Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Schedule of Parent Teacher Conferences Oct. 17-18

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Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 55701-2697
www.usd234.org
620-223-800 Fax 620-223-2760


DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent


October 14,2022


Parent/Teacher conferences for the USD 234 School District will be held on Monday, October 17, and Tuesday, October 18. Conferences will be held at the following times:


Fort Scott Preschool Center – 4:00 to 7:50 p.m.
Winfield Scott and Eugene Ware – 4:15 to 7:45 p.m.
Fort Scott Middle School and Fort Scott High School – 4:30 to 8 p.m.


There will be no school for USD 234 students on Friday, October 21.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Buffalo Being Auctioned on Nov. 2

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Public Invited to Bison Auction at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge on Nov. 2

Kansas City, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will conduct a public auction to sell surplus bison from Maxwell Wildlife Refuge and the Sandsage Bison Range on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. The auction will begin at 11 a.m. and take place at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge – 6 miles north of Canton in McPherson County. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Those interested in bidding should arrive early to receive a bidder number.

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is managed specifically to preserve the area’s prairie heritage. As such, herds of bison and elk are maintained, both species that are native to Kansas grasslands. However, because the Refuge can support only a certain number of animals, surplus bison are occasionally sold at a public auction.

On Nov. 2, 2022, a combined total of 80 bison will be auctioned, including:

  • 15 – Cows
  • 2 – 2-yr-old Heifers
  • 7 – Yearling Heifers
  • 13 – Heifer Calves
  • 12 – 2-yr-old Bulls
  • 15 – Yearling Bulls
  • 16 – Bull Calves

Bison older than a year will be brucellosis and tuberculosis tested and accompanied by a health certificate. Heifer calves older than 6 months will be vaccinated for brucellosis and certificates issued.

Buyers must pick up bison on the day of the sale or make arrangements with the refuge manager prior to the sale. Animals become the buyer’s responsibility upon settlement on sale day.

Load-out assistance is available until dusk on the day of the sale. Stock racks and trailers should be covered or lined, as bison transport best in dark conditions.

Cash and personal checks (if accompanied by a notarized authorization letter from the issuing bank) will be accepted.

KDWP reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

For questions regarding the auction, contact Maxwell Wildlife Refuge manager Cliff Peterson at (620) 628-4592 or the KDWP Region 3 Office in Wichita at (316) 683-8069.

For more on Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, including tour information, click HERE.

For more on the Sandsage Bison Range, click HERE.

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Government, Kansas

KS Virtual Job Fair Oct. 19

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Governor Laura Kelly Encourages Kansans to Participate in Upcoming Virtual Job Fair
for State Employment

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today encouraged Kansans currently searching for employment or looking to make a career change to participate in the next KANSASWORKS Virtual Job Fair, which takes place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19. The virtual fair will focus on all state agency job openings.

“KANSASWORKS is hard at work every day connecting Kansans with employers looking to hire, and I’m pleased they are focusing on opportunities with state agencies,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “This job fair provides Kansans the opportunity to work in meaningful and good-paying jobs with great benefits, allowing them to provide a prosperous future for their families.”

The state’s 98 government agencies have approximately 900 full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities available across the state. Kansas has conducted 17 virtual job fairs since the beginning of 2020, showcasing jobs from hundreds of employers across the state. More than 1,500 people have participated in the state’s job fair events this year.

“Recruiting top talent to state agencies is a high priority for the Kelly Administration,” said Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland. “We need dynamic and visionary individuals to join our team and help provide critical services to Kansans across the state.”

The online job fairs allow those looking for work to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating agencies. To participate in the virtual job fair, regardless of previous participation, registration is required. Register here.

Jobseekers also can find a training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Participants are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates will be able to participate via any digital device, including a computer, tablet, or mobile phone. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

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Government, Kansas

KS Lifetime Hunting, Fishing License’s Available for Kids

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Applications Available for New Kansas Kids Lifetime Hunting, Fishing License

Kansas City, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is proud to announce the application period for the state’s all-new lifetime hunting and fishing license for kids will begin October 14, 2022. Any resident youth who is 7 years old or younger at the time of application will be eligible to have a Kansas lifetime hunting and fishing license purchased on their behalf at a reduced rate: $302.50 for those 5 and younger, and $502.50 for those 6 or 7 years old. Paper applications can be downloaded HERE; Electronic applications will be available beginning January 2023.

“Our children and grandchildren are absolutely the future of natural resource conservation in our state, so we’re proud to offer a special avenue for them to enjoy Kansas’ outdoors throughout their life,” said KDWP Secretary Brad Loveless.

