Category Archives: Government

Kansas accepting applications for mortgage, property tax, and utility assistance

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Nearly $25M has Supported more than 2,300 Kansas Homeowners

Program still accepting applications for mortgage, property tax, and utility assistance

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that six months after its launch, the Kansas Homeowners Assistance Fund (KHAF) has distributed $24.8 million in mortgage, property tax, and utility aid to 2,321 Kansas homeowners.

“Housing is vital to a strong workforce and a resilient economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This program is providing much-needed relief for Kansans, and my administration will continue supporting homeowners by cutting property taxes and expanding affordable housing.”

 

The Kelly Administration granted the funding for the temporary relief initiative distributed by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) to help Kansas homeowners experiencing pandemic-related financial hardship avoid foreclosure and catch up on their mortgages and property taxes. The program assists with mortgage payments, property taxes and charges, utility and internet fees, and more.

 

“Housing stability is essential for strong families, healthy communities, and a thriving economy,” said Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC).“This assistance keeps families safely housed and preserves the dream of homeownership for Kansans facing hardship.”

 

Currently, 2,321 KHAF applications have been granted assistance, and additional funds remain to assist homeowners. Kansans who have fallen behind on their mortgage and/or property tax payments are encouraged to apply now.

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

jjjjjjjj• You own your home in Kansas and are at least 30 days past due on mortgage or jjjjjjjjjjjjproperty taxes.

jjjjjjjj• The property (a single-family home, one-to-four-unit dwelling, condo, townhome, or jjjjjjjjjjjjmanufactured home) is your primary residence.

jjjjjjjj• Your recent income did not exceed 150 percent of your area’s median income.

jjjjjjjj• Your household has experienced financial hardship during the COVID pandemic.

Kansans requesting KHAF assistance are encouraged to apply online. If approved, funds are paid directly to the service provider(s), who apply them to the homeowner’s account(s).

More than 200 mortgage loan servicers partner with the KHAF program as participating lenders. The program will remain open until program funds are fully expended. Homeowners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is processed in a timely manner.

Applicants in need of assistance may call 1-855-307-KHAF(5423) from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

 

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The KHAF program is administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.

 

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation

611 S Kansas Ave., Suite 300 | Topeka, KS 66603

[email protected]

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Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Oct. 26

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

 

Date: October 26, 2022

1st District-Nelson Blythe                                                                 

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                     

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton

 

         

MEETING HELD IN THE COPURTHOUSE FOYER BEGINNING at 7:45 AM.

THIS MEETING WILL NOT BE BROADCAST ON YOUTUBE

 

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 disc

Help Fort Scott In Documenting Infrastructure Issues

Brad Matkin. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott Assistant Manager Brad Matkin would like to try something new in dealing with infrastructure issues.
“If you see a problem… a street issue, pothole, sign damage, water leak, general question, or whatever else please send me an email at [email protected] or call me at City Hall 620-223-0550, ext 210. Email is the best way to communicate,” he said. “Please include a picture of the issue if you can with your email.”
“We are currently working with the Information Technology Department for a solution, so people can report,” Matkin said. “We want to document, to see if there are patterns, such as water, street, or code issues.”
In the meantime, though, Matkin is encouraging citizens to email him, rather than put it on the internet.
“If I don’t respond within 48 hours then feel free to post it on Facebook but please give us a chance first to take a look at the problem,” he said.
“Either myself or one of the staff will email you with either a solution, a plan, or just an update of what we can do,” he said. “We don’t see what people post on Facebook, so we won’t know about the issue and won’t have the chance to fix the issue or at least communicate back to you.”
Like all public entities, they do not have enough staff to drive around looking for problems and need help from citizens to let them know issues seen.
“It is better to work together with good communication, he said. “We really feel this is a proactive and positive way to handle business.”
Matkin said there is no need to call about the Cooper Street project, “We are working on it currently. The first segment will be done in approximately a month.”
Fort Scott street map, taken from the Bourbon County website.

Conserving At-Risk Kansas Wildlife

KDWP to Receive $4.3 Million in Grants to Conserve At-risk Wildlife

Kansas City, Kan. – In an announcement made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Oct. 19, 2022, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will receive a portion of more than $66.7 million in matching grants to be distributed across 16 states and Guam in support of imperiled species. The grant dollars are made possible by the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund – grants that contribute millions annually to support implementing state and territorial programs that conserve and recover federally listed and at-risk species on non-federal lands.

