Government, Kansas

Senator Hilderbrand’s Weekly Newsletter

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March 20, 2020 ∙ Week Ten
On March 18, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. the Senate was able to have a briefing on the Covid-19 virus from KDHE Secretary, Lee Norman and Adjutant General, Lee Taffanelli. I have held off on posting anything on this virus until now, because I wanted to make sure that I had all of the facts, and understood those facts enough to be able to relay them appropriately.
Please know that there isn’t a reason to panic over this situation. You do not need to stock up on 25 cases of toilet paper. But you do need to take this serious, and take the necessary precautions. Here are some things that you do need to do:
1. You need to make sure that you have enough provisions in your home to last you for at least 2-3 weeks. Please don’t hoard supplies. If you have enough to last you 2-3 weeks, allow others that are needing these supplies to be able to purchase them. Please consider the elderly and others that cannot travel from store to store, or town to town to get the supplies that they need.
2. You need to wash your hands frequently, especially right after coming into contact with anything. Keep your hands away from your face as much as possible.
3. You need to be really careful about being around other individuals, especially in large groups. Allow others and yourself some personal space.
4. You need to take every precaution with: The elderly, those whom have had their immune system compromised, and those whom are auto immune deficient. These groups are very susceptible to catching this and any other virus.
There are certain variations of the Coronavirus that have been around for a very long time. This particular strain is new, it is a novel virus(a virus not seen before). There are no treatments to cure it, or vaccines to stop it. While it is true that the mass majority of those infected with the Covid-19 virus will survive, it is also true that even if the percentage of casualties is 3%, the more people that contract the virus, the more casualties there will be.
The goal is to contain the virus, and to stop it from spreading long enough to give researchers time to develop vaccines, and treatments to cure this virus. There is also a large concern that if people do not take the appropriate precautions that due to the limited number of beds, staff, and supplies like ventilators the medical system can easily become overrun.
You can get up to date information on the COVID-19 virus in Kansas, by clicking on this link:
According to the KDHE website, Coronavirus is almost always associated with a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, fatigue can slowly progress to extreme exhaustion and a cough is also common. It differs from the influenza and the common cold because it rarely includes a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing or sore throat.
CORONAVIRUS LATEST
The following chart is a good summary in order to understand why health officials are more concerned about the COVID-19 than seasonal influenza. Although experts agree data on the new virus is limited, concerns come from a variety of differences which, combined, may put people at greater risk independent of mortality rates. One person infected with influenza seems to transmit the virus to fewer people than COVID-19 (see detailed transmission estimates). COVID-19 has a longer incubation period before individuals become symptomatic and more hospitalizations could strain our health care systems, thus limiting proper care.
EXECUTIVE ORDER PROGRESSION
Governor Laura Kelly issued five executive orders this week in response to the threat posed by COVID-19. Although the Governor publicly made the emergency declaration last Thursday, March 12th, the Executive Order wasn’t signed and filed with the Secretary of State’s office until March 16, 2020. Declaring a state of emergency makes it easier for the state to mobilize its resources, provide aid to local communities and contract for services. The Governor’s executive orders continued throughout the week and Kansas ultimately became the first state in the nation to close all K-12 schools for the remainder of the school year. The overriding theme of floor debate quickly became focused on the potential for the governor’s authoritative overreach. Here is a brief description of each executive order along with a link to the official documents with specific information including timelines.
  1. Executive Order 20-03 declares a State of Disaster Emergency.
  2. Executive Order 20-04 intends to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by prohibiting mass gatherings, defines the term “mass gatherings” to 50 people or more and lists exclusions.
  3. Executive Order 20-05 directs and orders specified Kansas utility and internet providers to not disconnect services for non-payment and lists the types of services included.
  4. Executive Order 20-06 directs and orders all financial institutions to suspend initiating any mortgage foreclosures, evictions or judicial proceedings.
  5. Executive Order 20-07 closes all K-12 public and private schools until May 29, 2020, lists exceptions and details suggestions for continuing meal programs, childcare and online learning opportunities.
With so many school children at home, here are some resources for children and adults, that are offered through the State Library.
