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Category Archives: Government
Kansas to Develop Strategy to Expand Apprenticeships for Youths
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas has been selected to participate in the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) Policy Academy to Advance Youth Apprenticeship. Through the Policy Academy, Kansas will develop a strategy to expand apprenticeship opportunities to youth ages 16 and older to help them build the skills needed for the modern workforce.
“My administration has focused on apprenticeships as a way to build the Kansas workforce in a way that is both pro-business and pro-worker,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, we are furthering our efforts by developing a plan to ensure more of our high school students graduate with the skills they need to get good-paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree.”
With Kansas’ unemployment rate at 2.8% and a surge in economic development activity that continues creating new jobs, the state is pursuing multiple avenues to build up the pipeline of prospective workers. Apprenticeship is one proven method of developing home-grown talent.
“Expanding the apprenticeship pipeline to include younger Kansans is a logical next step to support our historic growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship is developing top-tier talent that makes it easier for businesses to invest in our rural communities.”
Youth apprenticeship is defined as a structured, work-based learning program that supports high-quality outcomes for young people and employers include:
- Paid, on-the-job learning under the supervision of skilled employee mentors
- Related classroom-based instruction
- Ongoing assessment against established skills and competency standards
- Industry-recognized credentialing and postsecondary credits
“With more than 160,000 high school students across the state, Kansas youth apprenticeship has significant potential,” said Shonda Anderson, Director of Apprenticeship and Internship for the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship. “The Policy Academy will support Governor Kelly’s focus on improving employment opportunities for young adults, especially in rural parts of the state.”
The Policy Academy to Advance Youth Apprenticeship officially kicks off in Washington, D.C., in August when teams from six states convene for a day of learning and action-planning with state peers, federal leaders, and national subject matter experts.
“From my perspective, this collaboration between unions, industries and educators across multiple sectors to engage young people in Registered Apprenticeship opportunities is exciting,” John Nave, Executive Vice-President of Kansas AFL-CIO, said. “I believe this strengthens the economic prosperity in Kansas now and for generations to come.”
The Kansas team includes officials from the Governor’s Office, Kansas Office of Apprenticeship, Kansas Apprenticeship Council, Kansas Department of Education, Wichita Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, IBEW 304, Kansas AFL-CIO and other stakeholders representing education and industry. To see a list of members of the Kansas Youth Apprenticeship Collaborative, or to find out more about Youth Apprenticeship in Kansas, click here.
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Amended Bo Co Commission Agenda for July 31
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
July 31, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute followed by Prayer
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 7/24/2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $130,054.08
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $1,099,433.01
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Matt Quick, County Appraiser-NRP Interlocal Agreements
- Bourbon County REDI
- Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- Clifton Beth-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- 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.
FS City Meetings July 31-August 1
Bo Co Commission Agenda for July 31
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
July 31, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute followed by Prayer
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 7/24/2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $130,054.08
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $1,099,433.01
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Budget Discussion
- Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- Clifton Beth-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- 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.
Agenda for Fort Scott City Commission On August 1
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
August 1, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
- Roll Call:
- VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
- Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation:
III. Approval of Agenda:
- Consent Agenda:
- Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 25, 2023
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1341-A — $213,912.62
- Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. via Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Project No. 23-409 (22-306) – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 3 – $553,602.60
- Approval of Drinking Establishment City License Renewal – Pizza Republic – 17 S. Main Street – Bret Holder
- Approval of Ordinance No. 3748 – Amending Chapter 10.04 of the Fort Scott Municipal Code to Incorporate Standard Traffic Ordinances for Kansas Cities – 2023 Edition
- Approval of Ordinance No. 3749 – Adding Section 10.05 Regulating Public Offenses Within the Corporate Limits of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas; Incorporating by Reference the Uniform Public Offense Code for Kansas Cities, 39th Edition, “With Certain Omissions, Changes, and Additions; Prescribing Additional Regulations; and Providing Certain Penalties.
- Public Comment:
Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission’s discretion.