“This grant funding makes it possible for us to conserve nearly 1,600 acres of critical wetland habitat that will not only benefit species most at risk, but many other species that depend on wetlands for food, shelter and respite during migration,” said KDWP Secretary Brad Loveless. “We know we can’t conserve imperiled species without first conserving their habitat, so this is a great ‘next step’ towards paving the way for these projects, as well as future efforts to conserve critical habitat across our great state.”

Authorized by Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act and partly funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, $4,306,820 from the CESCF will be distributed to Kansas to support habitat conservation.

Of the more than $4.3 million in grant funding slated for the Sunflower State, $3,994,790 will be dedicated to wetland habitat conservation in support of Whooping Cranes and Eastern Black Rails, with the remaining $312,030 supporting Kansas’ Aquatic Safe Harbor Agreement.

“Thanks to decades-long partnerships like the one we have with Ducks Unlimited, we’ve been able to restore, renovate, and protect critical habitat for a variety of native species,” said KDWP Assistant Secretary Stuart Schrag. “Now, being the recipient of this federal Recovery Land grant for the first time ever only elevates what KDWP and Ducks Unlimited can do together to positively impact critical landscapes and the wildlife that depend on them.”

Ducks Unlimited – a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated upland habitats for waterfowl – played an active role in KDWP’s grant application process, recognizing the vital importance of stopover habitat for the federally-endangered Whooping Crane, as well as nesting and brood rearing habitat for the federally-threatened Eastern Black Rail.

“The partnership between KDWP, Ducks Unlimited, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to secure these funds is a prime example of how collaboration can greatly benefit imperiled species,” said Matt Hough, Manager of Conservation Programs in Kansas for Ducks Unlimited. “Working together toward the common goal of conserving wildlife are what these relationships are all about, because when we protect wetlands and associated habitats, both wildlife and people benefit.”

To learn more about threatened and endangered species in Kansas – including the recovery plans KDWP has in place to guide research and management of listed species – click HERE.

To learn more about the CESCF grant program, click HERE.

State Health Officer Encourages Public to Get Flu Shots

 

TOPEKA – Influenza season is here in Kansas. While activity remains low, influenza cases have already been seen in Kansas.

The flu vaccine remains the best way to prevent flu illness and serious flu complications, including those that can result in hospitalization and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends receiving the vaccine before influenza activity begins in your community, ideally by the end of October.

“Early indications say the flu may hit a little harder this year, so it’s very important to start thinking about getting the vaccine,” said Dr. Joan Duwve, State Health Officer at KDHE. “The good news is you don’t need two separate appointments; you can get your flu and COVID vaccines at the same time!”

KDHE monitors flu activity, including the percentage of emergency department visits and deaths attributable to influenza. During the 2021-2022 flu season, influenza was a contributing or direct cause of death in 44 deaths. Pneumonia, which often develops with influenza infections, was a contributing or direct cause of death in 1,200 deaths. Severe influenza infection and symptoms may be avoided with vaccination.

“The influenza vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone six months of age or older. Being vaccinated against influenza is especially important for anyone at high risk of complications, including babies and young children, pregnant women, older persons and people with certain chronic conditions,” said Duwve.

Kansans can start getting their vaccine from their health care provider, at local pharmacies, health departments and some medical clinics.

Getting vaccinated also protects people around you. Getting vaccinated is important for persons caring for young children, adults over 65, and those caring for persons with certain medical conditions. Most people who get the flu recover within a few days to less than two weeks, but some people can develop complications like pneumonia which could lead to hospitalization and be life-threatening.

Find a flu vaccine by visiting vaccines.gov. For the latest on Kansas influenza news, visit kdhe.ks.gov/flu.

KDOT Secretary Given National Award

Lorenz receives national transportation award

ORLANDO, FLA. – Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz was awarded the 2022 George S. Bartlett Award given jointly by the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and the American Road & Transportation Builders Association for her outstanding leadership and extensive service in transportation.

Through AASHTO, Lorenz is currently leading a national effort to develop a united vision for state DOTs to deliver community centered transportation. The vision will provide state DOTs a range of strategies they can deploy to make transportation work better for people and communities in their states.

“Transportation is about people, those we serve, and those we work with to better deliver improvements in our communities, said Secretary Lorenz. “I’m honored to receive this award from organizations and colleagues I greatly admire because of our shared vision to make transportation safer and work better for all Americans.”