World Almanac for Kids (www.kslib.info/WorldAlmanacforKids) is an intermediate level resource that erases the line between learning and fun. Information is grouped by topics, videos, and games. The games section is separated into categories such as Social Studies, Geography, Health, Sciences, and Math. It also includes videos, science projects, and maps.
World Almanac for Kids Elementary (www.kslib.info/WorldAlmanacforKidsElementary) is a fun resource for early elementary level students. The colorful, kid-friendly format also has topics, videos, the Letter of the Day, plus a games sections in 7 categories.
Both online resources of age appropriate material are made available by the State Library of Kansas.
BookFlix is an online resource from the State Library of Kansas for children in grades PreK-3 that pairs video storybooks with related nonfiction e-books. Imagine Curious George paired with a nonfiction book about monkeys. After reading the fiction, nonfiction pair, young learners can test their new knowledge with the Puzzler. Puzzlers are more than just activities. They help build critical comprehension, vocabulary, and other important early literacy skills. BookFlix requires Flash and is available at no charge through the State Library’s web site https://kslib.info/storytime
As of March 18th, Tumbleweed Press has graciously provided the state of Kansas with access to Tumbleweed ebooks through August 31, 2000. This online resource of age appropriate material is provided by the State Library of Kansas.
·      TumbleBook Library, K-6, includes story books, read alongs, videos, puzzles and games.
·      TumbleMath, K-6. One of the most effective ways to teach math concepts is through stories. This format combines animation, narration, and sound to create stories along with educational games and quizzes.
Access at the State Library’s web page for digital books www.kslib.info/ebooks. Scroll down to Tumblebooks. These will be available through August 31, 2020.
For older students and adults
Universal Class https://kslib.info/uclass is an online resource provided by the State Library of Kansas. Universal Class offers over 500 lifelong learning courses in more than 30 areas of study at no charge. Join a full course with instructors and readings or just watch the lecture videos to brush up on a topic. Some classes will supply a CE Certificate upon completion of the course. The wide range of courses offers something for everyone: from accounting to yoga, babysitting to parenting, cake decorating to computer training. Easy registration and self-supplied password is necessary to use this resource and allows you to resume your work.
With MangoLanguages you can learn a new language right from your own computer or smartphone. This online language learning service https://kslib.info/Mango provided by the State Library of Kansas is easy to use. Choose from 71 languages such as Spanish, French, Mandarin- even Swahili. Mango uses real life situations and conversations to more effectively teach a new language. Mango also includes 19 English as a second language options. Use as a Guest or register to track your progress (and for smartphone use).
SENATE ADOPTS ADJOURNMENT RESOLUTION
The Senate adopted a resolution, SCR 1615, defining the timeline of the remainder of the 2020 Legislative Session. The Senate plans to remain in recess from Thursday, March 19 until Monday, April 27. Originally, the Senate only planned to break between April 3-27. Under this new resolution, May 1st is the new deadline for non-exempt bills to be passed. May 21 is the last day of session, otherwise known as “sinedie.” For the sake of adaptability, the resolution authorizes the Legislative Coordinating Council, made up of leadership from both the House and Senate, to call the legislature back into session early or push back the return date with approval five of the seven LCC members.
SENATE AND HOUSE AGREE TO BUDGET
After a full day of debate on the Senate floor and three amendments by the Committee of the Whole, the Senate has moved to fund the state for fiscal years 2020 and 2021, to the tune of almost $8 billion dollars per year worth of State General Fund expenditures. The original bill, worked by the Committee on Ways and Means, appropriated a total of $18.5 billion (including both state and federal funds) to the various state agencies for FY 2020, including $7.8 billion from the State General Fund.
SB 368includes a recommendation to increase total all-fund spending in FY 2020 by $118.2 million yet decreases transfers from the SGF by $34 million when compared to the previous year’s budget.
During floor debate, amendments that were adopted by the body were offered by Senators Molly Baumgardner (R–Louisburg) and Caryn Tyson (R–Parker).Senator Baumgardner’s amendment is related to interest rates on bonds issued by a municipality or taxing subdivision of the state of Kansas. The first of Senator Tyson’s amendments requires budget estimates to be produced on a biennial basis, beginning with fiscal year 2022, and the second amendment relates to the scrap metal theft reduction fee fund.
This budget bill spends $350 million more than what we are currently projected to collect in taxes. With the current Coronavirus situation, tax collections will take a significant drop and will make our overspending even more. It sweeps $158.7 million from the “Bank of KDOT”. It uses $132.2 million in PMIB bridge funding. It will be the second year in a row that the state has not met it’s statutorily required 7.5% ending balance. It also funds Medicaid Expansion.
Senator Pyle offered an amendment that would have; Removed the medicaid expansion funding. Froze spending at last years budget levels with the exception of the school funding increases. This would have saved the state $200 million for FY 2021. This amendment failed by a vote of 14 – 25. This is how each senator voted on this amendment:
