Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Gov. Kelly Requests Agency Provide Emergency Waiver During Summer Driving Season

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Governor Kelly Calls On EPA to Take Action to Save Kansans Money at the Gas Pump This Summer 

~~Gov. Kelly Requests Agency Provide Emergency Waiver to Allow Alternative Fuels During Summer Driving Season~~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan requesting the agency allow the sale of E15 products – gasoline blended with 10.5% to 15% ethanol – during the summer through the use of an emergency waiver. This move, which the EPA granted last summer, would help prevent potential fuel shortages and save Kansas money at the gas pump.

Allowing the sale of this product during the summer driving season would also support the Kansas ag industry, especially corn growers who contribute to ethanol production.

“I’m calling on the EPA to take action to save Kansans money at the gas pump, increase our nation’s fuel supply, and support Kansas ag producers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The agency delivered this relief last year, and given inflation and declining fuel inventories, I believe they should do it again.”

During the summer of 2022, the EPA ensured the continued availability of E15 in order to extend fuel supplies put at risk by the Russia-Ukraine War. This action helped prevent potential shortages and saved Americans at least $57 million in fuel costs.

U.S. inventories of crude oil and petroleum products recently hit a 19-year low, and nationwide gasoline stocks are 3% lower than a year ago. Those statistics, coupled with continued international pressure and refining capacity being offline for maintenance, are predicted to have the same implications as last summer, providing support for another emergency waiver.

A copy of the letter can be found here.

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Government, Kansas

KS Palliative Care Plan Announced

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Governor Kelly Announces the Release of
 Kansas’ 5-Year Palliative Care Plan

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has released the state’s comprehensive 5-Year Palliative Care State Plan, a blueprint for how Kansas can better deliver care that improves the quality-of-life and mitigates suffering for Kansans with serious and often terminal illnesses. It includes proposals to deliver timely care to rural Kansans, bolster the health care workforce, and increase public awareness so Kansans can make informed decisions about treatment.

Thousands of Kansans could benefit from palliative care each year, yet Kansas currently ranks 42 of 51 states (including D.C.) in access to palliative care. Examples of diagnoses appropriate for palliative care include advanced dementia, cancer, chronic obstructive lung disease, genetic disorders, perinatal conditions, heart conditions, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, liver disease, multiple sclerosis, and neurologic disorders, among others. It is appropriate for patients of any age or stage of illness and can accompany curative treatment.

“My administration is focused on improving the quality of life for Kansans at every stage of life, and key to that is improving understanding of and access to palliative care,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Palliative Care State Plan provides a comprehensive guide for how our state ease suffering at scale.”

The 2022-2027 Palliative Care State Plan is the product of a collaboration between KDHE, the Palliative Care Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Advisory Council, the Kansas Cancer Partnership, and other palliative care experts.

“Many people in Kansas would benefit from Palliative care but don’t know about it,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said. “This state plan will help serve as a guideline to ensure that all Kansas families facing serious illness have the information and opportunity to obtain high-quality medical care that aligns with their unique circumstances and values.”

Other recommendations in the plan include:

  • Expanding broadband access and preserving policy changes to deliver telehealth services essential to delivering timely palliative care for all Kansans, including those in rural and frontier communities.
  • Incentive programs to recruit, train, and retain highly skilled palliative care clinicians; education on primary palliative care for all disciplines; and enhanced support for unpaid caregivers crucial to addressing our state’s palliative care workforce shortage.
  • Efforts to engage and inform Kansans about palliative care to improve the public’s understanding and acceptance of palliative care and how it differs from hospice.
  • Efforts to bring advanced care planning and serious illness care planning to scale across care settings so that Kansans are well-informed and can express their wishes, values, and treatment preferences ahead of treatment plan development.

To learn more about palliative care and the resources available, visit www.kdhe.ks.gov/834/Palliative-Care-Program.

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Kansas

KS Women Trailblazers

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Governor Kelly Honors Three Kansas Trailblazers During Women’s History Month


TOPEKA – As part of a ‘Women’s History Month’ celebration, Governor Laura Kelly today honored three women who have made significant contributions to Kansas: Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, former Secretary of Administration; Julie Lorenz, former Secretary of Transportation; and Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent of Topeka Public Schools. Governor Kelly also presented each honoree with letters of recognition and formally proclaimed March ‘Women’s History Month.’