Lorenz has been actively involved in TRB for more than 15 years on numerous committees as well as the Chair of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Project Panel on Administration of Highway and Transportation Agencies. She is Immediate Past President of AASHTO’s Mid America Association of State Transportation Officials, which serves 10 states in the Midwest. In addition, Lorenz serves on AASHTO’s Executive Committee and the Board of Directors as well as chair of AASHTO’s Council on Aviation.

In 2019, Lorenz was appointed by Governor Laura Kelly to lead KDOT. This is her second tour of duty at the agency as she served as the Director of Public Affairs from 2003 to 2011.

Previously, Lorenz directed national engineering firms’ strategic consulting and public engagement services for transportation projects at the local, regional and national levels.

Lorenz received the award on Oct. 22 at the AASHTO 2022 Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.

Bo Co Commission Revised Agenda for Oct. 25

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: October 25, 2022

1st DistrictNelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley Shelton

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.

Call to Order

Flag Salute

Approval of Minutes from previous meeting

Approval of Accounts Payable/Payroll

Jerry Witt FS BBCO Riverfront Authority Appointment of Committee Member

Burn Ban Discussion

Ashley Shelton Gas Price Lock In

North Parking/Sidewalk Project

Jim Harris Executive Session KSA 754319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer Comment

o Financial Report

o KSA 754319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy

Shane Walker Chief Information Officer Comment

Justin Meeks County Counselor Comment

o KSA 754319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which
would be deemed privileged in the attorneyclient relationship

o KSA 754319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy

o KSA 754319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of
such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Eric Bailey Road & Bridge Report

Public Comment

Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

KSA 754319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

KSA 754319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorneyclient relationship

KSA 754319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employeremployee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

KSA 754319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

KSA 754319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

KSA 754319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Joshua Renfro Escapes From Lansing

Minimum-custody resident Joshua W. Renfro walked away from Lansing Correctional Facility

TOPEKA, Kansas. –  Minimum-custody resident Joshua W. Renfro was placed on escape status at approximately 9:00 p.m. after it was reported that he walked away from Lansing Correctional Facility on Sunday, October 23, 2022.

Renfro, a 39-year-old white male, was reported missing when the resident could not be located at the minimum-security unit. This walkaway does not impact the security or operations of the medium-maximum secure compound.

Renfro is serving a 30-month sentence for a 2020 Violation of an extended protection order conviction in Allen County. Renfro has four prior convictions dating back to 2001.

Renfro is 6 feet 1 inches tall, 175 pounds with Hazel eyes and brown hair. He has tattoos on his torso, neck, hands, arms and legs.

Anyone with information on Stroede can call the Kansas Department of Corrections at 913-727-3235 ext. 58224, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.

The walk-away is currently being investigated.  New information will be released as it becomes available.

The Lansing Correctional Facility, formerly the Kansas State Penitentiary, opened in 1867. Serving only males, the facility maintains maximum and medium units totaling 1,920 beds and a 512-bed minimum security unit.

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 25

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: October 25, 2022

1st DistrictNelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley Shelton

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.

Call to Order

Flag Salute

Approval of Minutes from previous meeting

Jerry Witt FS BBCO Riverfront Authority Appointment of Committee Member

Ashley Shelton Gas Price Lock In

Jim Harris Executive Session KSA 754319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

Transient Guest Tax

Susan Bancroft KSA 754319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

Justin Meeks County Counselor Comment

Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer Comment

o Financial Report

Shane Walker Chief Information Officer Comment

Eric Bailey Road & Bridge Report

Public Comment

Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

KSA 754319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

KSA 754319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorneyclient relationship

KSA 754319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employeremployee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

KSA 754319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

KSA 754319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

KSA 754319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Bank Reconciliation Ending September 30, 2022.22.10.21

Quarterly Report 22.10.21

Work on K-3 HWY Begins Oct. 24 from Bronson to Blue Mound

The week of Oct. 24 the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to start a resurfacing project on K-3 between K-31 and U.S. 54 (see map).

 

Project activity includes a mill and inlay with rock edge wedge. Flaggers and a pilot car will guide one-lane traffic through the work zone during daylight hours. Expect delays of 15 minutes or less. Weather permitting, the road work will be finished in one month.

 

KDOT awarded Pearson Construction, LLC, of Wichita the project contract of $2 million. Persons with questions may contact KDOT Area Engineer Troy Howard at (620) 901-6557 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details.