Individuals wishing to purchase a Kansas Kids Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License for a youth in their life can ensure seamless processing of their application by adhering to these four tips:

  1. An application must be completed for each child, including proof of Kansas Residency. Incomplete applications will be returned.
  2. This calendar year only, KDWP will honor all eligible applications that are completed, submitted and postmarked by December 31, 2022, even if the child has recently “aged out.” After December 31, 2022, only resident youth who are 7 years old or younger at the time of application and postmarked date will be eligible.
  3. Applications will be processed by Licensing staff in the order they are received. And applicants will be notified once their application is approved.
  4. Due to the already reduced rate (compared to that of Kansas’ existing lifetime licenses), payment plans will not be available for the Kansas Kids Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License; Payment is due in full upon application.

It’s important to note that anyone born on or after July 1, 1957 must be certified by an approved course in hunter education before they can legally hunt in Kansas, except that anyone 15 years old or younger may hunt without hunter education certification provided they are under the direct supervision of an adult 18 years old or older; The purchase of a Kansas Kids Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License does not eliminate this requirement.

For more information on the Kansas Kids Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License, including a downloadable PDF of frequently-asked questions, click HERE.

For more information on Kansas Hunter Education, including a list of all available courses, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunter-Education-Info.

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Government, Kansas

Fort Scott Get $1.5 Million For U.S. Hwy. 54

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces 34 Cities
Across Kansas to Receive $28M
for Local Highway Improvements

FORT SCOTT – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that 34 cities across Kansas have been selected to receive a total of $28.65 million for improvements to the State Highway System located within city boundaries. The funds will be directed to preserve and improve pavement, add turn lanes, and modify intersections along essential roadways in both rural and urban areas throughout the state.

The grants are administered through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP). The program is an important component of the state’s bipartisan transportation program, IKE, passed under the Kelly Administration.

“By making this investment, we’re improving the safety and accessibility of Kansas roadways that are local centers of community life,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Through these grants, we’re delivering economic opportunities throughout rural and urban Kansas.”

Governor Kelly and Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz announced the CCLIP awards in Fort Scott, where $1.5 million in CCLIP funds will be directed to improvements on U.S. 54, also known as Wall Street.

KDOT was able to increase CCLIP funding level for this selection cycle by more than $10 million over previous years due to additional federal funds coming to Kansas as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation (BIL). Both federal and state funds are designated for the CCLIP program and local matching funds are required based on city population.

“With the Connecting Link program, KDOT partners with communities to find solutions to support local transportation priorities,” Transportation Secretary Lorenz said. “I very much appreciate the power of the state and communities pooling funds to make improvements.”

A City Connecting Link is defined as any routing of the State Highway System located with the corporate limits of a city, not including the Interstate System. For this CCLIP cycle applying to state fiscal years 2024-2025, KDOT received 54 applications requesting $38 million.

There are three categories of CCLIP projects: Surface Preservation (SP), which extends the life of the driving surface; Pavement Restoration (PR), which rehabilitates or replaces pavement; and Geometric Improvement (GI), which addresses safety or capacity by improving roadway turn lanes, intersections, or modifying lane configurations.

For each project – the category, city, highway, and amount awarded include:

Category

City

Highway

CCLIP Funds

Northeast Kansas

SP

Atchison

US-59

$400,000

SP

Bonner Springs

K-32

$400,000

SP

Emporia

US-50

$400,000

SP

Kansas City

US-169

$400,000

SP

Lawrence

US-59

$400,000

PR

Marysville

US-77

$1,250,000

North Central Kansas

SP

Clay Center

K-15

$400,000

SP

Concordia

K-9

$400,000

PR

Herington

US-56B

$1,250,000

PR

Moundridge

K-260

$800,000

PR

White City

K-4

$1,250,000

Northwest Kansas

SP

Colby

K-25

$400,000

PR

Smith Center

K-204

$1,300,000

PR

Smith Center

K-204

$1,300,000

PR

Stockton

US-24

$1,100,000

Southeast Kansas

PR

Baxter Springs

US-69A

$1,000,000

GI

Fort Scott

US-54

$1,500,000

SP

Independence

US-160

$400,000

SP

Independence

US-160

$400,000

GI

Madison

K-58

$1,500,000

PR

Parsons

US-59

$1,250,000

South Central Kansas

PR

Anthony

K-44

$900,000

SP

El Dorado

US-77

$400,000

SP

Great Bend

US-281/US-56

$400,000

PR

Hoisington

K-4

$1,250,000

PR

Kingman

US-54

$1,250,000

SP

Larned

US-56

$400,000

PR

Pratt

US-281

$750,000

PR

Wellington

US-81

$1,250,000

SP

Winfield

US-160

$400,000

Southwest Kansas

SP

Dodge City

US-50

$400,000

PR

Lakin

K-25

$1,250,000

PR

Ness City

K-96

$1,000,000

GI

Ulysses

US-160

$1,500,000

TOTAL:

$28,650,000

Government

Bourbon County Rural Water #4 and Fulton Receive Federal Grants

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United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Kansas Director for Rural Development Christy Davis today announced that USDA is investing $5,517,200 in loans and grants toward eight community projects across the state.

