Kansas Water Authority Virtual Meeting April 14

 

 

The Kansas Water Authority (KWA) will have a virtual meeting by webinar on Tuesday, April 14 starting at 10 a.m.

 

For additional meeting information or how to access it, visit the Kansas Water Office website, www.kwo.ks.gov or call (785) 296-3185.

The KWA is responsible for advising the Governor, Legislature and Director of the Kansas Water Office on water policy issues. They also ensure that water policies and programs address the needs of all Kansans as well as serve as advisors of the Kansas Water Vision and Kansas Water Plan. The KWA was established in 1981 and consists of 13 voting members who are appointed by the Governor or Legislative leadership. State agency directors serve as ex-officio members.

 

Paycheck Protection Program For Small Businesses

To see the website:

US Chamber of Commerce – SBA Paycheck Protection Overview

PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP) INFORMATION SHEET:

BORROWERS
The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. All loan terms will be the same for everyone.
The loan amounts will be forgiven as long as:
 The loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and most mortgage interest, rent, and utility costs over the 8 week period after the loan is made; and
 Employee and compensation levels are maintained.
Payroll costs are capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee. Due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.
Loan payments will be deferred for 6 months.

When can I apply?
 Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
 Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
 Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans as soon as they are approved and enrolled in the program.

Where can I apply?

You can apply through any existing SBA lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. Visit www.sba.gov for a list of SBA lenders.

Who can apply?

All businesses – including nonprofits, veterans organizations, Tribal business concerns, sole proprietorships, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors – with 500 or fewer employees can apply. Businesses in certain industries can have more than 500 employees if they meet applicable SBA employee-based size standards for those industries

For this program, the SBA’s affiliation standards are waived for small businesses

(1) in the hotel and food services industries (click HERE for NAICS code 72 to confirm); or

(2) that are franchises in the SBA’s Franchise Directory (click HERE to check); or

(3) that receive financial assistance from small business investment companies licensed by the SBA.

Additional guidance may be released as appropriate.

What do I need to apply?

You will need to complete the Paycheck Protection Program loan application and submit the application with the required documentation to an approved lender that is available to process your application by June 30, 2020.

What other documents will I need to include in my application?

You will need to provide your lender with payroll documentation.

Do I need to first look for other funds before applying to this program?

No. We are waiving the usual SBA requirement that you try to obtain some or all of the loan funds from other sources (i.e., we are waiving the Credit Elsewhere requirement).

How long will this program last?

Although the program is open until June 30, 2020, we encourage you to apply as quickly as you can because there is a funding cap and lenders need time to process your loan.

How many loans can I take out under this program?

Only one.

What can I use these loans for?

You should use the proceeds from these loans on your:
 Payroll costs, including benefits;
 Interest on mortgage obligations, incurred before February 15, 2020;
 Rent, under lease agreements in force before February 15, 2020; and
 Utilities, for which service began before February 15, 2020.
What counts as payroll costs? Payroll costs include:
 Salary, wages, commissions, or tips (capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee);
 Employee benefits including costs for vacation, parental, family, medical, or sick leave; allowance for separation or dismissal; payments required for the provisions of group health care benefits including insurance premiums; and payment of any retirement benefit;
 State and local taxes assessed on compensation; and
 For a sole proprietor or independent contractor: wages, commissions, income, or net earnings from self-employment, capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee.

How large can my loan be?

Loans can be for up to two months of your average monthly payroll costs from the last year plus an additional 25% of that amount. That amount is subject to a $10 million cap. If you are a seasonal or new business, you will use different applicable time periods for your calculation. Payroll costs will be capped at $100,000 annualized for each employee.

How much of my loan will be forgiven?

You will owe money when your loan is due if you use the loan amount for anything other than payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities payments over the 8 weeks after getting the loan.

Due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.

You will also owe money if you do not maintain your staff and payroll.
 Number of Staff: Your loan forgiveness will be reduced if you decrease your full-time employee headcount.
 Level of Payroll: Your loan forgiveness will also be reduced if you decrease salaries and wages by more than 25% for any employee that made less than $100,000 annualized in 2019.
 Re-Hiring: You have until June 30, 2020 to restore your full-time employment and salary levels for any changes made between February 15, 2020 and April 26, 2020.