Yea – (14):
Alley, Baumgardner, Estes, Hilderbrand, Lynn, Masterson, Olson, Petersen, Pyle, Rucker, Suellentrop, Thompson, Tyson, Wilborn,
Nay – (25):
Berger, Billinger, Bollier, Bowers, Braun, Denning, Doll, Faust-Goudeau, Francisco, Givens, Goddard, Haley, Hardy, Hawk, Hensley, Holland, Kerschen, Longbine, McGinn, Miller, Pettey, Skubal, Sykes, Taylor, Ware,
Present and Passing – (0):
Absent and Not Voting – (1):
Wagle,
Not Voting – (0):
The Committee of the Whole voted to pass the budget bill just after 6 p.m. by a vote of 27-11. Senators voting nay included Alley, Baumgardner, Hilderbrand, Kerschen, Masterson, Olson, Pyle, Rucker, Suellentrop, Thompson and Tyson.
After being worked by a conference committee comprised of Senators Carolyn McGinn, Rick Billinger, and Tom Hawk and Representatives Troy Waymaster, Kyle Hoffman and Kathy Wolfe Moore, the budget was placed into SB 66. From there, several rounds of negotiations took place, with House and Senate members negotiating to work toward agreements on the bill’s nearly 200 sections.
A conference committee report was agreed to during the evening hours Wednesday, and both chambers adopted the report Thursday.
The profile for the budget that was passed is listed below.
FROM “FORWARD” TO “EISENHOWER LEGACY PLAN”
The 10-year “FORWARD” plan for the state’s transportation infrastructure, proposed by Governor Laura Kelly then amended several times by the Committee on Ways and Means, was heard by the full Senate this week. On Monday the body debated the bill for a short time before ultimately voting to pass the nearly $10 billion dollar bill by a vote of 37-2. Senators Dennis Pyle (R–Hiawatha) and Mike Thompson (R–Shawnee) voted nay.
SB 375 was then sent to a conference committee where Senators Carolyn McGinn, Rick Billinger and Tom Hawk, as well as Representatives Troy Waymaster, Richard Proehl, and Kathy Wolfe Moore worked to create a compromise agreement that would be supported by both chambers.
After several rounds of deliberation and negotiation by the conference committee, the state’s 10-year transportation plan was rebranded from FORWARD, to The Eisenhower Legacy Plan, after Kansas native and 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The legislation is now contained in SB 173.
The revised plan includes a mandate that all stalled T-Works projects must be completed before any new construction can begin in T-Works project districts, as well as a requirement for projects to be reviewed every two years instead of every ten years under the state’s previous transportation plan. The total cost over the life of the Eisenhower Legacy Plan remains at about $10 billion over a decade, and still includes language that would allow the Department of Transportation to fund certain highway projects using dollars collected from turnpike tolls.
Additionally, there is still funding for broadband infrastructure grants and improvements to the state’s short line railroad system.
The Eisenhower Legacy plan is now being sent to Governor Laura Kelly for her signature.
FLOOR ACTION
March 16, 2020
The following bills received unanimous support and were passed Yea: 39 Nay: 0
SB 454 Creating exemptions in the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) for election security records and cyber security records. Current law does not require an agency to disclose records of emergency or security information or procedures of a public agency if disclosure would jeopardize security of the public agency, building, or facility. The bill would not require a public agency to disclose records of emergency or security information or procedures if disclosure would jeopardize public safety, including records of or procedures related to cybersecurity plans, cybersecurity assessments, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities
SB 491 Expanding definition of “infectious disease” to include diseases designated as infectious or contagious in nature by the Secretary of Health and Environment through rules and regulations. Under current law, the court has the authority to order infectious disease testing solely for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B when it appears the transmission of body fluids from one person to another may have been involved given the nature of the crime or arrest. The bill would delete language defining infectious disease to include only HIV and hepatitis B, as it pertains to infectious disease tests the court would be authorized to order.
SB 432 Clarifying the license terms and electronic submission of tax payments, reports and documentation for holders of a special-order shipping license.
The following bill received unanimous support and was passed Yea: 38 Nay: 0
SB 417 Authorizing the sale or service of alcoholic liquor by a class A club for consumption on the licensed club premises by persons who are not members, their families, or guests during an event. Class A clubs include bona fide nonprofit social, fraternal, or war veterans’ organizations such as the American Legion.
The following bill was passed Yea: 37 Nay: 2
SB 375 Providing for the FORWARD transportation program. Although the Senate passed their statewide transportation plan 37-2, the plan differed from the House bill and was sent to a conference committee where negotiations could take place. Details were highlighted in the above sections. (I voted in favor of this bill.)
The following bill was passed Yea: 36 Nay: 3
