Category Archives: Government
Building A Stronger Economy Grant Program Continues
Department of Commerce announces Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) 2.0 Grant Application
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced $50 million will fund a second round of projects under the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) grant program. BASE 2.0 will continue addressing infrastructure and economic development needs that were delayed or slowed due to COVID-19 in an effort to expand the state’s base of businesses and residents.
The additional funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and approved by the State Finance Council in December.
Previous applicants that were not funded in round one will be considered for BASE 2.0 and do not need to reapply unless they would like to submit a new application. Awardees from the first round are not eligible for a BASE 2.0 award.
The Commerce Department received more than 440 applicants requesting more than $1 billion in identified projects during BASE 1.0 for the available $100 million funding. This new round will follow the same regulations established for the first round, including the requirement that awardees provide a 25% match.
County and local governments, economic development organizations, local chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders are eligible to apply. Awardees will have two years to complete their projects and utilize all awarded and required matching funds. Applications submitted are required to document how the project was delayed or affected negatively due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting downturn in economic conditions.
The BASE 2.0 grant application process opens at 2:00 p.m. today. The deadline for submissions will be 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, January 31.
An informational webinar on BASE 2.0 will be available to the public at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 6. Registration for the webinar and guidelines for the grant application can be found at www.kansascommerce.gov/
Applicants can contact [email protected] for any questions regarding this funding opportunity.
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 in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award for two years in a row and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.
KS Tax Collections More Than Expected
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Bourbon County Agenda for Jan. 3
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: January 3, 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
• Reorganization of Board
• Approval of Minutes
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Approval of Accounts Payable
• Matt Quick – NRP Renewal
• Teri Hulsey – Grant Approval
• Ashley Shelton – Resolutions, KAC Renewal, KONE, 6th Judicial Coroner, Forensic Medical,
Presentation of Filed Documents
• Lora Holdridge – Part–time Employee to Full–time Employee Request
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer
o Bank Bids
o Handbook – Section 2
o Broker Selection
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
DBB Letter(1) Handbook Section 2(1) Assured Partners Timeline(1) Lora Holdridge – Agenda Request Form(1)
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.
Attachments:
Lora Holdridge – Agenda Request Form(1)
Help For Heating Homes Available
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program to Continue Heating Homes this Winter
TOPEKA – Colder temperatures and winter weather has arrived in Kansas. The dropping temperatures and necessity of raising the thermostat are leaving some families vulnerable when it comes to covering their heating bills.
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), implemented in the state by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), allows peace of mind and financial assistance to families struggling to pay their heating bills during the cold winter months.
“LIEAP has helped our Kansas communities stay warm for many years,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “It is an important and valued support program provided to families during cold Kansas winters.”
Last year, $47 million aided approximately 40,000 households in covering winter heating bills, averaging $1,180 per home.
To receive assistance, applicants must apply on the DCF website, www.dcf.ks.gov, by clicking “Apply for Services” or in person and be eligible according to the qualifications. Find a DCF service center closest to you at www.dcf.ks.gov/services/Pages/
The applications are available beginning Jan. 3, 2023, and must be received by 5 p.m., March 31. More information and FAQs on the LIEAP program is available at www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/
To qualify, households must have an adult at the address that is responsible for the heating costs of the home. Applicants must be able to prove a recent history of payments on the energy bill (within the past three months), along with being at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
The one-time assistance payment is determined by household income, number of persons living at the address, type of dwelling, and type of heating fuel. Income eligibility guidelines are as follows. Funding for LIEAP is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Persons Living at the Address |
Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
1 |
$1,699 |
2 |
$2,289 |
3 |
$2,879 |
4 |
$3,469 |
5 |
$4,059 |
6 |
$4,649 |
7 |
$5,239 |
8 |
$5,829 |
|
*Add $590 for each additional person |
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Kansas Year in Review
Year in Review: Kelly Administration Delivers a Successful 2022 for Kansas
TOPEKA – As 2022 ends, the Kelly administration highlights promises made and kept over the past year.
“This year, we got Kansas back on track by working across the aisle to attract jobs, strengthen our roads and bridges, and fully fund education,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “2023 is looking bright!”
