Government, Kansas, Schools

Kansas Education Enrichment Program to Open for Applications February 22

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Governor Kelly Announces Program to Provide $1,000 per Student to Qualifying Families to Promote Learning Recovery

 

TOPEKA – As Kansas students continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Laura Kelly announced today the creation of the Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP), which will provide qualifying parents and guardians with a one-time $1,000 award per child to pay for educational goods and services such as tutoring and school supplies. KEEP will open for application on February 22. Kansas businesses that provide educational materials or services are urged to join the KEEP Marketplace.

“With KEEP, we’re enabling Kansas students to access the resources and support they need to thrive in the classroom. I look forward to families being able to access these funds soon,” said Governor Kelly. “In the meantime, I am calling on all Kansas businesses that provide education services to join the KEEP Marketplace and help our students live up to their highest potential.”

Students whose household income is less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines will be eligible for KEEP funds.

KEEP funds will be able to be used on enrichment and educational activities including:

  • ​The purchase of curriculum and educational materials, including school supplies and certain allowed technological devices
  • Camps with academic-related curriculum such as music, arts, science, technology, agriculture, mathematics, and engineering
  • Tutoring
  • Language classes
  • Musical instruments and lessons

The funds will not be eligible for private school tuition.

Parents and guardians may select enrichment and educational activities from approved service providers via the online KEEP Marketplace or request that a service provider be approved and added to the statewide directory.

Businesses that offer educational opportunities and services are encouraged to join the KEEP Marketplace to assist families and students. Businesses interested in becoming a provider on the KEEP Marketplace can apply to become a Qualified Education Service Provider on the program website: www.keep.ks.gov.

More information on how families can apply for, access, and use their funds is forthcoming and will be available in February when the KEEP application launches.

KEEP is being offered through a contract between Merit International, Inc. and the Kansas Office of Recovery, with the goal of providing educational activities and learning opportunities to students across Kansas to promote educational learning recovery in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter

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Happy Kansas Day!
On January 29, 1861, the great state of Kansas was founded. Each year, Kansans everywhere celebrate the history, ideals, people and natural beauty that make our state unique. Our history is marked by the events and people that have shaped us into the state we are now, and I am encouraged by the many Kansans who paved the way before us over the years. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the people of our state in the U.S. Senate and mindful of the many farmers, ranchers, teachers, entrepreneurs, parents and countless other unsung heroes who came before us.

Ad Astra Per Aspera. Happy birthday, Kansas!

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Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter →

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Schools

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Communities in Schools at Middle School

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ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by
Communities In Schools
Thursday, February 2nd
8am
1105 E. 12th St.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, February 2nd at 8 a.m. hosted by Communities In Schools at the Middle School, 1105 E. 12th St.
Communities In Schools of Mid-America currently provides services in 70 schools to more than 39,000 students each year by placing Student Support Coordinators directly inside the schools to work with students. Its mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. CIS of Mid-America does whatever it takes to ensure that all kids – regardless of the challenges they may face – have what they need to realize their potential. It is able to do this because its Student Support Coordinators are in schools all day every day, and they see the unique needs of each student. CIS of Mid-America partners with teachers and the community to address these needs and help students succeed.
The Chamber encourages everyone to come out and learn more about this great school-based organization. The Chamber ask that everyone attending to please park on the South Side of the building and enter through the South Door. The coffee will be held in the Community Room right inside the south door at the FSMS.
Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
‌
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Government, Kansas

2022 Kansas Birding Big Year Results, 2023 Contest

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PRATT – The 2023 Kansas Birding Big Year Contest, hosted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), is officially underway! Participation is simple; record the number of unique bird species you see in Kansas from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2023 and submit your findings. You just might end up a 2023 Kansas Birding Big Year winner!

Participants of all skill levels are invited to compete in one of three age groups: Youth (age 17 and younger), adult (ages 18-64), or senior (age 65 and older). The winners from each category will receive prizes to be awarded in January 2024.