SB 309 Placing the burden of proof on the county appraiser in certain valuation and classification appeal hearings before the district court. (I voted in favor of this bill.)
The following bill was passed Yea: 35 Nay: 2
SB 322 Making sales tax exemption permanent for certain cash rebates on sales or leases of new motor vehicles. (I voted in favor of this bill.)
The following bill was passed Yea: 35 Nay: 4
SB 474 Permits student athletes to receive compensation for the use of their name, image, likeness rights or athletic reputation when 15 other states adopt similar legislation.
The practice goes against current NCAA rules, but about 30 states are addressing legislation to make it possible. Examples include student-athletes being paid to autograph memorabilia, accepting gifts or meals, or even signing outright endorsement deals similar to the deals made by professional athletes.
As amended the bill would allow but not force any accredited non-profit institution to participate in the practice. The amendment aims to save smaller schools money because they would not be obligated to hire lawyers or fill out paperwork to opt out of the bill. (I voted in favor of this bill.)
The following bill was passed Yea: 31 Nay: 8
SB 406 Sedgwick county charter commission created to review and recommend changes regarding the structure of county government. (I voted no on this bill. This bill expands government.)
The following bill was passed Yea: 30 Nay: 9
SB 433 Allowing the director of alcoholic beverage control to suspend or revoke a license under the Kansas liquor control act or the club and drinking establishment act. (I voted no on this bill. This expands the role of the Director of ABC, and gives them more unregulated authority.)
The following bill was passed Yea: 29 Nay: 5
S Sub HB 2054 Updating field of membership requirements of credit unions and allowing privilege tax deductions on certain business and single-family residence loans. (I voted in favor of this bill.)
March 17, 2020
The following bills received unanimous support and were passed Yea: 39 Nay: 0
HB 2510 Special districts may be dissolved, and responsibilities assumed by a city.
HB 2702 Decoupling the KIT and KIR workforce training programs from the high-performance incentive fund program and enhancing the workforce training tax credit.
The following bill was passed Yea: 36 Nay: 3
HB 2595 Eliminating the 30-day delay before offering state surplus property for sale to the general public. (I voted in favor of this bill.)
The following bill was passed Yea: 31 Nay: 8
SB 346 Authorizing the insurance department to retain the proceeds of the sale of insurance department surplus real estate and any improvements thereon in the insurance department service regulation fund. (I voted no on this bill. This bill diverts the proceeds of the sale of the Insurance Commissioners building from going into KPERS, a allows it to go directly to the Insurance Commissioners.)
The following bill was passed Yea: 30 Nay: 7
SB 423 Establishing the Sedgwick county urban area nuisance abatement act. (I voted no on this bill. This bill expands government.)
The following bill was passed Yea: 27 Nay: 11
Sub SB 386 Appropriations for FY 2020, 2021 and 2022 for various state agencies. Although the Senate passed their state budget 27-11, the appropriations differed from the House bill and was sent to a conference committee where negotiations could take place. Details are highlighted in a separate section above. (I voted no on this bill. This was the compromised budget bill between the House and Senate. This budget was fiscally irresponsible, and it will cause very troubling financial problems for our state. This bill actually spends more money than the Senate’s budget bill that passed on a vote of 27-11 just a couple of days ago. This bill spends $1.2 billion more in total spending from FY 2020 to FY 2021. It spends $1 billion more in SGF spending from FY 2019 to FY 2021. The consensus revenue estimates that were used for this budget were from November of 2019, and by approving SB 66, over $.5 billion more than that estimated revenue will be spent. As a result of the Coronavirus situation, we will definitely see the actual revenues come in a lot less than what they were projected to be in November. All of this will leave the state in a dire financial situation, and faced with making some very tough decisions. It isn’t a matter of if they will slash budgets, it is a matter of how much the budget will be slashed. It isn’t a matter of if they will rob from Peter to pay Paul, it is a matter of how much they rob from the “Bank of KDOT”, KPERS, and other funds to try and balance this budget. It isn’t a matter of if they will try to raise your taxes, it is a matter of how much they will try to raise your taxes. In a time of financial uncertainty and the inevitable loss of income, we don’t increase our household budgets, we watch our spending, we bunker down and ride out the storm. The state needs to stop it’s massive spending addiction and start approaching the budget like we do in our households.)
March 18, 2020
The following appointment received unanimous support and was confirmed Yea: 39 Nay: 0
The Senate considered the appointment of Justin Nichols, to serve as a member of the State Banking Board. Nichols practices law with focuses in the banking and real estate industries.
The following resolution was passed Yea: 37 Nay: 2
HCR 5025 Ratifying and providing the continuation of the March 12, 2020, state of disaster emergency declaration for the state of Kansas passed 37-2 with an amendment from Senator Tyson and ultimately ended up passing through the conference committee where details are highlighted in the a section earlier in this report. (I voted in favor of this bill)
