Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Unofficial Minutes of the Uniontown City Council for April 9

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CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779

APRIL 9, 2024 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
The Regular Council Meeting on April 9, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02PM by Mayor
Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, and Mary Pemberton. Also in attendance for all
or part of the meeting were Heather Jackson, Danny Taylor, Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene
Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUEST

Heather Jackson turned in an Application for Placement of Mobile Home at 405 Hill St.After discussion: Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to approve the Application for Placement of Mobile Home at 405 Hill St.

Danny Taylor asked if he could put up new No Parking, Loading/Unloading Zone signs at each drive of his storage units.
After discussion, the city will provide the signs of his choice. He also asked about the size of rock to dress up his drives.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the March 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was
$268,423.36, Receipts $61,625.33, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $52,175.70, Checking Account Closing
Balance $274,846.99. Bank Statement Balance $281,085.53, including Checking Account Interest of $60.89, Outstanding
Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $6,238.54, Reconciled Balance $274,846.99. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit
$37,243.06, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,264.85, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,027.01, Total All
Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $372,381.91. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $173.43, and Utility CDs
$436.08 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $609.51. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the
month of March 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. March Transfers from
Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest
$1,624.00 for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of March $6,423.63, Year-to-Date Net Income
$39,367.79. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $26,687.77 (21.6%), Expenditures $31,016.80 (19.1%); Sewer
Fund YTD Revenue $8,651.07 (23.4%), Expenditures $8,728.22 (20.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $59,321.33 (40.5%),
Expenditures $32,371.80 (18.2%); General Fund YTD Revenue $75,848.78 (46.2%), Expenditures $52,497.08 (25.9%);
and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,077.58 (28.6%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The April 2024 payables to date in the
amount of $44,672.83 were presented. The invoices from KMGA, Homestead Tech, Phillips 66, and Ag Engineering
have not been received at noon meeting day.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
 Minutes of March 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, March 19, 2024 Special Council Meeting, and March
25, 2024 Special Council Meeting
 Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich presented a quote from USDI to replace 4 gas system valves that are getting hard to turn.
Council requested he get two more quotes before taking action.
Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan discussed various projects being completed around town. He asked for the Junk
Vehicle ordinance as he will be visiting some locations. He submitted a letter to Clerk Johnson to be put in the newsletter
and on the webpage.
Clerk Johnson informed the Council that Bourbon County Commission has scheduled a special election for May 14, our
next meeting date. Polls are open 7AM to 7PM. She asked if our meeting needed moved or if we would ask county to
find another venue.

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Ervin, Approved 3-0 to change our meeting time on May 14, 2024 to 7:30PM

Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected
personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to review applications of non-elected personnel, the open
meeting to resume at 8:25PM
Open meeting resumed at 8:25PM.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to call a Special Meeting to enter into executive session to interview non-elected personnel applicants on April 17, 2024 at 5:45PM.

COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilwoman Pemberton – asked if the bench near where the horseshoe pitch area can be moved. It is set in concrete.
Councilman Stewart – absent
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS
Pond Project – final paperwork has been submitted to Don George, KDWPT. Project finished under budget.
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – discussed the painting of the lines for the court and bench placement.
Warehouse project – Another contractor was contacted for a quote to fill in the scales. He does not have time for the project. No response from attorney on process to sell the Weed Barn to offset cost of refurbishing the warehouse as discussed last month.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to hire Rogers and Sons to fill in the scales at the warehouse.

NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Jurgensen stated that Bettis Asphalt will be putting a temporary asphalt plant in Bourbon County this summer and
has a job on 54 Highway and in Bronson. They will be in town to repair any areas that were asphalted last year. He
suggested that the council review the streets and designate which areas of need for this year. Clerk Johnson will email
them with approximate amount available for street resurfacing.

Moved by Pemberton, Second by Ervin, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 9:01PM

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for Special Meeting of the Uniontown City Council on May 14

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The Uniontown City Council will have a special meeting on May 14 at 6:15, prior to the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER AT _________ by __________________________________________

ROLL CALL:

 ____ Jess Ervin ____ Danea Esslinger ____ Amber Kelly ­­____ Mary Pemberton  ____ Bradley Stewart

 

Motion by _____________, Second by  __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Fort Scott Preschool Will Get Bigger Facility in 2025

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Fort Scott Preschool Center, 409 S. Judson,  has a waitlist of approximately 25 three-year-old students this year.