Participation Guidelines

  1. Participants must register online at ksoutdoors.com/Services/Wildlife-Diversity/2023-Kansas-Birding-Big-Year on or before April 1 to participate in the 2023 contest.
  2. Participants must read and abide by the set of rules governing the competition. These rules are adapted from the American Birding Association Recording Rules and Interpretations and include the Code of Birding Ethics. Breaking, or disregard for, these rules will result in disqualification.
  3. Participants must log their data into the online service, eBird, available on the Cornell University website, ebird.org. Each participant must create an individual profile, sign-in and password to begin submitting sightings.
  4. Participants must submit a running total list of observed species quarterly to the program coordinator to track progress and provide quality control. The program coordinator and competition committee have final say on list totals. Quarterly submission dates for the 2023 contest are: June 30, September 30 and December 31.

Winners will be recognized, and prizes awarded, in mid-January of the following calendar year. Award categories are as follows: Youth, Adult Novice, Adult Intermediate, Adult Advanced, and Senior.

The 2022 Kansas Birding Big Year Contest wrapped up in December 2022, with youth participant Franklin Miller claiming the title of “Kansas’ Top Birder” after identifying 322 unique bird species in the state last year.

The top winners from 2022 in each category are listed below.

Adult, Advanced

  1. Malcolm Gold – 315*
  2. Mark Nolen – 304*
  3. Jeff Calhoun – 250*
  4. Dan Broers – 246
  5. Chad Gardner – 228

Adult, Intermediate

  1. Seth Miller – 290*
  2. Juan Avena – 275*
  3. Corey Entriken – 267*
  4. Melissa Bruce – 265*
  5. Kelli Egbert – 219

Adult, Novice

  1. Ann Tanner – 183
  2. Krystal Sarcone – 83
  3. Timothy Tarkelly – 79

Youth

  1. Franklin Miller – 322*
  2. Hezekiah Swihart – 192
  3. Michaela Gold – 166
  4. Danielle Gold – 143

Senior 

  1. Henry Armknecht – 289*
  2. Sue Newland – 270*
  3. Dan Larson – 215
  4. Marie Plinsky – 206
  5. William Simon – 140

An asterisk (*) denotes a Top 10 Overall score.

Sponsors of the 2022 Kansas Big Birding Year contest include: City of Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Acorn Naturalists, The Kansas Ornithological Society, Dr. Robert Penner, and KDWP.

For more on the Kansas Birding Big Year, visit ksoutdoors.com/services/Wildlife-Diversity/2023-Kansas-Birding-Big-Year.

Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Common Ground Offering A Valentine Concert on Feb. 10

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Nevada MO musician Stephan Moses will be playing at Common Ground Coffee shop,12 East Wall Street on Feb. 10 from 7 to 8 p.m.

This is a Valentines Day Concert, so bring a special someone.

“He will be playing Jazz music and performing love songs by Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra,” said Common Ground’s Event Coordinator Stacy Racy.  “All age groups are welcome to come out and spend their Friday evening with us.”

Stacy Racy from her Facebook page. Racy is the new events coordinator at Common Ground Coffee shop.

Racy’s goal is to utilize the beautiful facility while giving the community something to do on Friday Night, Racy said.

“So often we hear people say they have never been in the building and we would like to change that by offering  good coffee, pastries, food, concerts, catering, and by renting out the dock area and conference room,” Racy said.

About Stephan Moses

Stephan Moses was born in rural Northwest Iowa and came from a non-musical family. Since the age of ten, he’s been playing guitar and has a diverse musical background with influences from Crooner’s to Blues greats, according to Racy. As a singer, songwriter, musician, Moses has a love for Gospel music and Delta Blues. Mostly, he just loves to play. Moses currently resides in Nevada, MO.

Common Ground Coffee Shop, 12 E.Wall.

 

Health Care

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

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f Someone Won’t Get a Pap Test for Themselves, They Should Get One for their Family

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly proclaims January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Through a partnership with Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Kansans are urged to get pap tests for cervical cancer to reduce long-term cancer risks. Free or low-cost screening test through the KDHE Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program is available for eligible women at average risk who also do not have health insurance and meet income guidelines.

There are many things a person can do for the ones they love; and they should make screening and preventing cervical cancer one of them. On average, 100 women in Kansas are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and half of those are diagnosed as late stage. If caught early, cervical cancers are treatable.

Anne Zajic is a mother of three active little girls and a loving wife. “I remember feeling as though the room was spinning when I learned I had cervical cancer,” says Zajic. “I have been cancer free for more than five years and encourage others to get the HPV vaccine and tests regularly because cervical cancer is a very preventable illness and one that I hope my daughters won’t have to experience.”

