To reserve a meal for the K-State beef cattle producers series, repsond by Feb. 6 to 620. 223-3720.
Category Archives: Submitted
Westar, KCP&L: Kansans to Benefit from Federal Tax Cuts
TOPEKA – On Tuesday, Lt. Governor Colyer urged Kansas utility companies to pass the savings they receive from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on to consumers, so that Kansans may feel the full benefit of the tax decrease. In response to Lt. Gov. Colyer’s calls for relief, KCP&L President Terry Basham and Westar President Mark Ruelle sent letters (attached) agreeing to pass 100 percent of the benefit from the tax cut on to their customers.
In December, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. In addition to reducing the burden for the majority of taxpayers, the legislation also lowers the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. Since utility companies benefit directly from this rate decrease, Colyer wrote to Kansas utility companies requesting they provide relief to Kansas utility consumers by sharing the savings.
“The cost of utilities affects every Kansan. Ensuring that the reduction in corporate federal tax rate is fully recognized in utility rates is an important benefit to Kansas and businesses in communities throughout Kansas,” said Colyer. “This action will make a significant difference to the bottom lines of budgets across our state—particularly to families and small businesses that are just trying to make ends meet.”
In his response to Lt. Governor Colyer, KCP&L President Terry Basham said, “We […] look forward to working with regulators and other stakeholders to get these benefits to our customers as soon as possible.”
Mark Ruelle, President of Westar, responded, “We share an interest in keeping electricity reliable and affordable for Kansans. Supporting the latter goal, we look forward to making sure our customers receive the full benefit of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.”
Lt. Governor Colyer remains committed to ensuring Kansas utility companies pass along the benefits of our nation’s new tax cuts to all Kansans.
Here are the responses from the utilities:
Bassham Colyer Response 1172018
FSCC Meats Judging Team Takes 2nd Place
Submitted.
Fort Scott Community College’s Meats Judging team took 2nd place overall at the AMSA National Western Intercollegiate Meat Contest on January 14, 2018. The team traveled to Denver to take on other eager teams and didn’t leave there without a trophy!
The team was led by Alysia Johnston, FSCC President, who was said she was very excited to see the team in action.
Freshman, Kaylyn Crystal quotes, “Overall, we are very pleased with this outcome. We are a young team and this was our first contest at the college level. I have a good feeling about how our team will continue to grow, and the progress we will make.”
The individual rankings are found below.
FSCC congratulations the Meats Team.
Kaylyn Crystal
2nd High Individual Overall
2nd High Individual in Overall Beef
2nd High Individual in Beef Grading
3rd High Individual in Beef Judging
3rd High Individual in Questions
4th High Individual in Pork Judging
Matt Robinson
3rd High Individual in Lamb Judging
4th High Individual in Beef Judging
5th High Individual in Lamb Judging
William Green
3rd High Individual in Overall Placing’s (3-way tie for 1st)
5th Overall
Utility Assistance Opportunity
Low-income utility assistance opportunities are coming soon to Fort Scott.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally funded utility assistance program. The application period begins January 16, 2018, and ends March 31, 2018.
To qualify for LIEAP, applicants must be living at the address, be personally responsible for the heating and cooling costs, and have a combined gross income that does not to exceed 130% of the federal poverty level.
A Westar representative will be assisting with LIEAP applications at the Fort Scott Chamber on January 30, 2018, from 9 am – 3 pm 231 E. Wall St.
Seeking Kansas Exporter Of The Year Nominations
Submitted article.
Only 10 days remain to nominate businesses for success in international trade
Jan. 26 is the final day to submit nominations to the Kansas Department of Commerce for the 2018 Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award. The award is presented to a single Kansas business each year for excellence in international trade and marketing. The winner of the 30th annual installment of the award will be announced during a special ceremony on June 5, 2018.
Nominated companies will be evaluated on the totality of their international efforts. Qualifications include:
The number and/or percentage increase in jobs due to international activities.
Innovations in global marketing.
The number of countries exported to.
Effective use of international distributors.
Long-range international strategies and prospects for future growth.
Commitment to the state and local community.
Foreign language promotional materials and general promotional activities.
Trade shows and/or international expositions.
The Governor’s Exporter of the Year receives:
An invitation to attend the Team Kansas awards banquet on June 5, 2018, where top businesses from across the state are recognized
A site visit from the Governor to honor the company’s management team and employees
Statewide recognition of your business excellence
Use of the award to market your products
Membership in the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council (KITCC)
Increased networking opportunities
Businesses can nominate themselves or be nominated by any other organization or individual. Visit KansasCommerce.gov/Exporter to learn more about the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award and to download nomination forms. The nomination deadline is 5:00 p.m. on January 26, 2018.