How can I request loan forgiveness?

You can submit a request to the lender that is servicing the loan. The request will include documents that verify the number of full-time equivalent employees and pay rates, as well as the payments on eligible mortgage, lease, and utility obligations. You must certify that the documents are true and that you used the forgiveness amount to keep employees and make eligible mortgage interest, rent, and utility payments. The lender must make a decision on the forgiveness within 60 days.

What is my interest rate?

0.50% fixed rate.

When do I need to start paying interest on my loan?

All payments are deferred for 6 months; however, interest will continue to accrue over this period.

When is my loan due?

In 2 years.

Can I pay my loan earlier than 2 years?

Yes. There are no prepayment penalties or fees.

Do I need to pledge any collateral for these loans?

No. No collateral is required.

Do I need to personally guarantee this loan?

No. There is no personal guarantee requirement. ***However, if the proceeds are used for fraudulent purposes, the U.S. government will pursue criminal charges against you.***

What do I need to certify?

As part of your application, you need to certify in good faith that:
 Current economic uncertainty makes the loan necessary to support your ongoing operations.
 The funds will be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or to make mortgage, lease, and utility payments.
 You have not and will not receive another loan under this program.
 You will provide to the lender documentation that verifies the number of full-time equivalent employees on payroll and the dollar amounts of payroll costs, covered mortgage interest payments, covered rent payments, and covered utilities for the eight weeks after getting this loan.
 Loan forgiveness will be provided for the sum of documented payroll costs, covered mortgage interest payments, covered rent payments, and covered utilities. Due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.
 All the information you provided in your application and in all supporting documents and forms is true and accurate. Knowingly making a false statement to get a loan under this program is punishable by law.
 You acknowledge that the lender will calculate the eligible loan amount using the tax documents you submitted. You affirm that the tax documents are identical to those you submitted to the IRS. And you also understand, acknowledge, and agree that the lender can share the tax information with the SBA’s authorized representatives, including authorized representatives of the SBA Office of Inspector General, for the purpose of compliance with SBA Loan Program Requirements and all SBA reviews.

Kansas Youth Community Change Conference Online April 20

For those of you who might have teenagers at home or know families who do, there is a virtual opportunity for teens that is coming up!

The Kansas Youth Community Change Conference (KYC3) is going virtual! It is totally free and sessions will take place from April 20th through May 21st.

 

Here’s how it works:

  • Everyone who plans to attend must register for virtual KYC3 here: www.dccca.org/events/KYC3
  • When you register, you’ll pick each session you are interested in participating in.
  • Teens who participate in the sessions will receive prizes!
  • Every teen who registers will receive a KYC3 t-shirt.
  • Our keynote speaker Javier Sanchez from Youth to Youth International will be facilitating his sessions on Friday, April 24th at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. You won’t want to miss it!!

 

We’re offering over 20 different sessions for teens to attend, you can view the full agenda here: https://www.dccca.org/kansas-youth-community-change-conference-kyc3-agenda/

 

We’ve also developed a list of FAQs, which you can view here: https://www.dccca.org/kansas-youth-community-change-conference-kyc3/

 

Please share this with any teens you know who might be interested and/or adults who work with teens. It will be a fun, interactive few weeks and we’re looking for to continuing the conference this way!

 

DCF Relaxes Food Assistance Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults

 

Agency implements other food assistance waivers during pandemic

 

Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard today announced several steps the agency is taking to temporarily ease restrictions on Kansans who are currently receiving or applying for food assistance.

 

“The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act allows states to suspend time limits on food assistance eligibility for unemployed and underemployed individuals known as able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDS),” Howard said. “Additionally, a proviso approved by the Kansas legislature would temporarily allow DCF to apply to the United States Department of Agriculture for a waiver of time limits if Kansas’s high unemployment persists after time limits are reinstated on the national level.”

 

This is a temporary waiver in effect from April 1 through the end of the national public health emergency.

 

Typically, ABAWDS must work or participate in an approved employment and training program for at least 20 hours per week. People not meeting this requirement are limited to receiving food assistance for only three months out of a 36-month time frame.

 

Beginning in April, these individuals continued to receive food assistance if otherwise eligible. If an individual’s case closed at the end of March or previous months they should reapply.