“Too often, we think of ‘women’s history’ as being in the distant past, failing to recognize that there are women making Kansas history right now,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Today, during Women’s History Month, I want to shine a light on three of my favorite current history-makers, strong women leaders who are paving the way for the next generation.”

As Secretary of Administration, Chief Information Technology Officer, and director of the Office of Recovery, Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace played a critical role in strengthening state operations at all levels and broke barriers in state government for women. She departed the Kelly administration in January 2023 after over three years of service.

Dr. Burns-Wallace has been recognized nationally for her achievements, including receiving the Orbie Award for the 2022 Outstanding CIO of the Year in Government. She was also elected to the Stanford University Board of Trustees in 2020 and became a member of the Council on Foreign Relations in 2022.

“The 2023 National Women’s History Month theme is Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” Dr. Burns-Wallace said. “I am honored and humbled today to stand with these two amazing women as our stories, our journeys, our triumphs and even our failures reflect the richness, diversity, and the depth and breadth of women leaders across our great state and nation.”

As Secretary of Transportation and chair of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, Julie Lorenz navigated the passage of the 10-year bipartisan infrastructure program and repaired KDOT’s relationships with stakeholders across the state. She departed the Kelly administration in December 2022 after four years of service. She now serves as Principal Consultant for 1898 & Co., the business and technology consulting arm of Burns & McDonnell.

Like Dr. Burns-Wallace, Lorenz has been recognized across the country for her leadership, including with the prestigious George S. Bartlett Award.

“Throughout our history, Kansans have benefitted from strong women leaders in businesses, schools, government, and at home – and our work is not done,” Lorenz said. “We know poverty disproportionately affects women and children.  Today’s celebration of women also underscores the need for us to work harder together to make the future brighter for those who follow us.  I like to say Ad Astra Simul – to the stars, together!”

Dr. Tiffany Anderson is the first African American female superintendent of Topeka Public schools. She has been a passionate public school educator for 28 years, working to transform the lives of students and prepare them for life after graduation. In addition to her role as superintendent, Dr. Anderson serves on the Postsecondary Technical Education Authority (TEA), and as Co-Chair of the Governor’s Kansas Commission on Racial Equity and Justice.

Her dedication has been recognized by President Obama and at the Academy Awards. She recently received the 2023 Woman Superintendent in School Leadership award from the American Association of School Administrators.

“Women have changed the world and continue to lead the way to a better, more prosperous future of hope which can be seen in our woman leaders in politics, healthcare, and in the public education system which supports all other careers,” Dr. Anderson said. “It is a privilege to join Governor Kelly and the many women across Kansas in celebrating the countless contributions of women across the world.”

Fort Scott, Kansas, Schools

FSHS Math Teacher Amy Harper Honored As District 2 Kansas Teacher of the Year

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From Mr. Kimble, Fort Scott High School Principal:

“This past Sunday Amy Harper, FSHS Mathematics teacher, was honored at the Kansas Teacher of the Year District 2 Banquet in Topeka.  We are extremely proud of Mrs. Harper for her recognition as a nominee and all that she does for Fort Scott students as well as the community. Mrs Harper, you make USD 234 a great place to learn! ”

Government, Housing, Kansas

The Cold Weather Rule ends March 31

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TOPEKA – The Cold Weather Rule ends on Friday, March 31. That means Kansans who are behind on electric and natural gas utility bills will be subject to disconnection of service unless they contact their utility company to make payment arrangements. March 31 is also the last day to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program or LIEAP, a federally funded program administered by the Kansas Department of Children and Families. LIEAP applications must be received by the Kansas DCF office by 5 p.m. on Friday.  The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) urges all customers facing financial difficulties to act now to stay connected.

The Cold Weather Rule, in effect from November 1 through March 31, provides protection from disconnection to residential customers served by utilities regulated by the KCC when temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. When the rule is in effect, regulated utilities are also required to offer a Cold Weather 12-month payment plan upon request, even if a previous payment plan has been broken.