Nominations can be emailed to April Chiang at [email protected] or mailed or faxed to:
Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council
c/o Kansas Department of Commerce, April Chiang
1000 S.W. Jackson St., Suite 100
Topeka, KS 66612-1354
Fax: (785) 296-3490
FSCC presents Career Opportunity Days 2018
Students from area High Schools will join the Fort Scott Community College and C-Tec Team for a morning of interactive or hands-on experiences in the areas of Welding, Masonry, Heating & Air and Carpentry. Students will test their skills in these four areas. There will be stations set up at the appropriate departments from 9 am to 11 am.
The event will take place over a 3 day period, February 6, 7, and 8. Schools can choose which day they want to attend. Sophomore, Juniors and Seniors are invited. We will end the event at 11:00am each day, with lunch for the students at that time. After lunch, we will have the Harley-Davidson building ready for tours as well. Schools wanting to attend can contact Judy Meister any time at 620-704-5905.
Kassie Fugate-Cate, Director of Strategic Communications & Student Activties
620.223.2700 ext. 5248 [email protected]
Agenda For Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Jan. 16
These are the highlights of the agenda for the City of Fort Scott, 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16 at city hall, 123 S. Main.
The commission will:
Recognize Holly Baker.
Approve of Appropriation Ordinance 1207-A totaling $482,847.04.
Set a Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to alleged unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 1234 E. Elm – Public Hearing Date – 3/6/2018 – 6:15 p.m.
Consider Glenn Cowen Quit Claim Deed
Approve Change Order #1 – College Booster Station update – Increase of $42,043.95.
Approve Change Order #1 for the Chemical Feed & Sludge Removal project – Decrease of $1,183.10
Discuss Fort Scott Lofts
To see the whole agenda:
What’s Happening In Fort Scott Jan. 12-19
 12-13 |
Livestock Sale, Fort Scott Livestock Market, 2131 Maple Rd., 10am |
| 12 | Theology on Tap, Papa Don’s Pizza, 10 N. Main St., 7pm |
| 13-14 | Youth Basketball Tournament- hosted by FSHS Booster Club. Start early Saturday morning through 5-6pm Sunday evening, click here for FB page with brackets. |
| 15 | Lunch & Learn, Martin Luther King Jr. Day speaker, Gordon Parks Museum, FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Building, 12-1pm, bring your own lunch, drink & dessert provided. See flyer below for details. |
| 1/15 – 3/10 | Stay Strong, Stay Health Strength Training Class for Older Adults at Buck Run Community Center 8:30 am 620-223-3720. |
| 16 | Community BINGO. Country Place Senior Living is hosting Free Bingo for community members. 2 pm- 4pm Delicious refreshments and prizes! 820 S. Horton |
| 16 | Whiffle Ball @ Buck Run Community Center, 10am-12pm, ages 7-12 boys & girls. Call 620-223-0386 for more information. |
| 18 |
Chamber Coffee, Hartman Spine & Joint, 8am |
| 18 | Thursdays Card Players at Buck Run Community Center 6-9 pm |
| 19-20 | Livestock Sale, Fort Scott Livestock Market, 2131 Maple Rd., 10am |
| 19 |
Friendship Soup Lunch at First United Methodist Church, 301 S. National. Sponsored by Feeding Families in His Name. Menu includes chili, a variety of soups, desserts, and a drink. Free will donations will be accepted. Everyone is welcome! |
| 19 | National Popcorn Day – Drop by the Fort Scott Buck Run Community Center for some FREE Popcorn 10;30 am -12:30 pm |
| 19 | Fort Scott’s Got Talent – Presbyterian Village – 4-5 pm If you enjoy the show “America’s Got Talent,” then you’ll want to check out the Presbyterian Village talent show *Contact Anicia Robinson at 620-223-5550 for additional information |
| 20 | Fort Scott Kids Wrestling Club partnering with Perry’s Pork Rinds 2018 Fundraiser. Pick up & pay 9am – 3pm
at FS invitational. 1 Gallon bags 8 flavors $8 each |
Diabetes Support Group at Mercy Hospital
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott will host a Diabetes Support Group on Monday, January 22 at 6 p.m. in McAuley Rooms C and D. The session topic is “Diabetes Medications: A look at what’s new in the treatment of diabetes.”
Patty Ryan, Mercy R.N., and diabetes educator, will lead the discussion and share details about options that may work for you.
The support group is open to the public. No registration is required and family members are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served.
To learn more about this topic or other important information regarding managing diabetes, join the Mercy Diabetes Support Group. The group meets the third Monday of every other month. Mark your calendar for meeting dates of 2018: March 19; May 21; July 16; and September 17.
For more information, contact Patty Ryan, R.N., at 620-223-8412.
ChatterHigh US: Free College Exploration
Submitted by Carl Repp, co-owner of the Shiney Studios.