March 19, 2020
The following conference committee report received unanimous support and was adopted Yea: 39 Nay: 0
HCR 5025 The Senate considered and approved the conference committee changes to HCR 5025. Ratifying and providing the continuation of the March 12, 2020, state of disaster emergency declaration for the state of Kansas, which is detailed in an earlier section of this report.
The following conference committee report was adopted Yea: 37 Nay: 2
SB 173 The Senate considered and approved the conference committee changes to SB 173 – the Eisenhower legacy transportation plan. The bill was renamed to honor the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, who first signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act in 1956 which led to the creation of interstates and highways across the country. This 10-year plan allows for the maintenance and improvement of our roads and highways in Kansas and its legislative progress is further detailed in an early section of this report. (I voted in favor of this bill.)
The following conference committee report was adopted Yea: 33 Nay: 6
HB 2168 contains the provisions of SB 225 and SB 409.
Senate Bill 225 would take advantage of available federal funds to supplement the existing Medicaid fee schedule reimbursing physicians and hospitals at above the existing Medicaid fee schedule. The Medicaid fee schedule pays physicians and hospitals about 80% of the Medicare rate and about 50% of the commercial insurance rate. This bill allows for about $221 million of federal funds to be brought in to supplement the low Medicaid fee schedule. It will help keep hospitals and physicians from cost shifting to the commercial payers as they will get better Medicaid rates. The bill was amended to prohibit the use of the State General Fund to supplement hospital provider rates. (I voted no on this bill. This bill raises the taxes on all nursing home beds, and hospital services that are provided.)
GOVERNOR KELLY SIGNS THREE BILLS INTO LAW
Governor Kelly signed three bills into law Thursday aimed at addressing the rapidly changing public health situation due to Coronavirus.
The Senate did something with these bills that should never happen in this state or in our country. We voted on three bills that were never worked in a senate committee, never worked on the senate floor, we never caucused on them, and never had an opportunity to read the bills.
I could not vote on bills that I wasn’t given an opportunity to read and knew nothing about. Because of this, I passed on voting for all three bills. This was your classic, “You have to pass it, to know what’s in it” situation.
These bills include SB 142,which authorizes school districts to receive full state funding despite not meeting legally required student attendance levels. Governor Laura Kelly ordered all schools be shuttered with the possibility of web-based schooling to be revisited later. It passed the House 117 to 2, the Senate 30 to 4.
The second bill signed Thursday was House Substitute for SB 102, which authorizes the chief justice of the Supreme Court to extend or suspend court dates for pending cases in order to allow some judicial personnel to remain home amidst the current public health situation. The measure was adopted by the House 113 to 5 and in the Senate 27 to 7.
The final bill signed Thursday was SB 27. While this bill originally included provisions aimed at relieving local economic hardship due to Spirit AeroSystem layoffs, the current public health situation prompted the legislature to extend the 16-week limit on receiving unemployment compensation to 26 weeks. This extension is set to sunset on April 1, 2021. SB 27 passed the House 119 to 0 and the Senate 31 to 3.
COMMITTEE WORK
Due to the ongoing concerns over COVID-19 and the desire of the legislature to expedite the legislative process, committee work was quite brief and composed mostly of final action on bills previously heard.
CALENDAR
As of Thursday, March 19, the Kansas Legislature is adjourned until April 27, 2020. This measure extends the regularly scheduled “spring break” that was slated to begin on April 4.
When the legislature returns, an extended veto session will begin, lasting from (at this time) April 27 to May 21. However, the Legislative Coordinating Council can vote to bring officials back at any time prior to April 27 with a simple majority vote.
Members of the LCC include Speaker of the House Ron Ryckman (Chair), Senate President Susan Wagle (Vice Chair), Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, Speaker Pro Tem of the House Blaine Finch, House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins and House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer.
NEW calendar dates are as follows:
April 27 – May 21: Veto Session
May 1: Deadline for 2nd house consideration (non-exempt bills)
May 8: Final day for bills to be considered
Thank You for Engaging
Thank you for all your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. Constituent correspondence helps inform my decision-making process and is taken into great consideration when I cast my vote in the Kansas Senate. I hope you’ll continue to engage with me on the issues that matter most to you, your family, and our community. If you are on Twitter or Facebook, I encourage you to follow along with the #ksleg hashtag for real-time updates on legislative happenings in Topeka.
Please know that I am fully committed to addressing the current issues in our state, and I am proud to be your voice in the Kansas Senate.
Business, Fort Scott

