The sirens that went off about 12:45 p.m.today (May 21) were because city crews were working on some equipment, accidentally setting them off, said a city employee.
Karen Gazaway, a clerk with the City of Fort Scott, said she spoke with Fire Chief Paul Ballou, who said there was “nothing for anyone to be worried about.”
Ballou said some city employees were working on equipment when the siren went off.
Governor Jeff Colyer Signs Regulatory Reform Bill into Law
TOPEKA- Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. announced today the signing of House Bill No. 2280 at a ceremony in Shawnee County. The bill is designed to cut down on bureaucratic red tape by reforming the regulatory process in Kansas.
“Currently we have a system that puts the burden on those being impacted by any changes to the rules. That simply isn’t right,” said the Governor. “The burden should be on the government to prove why new rules and regulations are necessary. We want to make it perfectly clear that Kansas is open for business.”
Governor Colyer was joined at the ceremony by Ron Seeber, President, and CEO of Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association, and Renew Kansas, who remarked that “State and federal regulations carry the full force and effect of law. This bill will help to ensure a more open and accurate process in agency rule-making in our state. This is good policy for Kansas Agribusiness and our state as a whole.”
“Soybean farmers operate in heavily-regulated industries and while we agree that regulations may serve a sound purpose, the cost to comply can be high,” said Kansas Soybean Association President Lucan Heinen, “The KSA feels that HB 2280 could reduce the cost of doing business which should translate into higher prices for grain or lower prices for inputs for farmers.”
Also praising the bill was Kansas Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb saying “It is important for Kansas to have a sound regulatory environment, but excessive state agency overreach can cripple a business’ ability to grow and our state’s economy to thrive. By requiring a thorough economic impact analysis and strengthening legislative oversight of the process, this new law provides a common-sense balance of ensuring Kansans are safe and protecting Kansas businesses against burdensome rules and regulations.”
This marks the final bill presented to Governor Colyer in the 2018 legislative session. The Governor signed 118 bills into law this session including 1 with line-item vetoes.
DCF Launches Online Dashboard to Increase Transparency
Dashboard displays reforms, initiatives and agency-wide goals
TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel is pleased to announce the rollout of an online, interactive dashboard. The DCF Reforms and Initiatives Dashboard demonstrates reforms and initiatives for each program area and region, as well as agency-wide goals. Additionally, the webpage illustrates progress, allowing the public to track DCF efforts online.
“Our agency exists to serve Kansans, and we want to clearly demonstrate to the public the work being done,” said Secretary Meier-Hummel. “This is just another step we are taking to be more transparent and accountable to the public.”
For the past six months, Secretary Meier-Hummel has been working diligently with each program and DCF Regions to identify the current projects, as well as goals and initiatives to be implemented on the dashboard.
“I am thrilled that Secretary Meier-Hummel has implemented this dashboard. We want to be the most open administration in the history of Kansas,” said Governor Jeff Colyer. “This dashboard increases transparency by creating a one-stop-shop for Kansans to see the work being done by the agency.”
The progress of each initiative will be measured by the length of the project, compared to the action steps that have already taken place to complete the project. Some of the identified initiatives will be ongoing projects and will be noted as such. The dashboard will be updated the last Friday of every month. Once a project has been completed, new goals or reforms will be identified.
“We have to continuously be looking forward and tracking our progress. This will allow us to continue to make significant movements, and will ultimately improve the way we serve the children and families of Kansas,” said Secretary Meier-Hummel. “I hope that the public will utilize this dashboard to keep us accountable, and stay up-to-date on what is happening at our agency.”
The DCF Reforms and Initiatives Dashboard can be found online here. You can also find it at www.dcf.ks.gov, on the right-hand side, in the Quick Links section as Agency Dashboard.
Fort Scott Community College held two graduations May 18, with approximately 200 students receiving associates degrees.
Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science, and Certificate students had a commencement ceremony at 9 a.m. and Associate of General Studies and Associate of Science students at noon in the Ellis Fine Arts building.