Project details of today’s eight announcements are:

  • A $900,000 loan will help complete the rehabilitation of the existing water treatment plant for Rural Water District 4 in Bourbon County. Previous funds for the project included $488,000 applicant contribution from the Rural Water District and a $2,772,000 loan from Rural Development in 2020.
  • A $312,000 loan and a $650,000 grant will make improvements to the water distribution system of the City of Fulton. Improvements will include replacing the original water distribution system, meter assemblies, valves and fire hydrants. The city received a $15,000 grant in Aug. 2019, from Rural Development via the Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households Grant to complete a Preliminary Engineering Report.
  • A $90,000 grant will assist Tabor College in creating the Central Kansas Entrepreneurship Center (CKEC). The center will provide support for small businesses including marketing, pitch development, operations and management, finance and accounting and will be located on the Tabor campus in Hillsboro. It is anticipated 46 full time jobs will be created.
  • A $50,000 grant will assist in purchasing a fire truck on behalf of the Almena Rural Fire Department. A new brush fire truck will provide fire protection throughout Norton County and, when needed, to surrounding counties and southern Nebraska.
  • A $47,200 grant will help purchase a fully equipped vehicle and other equipment for the City of Neodesha law enforcement department. Funds from this project will provide rural residents with new and improved public safety services.
  • A $29,000 grant will be used to prepare an engineering evaluation for the City of Blue Mound‘s water system. The city needs an evaluation of their water facility and distribution system to determine what improvements are needed to mitigate line breaks. With this evaluation the city will be able to plan future water system improvements.
  • A $1,640,000 loan and a $995,000 grant will help complete improvements to the City of Hiawatha‘s wastewater collection system. This project will upgrade the system’s ability to process wastewater and make needed improvements to the north lift station.
  • A $143,000 loan and a $661,000 grant will help complete the first phase of improvements to the City of Vermillion‘s water system. The city previously received $1,279,000 in grants and a $272,000 loan for the project.
Area News, Government, Kansas

Survey to begin on K-52

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Survey to begin on K-52

 

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to start a survey at the Little Sugar Creek drainage culvert on K-52 in Linn County the week of Oct. 17. The culvert is approximately 1 mile west of the K-7/K-52 junction (see map).

 

The survey area of 2,500 feet is based on the existing alignment. Survey crew members will gather information for a future culvert replacement project. KDOT expects the survey to be complete by Dec. 30.

 

Activities include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the corridor. A member of the survey crew will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property. John Lilak of Bartlett & West will manage the survey for KDOT. Persons with questions may contact KDOT Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.

Government, Kansas

KanDrive App now available on cell phones

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Transportation’s KanDrive website is now also available to download as an App on Android and iOS (iPhone Operating System) cell phones. KanDrive provides travelers across the state timely details on maintenance and construction activities, winter highway conditions, flooded roadways, incidents and crashes affecting traffic.

The new App includes all account features on the KanDrive website but also includes a hands-free/eye-free feature that announces upcoming traffic events while traveling. Just tap the Tell Me sound icon in the top right corner to get announcements of upcoming events (feature requires location sharing).

“It’s important for motorists to have quick, accurate and up-to-date information on highway conditions in Kansas,” said Kevin Hennes, KDOT Administrator for KanDrive. “Having the new KanDrive App with your choices set up in advance is a convenient option to help you travel safely and stay informed.”

All account features available on the KanDrive website are included on the App. It also offers real time, high-quality streaming of camera views across the state. The truckers’ mode for commercial vehicle operators is still an option and now announces rest stop parking availability.

The Kansas 511 phone system also has been updated and simplified for people who prefer to receive real-time highway condition information by calling 511. The voice quality and speech recognition features have been improved, and motorists can ask for reports on a specific route, in a city or between two cities.

