Fort Scott, Government

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT: Verizon Telecommunication Tower

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Submitted by Fort Scott City Clerk
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
Case No. 1046 – Verizon Telecommunication Tower
 
OFFICIAL NOTICE
July 24, 2024 – 4:00pm
 
              TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN AND TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN on the 24th day of  JULY, 2024 the Petition of VERIZON WIRELESS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A 184’ TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER, RELATED EQUIPMENT,  AND AN ACCESS ROAD at a 50’ x 50’ leased tract of land from the Parent Parcel #006-114-20-0-40-00-005.00-0:     S20, T25, R25, ACRES 11.93, BEG AT SW COR SE4 N TO S R/W LINE OF RR E1035 ALONG RR R/W S TO SEC LINE W522 N139.6 W488.84 S139.6 W30 TO POB LESS R/W OTHERWISE KNOWN AS: 
 
              2317 MAPLE ROAD, FORT SCOTT, KS 66701.  
TOWER LOCATION INFORMATION:  LATITUDE 37° 50’ 57.48” N (NAD 83); LONGITUDE 94° 41’ 9.37” W (NAD 83); GROUND ELEVATION 813; AMSL; OVERALL STRUCTURE 184’-0” AGL; TOWER HT. 180’-0” AGL; SELF-SUPPORT TOWER; APPLICANT CL 176’-0” AGL. – location supplied by Verizon Wireless – 10740 Nail Ave., Suite 400, Overland Park, KS 66211.
The Public Hearing is set for July 24, 2024, at 4:00PM at a scheduled Planning Commission meeting in the City Commission Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
As provided in the Zoning Ordinance of Fort Scott, Kansas, specific to Zoning Regulations -Article 23 – the above application will be discussed and considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission and a recommendation to approve or not approve the request will be made to the Fort Scott City Commission for a final decision.
 All persons interested in said matter will be heard at this Public Hearing concerning their views and wishes; and any protest of the proposed changes will be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission before they make such recommendations to the City Commission.
Opinion

Looks Ain’t Everything by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

 

 

I prepared a nice home-cooked meal for our family on Easter. However, I wimped out on making the dessert when I spotted a dozen beautifully-decorated cupcakes at the store. They looked delicious and my sweet tooth started begging, so I purchased them. After our dinner, I placed the cupcakes on the table and all of the adults “passed.” When I asked why nobody ate one, my honest son-in-law responded, “They’re not homemade.“ (My son and daughter didn’t say a word.) When I tried to eat mine, I knew what Levi meant. The cupcake was really pretty and luscious looking, but the frosting tasted like it was made from used motor oil. I won’t do that again. We’ve all heard that “looks can be deceiving.” Those cupcakes were guilty of first-degree deceit.

 

Before Saul became king of Israel, he was described as “a choice and handsome man, and there was not a better-looking man among the children of Israel. From his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people“ (1 Samuel 9:2 MEV). The Israelites insisted on having a king like the other nations (which was an insult to God). When the prophet Samuel proclaimed Saul as king, he told the people, “…Truly there is none like him among all the people“ (1 Samuel 10:24 MEV).

 

King Saul had the outer qualities and looks of a great ruler. And even though he was taller than all the other men, in matters of the heart, he came up short. He failed his first commission by performing the burnt offering instead of waiting for Samuel to offer it. Saul had a tragic long list of disobedience to God, making rash oaths and stupid decisions without seeking God. Saul was jealous, suspicious, paranoid, and afraid of David because God was with him but had departed from Saul. While David was playing music to soothe the king, Saul attempted to pin him to the wall with his spear. Simply stated, King Saul operated in a deranged state. He looked the part of a king, but his heart was an ugly mess.

 

We often describe people by their outward appearance, e.g., “She’s long, lean, and lanky. He’s tall, dark, and handsome. She‘s ugly as a mud fence. He could stop an eight-day clock.” The Bible specifically describes a giant in 1 Chronicles 20:6 NLT, “there was a man of great stature who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.” The Bible doesn’t mention it, but I imagine this giant was probably hairy and ugly too.

 

In matters of the heart, we can often be mistaken about others. People can’t see what’s in your heart — they can only see what you do. Only God truly knows the heart of a man/woman. Nevertheless, we often describe people by their actions, e.g., “She has a good heart. He has a heart the size of a washtub.” The real truth of how handsome or pretty someone is has to do with his/her heart condition. Even though Mom’s gone, I hear her words of wisdom echoing in my mind: “Pretty is as pretty does.” I’m thankful she kept hammering this proverb into my head — which explains why it’s so lumpy.

 

God alone knows each human heart. “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him (Saul). The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart‘” (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT). Let’s do our part to have a beautiful heart.

 

The Key: It’s OK to be hairy and homely as long as your heart is pure and pretty.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Fellows (Round Two)

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The Lowell Milken Center is located at the corner of First and Wall Streets.

The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship.

 

The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.

Those in Fort Scott from June 23 to 28

Sarah Espinal

Sarah Espinal, a 2023 Discovery Award Winner, is a social studies teacher at Jericho Middle School and High School in New York. Since Sarah is bilingual, she has been able to interact more deeply with students. She wants her students to be deeply informed about their learning and encourages historical thinking. Her emphasis on the importance of identifying the bias and credibility of sources helps her students learn to make informed decisions in life.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “As an ENL social studies teacher, Sarah has used her fluency in both English and Spanish to interact with a diverse group of students. She has guided them in developing many award-winning National History Day projects. Her outstanding skills in project development will be a welcomed resource for the 2024 LMC Fellowship.”