- Old Business:
- Approval of the date of September 5, 2023, at 6:00PM for City of Fort Scott Budget Hearing – B. Hart
- Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Health in All Policies Task Force and select a representative – TABLED FROM JULY 25, 2023
- Selection of date for Certified Local Government Program (CLG) Work Session in August with Katrina Ringler, Commission and Community
VII. Appearances:
- Rob Hansen – Son of American Legion Car & Motorcycle Show: Saturday, September 16, 2023 – Temporary Street Closure of 3rd Street between Main and National – 8:00AM – 1:00PM
VIII. Public Hearing: None
- New Business:
- Consideration for purchase of fire truck – D. Bruner
- Amendment 1 to Brick Street Policy – M. Wells
- Consideration of bids for Evergy Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project – J. Dickman
- Consideration to set deadlines for City Commission meeting agenda practice and procedure
- Reports and Comments:
- City Manager Comments:
- Engineering Comments:
- Commissioners Comments:
- VanHoecke –
- Harrington –
- Woellhof –
- Guns –
- Wells –
- City Attorney Comments:
- Executive Session:
XII. Adjournment:
KS Office of Apprenticeship Launches Initiative
MeadowLARK Grant Program to Expand Apprenticeship Opportunities in Kansas
~~Kansas Office of Apprenticeship Receives More Than $6M to Modernize and Expand State’s Registered Apprenticeships~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the Kansas Office of Apprenticeship has launched the MeadowLARK — Leading Apprenticeship Results in Kansas — Initiative to expand the state’s Registered Apprenticeship opportunities further.
“MeadowLARK is an important tool that will be used to grow the state’s skilled workforce in rural and urban communities across multiple industries – further advancing Kansas’ economic growth,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By continuing to work together, we are fostering a brighter, more resilient, and more prosperous future for all who call the Sunflower State home.”
Funding for MeadowLARK was delivered through a State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, which provides targeted support to state Registered Apprenticeship Programs. A total of $6,331,847 was awarded to Kansas.
The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship will utilize these funds to continue revolutionizing apprenticeship in Kansas. MeadowLARK will also greatly expand the office’s efforts by developing Multi-Employer Intermediaries focusing on high-demand, high-wage occupations to meet industry needs.
“Since it was established last year, the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship is making huge strides to expand the highest quality earn-and-learn opportunities across our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through the MeadowLARK funding, the office will continue bringing together businesses, industries, labor, workforce boards, higher education systems, state departments, and other stakeholders, with one objective: Making Kansas a top 25 apprenticeship state by 2025.”
“MeadowLARK represents the latest and most significant opportunity for us to revolutionize how we develop and engage the workforce system and Multi-Employer Intermediaries.,” Shonda Anderson, Director of Apprenticeship and Internship for the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, said. “With this model, we’re able to create easier pathways for businesses to grow their own workforce.”
In addition to modernization, MeadowLARK will invest nearly $5.7 million over the next three years to advance integration efforts with local Workforce Boards across Kansas and establish Statewide and Regional Multi-Employer Intermediaries.
The Statewide Multi-Employer Intermediaries include:
- K-12 Teacher Educator Registered Apprenticeship with the Kansas Department of Education
- Justice Involved Registered Apprenticeship with local Kansas WorkforceONE
Statewide Multi-Employer Intermediaries convene and ease the development of Registered Apprenticeship programs for specific employers.
“This Registered Apprenticeship program is a critical step toward addressing the teacher shortage here in Kansas,” Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson said. “These additional grant funds will help ease the financial hurdle many aspiring educators face on their way to earning a college degree and enable us to expand the program.”
Local Workforce Boards such as Kansas WorkforceONE will convene opportunities for populations with barriers to employment.
“Kansas WorkforceONE is excited about the opportunities that the MeadowLARK grant will provide us,” said Deb Scheibler, Executive Director at Kansas WorkforceONE. “We can use this to expand Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship opportunities across central and western Kansas for some of our most vulnerable populations.”
The Regional Multi-Employer Intermediaries include:
- Wichita-based health economy occupations, advanced manufacturing, and other emerging industries with Workforce Alliance
- Kansas City-based Youth Registered Apprenticeships with Workforce Partnerships
- Workforce occupations will work with Southeast KANSASWORKS
For more information about the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, click here.
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Governor Directs Agencies to Update Emergency Plans
Governor Kelly Directs State Agencies to Update Continuity of Operations Plans
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that she has signed Executive Order 23-03, directing all executive branch state agencies to update their Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP). Having updated plans is vital in the event of natural or other emergencies that impact state agencies or degrade their ability to deliver services.
