Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda For the Bo Co Commission Today, September 30

Leave a comment

 

 

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

 

September 30, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 9/16/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $300,038.70
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $386,598.32
  1. Samuel Tran-Solar Issues
  2. 5:45 p.m. Mike Dallman-PVD Compliance Conference Call
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
    2. County Clerk
  • Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Thomas Quarry
  1. Solar Panel Setback Discussion
  2. Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
  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.

 

Government, Kansas

KS Child Care Licensing, Background Check Fees Are Waived Through 2025

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Directs Child Care Licensing and Background Check Fees Waived through 2025

~~Excess federal funds to cover fees associated with becoming a licensed
child care provider or renewing an existing license~~

TOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly announced today the State of Kansas will cover the state licensing, background check, and fingerprinting fees for child care providers seeking initial licensure or licensure renewal through 2025 or until available funds are expended. Fee coverage will assist new child care providers by reducing start-up costs and continuing to support existing providers as they retain their licensure.

“I’m committed to expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care opportunities for Kansas children and families,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These funds allow for continued support for child care providers by removing financial barriers.”

Since 2021, the State of Kansas has been covering the initial and renewal licensing fees for child care providers in the state through federal discretionary Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) assistance through federal pandemic relief legislation. Additional funding to extend this coverage is being provided through reallocated Governor Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funding. The funding will be administered through an agreement between the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the agency responsible for child care licensing.

“This additional funding, and Governor Kelly’s commitment to directing it to child care licensing, will go a long way in allowing potential and current child care providers to continue the important work of creating and sustaining quality child care options for Kansas families,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said.

“The Kansas Children’s Cabinet is happy to work collaboratively with KDHE Licensing to support child care providers across Kansas in all license categories by helping to offset the cost of being licensed in good standing,” said Melissa Rooker, executive director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.

Covering these fees will lower the total start-up cost for child care businesses—costs that often become too large of a barrier to overcome. Additionally, this action will incentivize more unlicensed providers to become licensed, ensuring safer care based on industry best standards. For current providers, the decision to cover these fees is another way the Kelly administration has invested in Kansas’ child care workforce and continues to provide them with critical support.

Local jurisdictions may charge fees unrelated to those imposed by the state. Providers should consult their local health departments or local resource and referral agencies to learn more about applicable local fees in their jurisdiction.

To learn more about becoming a child care provider, please visit https://childcareinkansas.com/providers/.

###
Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor:
Facebook  Twitter  Visit our Website  GovDelivery Signup
Bourbon County, Government

Agenda of the Bourbon County Commission for September 30

Leave a comment

 

 

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

 

September 30, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 9/16/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $300,038.70
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $386,598.32
  1. Samuel Tran-Solar Issues
  2. 5:45 p.m. Mike Dallman-PVD Compliance Conference Call
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
    2. County Clerk
  • Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Thomas Quarry
  1. Solar Panel Setback Discussion
  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.

 

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for the FS City Commission for October 1

Leave a comment

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

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

October 1, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.     Call to Order
  2.     Roll Call

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

III.       Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Consent Agenda
  4. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1369-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of September 11, 2024 – September 24, 2024 – $449,830.43
  5. Approval of Minutes for September 3, 2024, September 9, 2024, September 17, 2024, and September 24, 2024.
  6. Request to Pay – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Project No. 24-414 – Horton St. & 6th Improvements – Application for Payment No. 3 – $60,439.46

 

VII.    Public Comment – Sign 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.

VIII.     Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting  you wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.

  1. Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director – ADM Update

 

  1. Unfinished Business
  2. Status of Building at 118 E. Wall – Requested documents from owner due per September 24, 2024, Special City Commission meeting.
  3. Consideration of Approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Tabled from September 17, 2024
  4. Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Payment Application No. 5 – $8,075.00 – Tabled from September 17, 2024
  5. Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Payment Application No. 6 FINAL (Retainage) – $10,397.85 – Tabled from September 17, 2024

 

  1. New Business

Public Hearing:

  1. Consideration of Submission of Application on behalf of the City of Fort Scott to the Kansas Department of Commerce for a CDBG Grant under the Community Centers & Parks Category for improvements at Memorial Hall – M. Wyatt

Action Items:

  1. Consideration to Approve Renewal of the Downtown Historic District and Riverfront Park Common Consumption Area Permit (existing Ordinance No. 3756) – annual permit expires November 21, 2024 – L. Lewis
  2. Reports and Comments
  3. City Manager Comments
  4. Engineering Comments
  5.  Commissioners Comments
  6. City Attorney Comments

 

XII.     Adjourn

 