ECONOMY & WORKFORCE: Kansas attracted nearly $7.5 billion in capital investment in 2022 – doubling last year’s amount, which was a record.
INFRASTRUCTURE: In 2022, the Kelly administration made progress on 500 transportation projects totaling $1.7 billion in construction. This includes projects that will resurface nearly 1,500 miles of roadway and repair or replace more than 220 bridges.
BIPARTISANSHIP: During the 2022 session, Governor Kelly signed 96 bipartisan bills.
EDUCATION: In 2022, Governor Kelly signed legislation fully funding K-12 education for the fourth consecutive year and guaranteeing funding through the 2024 fiscal year. The legislation also funded historic investments in early childhood and K-12 education.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda For Dec. 29.
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: December 29, 2022
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 8:00AM.
- Flag Salute
- MOU Medical Director for Emergency Medical Services
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.
FS City Commission Special Meeting Agenda for Dec. 29
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
December 29, 2022
5:00 P.M.
I. ROLL CALL:
J. Jones T. Van Hoecke M. Wells E. Woellhof K. Harrington
II. CONSIDERATION:
1. Approval to Purchase Road Machinery
2. Approval of Public Dance Licenses
a. Elks Lodge #579 – 111 W. 19th
b. Sharky’s Pub & Grub – 16 N. National
c. Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main
d. Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National
e. Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott Ave.
f. Memorial Hall Auditorium – 1 E. Third St.
3. Approval of Renewal of Drinking Establishment Permit
a. Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National
4. Approval of CMB License Renewal-Consumption on the Premises
a. M’axe Throw House – 212 E. 1 st Street
III. Adjournment:
Fort Scott’s CHC Receives Federal Money: Completion Date March 2023
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/chc-new-sign.jpg)
“There is a Santa Claus,” Krista Postai, CEO of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas said.
U.S. Senator Moran called Postai last Friday to let her know some good news for CHC/SEK.
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Postai-Krista-2019-1-227x300.jpg)
“Senator Jerry Moran contacted CHC/SEK on December 23 to notify us that our request for $5 million to offset the cost of renovating and equipping a comprehensive full-service medical facility (the former Price Chopper building) in Ft. Scott, was approved,” Postai said. “Total cost of the project has been estimated at approximately $10 million including the installation of a CT Scanner.”
CHC’s request was included in Moran’s Congressionally Directed Spending appropriations approved in the Fiscal 2023 Omnibus spending package, Postai said.
“The $1.7 trillion bill to fund the U.S. Government was signed by President Joe Biden shortly after it was approved by the Senate (on Thursday) and the House on December 23,” she said. “Also contributing to the cost of our new facility is the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, through the Community Care Network of Kansas’ Capital Investment Grant which awarded us $40,000 to help equip the wellness section of the facility; funding for diagnostics is coming through the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress in 2021. The balance of the cost will be covered directly by CHC/SEK offset partially by the sale of its buildings at 902 Horton Street and 1624 S. National Ave.”
Completion of the new clinic is now expected in March due to supply chain delays and unanticipated construction issues.
“The primary supply chain issues were the heating/cooling system and doors and flooring. They were delayed,” she said. “We also had to fill in the underground tunnels we found throughout the building with concrete. Apparently they were there to support the utilities necessary for the store’s refrigeration system…. renovation always bring surprises.”
Corrected Time for Special FS City Commission Meeting on Dec. 29
CITY OF FORT SCOTT NEWS RELEASE
December 28th, 2022
The City Commission will have a special meeting Thursday,
December 29th, 2022, at 5:00 PM at City Hall, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott,
Kansas to discuss the purchase of road equipment discussed
at the December 20th, 2022, regular City Commission Meeting.
This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will also be
made available via the City’s YouTube channel at
City of Fort Scott.
A Special Meeting of the CITY OF FORT SCOTT Commission will be Dec. 29
December 27th, 2022
The City Commission will have a special meeting Thursday,
December 29th, 2022, at City Hall, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott,
Kansas to discuss the purchase of road equipment discussed at the December 20th, 2022, regular City Commission Meeting.
This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will also be
made available via the City’s YouTube channel at
City of Fort Scott.
KS Dept. of Transportation Requests Comments on Improvement Program
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