The Fort Scott Preschool, at 409 S. Judson.

“We began this school year with 93 students,” said Nick Johnson, the preschool’s principal.  “Between students moving into the district and students transitioning from Infant-Toddler services, we are finishing the year with 120 students.”

To solve that problem the USD234 School District has begun the process of renovating a building at 9th and Horton Streets for a preschool center. The building was originally owned by Mercy Hospital.

902 S. Horton, from a 2022 photo.

“The new building will allow our program to expand to five classrooms and all those classrooms will be under one roof,” he said.  “Having five classrooms will allow us to increase our enrollment and decrease class sizes.  The new building will also provide more space for related services.  In our current situation speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health services, and English Speakers of Other Languages services all share very limited space.  Having staff in the same location will allow for increased collaboration and more consistency between classrooms.”

“Currently, everything being done is behind-the-scenes planning by the architects and engineers.,” Johnson said.

“Architects and engineers are currently working on plans for the new building,” he said.  “The school board held a hearing at the April board meeting to begin the process of hiring a construction manager at-risk.  The next step will be to hire a construction manager at risk.  We are planning for construction to begin this summer.”

“Construction should be completed during the 2024-25 school year,” he said.  “We are planning to be in the new building for the 2025-26 school year.”

Nick Johnson. Submitted photo.

Criteria to attend Fort Scott Preschool Center is based on age,” he said. ” The student must be three or four years old on September 1st.”

Students fall into one of three categories: 1) students who qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP), 2) students who are at risk of entering kindergarten socially, emotionally, or academically unprepared for success, and 3) peer models.

“All four of our classrooms are blended preschool classrooms, meaning they contain a combination of students from each of these three categories,” he said.

Preschool is offered free of charge to all families.

“Our preschool program receives special education and preschool-aged at-risk funding administered by Kansas Department of Education,” he said.  “We also receive funding from the Kansas Preschool Pilot Grant and the Early Childhood Block Grant.  These four funding sources cover most of our preschool expenditures and keep the program free for families.”

The mission of Fort Scott Preschool Center is to create a school environment that partners families, the school, and the community to build a foundation for lifelong learning.

There are five preschool teachers – four classroom teachers each licensed to teach early childhood special education and one part-time intervention teacher.

“We have eight classroom paraeducators,” he said. ” Our classrooms are adequately staffed as we finish the school year, but we will need to hire one or two additional paras next fall as some of our current paras transition into other roles.”

 

 

Government, Kansas

Grants To Restore Barns For Agritourism Announced

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Kansas Tourism Announces New Grant to Assist Restoration of Historic Barns for Agritourism Businesses

TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism today announced the Barn Adaptation and Restoration Needs (BARN) Grant Program is open for applications. This is the first grant program of its kind for Kansas Tourism. The grant has been created to support and expand agritourism businesses across Kansas through converting underutilized or vacant historic barns into new venues.

“Transforming barns through the BARN program will preserve historical structures and repurpose them into vibrant hubs for agritourism activities, all while bringing new life and economic opportunities into Kansas communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By revitalizing these iconic buildings, we are honoring our state’s agricultural roots and planting seeds for future businesses to grow and prosper.”

The BARN grant program is designed to spur economic growth and help create memorable visitor experiences by preserving a significant aspect of Kansas’ architectural history. These grants are specifically designed to rescue iconic barns from likely demolition or collapse and rehabilitate them into spaces conducive for new or expanding agritourism businesses.

“The type of project we are looking for are those that have the potential to bring new visitors to Kansas,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Agritourism is an effective way to celebrate our state’s agricultural tradition while providing unforgettable travel experiences to our visitors.”

A total of $100,000 will be provided this year, with a maximum of $25,000 available per project. Applications are open until July 31 and awards will be made in September. BARN guidelines and applications are available here.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support.

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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Government, Kansas

Recognizing Companies/Individuals For Positive Community Impact

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Nominations Now Open for 2024 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2024 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The popular annual award program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make on their communities and the Kansas economy.