When that protection ends on Friday, failure to make arrangements or failure to adhere to an already established payment plan could result in disconnection. Reconnection after March 31 may require past due balances be paid in full, depending on the utility’s policy. That is why it is important to call now – while regulated utilities are still required to offer the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan.

The Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plans require an initial payment of 1/12 of the overdue amount, 1/12 of the bill for current service, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fees, plus any applicable deposit owed to the utility. The balance is billed in equal payments over the next 11 months in addition to the regular monthly bill.

It is important to note that the KCC does not regulate co-ops or municipal utilities, although many of those utilities also offer a cold weather payment plan. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit: http://kcc.ks.gov/about-us/jurisdiction

To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, please contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.

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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

March 24, 2023

 

Session 2023 is quickly coming to an end.  There are a few more days of regular session, then conference committees will be the focus.  Conference committees are six member committees, three from each chamber, that negotiate the differences in legislation that has passed both chambers.  It is usually the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Ranking from committees.  However, the Senate President and Speaker may appoint whomever they want on conference committees.

 

Property Tax has been a focus for many, including myself and other legislators.  The Senate Tax Committee passed Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1610, limiting property valuations to a maximum 3% increase each year.  If we can get the SCR passed in both chambers by 2/3 majority, it would be on the ballot for voters to decide.  Hopefully, leadership will shepherd it through the process this session to let taxpayers vote and stop these massive valuation increases, which often result in higher property taxes.

 

Self-storage unit operators would be able to request towing of a vehicle, trailer, or watercraft when a storage unit payment is 60 days or more past due.  The bill, SB 2042, passed the Senate 38 to 0.

 

Article V in the U.S. Constitution defines two methods to amend the U.S. Constitution.  The most commonly known method is that an amendment to be initiated by U.S. Congress.  The second method is when an amendment can be initiated by the states.  There are a few groups working to initiate amendments through the state legislatures.  The Kansas Senate debated a resolution that would call for an Article V convention for term limits, a balanced budget, and to reign in federal overreach.  It always leads to healthy debate.  The Kansas Constitution requires a resolution for an Article V convention to pass by 2/3 majority.  There have been attempts in the past to disregard this requirement.  I do not support those efforts.  I do support states working to reign in our federal government, so I voted for the resolution.  However, it failed on a vote 22 to 16.  It needed 27 votes to pass.

 

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

Caryn

 

 

Government, Jobs, Kansas

Kansas Virtual Job Fair on March 29

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Commerce Announces Virtual Job Fair in March For State Agency Jobs

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers to attend a State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29. This virtual fair will focus on highlighting employment opportunities within many of the state’s 98 government agencies.

“Our Kansas agencies are brimming with opportunities for Kansans to have good paying jobs with excellent benefits and a variety of employee perks and discounts,” Lt. Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “We need talented people that are interested in doing important and meaningful work across the state to join one of our many winning teams.”

Registration is required to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Job Fair portal features a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate via any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Click here to register for the March 29 Virtual Job Fair.

About KANSASWORKS:

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.

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Government, Kansas

New Funding Available to Help Communities with Shovel-Ready Sites

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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced new grant funding that will help communities gain valuable Certified Sites designation for shovel-ready industrial sites in Kansas.

Kansas Certified Sites designation is issued when communities successfully demonstrate their property is primed for development and ready for investment, which is a huge advantage in recruiting and expanding businesses. The program is designed to reduce the risks associated with development. A Kansas Certified Site is attractive to investors and site selectors because it:

  • Provides key detailed background information on a site’s price, availability, utilities, site access, environmental records and potential site development costs
  • Encourages faster site selection decisions
  • Can help greenfield or expansion projects get started.

As part of the new Certified Sites Grant program, the Kansas Department of Commerce will provide matching dollars up to $10,000 for eligible entities to use toward completion of a Kansas Certified Sites program application. Funding is available for non-metro counties with a population less than 50,000.

“We know smaller communities might not have the necessary resources to pursue a Certified Sites designation, so this is a great opportunity for them to compete on a more level playing field,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Supporting the application process for communities to promote shovel-ready sites will lead to more new businesses and good jobs throughout our state.”