Common Ground Open And Has New Drive-Through Window

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Brady Masters, Fort Scott,  gives change to a coffee customer at the new Common Ground Coffee Co. ‘drive-through window, which opened March 23.. Courtesy photo.

Common Ground Coffee Co. moved locations a few blocks down and around the corner and  is now located at 12 E. Wall.

A new drive-through window was opened yesterday, March 23 and can be accessed in the alley east of the coffee shop.

“We were closed March 7th-10th and reopened on Wednesday, March 11th,” Kaitlynn Davis, events planner for the coffee company said.  “If you give our Facebook profile a follow at Common Ground Coffee Co., you will be able to find our… menu.”

Menu on the wall of Common Ground Coffee Company. Kenny Felt Photography.

They are not open for the dine-in option currently, because of the emergency disaster declaration from the government due to COVID 19 virus fears.

There is online ordering or a take-out menu can be picked up at the drive-through window, Brady Masters, an employee said.

Approach the new drive-thru window from  First Street in the alley between National Avenue and Main St.

“You will have to dodge some holes, poles and a dumpster but it will be worth it,” according to the Common Ground Coffee Company Facebook page.

“All you have to do is give Common Ground Coffee a call at 620-223-2499, and we will be more than happy to serve you,” Davis said. The hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Common Ground Coffee Company, 12 E. Wall. Kenny Felt Photography.

“The current up to date menu for Common Ground Coffee Company is on our website, which is Fscommonground.com,” Davis said.

 

“We have 17 hard-working employees…” Davis said.  “All of our employees are put through a training process that takes place in Kansas City, Kansas. They all learn specialized skills in Kansas City that they bring to the coffee shop and use to serve our beloved costumers.”

Common Ground Coffee Company, 12 E. Wall. Kenny Felt Photography.

The owner of Common Ground is the Fort Scott Nazarene Church, the owners of the newly restored building in which it is housed are Adam and Jennifer LaRoche, Davis said.

Common Ground is a non-profit organization owned by Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene. They strive to unite the community by providing a “Common Ground” experience.

“All who wish to stop in, newcomers and regulars alike, are welcome as they partner with us to benefit our community with all profits made,” according to its’ Facebook page.

Common Ground Coffee Company, 12 E. Wall. Kenny Felt Photography.

Did You Display Art Work At the Former Coffee Shop Site?

The former coffee shop space had many artist’s paintings displayed.  The paintings were not able to move with the shop.

See their Facebook page for photos of the artwork that is looking for its’ owner.

Bourbon County, Sports

American Legion Baseball

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The American Legion Department of Kansas has notified me that plans are still on for this summer’s baseball season..

American Legion Baseball is about sportsmanship, character development and Americanism. Fort Scott was a powerhouse in Legion Baseball for many years and can be so again.

Fort Scott American Legion Post 25 is recruiting baseball players for the 2020 summer season. Male students from Fort Scott High School or St Martin’s Academy who are between 13-19 as of January 1, and does not turn 20 this calendar year are eligible to play Legion baseball.

Team size will be limited to no more than 18 players.

Because of the current group meetings restriction, an orientation meeting will not be held.  A team meeting will be held in the future.

If you are interested in playing on this year’s Fort Scott American Legion baseball team, please contact Post 25 Legionnaire Bryan Smith at [email protected] or call 360-720-1569 for more information.

Submitted by Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda March 24

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: March 24, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

Special Meeting

11:00 am – The Commissioners are going to meet. A portion of this meeting will be in executive session (regarding non-elected personnel). – This meeting will take place via a phone conference. The meeting can be viewed on the Bourbon County Facebook page.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Need a family project?

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Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent

 

In this time of pandemic, many families are trying to find something to do as a family or specifically for their children. I would like to encourage your family to consider being a part of Southwind and Kansas 4-H.

 

4-H is a great organization to pair with homeschooling and the social distancing we are being asked to do. There are so many great things you may do as a family in 4-H and over 35 projects the family can learn more about together. One of those projects is Environmental Sciences.

 

This project provides opportunities for youth to engage in learning about environmental science through hands-on, experiential learning experiences in the natural sciences and technology. There’s No New Water! is a water conservation and water quality curriculum grounded in the concept that water is a finite natural resource whose quantity and quality must be responsibly preserved, protected, used and reused.

 

There is 4-H Curriculum that can be purchased for anyone interested in the Environmental Sciences project. Here is a breakdown of what youth can learn at different levels:

 

Earth’s Capacity (Ages 11-13)

  • Analyze your environment for abundance and scarcity
  • Determine carrying capacity for a specific area
  • Study global climate change
  • Figure your ecological footprint

 

Ecosystem Services (ages 11-13)

  • Study where your water comes from
  • Learn how soil is formed
  • Study the energy required to produce food
  • Evaluate recreation and ecotourism

 

There’s No New Water (ages 14-18)

  • Explore natural water cycle
  • Study human interventions that affect water quality and quantity
  • Analyze rural to urban interventions in water cycle
  • Identify and implement service – learning projects that address local water issues

 

In addition to the curriculum, youth are also encouraged to utilize the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States website at epa.gov/students to find materials for all ages. Each year, youth are able to demonstrate their hard work locally at the county fair in the Miscellaneous Division.

 

The Environmental Sciences project is a great opportunity for youth to learn important life skills. For more information about this project, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, 4-H Youth Development for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

 

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

March 23, 2020

It was a busy week with the usual work in the legislature and because of issues arising as a result of the CODIV-19 virus.  One example, I had been working with a healthcare provider to get insurance payments for tele-medicine and reached out to the Insurance Commissioner’s office.  They helped in solving the problem and the Governor’s latest Executive Order (EO) also addressed the issue.  Together we can and do make a difference.