This year’s banquet and award ceremony will be held Thursday, October 3, at the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“The number of outstanding business success stories across Kansas continues to grow — and we’re looking forward to recognizing more impressive companies and businesspeople who invest in their communities and in our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The To The Stars awardees exemplify the spirit and determination necessary to succeed in business and make a lasting impact. We all know companies and individuals that have gone above and beyond, and I encourage everyone to nominate them for this notable honor.”

Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following categories:

  • AgriBusiness– Companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
  • Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – Companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
  • Business Innovation – Companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
  • Healthcare/Nonprofit – Noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
  • Manufacturing/Distribution – Outstanding achievement for companies of all sizes involved in manufacturing and distribution
  • Non-Traditional Talent Pools – Companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
  • Retail/Service – Exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
  • Under 30 Entrepreneurs – Young entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who are achieving business success
  • Welcome Back – Entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State

The Department of Commerce also will announce the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner and the 2024 Governor’s Exporter of the Year during the banquet and awards ceremony.

“As our state’s economy keeps growing, it’s only appropriate that we celebrate and thank the Kansas businesses that continue to support their communities and drive our state’s unprecedented economic success,” Commerce Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson said. “We look forward to recognizing another year of outstanding businesses and hard-working Kansans, and we hope to see you in Great Bend.”

To learn more about To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards categories, view past winners and to nominate a business or businessperson, including your own, click here.

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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Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott, Government, Youth

Upgrades on Fort Scott’s East Side Are In the Works

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Third Street Park is east of Hwy. 69. This is the lower level with the ballpark. The upper level has playground equipment, a pavilion and bathrooms.

 

Upgrades to Third Street Park, Nelson Park and the Ellis Park Soccer Field are in the works by the City of Fort Scott.
“The City of Fort Scott is working on upgrades to the 3rd Street Park bathrooms, ” Mary Wyatt, Fort Scott’s Planning, Housing, and Community Development Director, said. “I’ve ordered new bathroom doors, Ron Hurd Construction is going to be framing in the new doors, Stoughton’s Plumbing will be drilling sink holes into the concrete in both bathrooms and installing sinks, we (the City of Fort Scott)are installing motion lights, security cameras, and automatic locks for the bathroom doors. Evergy (the electric utility)  has made a donation of a 35-foot pole to the project and CrawKan (Telephone Cooperative)  has also been involved in the technology aspect of this project.”
Mary Wyatt. Submitted photo.
Third Street Park is located at 600 E 3rd St., a few blocks east of Hwy. 69.
Volunteers John Crain and Josh Jones painted the bathroom at Third Street Park during the beginning of the upgrades last year.  Submitted photo.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team received a grant to install new playground equipment and new concrete stairs that have added better access in the multi-level park in 2023.

Rachel Carpenter. Submitted photo.

“Through funding from Patterson Family Foundation and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas, HBCAT started the Stronger Together: Building Up Our Neighborhoods placemaking projects,” according to Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT Director in a prior interview.

This playground equipment was installed last year at Third Street Park.

A Building Up Our Neighborhoods Placemaking project through HBCAT repaired the bathrooms and existing structures, including the basketball goal.

To view the prior story:

“HBCAT initially started the 3rd Street Park project in 2023 and had new playground equipment and fall protection installed, the City of Fort Scott promised assistance on the project in the form of upgrading the bathrooms,” Wyatt said.  “The City of Fort Scott has paid for the bathroom doors and security equipment and will be paying Stoughton’s Plumbing for their services and Jeff Allen for electrical work and CrawKan for the technology work, Ron Hurd Construction has volunteered to donate their time to frame in the new bathroom doors, and Evergy donated a bare 35-foot pole.”
John Crain and Josh Jones paint the bathroom at Third Street Park, in this 2023 photo. Submitted photo.
“The HBCAT 3rd Street Park project was paid for by a grant that HBCAT applied for and were awarded, but the bathrooms portion of the project is paid for by the City of Fort Scott,” Wyatt noted.
The bathroom completion timeline is the end of May.
“There are a lot of moving parts and coordinating of individuals and businesses to make it all come together, but it is my goal to have the bathrooms completed and opened to the public by Memorial Day weekend,” she said.
Wyatt has been working on other projects for youth.
Nelson Park is at Grant and Elm Street in Fort Scott.
“I am also currently working on a project to make upgrades to Nelson Park, I’ve recently attended several Community Development and Grant Writing workshops and have found many resources that could lead to grant funding opportunities to fund the Nelson Park project,” she said. Nelson Park can be accessed from East Wall Street, turning north on Grant Street
“A few months ago, I completed a project that brought flashing school zone speed limit signs to both Margrave Street on the east side of Fort Scott as well as on National Avenue on the west side of Fort Scott and also just received additional flashing school zone signs that will be placed on Horton Street. The cost of the flashing school zone signs were split between the USD234 school district and the City of Fort Scott.”
Ellis Park is located at !12th and Williams Street in Fort Scott. This is a view of the soccer field on Williams Street.
“I am also currently looking into a project that could hopefully help resurface the Ellis Park soccer field this summer,” she said. Ellis Park is near the Fort Scott Middle School, on Twelveth Street.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Honor Members At Annual Awards Banquet