Three outstanding individuals were recognized for their work over the years.
FSCC recognized John M. Laflen, class of 1956, Dawn M. Reed, class of 2002, and Shelbie Hutchinson, class of 2018.
Laflen and Reed were recognized as this year’s Outstanding Alumni and Hutchinson was recognized as this year’s Outstanding Sophomore.
The banquet for Outstanding Alumni was held between graduations at 10:30 a.m. at the center.
Governor Colyer signs Bill Cutting Taxes on New Vehicle Purchases
Governor Colyer today signed HB 2111, also known as the Motor Vehicle Rebate Sales Tax Exclusion, which creates a sales tax exemption for cars purchased using manufacturer rebates. Under the previous law, the value of rebates was included in the calculation of the sales tax liability on the purchase of new cars.
The state previously passed a similar exemption in 2006, but allowed the exemption to sunset in 2009, as a result of the economic downturn. Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska currently have a similar exemption. HB 2111 is aimed at keeping Kansas consumers from crossing state lines to purchase a motor vehicle that is not subject to this tax.
“I am pleased to sign this bill to cut taxes on the purchase of rebate discounted vehicles in Kansas,” said Governor Colyer, “This will level the playing field between Kansas’ auto retailers and those in surrounding states who have already made this change. More importantly, this bill will lessen the tax burden to make purchasing a new vehicle more affordable.
“As governor, I will continue to support policies that reduce the tax burden, put more money in the pockets of hard-working Kansans and help our businesses compete.”
Don McNeely, President of the Kansas Automobile Dealers Association, praised the bill saying, “The Kansas Automobile Dealers Association are appreciative of the Kansas Legislature and Governor Colyer for supporting legislation to bring tax relief to the consumer when purchasing or leasing a new vehicle with a rebate.”
HB 2111 will go into effect on July 1, 2018.
Governor Jeff Colyer Signs Adoption Protection Act, SB 284, into Law
Valley Center- Governor Jeff Colyer today signed SB 284, the Adoption Protection Act into law at a ceremony held at Youth Horizons Kinloch Price Boys Ranch in Valley Center, KS.
The new law protects child placement agencies by stating that no child placement agency shall be required to perform, assist, counsel, recommend, consent to, refer, or otherwise participate in any placement of a child for foster care or adoption when the proposed placement of such child violates such CPA’s sincerely held religious beliefs. As has been done in other states, this law allows faith-based adoption agencies to continue working in Kansas without the threat of being shut down for adhering to their religious convictions.
“By keeping faith-based adoption agencies in our state, we give more children the opportunity to be adopted,” said Governor Jeff Colyer. “We are grateful for the work done by these and other placement agencies who are working hard to bring families together.”
Representative Susan Humphries of the 99th District said, “Faith-filled Kansans have a long history of leadership and service in caring for the most vulnerable among us. This bill simply protects their place at the table while leaving many options open for the diverse population in Kansas. All Kansans will find a child placing agency suited to their needs.”
“The adoption option in a crisis pregnancy is a pro-Life, Kansas value. The Adoption Protection Act guarantees faith-based agencies the ability to serve their clients without the looming threat of litigation or closure. The most important beneficiaries of this new state law are pregnant mothers seeking help and the children they courageously bring into the world,” said Representative Chuck Weber of the 85th District, “My sincere thanks to all involved—including members of the Kansas Truth Caucus–who helped support this important legislation.”
Eric Teetsel, President of the Family Policy Alliance, showed appreciation for support of this bill becoming law, “The provisions of the Adoption Protection Act signed into law today provide critical protections for faith-based adoption and foster care service providers in Kansas. Thank you, Governor Colyer, for securing the ability of these agencies to partner with the state to help kids in need find their forever family.”