Government

USDA Launches Assistance Network to Support Financially Distressed Farmers and Ranchers 

Leave a comment

Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Sept. 21, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the launch of the Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network, an initiative designed to provide personalized support to financially distressed farmers and ranchers across the nation. Through a series of Cooperative Agreements, this national network will connect distressed borrowers with individualized assistance to help them stabilize and regain financial footing. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) made this announcement today at the Farm Aid Festival in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

 

“I started my off-ranch career as a Farm Advocate, working hand-in-hand with other tireless farmer advocates. Having someone with experiences in ag finance help producers work through financial difficulties can be the difference between them losing the farm or prospering,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “The Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network underscores our dedication to farmers and ranchers receiving the tailored support they need. These partnerships also illustrate that USDA acknowledges the importance of these advocates and sees them as part of the solution to ensure program access for all farmers, ranchers, and producers.”

 

Network partners include Farm Aid, Rural Advancement Foundation International, the University of Arkansas, the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Center at Alcorn State University, and the University of Minnesota. Through this initiative, we are collaborating with community-based organizations to better serve financially distressed producers. Network partners will provide farm loan policy training to the community-based organizations so the organizations can work alongside FSA to help producers understand financing available through FSA, ensuring that when they visit an FSA office, the partner organization representative and FSA staff can better assist.

 

FSA, in collaboration with farm support organizations and land-grant institutions, will facilitate this network, which will provide the technical resources and guidance of USDA partners to experts from distressed and underserved communities. The network’s approach includes integrating knowledgeable service providers to deliver one-on-one support to borrowers so they can best make plans and understand options to overcome their financial challenges.

The Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network will address the immediate needs of distressed borrowers and provide comprehensive, wraparound services aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by financially distressed producers. Once stabilized financially, these borrowers will be better positioned to access new opportunities and continue contributing to the agricultural economy. These investments will also build a system of service providers that can better support agricultural communities for years to come.  Investing in a network of agricultural financing service providers to help bridge access to FSA loans is a benefit for rural and agricultural communities.

 

Additional Farm Loan Programs Improvements   

FSA recently announced significant changes to Farm Loan Programs through the Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans rule. These policy changes, to take effect Sept. 25, 2024, are designed to expand opportunities for borrowers to increase profitability and be better prepared to make strategic investments in enhancing or expanding their agricultural operations.

 

FSA also has a significant initiative underway to streamline and automate the Farm Loan Program customer-facing business process. For the over 26,000 producers who submit a direct loan application annually, FSA has made several meaningful improvements including:

  • The Loan Assistance Tool that provides customers with an interactive online, step-by-step guide to identifying the direct loan products that may fit their business needs and to understanding the application process.
  • The Online Loan Application, an interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet, and build a farm operating plan.
  • An online direct loan repayment feature that relieves borrowers from the necessity of calling, mailing, or visiting a local USDA Service Center to pay a loan installment.
  • A simplified direct loan paper application, reduced from 29 pages to 13 pages.
  • A new educational hub with farm loan resources and videos.

 

USDA encourages producers to reach out to their local FSA farm loan staff to ensure they fully understand the wide range of loan making and servicing options available to assist with starting, expanding, or maintaining their agricultural operation. To conduct business with FSA, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center.

 

More Information

To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.

FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

#

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

 

Area News, Government, Kansas

KS Supreme Court Will Hold Special Evening Meeting For the Public in Louisburg

Leave a comment

Supreme Court to conduct special evening session November 12 in Louisburg 

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court will conduct a special evening session November 12 in Louisburg as part of its ongoing outreach to familiarize Kansans with the court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary.

 

The court will be in session from 6:30 p.m. to about 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, November 12, at Louisburg High School, 202 Aquatic Drive, Louisburg.

 

The public is invited to attend the special session to observe the court as it hears oral argument in one case. After oral argument, the justices will greet the public in an informal reception.

 

“Special sessions give Kansans an up-close look at how the judicial branch works,” Chief Justice Marla Luckert said. “Watching an appellate argument helps people understand how courts resolve disputes and the steps taken to make sure court proceedings are fair and case resolution is based on a correct application of the law.”

 

Luckert said people generally understand the trial process because they may have been in a local courtroom as a juror or witness, or they may know someone who has been in court. But fewer people have seen an appellate court in action.

 

“Bringing arguments to communities throughout Kansas gives everyone the opportunity to learn how the Kansas Supreme Court decides cases,” she said. “People who come to watch and meet us afterward tell us they gained a better understanding of the Kansas judicial system and its constitutional responsibility to fairly and impartially resolve disputes.”