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Left to right: Jericho Jones, Casey Gomez, Regen Wells, Junie Fisher, Cooper George, Lexi Hill, Alyssa Popp, Lizzy Moore, Milo Donnelly, Angie Bin. Submitted photo.

The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 honored members at the annual Golden Thespie Awards Banquet on Apr. 29. The banquet followed original one-act play performances written by the three Drama classes at FSHS.

Honors opened with the President’s Speech & Introduction of New Officers by senior Lexi Hill. New officers include: President – junior Cooper George, Vice President – junior Kaiden Clary, Secretary – junior Emi King, Historian – junior Milo Donnelly, Publicity Chair – sophomore Junie Fisher, State Thespian Representatives – sophomores Chris Newman and Emma Bin, and State State Thespian Representatives in Training – freshmen Ava Johnson and Allie Wards.

The troupe inducted official International Thespian Society Members: seniors Jericho Jones, Lexi Hill, and Casey Gomez; and juniors Emi King, Mykael Lewis, Kaiden Clary, and Cooper George.

 

The following were recognized for competing in the KS State Thespian Festival Thespy Events: Vocal solos – seniors Casey Gomez and Jericho Jones, junior Emma Guns, and sophomores Junie Fisher and Levi Fairchild; Monologues – seniors Regen Wells and Jaedyn Lewis, juniors Emi King and Alyssa Popp, sophomores Chris Newman and Grace Walker; Group acting – seniors Jesse Dinneen and Natalie Woods along with sophomore Peighton Head; Duet acting – juniors Mykael Lewis and Kaiden Clary; Stage Management – junior Cooper George; and Lighting – senior Lexi Hill. Special Recognition went to Wells (qualifying for the third year in a row) and Fisher who qualified to compete at the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University June 23-28.

 

The troupe was presented the Gold Honor Troupe Award from the KS Thespians and the following State Improv Troupe Finalists were recognized: seniors Regen Wells, Lexi Hill, and Jaedyn Lewis; junior Mykael Lewis, and sophomore Chris Newman.

Senior members of International Thespian Society were presented with a medal to wear at graduation. Lexi Hill was honored for receiving the Kansas Thespian Society Technical Theatre Scholarship and Independence Community College Technical Theatre Scholarship. Kassandra Farr, Natalie Woods, Lizzy Moore were recognized for Fort Scott Community College Theatre Scholarships.

 

Senior 4-Year Drama Class Students were presented with lifetime alumni tickets to theatre productions at FSHS. They include: Jesse Dinneen, Lexi Hill, Natalie Woods, Josiah Eisenbrandt, Casey Gomez, Jericho Jones, and Jaedyn Lewis.