Michael Schuttloffel, Executive Director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, had this to say about the new law, “On behalf of the Kansas Catholic Conference I would like to thank the governor for signing this important legislation and for his administration’s great support throughout the process. The Adoption Protection Act ensures that faith-based adoption providers will be able to continue serving children, birthmothers, and adoptive parents as they have for so long.”
Additional changes were also made to the existing law to update the language regarding adoption so that it more closely mirrors current federal law.
The City of Fort Scott City Offices will be closed on Monday, May 28th, 2018 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 29th, 2018.
The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, May 26th, 2018 for the Memorial Day holiday. It will be open again on Tuesday, May 29th, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Kathy S. McEwan, Southwind Extension District, Family and Consumer Sciences, Foods and Nutrition
For many people, the Memorial Day Holiday marks the “official” beginning of summer and means enjoying time outdoors and firing up the grill. Elizabeth Boyle, meat safety and quality specialist for K-State Research and Extension, said barbecuing requires some safety practices to ensure everyone enjoys the food and the summer grilling season.
1. Avoid cross-contamination
Boyle’s first food safety tip is to avoid cross-contamination. Frequently washing hands is necessary.
“Washing your hands becomes important, especially with grilling,” Boyle said. “We are taking food outside, handling door knobs, handling tongs, handling raw meat and poultry, and handling fresh fruits and vegetables.”
If you don’t have a sink readily available or soap and water on hand, at least use hand sanitizing wipes to try to decontaminate your hands, she said.
Also, make sure to decontaminate utensils and cooking supplies. Common items that could lead to cross-contamination include cutting boards, knives and other tableware, and meat thermometers.
Boyle said to use separate cutting boards for meat and produce, or thoroughly wash the cutting board after each use with soap and hot water. This prevents uncooked meat juices from contaminating fresh, uncooked produce.
Between checking temperatures of meat using a meat thermometer, make sure if the product hasn’t reached necessary doneness to wash the stem off in hot soapy water and rinse it before checking the temperature of the meat again, she said.
2. Cook meat to appropriate temperatures.
For many, marinating meat comes before grilling. Boyle said to make sure to marinate at refrigeration temperatures.
“We want to keep foods out of the danger zone which is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit,” she said. “Foods can’t be in that temperature range for more than two hours. Otherwise, we have concerns not only with spoilage but also with potential growth of microorganisms that cause foodborne illness.”
To make sure that the food you are serving is safe after grilling, use a meat thermometer, Boyle said. Most retail stores offer inexpensive meat thermometers and many different versions to fit your preference.
“For a hamburger patty, I would insert (the thermometer) about an inch into the patty so I get my tip to the center,” she said. “Don’t take (the temperature) from the top down but from the side.”
For ground beef, lamb or pork, cook that product to an internal temperature of 160 F. Whole cuts such as steaks and chops should be cooked to at least 145 F. All poultry products need to reach at least 165 F.
“We can’t rely on color,” Boyle said. “Different factors play into meat color, and those can lead to a condition called persistent pink, where even though the product has reached 160 degrees (F), the meat is still pink in the middle. There’s also a condition called premature browning, where the meat can turn brown at 140 degrees, not be safe but look like it’s done.”
3. Wash produce, not meat.
When you’re working with produce, make sure you wash it before eating, Boyle said. This prevents potential microorganisms on the surface of produce from making people sick.
Make sure to scrub melons such as cantaloupes and watermelons with a vegetable brush. Wash your leafy lettuce, head lettuce, and other fruits and vegetables under running water. Then, dry off produce before putting it on a clean cutting board and cutting it.
Some consumers think they need to wash their meat before they grill it or before they get it ready for marinating, Boyle said, but unlike fresh produce, you do not need to wash meat products.
“Our modern harvesting practices have washing procedures inherently associated with them, so when you buy your meat at the grocery store, there’s no need for you to wash it,” Boyle said. “Even if you did wash it, what could result is a lot of cross-contamination in your sink area and on your counters from the splatters or the drops that aspirate from hitting the meat surface.”