 

Additionally, DCF applied for and received federal waivers allowing the agency to:

 

  • Temporarily extend certification periods so individuals do not have to update their paperwork as often
  • Waive interviews for food assistance applicants, if the agency can verify information through other methods.
  • Waive face-to-face interviews for quality control reviews.

The agency also implemented express eligibility determinations, waiving additional documentation when possible.

Those interested in applying for food assistance can visit the DCF website at www.dcf.ks.gov.

For more information on COVID-19 visit: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.

 

Obituary of Elder James Johnson

Elder James O. Johnson, age 74, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at the Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

He was born June 16, 1945, in Supply, North Carolina, the son of Carlie Hughes and Laura Ruth Johnson.

He married Catherine Jackson on August 18, 1989, at Ft. Scott. James had served with the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

He was currently serving as pastor of the Mt. Sinai Church of God in Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Catherine, of the home and his two children, Terrence Johnson and Elinor Johnson, both of Ft. Scott and a grandson, Isiah Johnson. Also surviving are a brother, Carl Johnson, Jr. (Barbara) of North Carolina and a sister, Orene Fullwood More, of Maryland.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Mia Johnson and a brother, Robert Johnson.

A memorial service will be held at a later date

. Private burial will take place Friday at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Sinai Church of God in Christ and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

FSHS Art Teacher Ellen Kendrick Retires After 34 Years

Ellen Kendrick. Submitted photo.

 Ellen Kendrick, visual arts teacher at Fort Scott High School for 34 years, is retiring.

When Kendrick was in college, she took a couple of education classes out of curiosity.

“Through these classes, I came to realize that much of my childhood frustration with my own education was with the manner in which it was disseminated,” she said. ” I made a promise to myself that if I ever had the chance, I would invest in my community by being the teacher that I wish I had. I believe I was personally suited to the profession of teaching because I came of age in an era when professions weren’t chosen for the amount of money they made, but for the good that they put back into communities. I believe in the power of education and in the children that I have been given the opportunity to teach throughout my career.”

Several people inspired her to teach.

“My mom taught for 25 years and was passionate about what she did,” Kendrick said. ” I also had an amazing eighth-grade teacher, his name was Paul McClain. He was a caring and compassionate person who came into my life and taught me what a good teacher looks like. I will always be grateful for that year. Not least was Fred Campbell who saw something in me, made this job possible, and hired me to do what I love, which is to teach photography and art. I will always be grateful for the opportunity that he gave me.”

 

Kendrick said the greatest part of teaching is the students.

 

The greatest challenge has always been dealing with different personalities and varying levels of support for the things that she thought her students needed, she said.

 

“I would say, however, the biggest challenge has been the last month, (school closure because of the pandemic),” she said. “It is a strange way to end a career, and I mourn the loss of the last month.”

 

Kendrick has been involved with her husband, John, in the Echoes of the Trail, a cowboy poetry gathering and also encouraged her students  and sons to be involved in the community, she said.

 

Retiring was a hard decision to make, she said.  “Because it is a career where you get to start over fresh every year. For the first time in thirty years, I really like the direction of where things are going, but I could end up being 85 and still teaching. I made the decision, and I’m going to do it.”

 

Kendrick earned a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Ceramics from Colorado State University, graduate hours from Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, Master of Arts in Photography from Pittsburg State University.

 

Her hometown is Kansas City, MO, where she graduated from Winnetonka High School.

 

 

 

Obituary of Marilyn Young

Marilyn Young, age 88, a resident of Leawood, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2020, at the Glenwood Village of Overland Park.

She was born November 19, 1931, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Elmer Phillips and Marjorie Eagon Phillips. Marilyn graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and the Ft. Scott Junior College.

Shen married Jack A. Young in July of 1954, at Ft. Scott. Marilyn had worked as a reservationist for Braniff Airlines.

In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, tending to her flower garden and watching the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs on television.

She and Jack also enjoyed taking the occasional trip “down to the boats.”

Survivors include her son, John Young and his wife, Jeri, of Garland, Texas; her granddaughter, Lauren Minyard and her husband, Kyle and a great-granddaughter, Lucille Minyard.

Marilyn’s husband, Jack, preceded her in death on December 1, 2019. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Phil Phillips.

Private burial will take place Thursday, April 9th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Bourbon County Local News