 

To mitigate spread of the virus, the Governor has issued 11 Executive Orders so far:

EO 20-03 declares a state of disaster, providing availability of additional resources.

EO 20-04 prohibits mass gatherings of 50 people or more and lists exclusions.

EO 20-05 directs and orders Kansas utility and internet providers to not disconnect services for non-payment and lists the types of services included.

EO 20-06 directs and orders all financial institutions to suspend initiating any mortgage foreclosures, evictions or judicial proceedings.

EO 20-07 closes all K-12 public and private schools until 5/29/2020, while continuing meal programs, childcare, online learning opportunities, and other exceptions.

EO 20-08 expands the availability of telehealth medical services.

EO 20-09 removes or lessens certain motor carrier rules and regulations if participating in relief or restoration efforts as a result of the virus.

EO 20-10 rescinds EO 20-06 and orders all financial institutions to suspend initiating any mortgage foreclosures, evictions of people impacted as a result of the virus.

EO 20-11 directs the continuation of trash and recycle removal services.

EO 20-12 extends driver’s license renewals and vehicle registrations.

EO 20-13 allows certain deferred income tax filing and payment deadlines until July 15, unless the emergency is lifted before.  Estimated payments due April 15, 2020, are due and not to be delayed.

 

It is not unprecedented for the legislature to pass a resolution extending the Governor’s authority during a state of emergency while the legislature is not in session.

What appears to be unprecedented about House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 5025 was the authority and length of time that was proposed.

During senate debate, three amendments were offered and passed.  The first was to decrease the length of time turning over legislative authority to the Governor, changing the date from January 25, 2021 to May 1, 2020.  The second amendment was to protect the sale of ammunition (firearm sales are protected by statute).  I offered the third amendment to protect us from government overreach.  It had several provisions including but not limited to protecting private property and protecting local government funds from being swept.  The HCR passed the Senate 37 Yes to 2 No votes with the amendments.  I voted yes.  After conference committee negotiations, the final product changed the third amendment somewhat but it does help protect our freedoms with oversight by the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC), a committee made up of legislative leadership and the Governor, reviewing governing actions when the legislature is not in session.

The CCR HCR 5025 passed unanimously.

 

As President Reagan one said, “Can we solve the problems confronting us? Well, the answer is an unequivocal and emphatic ‘yes’”.  Yes we can in a constitutional way that protects our freedom – that’s why you have me here.

 

Take ownership of your situation and actions.  When growing up, I said a person made me mad. My Mom responded, “they didn’t make you mad, you chose to be mad.”  Let’s choose to be optimistic and respectful of others.  Stay safe.

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

Caryn

Government, Kansas

Recycling and Trash Continuation, Amends Eviction Order: Governor Kelly

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Governor Kelly announces four executive orders to aid Kansans during COVID-19 pandemic

Addresses trash and recycling continuation, extends deadlines, amends eviction executive order

 

Governor Laura Kelly signed today executive orders #20-10, #20-11, #20-12, and #20-13, as part of her administration’s comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“The safety and well-being of Kansans is my top priority,” Kelly said. “During these trying times we need essential services to continue to function to secure our public safety and health. We also need some leniency when it comes to deadlines. These executive orders are necessary steps to help Kansas families during this crisis.”

 

#20-10

Kelly rescinded Executive Order #20-06 and replaced it with Executive Order #20-10, which temporarily prohibits certain foreclosures and evictions. The EO explicitly requires that a financial hardship indirectly or directly caused by COVID-19 be the reason a homeowner or renter can’t make payments. In addition, no landlords can evict a residential tenant when all defaults or violations of the rental agreement are caused by financial hardships due to COVID-19. These measures are especially important because housing disruption inhibits the ability of the state and local communities to effectively respond to COVID-19 and the public health dangers it presents.

 

#20-11

Kelly signed Executive Order #20-11, which prevents all Kansas waste removal providers, trash and recycling, from cancelling or suspending commercial or residential waste or recycling removal services for Kansas residences and businesses as a result of nonpayment due to significant loss of income or increase in expenses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring that waste and recycling services continue is essential to maintaining  public health, especially when personal hygiene and staying at home are the primary methods for slowing the spread of COVID-19.

#20-12

Kelly signed Executive Order #20-12, extending deadlines for driver’s licenses and vehicle registration renewals and regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. All driver’s license renewals and vehicle registrations extended by this Executive Order must be completed within 60 days of the expiration of Executive Order #20-12. Many Kansans may be unable to renew their driver’s license or vehicle registration during this time, but delivery drivers and other critical employees must be able to continue critical operations and drive without fear of licensing or registration issues.

