people that have shaped us into the state we are now, and I am encouraged by the many Kansans who paved the way before us over the years. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the people of our state in the U.S. Senate and mindful of the many farmers, ranchers, teachers, entrepreneurs, parents and countless other unsung heroes who came before us.
Ad Astra Per Aspera. Happy birthday, Kansas!
Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter
2022 Kansas Birding Big Year Results, 2023 Contest
PRATT – The 2023 Kansas Birding Big Year Contest, hosted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), is officially underway! Participation is simple; record the number of unique bird species you see in Kansas from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2023 and submit your findings. You just might end up a 2023 Kansas Birding Big Year winner!
Participants of all skill levels are invited to compete in one of three age groups: Youth (age 17 and younger), adult (ages 18-64), or senior (age 65 and older). The winners from each category will receive prizes to be awarded in January 2024.
Participation Guidelines
- Participants must register online at ksoutdoors.com/Services/
Wildlife-Diversity/2023- Kansas-Birding-Big-Year on or before April 1 to participate in the 2023 contest. - Participants must read and abide by the set of rules governing the competition. These rules are adapted from the American Birding Association Recording Rules and Interpretations and include the Code of Birding Ethics. Breaking, or disregard for, these rules will result in disqualification.
- Participants must log their data into the online service, eBird, available on the Cornell University website, ebird.org. Each participant must create an individual profile, sign-in and password to begin submitting sightings.
- Participants must submit a running total list of observed species quarterly to the program coordinator to track progress and provide quality control. The program coordinator and competition committee have final say on list totals. Quarterly submission dates for the 2023 contest are: June 30, September 30 and December 31.
Winners will be recognized, and prizes awarded, in mid-January of the following calendar year. Award categories are as follows: Youth, Adult Novice, Adult Intermediate, Adult Advanced, and Senior.
The 2022 Kansas Birding Big Year Contest wrapped up in December 2022, with youth participant Franklin Miller claiming the title of “Kansas’ Top Birder” after identifying 322 unique bird species in the state last year.
The top winners from 2022 in each category are listed below.
Adult, Advanced
- Malcolm Gold – 315*
- Mark Nolen – 304*
- Jeff Calhoun – 250*
- Dan Broers – 246
- Chad Gardner – 228
Adult, Intermediate
- Seth Miller – 290*
- Juan Avena – 275*
- Corey Entriken – 267*
- Melissa Bruce – 265*
- Kelli Egbert – 219
Adult, Novice
- Ann Tanner – 183
- Krystal Sarcone – 83
- Timothy Tarkelly – 79
Youth
- Franklin Miller – 322*
- Hezekiah Swihart – 192
- Michaela Gold – 166
- Danielle Gold – 143
Senior
- Henry Armknecht – 289*
- Sue Newland – 270*
- Dan Larson – 215
- Marie Plinsky – 206
- William Simon – 140
An asterisk (*) denotes a Top 10 Overall score.
Sponsors of the 2022 Kansas Big Birding Year contest include: City of Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Acorn Naturalists, The Kansas Ornithological Society, Dr. Robert Penner, and KDWP.
For more on the Kansas Birding Big Year, visit ksoutdoors.com/services/
Early Childhood Grant Awarded to Kansas
Governor Kelly Announces $4 Million Planning Grant to Advance Statewide
Early Childhood System
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund has been awarded a $4 million 2023 Preschool Development Birth through Five Planning Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families. The grant will support the state’s ongoing efforts to bolster the early childhood workforce, support the physical and emotional well-being of our children, and ensure we design an early childhood system that meets the needs of all Kansas families.
“We know that a child’s development from birth to five years of age is vital to their trajectory in education and in life,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding will allow us to plan and build upon initiatives that strengthen our integrated early childhood system, with a special focus on ensuring our most vulnerable children are prepared for kindergarten.”
The grant will support:
- A study on how to better coordinate the state’s delivery of early childhood services to create a more streamlined system that is easy for all families to navigate, especially low-income and vulnerable populations.
- Exploration of a service delivery model that empowers families to be part of designing a responsive early childhood care and education system and holding the system accountable.
- Strengthening the early childhood sector’s workforce recruitment and growth.
- Exploration of a compensation reform plan based on the true cost of care, market conditions, and the economic growth Kansas is experiencing.
“As a recipient of federal funding in 2018 and a three-year renewal grant in 2020, Kansas has amplified and expanded a continuum of services and supports to better meet the needs of Kansas children and their families,” Melissa Rooker, Executive Director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet, said. “We are excited to receive this new award which will allow us to take stock of our progress and design a future that ensures all Kansas children can thrive,”
To learn more about the progress of Kansas initiatives supported by this grant, visit kschildrenscabinet.org.
Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson
January 27, 2023
Committee Work continues in the third week of session. It appears that session is off to a slow start, however, there are reports and hearings being conducted in committees. Bills, schedules, and recordings of the meetings can be found at http://www.kslegislature.org/li/.
Government Picking Winners and Losers Last week I talked about a Legislative Post Audit report on tax incentive programs being used to promote business in Kansas. The report pointed out 37% of businesses questioned would have expanded or completed the project without the tax incentives. The report also pointed out the programs do not generate enough tax dollars to pay for the ‘giveaways’.
This week another presentation on government picking winners was presented in the Commerce Committee. Universities are allowing companies who “pay to play” to have access to students and research. Not all businesses have access to these students or research. It used to be that students would intern for companies, but now, some companies have locations on campus.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Jan. 31
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: January 31, 2023
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 9:00AM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes
• Signatures for Accounts Payable
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Eric Bailey – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
• Kathy – Executive Director of Area Agency on Aging
• Jeremiah Hill – County Roads
• Bill Martin – Vehicle Bids/Loans
• Coroner Cost–Sharing Agreement
• SEKRPC – Renewal
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
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 security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Attachment:
Jennifer Hawkins Selected As Bourbon County Clerk by Republican Party
Jennifer Hawkins, 34, was selected from a field of three persons to become the next Bourbon County Clerk last evening at a Republican Party Convention.
“We had three individuals contact the (Republican) party,” Mark McCoy, chairman, said.
He will forward Hawkins name to be approved to Governor Kelly today. Outgoing Bourbon County Clerk Ashley Shelton’s last day in February 3. Shelton resigned last week.
Today Hawkins is being sworn in as Bourbon County Deputy Clerk, then her first day as clerk is Feb. 6, she said.
Hawkins has worked for the county government for almost a decade.
“I have worked as the lead motor vehicle clerk in the treasurer’s office for five years, and as the office manager of the public works department for 4.5 years,” she said.
She has helped with accounts payable and payroll in the county clerks office as well.
“I have a working relationship with all the county offices and feel I can help move the county forward,” Hawkins said. “I want to do my part to see Bourbon County and Fort Scott succeed.”
With the loss of the two other office staff in the clerk’s office besides Shelton, “It will be rough until I can get some additional help hired,” she said
“I will be hiring two full time office staff, one will be deputy county clerk (who will also be the) accounts payable clerk,” she said. “One will be a front office clerk to assist Bourbon County residents by manning the switchboard and helping with licensing and hunting licenses.”
The staff will have to absorb a part time position, Hawkins said.
Hawkins said the county has “wonderful benefits to offer” including retirement, health insurance (including dental and vision), vacation and sick leave.
Hawkins was born and raised in Fort Scott, attending Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College.
She has a 15- year-old daughter who attends Fort Scott High School and whose activities keep her “pretty busy with her school functions.”
Tim Shellenburger New Kansas Senator Representing Bourbon County
Another new face will be serving Bourbon County as the District 13 Kansas Senator.
On January 22, a Republican Convention was held in Columbus to select a new senator for District 13 replacing Richard Hilderbrand who resigned. Tim Shallenburger was selected.
“He is a former Kansas State Representative,” McCoy said. “Most recently he was the mayor of Baxter Springs.”
District 13 encompasses Bourbon, Crawford and Cherokee Counties.
Governor’s Council on Education Annual Report
Governor Kelly Receives 2022
Governor’s Council on Education Annual Report
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly received the Governor’s Council on Education’s annual report, which includes a set of recommendations intended to improve educational outcomes for all Kansas students through increased collaboration between the business and education sectors. The Council’s recommended improvements are aimed at advancing early childhood education, increasing opportunities for workforce-bound high schoolers, improving post-secondary transitions for our students, and increasing coordination for technical education.
“I established the Council on Education not only because I believe that educating our children is one of the most important obligations of our elected leaders, but also because it’s one of the best economic investments we can make as a state,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I’m proud of the work the Council has done these last four years searching for innovative ways to provide for our students, and I look forward to addressing their recommendations to ensure Kansas students have access to the best education in the country.”
The bipartisan group of stakeholders and policy experts spent 2022 traveling across the state to hear directly from educators and businesses about the most pressing issues shaping education in Kansas. Governor Kelly established the Governor’s Council on Education in 2019 to bring together education and business leaders to realize a shared vision of increased prosperity and look for ways to enhance early childhood education and develop partnerships to address workforce needs in Kansas.
“We are grateful to Governor Kelly for the opportunity to learn from and with extraordinary leaders who represent educators and businesses across Kansas. We are confident that the Council’s work will strengthen our state by aligning education with business and creating opportunities for all Kansans,” said Dr. Cynthia Lane and Dr. Fred Dierksen, Co-Chairs of Governor Kelly’s Council on Education.
The Council’s report can be found here.