 

Every year the troupe votes on the Golden Thespies. These are special trophies presented for outstanding achievement during the year. The Best Newcomer trophy went to junior Milo Donnelly with freshmen Ava Johnson and Allie Wards also as nominees. Most Involved was junior Alyssa Popp with junior Mykael Lewis and sophomore Chris Newman also nominated. Drama Mama went to senior Lizzy Moore with senior Lexi Hill and junior Emi King as nominees. Drama Papa was awarded to junior Cooper George with seniors Jesse Dinneen and Josiah Eisenbrandt nominated.  The Designer of the Year trophy went to senior Lexi Hill, also nominated: senior Natalie Woods and sophomore Chris Newman. Technician of the Year went to junior Cooper George, juniors Emi King and Alyssa Popp also nominated. Actor of the Year was awarded to senior Casey Gomez with juniors Kaiden Clary and Mykael Lewis nominated. The Actress of the Year trophy was won by senior Regen Wells with senior Jaedyn Lewis and Junior Emma Guns nominated. The Singer of the Year trophy went to sophomore Junie Fisher with nominations also to senior Jericho Jones and sophomore Levi Fairchild. The top award of the evening went to theTriple Threat senior Jericho Jones. Seniors Casey Gomez and Regen Wells were nominated as well. Jones also has his name engraved on the perpetual Triple Threat plaque.

The evening closed with a tribute slideshow to the Thespian Seniors. Upcoming events include the Improv Comedy Show on May 12 at 7 p.m. at the high school auditorium and Tiger Drama Camp – Sleeping Beauty – held May 28-June 10 weekdays 12:30-4:30 p.m., with performances June 10 & 11 at 7 p.m.

FSHS is also proud to announce the production of Disney’s Frozen Jr. as the fall all-school musical for 2024. Thespians is led by Troupe Director Angie Bin

 

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Establishes Alzheimer’s Disease Coalition

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Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Work Group and Task Force Combine to Establish Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Coalition

TOPEKA – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) are taking steps to gather professionals, as well as individuals with lived experience, to update the state’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia state plan.

In response to this public health care crisis, in May 2019, Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order No. 19-08, establishing the Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force. Task Force members divided into committees that studied, researched and documented the following topics for the plan: Public Awareness, Access to Care, Family Caregivers, Training and Workforce, Safety and Legal, Research and Data, Dementia Care and Rural.

In 2024, KDHE received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to engage members of the 2018 Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group and 2019 Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force in establishing a Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Coalition to address Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD).

“This coalition is the perfect opportunity to continue our partnerships across the state in addressing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and their effects on Kansans and their families,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said. “The hard work and dedication of the individuals in these groups have provided the foundation that will allow us to continue educating and discussing these important topics as we move forward in supporting the individuals affected by these impactful diagnoses.”

In addition to expanding the Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group and Task Force into a state-level Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Coalition and updating the state plan to include related disease and actions from the CDC’s Healthy Brain Initiative, the program will begin educating the public on brain health and ADRD issues and the broad spectrum of actions needed to fully address ADRD across Kansas.

“Our goal is to improve access to dementia care and quality of life and build strong communities for those living with Alzhemier’s disease or other forms of dementia through strengthened partnerships and policies,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “By engaging and educating the public and focusing on action plans to promote dementia-friendly resources, we can elevate and address issues in dementia care.”

Coalition meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, virtually, from 1 to 3 p.m. The next one is scheduled for May 14. To participate contact Tyra Quintin or Amy Hampton.

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Government, Kansas

Vivint Home Security Will Pay State of Kansas For Pressuring Consumers

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Home security company will pay state $500K, Kobach says

TOPEKA – (May 3, 2024) -A Utah company will pay the state of Kansas $500,000 after agreeing to a consent judgement with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, Attorney General Kris Kobach said. The allegations in the petition filed in Shawnee County District Court included that the company, Vivint, used deceptive business practices to pressure Kansas consumers into long-term contracts.

“Protecting Kansas consumers is our highest priority. Door-to-door transactions are an easy way for suppliers to take advantage of consumers through high-pressure sales tactics. We encourage every consumer solicited through a door-to-door transaction of any kind to thoroughly read and take the time to understand the contract before signing,” said Assistant Attorney General Sarah Dietz.

In addition to the monetary payment, Vivint agreed to change a number of its business practices including not allowing its employees to fill in customers’ names on electronic forms, allowing consumers to cancel their month-to-month services by phone or email, and providing customers with a copy of their extension or renewal agreements within three business days.

Attorney General Kobach encourages consumers who have questions about door-to-door sales or any consumer protection matter to call the Kansas Attorney General’s Public Protection Division at (800)432-2310 or email [email protected].

Read the consent judgment here.