Eligible expenditures covered by Certified Sites Grant funds include consulting services, marketing costs and engineering expenditures related to the completion of the Certified Sites program application.

All applicants are required to provide matching funds on a 1:1 basis. Eligible sources for matching funds include:

  • General operating funds
  • In-kind donated services related to the Certified Sites program
  • Valuation of Brownfields Program, which provides funding and technical assistance in assessing properties that might be or are perceived to be contaminated.

“As Kansas continues to grow at a record pace, the need for our communities having their sites ready and certified for growth is of the utmost importance,” Certified Sites Program Manager Corrie Ann Campbell said. “This grant opportunity ensures that this significant designation will be more attainable for our cities and counties.”

Successful recipients of Kansas Certified Sites designation receive many benefits, including marketing support for attracting investors. Kansas Certified Sites are incorporated into a variety of marketing campaigns and strategies which includes:

  • A profile on the Kansas Department of Commerce website
  • Visibility on Kansas Department of Commerce social media channels.

Applications for the Kansas Certified Site program are accepted year-round.

For more information about Certified Sites or the Certified Sites Grant funds, click here or contact Campbell at (785) 213-7312 or [email protected].

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 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

March 17, 2023

 

A State Budget, Senate Bill (SB) 155 was debated on the floor and it passed to advance to final action after many amendments and attempts at amendments.  Final action is usually taken the day after or the day of debate.  However, there are several senators absent for various reasons so the vote has been delayed.

 

The legislature is required by the State Constitution to appropriate funds – providing a budget for the state.  The process starts with the departments and agencies providing their budgets to the Governor, then the Governor provides her recommendations to the legislature.  This is what the legislature uses as a start.  It is almost always an increase from the previous year.  For the past three years, the Governor has cut items she knows need to be funded and increased her pet projects.  It resulted in massive spending increases because the final budget would include both and not decrease or cut the Governor’s items.  Well, not this year.  The Senate President cut the Governor’s projects and decreased the out-of-control spending.  It is refreshing because it gives some of the tax cuts discussed in prior weeks a chance of being passed into law.

 

Some amendments that passed during debate include:

  • a modest cut to agencies NOT INCLUDING health, safety, or K-12 education by just 3.25% to save $97 million – decreasing the $9.4 billion budget to $9.3 billion.  Every savings helps.
  • would require the citizenship of state employees and contractors to be verified with the database known as e-verify.
  • would require departments and agencies to provide performance based budgets or their budget would be cut by 5%.  Performance based budget became law over 6 years ago and has still not been implemented by some agencies.

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

Caryn

 

Government, Health Care, Kansas

March 19-25 is National Poison Prevention Week

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When Poison Happens, We’re Here For You.

TOPEKA –Kansas Governor Laura Kelly issued a proclamation to kick off National Poison Prevention Week. The Poison Center at the University of Kansas Health System and Safe Kids Kansas want to remind Kansans that Poison Centers are ready 24/7 with fast, free advice.

The theme for this year’s National Poison Prevention Week is Poison Centers – When Poison happens, we’re here for you.

Not everyone realizes that Poison Centers are for everyone. While poison centers get more calls about children, calls about teens, adults and older adults tend to be more serious. Over half of the calls to the Kansas Poison Center in 2022 involved medicines or pharmaceuticals. However, other common poisons include household products, plants, mushrooms, pesticides, animal bites and stings, carbon monoxide, and many other nonpharmaceutical substances.

“The best piece of advice we can give is to program the Poison Help number, 800-222-1222, in your phone and post it visibly in your home. This way you are prepared in the event of a poisoning emergency or simply have questions,” said Stefanie Baines, education coordinator for the Kansas Poison Control Center.

Here are the ways Poison Centers save time, worry, lives and money:

Time

When seconds count, calling a poison center is faster and more accurate than a confusing internet search.

Worry

Nurses, pharmacists and doctors answer calls. We can help in more than 150 languages. Doctors and hospitals turn to us for help every day.

Lives

Whether it is a question or an emergency, Poison Centers provide life-saving information when you need it the most.

Money

All calls are free. More than 70 percent of people who call get the help they need right where they are – saving the cost of a trip to the doctor or hospital.