Newly released data shows that 83.9% of women are up to date in cervical cancer screening. But screening must begin at 21 and follow the schedule recommended by a health care provider. The goal in Kansas is that 90% of women will be up to date in cervical cancer screening by 2027.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for cervical cancer:

  • Every 3 years with cervical cytology for women aged 21 to 65, or
  • Every 5 years with primary HPV testing (an HPV test that is done by itself for screening) or HPV-Pap co-testing for women aged 30 to 65.

Recommended screening beginning at age 21 is the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer. For more information about cervical cancer, visit kdhe.ks.gov/816.

Housing, Kansas

Homeowners In Need of Assistance: Help Is Available

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Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund closing soon

Homeowners in need of assistance encouraged to apply now

TOPEKA – The Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund (KHAF), a federally funded, temporary emergency program to support homeowners experiencing hardship during the COVID pandemic, has disbursed nearly all program funds and will close soon. The program has entered Final Funding stage, the first of three closure phases. Homeowners in need of assistance are encouraged to apply now, while funding is still available.

 

“The economic impact of the pandemic continues to be felt by families and communities across the state,” said Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), which administers the KHAF program. “This assistance has provided housing stability and preserved the dream of homeownership for more than 3000 Kansas families in need.”

 

KHAF was established with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help qualifying Kansas homeowners get current on their mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure. Eligible homeowners at least 30 days past-due on mortgage and/or property taxes can receive payment assistance for mortgages, utility bills, property taxes, and other charges associated with delinquency. Since the program launched in April 2022, KHAF has provided $39,886,389 to 3,549 households.

 

The closure process will follow three phases. Here’s what this means for Kansas homeowners in need of assistance:

1. Final Funding Phase: Homeowners seeking KHAF support should apply as soon as possible to be considered for final funding.

2. Hold Phase: Once the program receives enough applications to fully expend all KHAF funds, approval of new applications and recertifications will be subject to availability of remaining funds. Applications submitted during Hold Phase will be placed on hold and will not be reviewed or processed unless sufficient program funds are available.

3. Closure Phase: When all program funds are exhausted the program will close and will stop accepting new applications.

The KHAF program is now in Final Funding Phase. The length and dates of each phase will be subject to a variety of factors, including application volume and amount of assistance requested. Each program closure phase will be announced on the KHAF webpage.

 

For more questions, applicants can reach KHAF customer service at 855-307-KHAF (5423), or review the KHAF closure FAQs. KHRC’s ongoing housing programs will continue to serve Kansans beyond the closure of the KHAF program.

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The KHAF program is administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.

 

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation

611 S Kansas Ave., Suite 300 | Topeka, KS 66603

[email protected]
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Government, Kansas

Early Childhood Grant Awarded to Kansas

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Governor Kelly Announces $4 Million Planning Grant to Advance Statewide
Early Childhood System

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund has been awarded a $4 million 2023 Preschool Development Birth through Five Planning Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families. The grant will support the state’s ongoing efforts to bolster the early childhood workforce, support the physical and emotional well-being of our children, and ensure we design an early childhood system that meets the needs of all Kansas families.

“We know that a child’s development from birth to five years of age is vital to their trajectory in education and in life,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding will allow us to plan and build upon initiatives that strengthen our integrated early childhood system, with a special focus on ensuring our most vulnerable children are prepared for kindergarten.”

The grant will support:

  • A study on how to better coordinate the state’s delivery of early childhood services to create a more streamlined system that is easy for all families to navigate, especially low-income and vulnerable populations.
  • Exploration of a service delivery model that empowers families to be part of designing a responsive early childhood care and education system and holding the system accountable.
  • Strengthening the early childhood sector’s workforce recruitment and growth.
  • Exploration of a compensation reform plan based on the true cost of care, market conditions, and the economic growth Kansas is experiencing.