Fort Scott is quickly becoming the Education hot spot of Kansas. This past August, ChatterHigh Communications Inc., named 2017 EdTech Partner of the Year at Canada’s National Education Summit, opened its U.S. national office in Fort Scott. It compliments the city’s growing education sector including; Lowell-Milken Center for Unsung Heros, the Ellis Foundation, Fort Scott Community College, and state of the art K-12 schools.
ChatterHigh US provides free college exploration learnings resource for grades 6-12 in schools across America. The resource is a fun, daily, gamified e-quiz that exponentially increases student knowledge about colleges and college programs. Each quiz question takes students deep into college websites to learn about unique and interesting programs.
“Seventy percent of Americans begin a 4-year college program but only twenty percent graduate with a degree, those numbers are not good enough,” says ChatterHigh’s Executive Vice-President, Carl Repp. “Our mission is to empower students to make mindful decisions and, in doing so, we want 100% of students enrolling in college. Our goal is to reduce drop-out rates and increase college persistence by helping students make the perfect college match.”
College enrollment is down across the nation and first-year drop out is higher than ever. The cost to the American economy is in the billions. Repp states that if we graduate more informed student from high school, who have enough knowledge to align their passions and interests to one of the thousands of unique college programs available to them, the likelihood of dropout will be decreased. This process needs to begin in middle school.
“Research is very clear about the behaviors students use to make college decisions. These behaviors, such as searching colleges within a 60-mile radius of their home or only searching colleges they know by name, dramatically reduce the chances of students making a mindful program match to their true passions and interests.”
Chatterhigh’s software allows students to earn points while engaging in learning. Students receive 10 question from colleges each day. A correct answer, found on the college webpage, will earn them 100 points. The points can be used by students to enter weekly draws for gift cards or to donate to the WE Foundation that builds classrooms around the world. Points are also collected in the school’s point bank which earns the school free Chromebooks for classrooms or enables schools to win cash in competitions like America’s Most Informed School – National College Exploration Championships.
“Wyandotte High School in Oklahoma just won the title of 2017 America’s Most Informed School and $1100 cash. Arlington Independent School District in Texas barely beat Dallas to win America’s Most Informed School District. In 30 school days, American students visited over 200,000 college web pages and over $7500 was distributed to the winners.”
What’s Happening This Week By Fort Scott Chamber Of Commerce
| 6 | The Bunker Conceal Carry Class, 8 am, $75 fee |
| 6 | Boiler Room Brewhaus Grand Opening, 11 am, 102 S. National Ave., music, food & craft beer |
| 8 | Informational Breakfast: Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Strength Training Class for Older Adults, Buck Run |
| 9 |
Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet, Papa Don’s, 10 N. Main St., 8:30 am
|
| 10 | Breakfast Bingo at Buck Run Community Center 9 -10 am |
| 11 | Chamber Coffee, Mercy Health for Life 8 am |
| 11 | Biggest Loser Competition Begins at Buck Run, $15 |
| 11 | Thursdays Card Players at Buck Run Community Center 6-9 pm |
| 12-13 | Livestock Sale, Fort Scott Livestock Market, 2131 Maple Rd., 10 am |
| 12 | Theology on Tap, Papa Don’s Pizza, 10 N. Main St., 7 pm |
| 13-14 | Youth Basketball Tournament- hosted by FSHS Booster Club. Start early Saturday morning through 5-6pm Sunday evening |
Blessings Come in all Shapes, Sizes and Bags at Mercy
For the second year in a row, volunteers from Mercy locations in southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri gathered to assemble blessing bags for the local homeless population.
Mercy co-workers started this project last year as they saw an increased need within the community due to higher numbers of homeless patients seeking medical attention. Deeply touched by the plight of this group, they wanted to find a way to provide much-needed help and shine the light of kindness and hope in their lives.
Last year, co-workers were able to put together 250 blessing bags, containing items such as personal care, laundry soap, and snacks that were donated to six area shelters. This year, the program was expanded. Overall, 650 blessing bags were created, allowing co-workers to make donations to 12 different shelters. Additionally, several toys were donated to provide help and brighten Christmas for several struggling families.
Donations were made to the following locations:
- The Beacon, Fort Scott
- Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries & Outreach Center, Fort Scott
- Salvation Army, Springfield
- Rare Breed, Springfield
- Hearts for the Homeless, Springfield
- Harmony House, Springfield
- Soul’s Harbor, Joplin
- Watered Gardens, Joplin
- Salvation Army, Joplin
- Ministers of Fire, Lebanon
- Pregnancy Support Center, Lebanon
- COPE house, Lebanon
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2017 by Truven, an IBM Watson Health company, serves millions annually. Mercy includes 44 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, more than 700 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 40,000 co-workers and more than 2,000 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.