“It is also important to know Poison Centers are not just for emergencies. You can call anytime from anywhere in the nation for information or advice from local experts,” said Cherie Sage, state coordinator for Safe Kids Kansas.

If you think someone has been poisoned, call 800-222-1222 right away. Fast and free expert help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information about preventing accidental poisoning visit kansashealthsystem.com/poison and safekidskansas.org/poison_prevention.htm.

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Government, Kansas

Updating Kansas Mental Health Care

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Governor Kelly Announces Kansas to Receive
$1 Million to Expand Community-Based Mental Health Care Model

~~Expands Kelly Administration’s Efforts to Provide Services through Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics~~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas is receiving a $1 million, one-year federal planning grant to support the transition of Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) to become Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) capable of treating mental health and substance abuse crises through integrated physical-behavioral care. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

In 2021, Governor Kelly signed Senate Substitute for House Bill 2208, which laid the groundwork to modernize the state’s mental health system to meet community-specific needs. With that bill, Kansas became the first state to pass legislation identifying the CCBHC model as a solution to the mental health and substance use crisis. Since then, KDADS has been transitioning the state’s 26 CMHCs to CCBHCs.

“The CCBHC model is at the core of the work my administration is doing to help Kansans overcome addiction and improve mental health,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “With his funding, more Kansans – including more members of the military and veterans — will receive mental health and substance use disorder treatment, primary care, and intensive services in their own communities.”

CCBHCs are required to serve anyone who requests care — including developmentally appropriate care for children — for mental health and substance use, regardless of ability to pay, place of residence, or age.

Kansas has been developing its CCBHC program since 2021 in cooperation with the state’s 26 Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs). KDADS applied for the SAMHSA Cooperative Agreements for CCBHC Planning Grant in December 2022. Funding for this opportunity was made available through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which builds upon the $300 million awarded in September 2022 for new and existing CCBHCs to expand access.

What They’re Saying:

“CCBHCs can help transform communities across Kansas by providing timely access to comprehensive behavioral and mental care,” Kansas Senator Roger Marshall said. “I value how CCBHCs work collaboratively with hospitals to step in and reduce emergency department visits and aid law enforcement officers in responding to individuals suffering from a behavioral health crisis. I applaud the state legislature for laying the groundwork and passing comprehensive legislation to increase the number of CCBHCs in the state and congratulate KDADS and KDHE for being one of 15 states selected to participate in this pilot program. This has been a collaborative effort since we extended the federal pilot program in December 2020. I’ll continue to assist the state agencies and CCBHCs so they successfully serve Kansans in need.”

“I believe every Kansan should have access to affordable health care, and that absolutely includes mental health. Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics provide essential services to keep our communities healthy and safe, and now that this federal program has expanded to Kansas, our network of centers will be able to expand their reach to all who need help—regardless of financial situation,” Representative Sharice Davids, (KS-03), said. “I’m proud to have voted for this federal funding and I know it will help many Kansans in need.”

“We are honored to be one of the 15 states receiving this planning grant and want to recognize the outreach and support our application received from the Kansas congressional delegation. This is the first step toward Kansas ultimately being selected as one of 10 to SAMHSA’s CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration project,” Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard said. “Participation in that project would highlight the significant work Kansas has put into strengthening and transforming the state’s behavioral health system one community at a time and hold us up as an example for the rest of the nation.”

“I am extremely thrilled to learn that KDADS is the recipient of the $1 million dollar grant. Helping our mental health centers move more quickly into the CCBHC model means that more Kansans will have access to mental health services,” Kanas Senator Pat Pettey, Kansas Senate District 6 and Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare, said.

“Kansas being selected as one of 15 states to receive today’s announced planning grants from SAMHSA puts us on a path closer to ensuring easier access to comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment services statewide,” Kansas Representative Brenda Landwehr, Kansas House District 105 and Chair of the House Committee on Health and Human Services, said. “I am grateful for the bipartisan leadership we had here in Kansas that made this funding a reality and proud to be able to say Kansas was a leader on this front and was the first state to put the CCBHC model into statute. I will continue to support and promote Kansas’ ability to transform how individuals suffering from a behavioral health or substance use crisis access mental health services.”