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Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda for the Bo Co Commission This Afternoon

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

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

 

May 6, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 4/29/2024
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $409,734.00
    3. Approval of Payroll Totaling $290,320.88
  1. Public Comments
  2. Lynne Oharah-Unique Road West of 95th Street
  3. Department Updates
    1. Eric Bailey-Public Works
  • Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Commission Comments
  1. 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

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

May 3, 2024

 

Veto Session is over and so is the 2024 session.  The House was able to override the Governor’s veto of CCR 2036, but it failed in the Senate by one vote.  There were two Senators who voted for the CCR but voted No on the override.  They turned around and voted for the next tax package – CCR 37, which was similar to CCR 2036.  It is the mega-tax relief package that would exempt Social Security from state income tax; take the grocery state sales tax to zero July 1, 2024 instead of Jan 1, 2025; provide some property tax relief; lower income taxes for all taxpayers; lower the privilege tax; and remove the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction (LAVTR) language.  The difference is the tax brackets.  The top bracket would be 5.57, instead 5.55 and the other bracket would be 5.2 instead of 5.15.  It is around a $3 million fiscal note from the Governor’s proposed legislation.  The Governor is considering a special session costing $84,600 a day for what one accountant called, “a rounding difference”.  Keep in mind, over $4 billion is in the state coffers.  It makes no sense not to let this legislation become law.

 

Legislative Post Audit Committee had the Ford and Chase County Clerks answer questions regarding a previous audit on elections.  Ford County sealed all of the election material and didn’t cooperate with the audit staff.  After questioning, the Committee decided to request audits of Ford County for this year’s primary and general elections.  Chase County had sealed election material also but had worked with audit staff during the audit.  The Committee also asked that the election material be unsealed so that they can be audited.  A copy of the audit is posted at https://www.kslpa.org/audit-report-library/reviewing-kansass-rocedures-for-election-security-part-2/

 

Lies are rampant in the Capitol.  First, I was not blocking any tax relief, especially for veterans.  In fact, I have been and will continue to lead the charge on tax relief.  Some legislators told me, “we wouldn’t have any tax relief if it weren’t for you.”  Remember Property Tax Relief in CCR 2096 that I wrote about a couple of weeks ago?

  • Expand the property tax freeze for seniors and disabled veterans so more people qualify
  • Eliminate personal property taxes on items not used for business purposes, such as off-road ATVs, 15,000 lbs. trailers, motorized wheelchairs, bicycles, scooters, watercraft, and golfcarts
  • Veterans’ Valor property tax relief program providing for totally disabled and unemployable
  • Provide the current year and a four-year lookback on property valuation notices
  • Allow payment under protest and appealing valuation in the same year if new evidence is provided
  • Stop government competing with business property tax exemption
  • Clarify 1031 exchange, build-to-suit, or sale/leaseback are not used establishing fair-market value

The House sent the CCR back to conference committee and a state representative has put out “fake news” that I am blocking or won’t attend a conference committee.  CCR 2096 is a House Bill so I cannot call a conference.  I have been working diligently to find a solution that leadership, Senate and House members will support.  The House called a conference and we made changes to the legislation.  One of the changes was to add a childcare tax credit to the package.  It would help families keep more of their hard-earned money.  Both chambers passed the legislation, so it up to the Governor if these provisions become law.

 

Again, Tom Petty’s words say it well, “I won’t back down.  Well I know what’s right; I got just one life; In a world that keeps on pushin’ me around; But I’ll stand my ground; And I won’t back down.”

 

I have worked diligently to pass tax relief for disabled veterans and all Kansans.  I will not back down in my support for the Kansas taxpayers.

 

Good News! The legislature overrode CCR 2098 with several sales tax provisions.  It creates new program for disabled veterans (50% or more), exempts custom meat processing services, and exempts manufacturer coupons from sales tax and other provisions.  The CCR is posted at  https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2098/

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda For the Bo Co Commission, May 6

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Attachments:

Accounts Payable 5-3-2024

Payroll 5-3-2024

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

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

 

May 6, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 4/29/2024
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $409,734.00
    3. Approval of Payroll Totaling $290,320.88
  1. Public Comments
  2. Lynne Oharah-Unique Road West of 95th Street
  3. Department Updates
    1. Eric Bailey-Public Works
  • 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.