“As a recipient of federal funding in 2018 and a three-year renewal grant in 2020, Kansas has amplified and expanded a continuum of services and supports to better meet the needs of Kansas children and their families,” Melissa Rooker, Executive Director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet, said. “We are excited to receive this new award which will allow us to take stock of our progress and design a future that ensures all Kansas children can thrive,”

To learn more about the progress of Kansas initiatives supported by this grant, visit kschildrenscabinet.org.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

January 27, 2023

 

Committee Work continues in the third week of session.  It appears that session is off to a slow start, however, there are reports and hearings being conducted in committees.  Bills, schedules, and recordings of the meetings can be found at http://www.kslegislature.org/li/.

 

Government Picking Winners and Losers  Last week I talked about a Legislative Post Audit report on tax incentive programs being used to promote business in Kansas.  The report pointed out 37% of businesses questioned would have expanded or completed the project without the tax incentives.  The report also pointed out the programs do not generate enough tax dollars to pay for the ‘giveaways’.

 

This week another presentation on government picking winners was presented in the Commerce Committee.  Universities are allowing companies who “pay to play” to have access to students and research.  Not all businesses have access to these students or research.  It used to be that students would intern for companies, but now, some companies have locations on campus.

 

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

Caryn

 

Church news, Food, Fort Scott

Ground (Hog) Feed on Feb. 4 at First Southern Baptist Church

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The First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main.

    

JOIN US FOR OUR 4TH ANNUAL

ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKES

WITH A SERVING OF GROUND(HOG)

DINE IN OR CARRY OUT

ALSO SILENT AUCTION,

 VALENTINE GIFTS & BAKE SALE

February 4, 2023, 8 A.M.- 2 P.M.

at First Southern Baptist Church

1818 South Main, Fort Scott, KS

Children 7 and under FREE

8 to Adult $5.00 in advance

or

$6.00 at the door

for advanced tickets Contact

Ida Ford 417-262-3948,

Terri Williams 620-215-3202, or

Fort Scott Chamber

 

 

**All proceeds go to the building fund

Ft Scott First Southern Baptist Church

TAKING ORDERS – Pick up 02/04/23

Individually wrapped

homemade sausage rolls

(jalapeno/cheddar

and cheddar)

$2.00 each

Great from Freezer to Microwave,

Ready in minutes

To Order contact

Terri Williams 620-223-3202

Ida Ford 417-262-3948

 

       

** All proceeds to Church Building Fund

           

 

Opinion

Love is an Uphill Climb by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

In 1992, I became close friends with Shardel and Misty through a mothers’ group when all three of our little boys were two years old. Later in the mid-90s, both families moved away from Fort Scott. Last summer I had the joy of hosting a weekend reunion at my home with these dear and treasured girlfriends. Even though we had lived apart many years, our souls were still knit together. As we visited, laughed, cried, ate scratch brownie batter, and simply picked up where we left off, I said something like, ”I’m not who I used to be; I’ve changed. My heart is softer and I’m not so judgmental and opinionated.” During those 27 years of separation, I learned (am still learning) what it means to love others like Jesus does. What a difference choosing a mindset of love has made in my life!

 

Practicing love is not based on a feeling, but rather a decision to humbly obey God’s Word. When Jesus’ crucifixion was near, He shared many directives to His disciples. “Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for Me, but you can’t come where I am going. So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples” (John 13:33-35 NLT). Jesus’ command requires believers to take the necessary steps to love others. We simply put one foot in front of the other and begin hoofing the uphill climb.

 

To walk in love requires effort on our part — we have to work at it. Being a doer of  love costs something, whether it’s our time, money, pride, or opinions. A good question to ask ourselves is: “Are my wounded feelings and stubborn opinions more important than the person and my relationship with him/her?” Speaking from emotions in the heat of the moment can undo a lifetime of closeness. “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3 NLT). Being right is highly overrated, and having peaceful relationships  is highly underrated. Peace is like a soothing essential oil for the soul.

 

Loving others is a daily decision that’s practiced on purpose — and it’s not always easy. Sometimes the stepping stones to love are a little too far apart and it’s a stretch for us. But let’s think past the upsetting circumstance and ask ourselves: “Am I loving others in a way that I‘ll have no regrets later on?” We must live in the light of Jesus as we climb every mountain in love. “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT).

 

Because Christ lives in believers, we are more than able to do what is required of us. “…Dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other“ (Colossians 3:12-15 MSG).

 

The Key: Love is an uphill climb one step at a time.

Bourbon County Local News