For more information on all KanDrive services, go to the website at www.KanDrive.org.
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board of Education Minutes of Oct. 10

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Monday, October 10, 2022

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 10, 2022, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President Danny Brown opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

 

  • Minutes from September 12, 2022, Board of Education meeting
  • Corrected minutes to reflect an August 1st date versus August 15th date
  • Financials – Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – September 20, 2022 – $1,517,827.10
  • Activity Fund accounts
  • FSHS Choir Fundraiser, FSHS Orchestra Fundraiser
  • FSHS Orchestra Extended Trip

 

Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on building consistency among processes in the district, thanked the community and parents for their support of PLCs, and provided an update on curriculum.

 

Finance Director Gina Shelton reported on the September 20th count day, the ESSER III application to include expansion of the preschool, health insurance renewal, and sanitation devices received.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Approval of quote for student computer cases
  • Personnel Report – following

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters and the superintendent evaluation process.

 

President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

  • Gordon Harris – Resignation as Eugene Ware/FSPC Custodian, effective Sept. 19, 2022
  • Stuart Troutman – Resignation as district technology help desk, effective Oct. 14, 2022
  • Lyle Brittain – Termination as FSMS paraprofessional, effective Sept. 10, 2022
  • Megan Webb, FSPC teacher, leave of absence

EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS – FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR

  • Michelle Laubenstein – FSHS CTE Coordinator
  • Leah Carter – FSMS After-School Coordinator
  • Brent Cavin FSMS assistant basketball coach
  • Paul Martin – FSMS assistant girls basketball coach
  • Abby Stepps – Eugene Ware Leadership Club
  • Trisha Whitehead – Eugene Ware After-School Coordinator
  • Rachel Patton – Eugene Ware paraprofessional
  • Andrew Ables – FSHS assistant debate/forensics coach
  • Jon Barnes – FSHS assistant Scholars Bowl

Adam Clements – FSMS assistant boys basketball

Government, K-State Extension

Tips to Keep Unwanted Pests Out

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

Tips to Keep Unwanted Pests Out

 

As the weather cools, it is inevitable that certain outdoor pests are going to try to find their way inside homes. One of the best ways to limit unwanted intrusions of insects or rodents is to deny them entry. It is often easier to prevent entry into a home or building than trying to control them once they are inside.

 

Here are seven useful tips for pest proofing.

 

  1. At the base of all exterior doors, install door sweeps or thresholds. Gaps of 1/16 inch will permit entry of insects and spiders; ¼ inch wide gaps are large enough for entry of mice. The bottom corner of doors is often where rodents and insects enter.

 

Applying calk along the bottom outside edge and sides of door thresholds will exclude ant and small insect entry. Garage doors should also be checked for bottom seals. A rubber seal is best as vinyl seals poorly in cold weather.

 

  1. Utility openings should also be sealed. This includes areas where pipes and wires enter the foundation and siding, around outdoor faucets, receptacles, gas meters, clothes dryer vents and telephone/cable TV wires. Plug holes with caulk, cement, expandable foam, steel wool or other suitable sealant.

 

  1. Use a good quality silicone or acrylic latex caulk to caulk around windows, doors and fascia boards. Use a high quality caulking gun. A gun that has a back-off trigger to halt the flow of caulk is best.

 

  1. Repair gaps and tears in window and door screens. Doing so will help reduce entry of flies, gnats, lady beetles and other overwintering pests in the fall. However, there are some insects such as hackberry psyllids that are small enough to fit through mesh window screens. The only way to prevent entry of these tiny insects is to keep windows closed.

 

  1. Attic, roof and crawl space vents should be covered with ¼ inch wire mesh to prevent entry of birds, bats, squirrels, rodents and other wildlife.

 

  1. An exterior (barrier) insecticide treatment can also be applied. Sealing is by far the most permanent way to exclude pests. However, it can be labor intensive and sometimes impractical.  For situations like that, an exterior insecticide treatment may be best. You will get the most for your efforts by applying a longer lasting liquid formulation containing synthetic pyrethroids. Read and follow label directions before using any pesticide.

 

Barrier insecticide treatments should be applied to the base of all exterior doors, garage and crawl space entrances, around foundation vents and utility openings and up underneath siding.

  1. Pests such as lady beetles are often best controlled with a little manual labor by using a vacuum cleaner or broom to sweep them up.

 

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District.  She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

 

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly in Fort Scott at KDOT on Oct. 12

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The KDOT building located on  south Hwy. 69 in Fort Scott.

Governor Laura Kelly to Announce Transportation Project Funding in Fort Scott on Wednesday

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly will join the Kansas Department of Transportation in Fort Scott on Wednesday to announce funding for multiple transportation projects happening throughout the state.

Who:      Governor Laura Kelly, Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz

What:     Transportation Grant Announcement

When:    11:00 a.m.; Wednesday, October 12, 2022