 

Louisburg will be the 24th community the court will visit since it began the outreach program 13 years ago.

 

In 2011, the Supreme Court began conducting special sessions outside its Topeka courtroom. That year, it marked the state’s 150th anniversary by convening in the historic Supreme Court courtroom in the Kansas Statehouse.

 

Since 2011, the court has conducted special sessions in Colby, Concordia, Dodge City, El Dorado, Emporia, Garden City, Great Bend, Greensburg, Hays, Hiawatha, Hutchinson, Kansas City, Lawrence, Lansing, Manhattan, Overland Park, Parsons, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, Wichita, and Winfield.

 

Learn more about the court’s visit to Louisburg at www.kscourts.org/travel-docket.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

www.kscourts.gov

 
url

Bourbon County, Government

KDOT to replace pipe on K-31 at Blue Mound

Leave a comment

 

Weather permitting, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to replace a crossroad pipe on K-31 within the city limits of Blue Mound. The work zone will be closed to traffic between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Drivers should use alternate routes around the daylong highway closure.

 

Persons with questions may contact KDOT Superintendent Shawn Denny, (785) 433-6115, or Public Information Officer Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

City of Bronson Awarded Placemaking/Recreation Grant From KS Rural Champions Program

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Announces 14 Grant Recipients for Rural Champions Program

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today the 14 grant recipients of the Rural Champions program’s second cohort. The selected Rural Champions will join a growing statewide network of grassroots individuals tackling critical projects in their respective rural communities.

“Since day one, my administration has been focused on the needs of our rural communities and the quality of life in every region of the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Creating the Office of Rural Prosperity was only the beginning of our support for rural Kansans and their needs. By developing the Rural Champions program, we are assisting communities to find local solutions to specific local challenges.”

Inspired by a Kansas Sampler Foundation report, the Office of Rural Prosperity, in collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation, created the Rural Champions program as a way for rural communities to move the needle in areas where a lack of capital or other resources hinders necessary progress. The Rural Champions program provides a one-year wage stipend of $20,800 to each community, along with training and resources. Communities also will receive up to $25,000 at the end of the year to move into the implementation phase of their projects.

“The diverse challenges rural communities face are much easier to resolve when you have an individual specifically dedicated to their particular issues, which is why the innovative Rural Champions program is so important,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Investing in our rural communities means investing in our people, which benefits the entire state and elevates their towns in ways that might otherwise not be possible.”

The 2024-25 Rural Champions include:

Organization

Community

Project area(s)

Cardinal Community Foundation

Nemaha County

Community/Economic Development

Cheyenne Community Development Corporation

Cheyenne

Housing

City of Herington and CVB

Herington

Downtown Revitalization

Comanche County Economic Development

Comanche County

Grant Writing/
ED Regionalization

Grinnell-Promoting Pride & Progress

Grinnell

Downtown Revitalization

Harvey County United Way

Harvey County

Childcare

Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

Bronson

Placemaking/ Recreation

Hodgeman County Economic Development

Hodgeman County

Housing

Lane County Community Foundation

Dighton

Food Access-Rural Grocery

Legacy Regional Community Foundation

Cowley County

Food Access

Rooks County Healthcare Foundation

Rooks County

Workforce Recruitment

Stafford County Economic Development

Stafford County

Childcare

The Building Community

Fredonia

Community/Economic Development

United Way of the Flint Hills

Emporia

Homelessness

“The first round of Rural Champions provided a great opportunity for progress and impact in the communities and organization. We again received many outstanding applications — making the selection of these 14 projects very competitive,” Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity Trisha Purdon said. “We are excited to continue the development of the program and add to our network of learning with the new group of Rural Champions.”

Rural Champions will work with the Office of Rural Prosperity through project completion. At that time, information will again be compiled in the form of guidebooks to add to the library of projects and be made available to provide learning and support to additional communities.

More information on the Rural Champions program is available here. The guidebooks developed by the first cohort of Champions are available to review here.

###
Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for September 24

Leave a comment

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL MEETING

OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

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

September 24, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

 

  1.     Call to Order
  2.     Roll Call

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

III.       Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. New Business

 

Public Hearing:

  1. Condemnation and Repair Proceedings of 118 E. Wall Street

 

Action Items:

  1. Consideration of Requests for Qualifications for Consultant for Airfield Development Projects at Fort Scott Municipal Airport

 

VII.      Reports and Comments:

  1. City Manager Comments
  2. Engineering Comments
  3.  Commissioners Comments
  4. City Attorney Comments

 

VIII.     Adjourn