4. Store leftovers properly.
Usually, barbecues with family and friends mean everyone is having fun and doing activities together, Boyle said, but make sure the meal and any leftovers don’t sit out longer than two hours. Make sure to package up leftovers, and put them in the refrigerator or cooler with ice or ice packs to keep them out of that temperature danger zone.
More information about food safety for grilling can be found at the Southwind Extension offices or by contacting Kathy at [email protected] or by phone at 620-365-2242.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce announces Wade Wiebe has been appointed as the agency’s Director of Workforce Innovation. The agency also announces the appointments of Susan NeuPoth Cadoret as Director of Business and Community Development, Kevin Doel as Director of Marketing and Communications, and Sherry Rentfro as Chief Fiscal Officer.
As Director of Workforce Innovation, Mr. Wiebe will oversee strategic direction and implementation of workforce development solutions such as the agency’s Workforce Aligned with Industry Demand (AID) program, an employer-driven training system that matches the skills needed for a company’s workforce with education providers who deliver the training. He previously served with the Department of Commerce as Manager of the Innovation Growth Program before joining the Kansas Department of Transportation as its Director of Administration. He served in that role for the past six years. He earned a B.S. degree in Business from The University of Kansas.
Ms. NeuPoth Cadoret has been serving as Acting Director of the Business & Community Development Division for over a year before being appointed as the permanent Director. She has served with the Department of Commerce for 19 years, including over six years as the Assistance Manager for the Business and Community Development Division. Prior to working for Commerce, NeuPoth Cadoret worked 15 years in economic development at the local level. She earned a B.A. degree in Communications from Fort Hays State University.
Mr. Doel joined the Department of Commerce in 2017 as Director of Communications and has also served as Interim Director of Marketing since January 2018. Before joining Kansas Commerce, he served as Communications Manager for the State Fire Marshal. Previously, he served as Director of Marketing for Brewster Place, Topeka’s largest non-profit senior health and living organization, and owned and operated Talon360, a publicity firm for mobile technology companies, for 15 years. He earned his B.S. degree in Management and Ethics from Dallas Christian College.
Ms. Rentfro joined Commerce in June of 2014 as Fiscal Analyst and has been serving as the Acting Chief Fiscal Officer since February 2018. Prior to Commerce, she worked for over 10 years managing the accounting and finances of a non-profit association that serves the telecommunications industry in Kansas. She earned a BBA in Finance from Washburn University and MBA from Baker University.
About 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. Under the leadership of Interim Secretary of Commerce Robert North, the department comprises a variety of programs and services that create jobs, attract new investment, provide workforce training, encourage community development and promote the state as a wonderful place to live, work and play. For more information on the Kansas Department of Commerce, visit www.KansasCommerce.gov.
Governor Colyer Signs ABLE Act Enhancement into Law
MISSION – Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. today signed House Bill No. 2067 at the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City in Mission. The Bill was designed to enhance the Achieving a Better Life Experience (“ABLE”) program created by the legislature in 2015.
This bill allows individuals with ABLE accounts to receive a Kansas income tax deduction for their contribution in line with the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and reduces the circumstances under which the state Medicaid clawback provision would apply to the accounts.
“ABLE has been a very good program for people with disabilities in Kansas and around the country,” said the Governor. “I’m glad that the legislature followed the Federal Government’s lead in strengthening this great program that helps Kansans with disabilities flourish.”
Kansas Treasurer Jake LaTurner, who is responsible for administering the ABLE program, said the following: “I’ve always been proud to administer the ABLE Savings Program, and I thank the Governor and Legislature for the positive impact improving ABLE will have on those living with a disability.”
The ABLE act had the initial purpose of allowing citizens with disabilities to create savings accounts to be used for disability-related expenses without endangering their federal disability benefits.
HB 2067 also brings Kansas in line with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by expanding the allowable uses of 529 education savings plans to include K-12 education.