“The CCBHC grants we are receiving from the federal government will help us build additional infrastructure for the mental health safety net in Kansas,” Kyle Kessler, Executive Director of the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas, said. “Any resources that go toward our CCBHC investment solidify the work done by community mental health centers and our partners in the executive and legislative branches of government and support our state designed system.”

“Kansas has been a leader in the CCBHC arena, launching its first CCBHCs almost a year ago. This planning grant will allow the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services to build on its success and help drive better integration of primary care and behavioral health,” Kansas Department for Health and Environment Medicaid Director Sarah Fertig said. “This award would not be possible without close partnerships with providers and the support of our congressional delegation.”

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Bourbon County, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History, Kansas

Native American Program Series Starts March 18 at Fort Scott NHS

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Photo credit: Dr. Tia Edwards.

Fort Scott National Historic Site (FSNHS) personnel are collaborating to bring stories of  indigenous tribe’s histories to Bourbon County.

“We want to help share the stories of tribal partners, a lot of it is the Osage Tribe,” said Carl Brenner, program manager for interpretation and resource management at the Fort. “We are trying to tell the story with the background of everything that was here in Kansas, the Fort is just a part. It’s a bigger story than Kansas and the Fort. It’s the story of the growing pains of a nation.”

The first program, in a series the Fort is bringing to Fort Scott, is this Saturday.

The series of events will be of authors, historians, artisans, and Native American Tribal members, which will  continue through the fall of this year.

Colonialism and the Osage in Kansas

FSNHS is hosting historian and author, Dr. Tia Edwards, this Saturday, March 18 from 11 a.m. to noon in the theater of the infantry barracks.

“She will discuss how nineteenth century U.S. Indian policy functioned as settler colonialism, displacing Indigenous nations across the eastern United States, including the Osage who were expelled from their Missouri homelands and confined to a reservation in Kansas,” Brenner said.

Photo of this person
Dr. Tia Edwards from the Johnson County Community College website.

 

Dr. Edwards is a historian and director of the Kansas Studies Institute at Johnson County Community College, according to the press release.

Her book Osage Women and Empire was published by the University Press of Kansas in 2018. She is an officer in the Kansas Association of Historians (KAH) and the Kansas Association for Native American Education (KANAE).

She has collaborated on many projects including recording veterans’ oral histories, preserving the Quindaro ruins in Kansas City, KS and rematriating a sacred boulder in Lawrence to the Kaw Nation.

Indigenous Histories Series

The Fort is collaborating with local entities to bring the histories of indigenous peoples to Fort Scott. The Lowell Milken Center, Hedgehog INK bookstore and Fort Scott Community College is collaborating with the Fort for this series.

 

Speakers

The Lowell Milken Center will have Billy Mills, an Oglala Souix, on April 12.  Mills was a 1964 gold medal winner at the Tokyo Olympics, who inspired America with his win.

Billy Mills. Taken from the Olympics website.

To view his story:

https://olympics.com/en/athletes/billy-mills

 

 

On April 15, Isaias Mc Caffrey,  author of Last Stand at Rebel Creek: The Osage as Union Allies in Civil War Kansas will be at the Fort.

Isaias McCaffery, taken from the Humanities Kansas website.

 McCaffery is a professor of history at Independence Community College. His presentation explores the Osage tribe’s contributions to the Union Army cause in Kansas during the Civil War.

Ballet

Wahzhazhe, the name the Osage people call themselves, will perform a contemporary ballet that tells their history from pre-contact years to present day, according to https://www.osageballet.com/. This event will be July 21-22 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College.

Photo from the Wahzhazhe website.

“From the hand-painted scenery, to the original score , which features the use of traditional drums, to the exquisitely detailed costumes, the world of the Osage comes to life in vivid color, a mesmerizing blend of historical accuracy and raw emotional symbolism,” according to its website.

In addition to the ballet, there will be an exhibit of historic photos of the Osage people.

This event is partially funded by Humanities Kansas. Donations for this project are welcome to the Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Fort Scott National Historic Site: Part of the National Park System.

The FSNHS exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.during the winter months, which ends March 31. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset.

To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.