“These plans are essential to our preparedness for emergencies, so Kansans have peace of mind and confidence in our continuity of government,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These plans serve as a guide for our agencies to coordinate and manage their essential functions and services during disruptions of normal operations.”
Agency COOPs will address essential functions, critical facilities, order of succession, delegation of authority, communications, testing, training, and exercises, among other topics. State agencies are also directed to update COOP annually and provide those updates to the Kansas Division of Emergency Management.
In her order, Governor Kelly encouraged other statewide elected officials, independent boards and commissions, the Regents Universities, and the Judicial and Legislative Branches to implement Continuity of Operations planning and to be part of state continuity preparedness discussions.
Executive Order 23-03 provides a deadline of December 31, 2023, for agencies to update their COOP.
A copy of Executive Order 23-03 can be found here.
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Agenda for the Bo Co Commission on July 24
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
July 24, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute followed by Prayer
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Minutes from 7/17/2023
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- 5:45 Public Opening of Motor Grader, Mini Excavator, and Trailer Bids
- Drew Talbot-Via Christi
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, Real Property Relief Application
- Clifton Beth Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(3)
- 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.
Agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission Meeting on July 25
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
July 25, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
- Roll Call:
- VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
- Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: Led by M. Wells
III. Approval of Agenda:
- Consent Agenda:
- Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 11, 2023
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1339-A — $717,956.29
- Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Inspection Services –
- May 31, 2023 – Invoice #16604 – $17,063.90
- July 5, 2023 – Invoice #16678 – $16,602.75
- Request to Pay – Ray Lindsey Co. – Grit Removal System $151,752.76
- Request to Pay – Haynes for WWTP Booster Station – $27,800.00
- July Financials
- Public Comment:
Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission’s discretion.
- Old Business:
- Approval of Contract with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton to audit financial statement of the City for the year ended December 31, 2022 – $18,150.00 – presented by Terence Sercer, CPA
- Consideration of parking lease agreement for DCF building – B. Farmer
- Consideration to accept responsibility of Splash Pad – J. Jones and B. Lyons
VII. Appearances:
- IT Service Proposal for City of Fort Scott – Shawn Latimer – PCnet
- HBCAT: Downtown Arch Project – seeking approval from the City Commission
- HBCAT: Amendment to MOU – 3rd Street Park and Downtown Arch Project
- Cory Bryars: Care to Share Event
- Dakota Rusk and Austin Alfaro: Rumble on the Bricks – Temporary Street Closure on Old Fort Blvd (includes all of Skubitz Plaza)
VIII. Public Hearing: Petition to Vacate East 21st Street – Marvin A. Lewis – Norman Nation to present petition
- New Business:
- Consideration of bids for Evergy Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project for Infantry Substation – J. Dickman
- Consideration to Eliminate Inactive Accounts – B. Hart
- Reports and Comments:
- City Manager Comments:
- Engineering Comments:
- Commissioners Comments:
- VanHoecke –
- Harrington –
- Woellhof –
- Guns –
- Wells –
- City Attorney Comments:
- Executive Session:
XII. Adjournment:
Virtual Job Fair to Showcase Hundreds of Available State Positions
TOPEKA – Jobseekers are encouraged to attend the upcoming State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26. This virtual fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, will focus on employment opportunities available within many of the state’s 98 government agencies. Currently, there are almost 800 vacancies across the state.
“The Department of Commerce alone has 28 openings, and we want to fill these positions with skilled and professional candidates looking to secure good-paying careers with great benefits,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “All of our agency jobs offer opportunities for individuals to make a true difference in the lives of individuals and communities by serving our great state.”
Registration is required to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Job Fair portal features a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device, but it is highly recommended to use a computer to be most effective during the job fairs. If a jobseeker does not have access to a personal computer, they are available at KANSASWORKS offices as well as local libraries throughout the state. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
To register for the July 26 State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair, click here.
About KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
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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City of Uniontown Budget Work Session Minutes of July 18
The Budget Worksession on July 18, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
Budget worksession
Council was presented with a 2024 proposed budget. It was reviewed and amended to have the same mill rate as last year, which will exceed the revenue neutral rate. It was agreed upon to send notice to County Clerk of intent to exceed revenue neutral rate and set the revenue neutral rate hearing to begin at 6:45PM on September 12, 2023, to be immediately followed by the budget hearing, then the regular council meeting. Session ended at 7:48PM