 

#20-13

Kelly signed Executive Order #20-13, extending tax filing deadlines to July 15, 2020, and waiving any interest and penalties for returns and payments made on or before July 15, 2020. In the event the State of Disaster Emergency originally proclaimed on March 12, 2020, is lifted or expires prior to July 15, 2020, the Department of Revenue shall continue to exercise appropriate discretion to make effective the waivers of penalties and interest for payments made up to July 15, 2020. This order is intended to bring Kansas’ tax filing procedures in line with federal IRS measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting March 25

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: March 25, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

Special Meeting

9:00 the Commissioners are scheduled to meet for employee matters

Government, Kansas

Kansas Department of Agriculture Issues Fuel Waiver

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MANHATTAN, Kan. —   The Secretary of Agriculture has issued an order to waive enforcement of a specific fuel restriction to help fuel retailers with continuity of business and prevent potential future shortages.

 

Due to the worldwide outbreak of  COVID-19, many business sectors are experiencing significant reductions in demand for products, including a reduction in the demand for gasoline. This has resulted in many gasoline retailers still holding an excess amount of winter grade gasoline in storage, which is required by law to be sold or reformulated by April 1 each year. The time and pipeline capacity required for reformulation of winter grade gasoline could negatively impact fuel supply in the future.

 

According to the order, gasoline meeting current standards for winter grade gasoline are permitted until April 30, 2020. The full order can be accessed at the Kansas Department of Agriculture website at agriculture.ks.gov/Fuel.
Government, Kansas

KDHE Quarantine Notices and Testing Prioritization

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KDHE updates the public on testing prioritization;

issues new quarantine notices

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is issuing several updates today, including the addition of new states to the quarantine mandates as well as a prioritization for COVID-19 tests submitted to the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories.

Two states added to 14-day home quarantine

KDHE is now mandating 14-day home quarantine for Kansans who have:

  • Traveled to a state with known widespread community transmission (California, Florida, New York and Washington state) on or after March 15.
  • Traveled to Illinois or New Jersey on or after March 23.
  • Visited Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties in Colorado in the week of March 8 or after.
  • Traveled on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.
    • People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their cruise ship travel should finish out their quarantine.
  • Traveled internationally on or after March 15.
    • People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their international travel to China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran should finish out their quarantine.
  • Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19. You should quarantine at home for 14 days since your last contact with the case.  (A close contact is defined as someone who has been closer than 6 feet for more than 10 minutes while the patient is symptomatic.)

Important Note: These mandates do not apply to critical infrastructure sectors needed to continue operations during this pandemic. Public health, including hospitals, clinics, etc. need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans. While KDHE strongly recommends these quarantine restrictions for everyone, we do recognize that medical care needs to continue and no healthcare facility should ever be to a point where it would need to close due to staff being quarantined. We ask facilities to ensure they have updated their Emergency Preparedness Plans and implement protocols to ensure that no employee comes to work symptomatic. Other examples of critical infrastructures include pharmaceutical and food supply, along with others defined by the Department of Homeland Security.

 

Testing Prioritization Change

Due to widescale shortages of laboratory supplies and reagents, testing for COVID-19 at the state lab is being prioritized for public health purposes and urgent need. KDHE will be prioritizing specimens for COVID-19 testing based upon those who meet Kansas’ patient under investigation (PUI) criteria starting today, March 23.

Those include:

  • Healthcare workers and first responders who have COVID-19 symptoms
  • Potential clusters of unknown respiratory illness, with priority given to long-term care facilities and healthcare facilities
  • Hospitalized patients with no alternative diagnosis
  • Individuals over the age of 60 who have symptoms of COVID-19 with priority given to people who reside in a nursing home, long-term care facility, or other congregate setting, and
  • Individuals with underlying health conditions that would be treated differently if they were infected with COVID-19.

Specimens that were sent to KDHE prior to March 23, will still be tested. However, moving forward healthcare providers should:

  • Send specimens to a commercial reference laboratory.
  • Inform all patients who present with symptoms compatible with COVID-19 (e.g., measured fever of 100.4 (F) or greater and lower respiratory symptoms including cough or shortness of breath) who are not a high priority for testing to:
    • Self-isolate at home or another appropriate location for 7 days after illness onset or for 72 hours after resolution of fever (without fever-reducing medication) and significant improvement in symptoms, whichever is longer.

“KDHE has been in contact with the CDC, FEMA, manufacturers and distributors of the testing supplies and reagents to find ones our laboratory needs to run the specimens collected for COVID-19 testing,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “We are doing everything in our power to get supplies for our state. We are focusing testing in our lab on higher risk individuals at this time.”

For more information, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus. KDHE has a phone bank that is staffed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. The phone number is 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF). KDHE also has an email address for general inquiries, [email protected].  Please note these contacts are for general questions and cannot provide you with medical evaluations. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and call your healthcare provider.

Bourbon County Local News