Bibba Kahn

Bibba Kahn, a middle school French and Spanish educator in Montpelier, is the 2020 Vermont Teacher of the Year. She believes that learning a new language begins with valuing people from different cultures and backgrounds who may or may not be similar. To value every individual is a skill Bibba feels is essential in our world today. She gives her students many real-world experiences with language and bases her success as an educator on the success of her students’ learning.

 

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Bibba’s love for learning drives her enthusiasm to share knowledge with her students. Through her global travel and teaching experiences, she seeks to reach students of all diversities, valuing their cultural differences. Our 2024 team of Fellows will be fortunate to learn much from Bibba’s vast knowledge base.”

Leah Lawrence

Leah Lawrence, a middle school English Language Arts educator in St. Charles, MO, is the 2023 Missouri Milken Educator. Whether it’s the use of Play-Doh relating to the steps of the writing process or flyswatters that “swat” away errors, Leah’s creative instructional strategies keep her students engaged in their learning and foster their desire to reach their educational goals. Her adaptability in the classroom helps every level of learner have the opportunity to meet with success.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Leah is a gifted educator whose creatively designed lessons pique her students’ interest and motivate them to reach their educational goals. Our staff and the team of 2024 Fellows look forward to the innovative ideas and engaging instructional strategies she has to share.”

Ashley LIbben

Ashley Libben, a 2016 U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Fellow, is a middle school English Language Arts educator in Ligonier, IN. Libben’s use of project-based learning with her eighth-grade students reached a more profound level when her language arts instruction included the teaching of The Diary of Anne Frank. Her students’ interest in the Holocaust grew and ignited questions for which she didn’t have answers. Their interest led her to research answers to their questions and to do more profound research for her own growth in knowledge.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Ashley’s use of a project-based learning curriculum helps her students become adept in research and writing skills while making personal connections with the historical figures whose stories they share. I am confident her experiences will inspire our 2024 team of Fellows.”

Matthew Mayeske

Matthew Mayeske, a 2023 Kansas Milken Educator, is a high school social studies teacher in Gardner, KS. His world history and geography classes come alive for his ninth and tenth-grade students through the integration of real-world scenarios with collaborative, inquiry-based instruction. In yearlong roleplaying games, students create characters and participate in simulation activities. They can also immerse themselves in a French Revolution simulation, a strategy-style conflict activity to illustrate WWI diplomacy or a study of interactive maps using GIS technology. Every strategy transforms his classes into vibrant learning experiences.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Matthew’s students benefit from his unique ability to transform his social studies classes into dynamic experiences with hands-on learning skills. These experiences can be a springboard to his students’ development of Unsung Hero projects and models for our 2024 Fellows in their own classrooms.”

Kelly Steffen

Kelly Steffen, a 2019 Gilder Lehrman Iowa History Teacher of the Year, is a high school social studies teacher in Vinton, IA. She is a master at engaging her students through relevance and the use of primary sources, encouraging students to draw their conclusions about history’s impact on their lives. Kelly hopes students learn that history can help them as citizens to make informed decisions in today’s world. This summer, Kelly will also attend the NEH Heart Mountain Seminar to learn more about the effects of Japanese Internment/Incarceration, another powerful resource for her students.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Kelly’s students are well-versed in the vision of our country’s founders. She emphasizes the use of primary sources for her students’ hands-on projects that focus on the people who shaped our nation. Our 2024 Fellows will be able to use her insight to help their students develop informative Unsung Hero projects.”

Ann Marie Vanneste

Ann Marie Vanneste, a Civics, Careers, Religion, and Learning Strategies educator from Kanata, Ontario, was awarded the prestigious 2023 Canada’s Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence National Recipient. She was the recipient  of the 2023 Director of Education Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Ottawa Catholic School Board, Canada.  Ann Marie is also a 2024 Women Of Courage Award recipient, presented by The Emmett Till Legacy Foundation. Devoted to inclusion in education, she wants students to know that someone is rooting for them and their success. She helps her students cultivate pride in their individual cultural places in the world and helps them identify their unique cultural strengths.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Ann Marie’s enthusiasm, along with a teaching approach dedicated to inclusion, has made her students realize their valuable places in this world. All of them are encouraged to reach high levels of learning. The motivating and inspiring projects her students have experienced will be a catalyst for ideas and collaboration with this year’s team of LMC Fellows.”

 

While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.

Church news, Youth

Community Vacation Bible School’s for 2024

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If your church has a Vacation Bible School this summer, please send the name and address of the church, the date of VBS and times, the age group of children invited, and the theme of the VBS, to [email protected]. The following are Vacation Bible Schools for this summer that have been submitted.

 

Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene

Fort Scott Nazarene church, 1728 Horton St. Fort Scott,  will have their VBS from June 24th-27th from 6:00-8:30 pm. with a
Scuba theme
See their website fsn. life or our Facebook page for more info.

Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church

The Uniontown Baptist Church will have its VBS with the theme of God’s Backyard Bible Camp ‘Under the Stars’ on July 22-26, from  9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 through 5th grade.
Each child can fill a Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox to send to a child overseas.  The school includes game time and bounce houses.
Bethel Community Baptist Church
Submitted graphic.

VBS K5-6th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Wednesday, July 31st-Sunday, August 4th.
Time: 9am-noon.
Theme: On a mission for the Lord

Submitted graphic.

VBS 7th-12th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Monday, August 5th-Thurs. August 8th.
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm.
Theme: Teen Challange

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Budget Work Session on June 24

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

 

A budget work session will be held on Monday, June 24, 2024 in the Commission Room beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for the Bo Co Commission on June 24

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

June 24, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 6/17/2024
  1. Public Comments
  2. SEK Mental Health Center 2025 Budget Request
  3. Tri-Valley 2025 Budget Request
  • SEK Area Agency on Aging 2025 Budget Request
  • Bourbon County Conservation District 2025 Budget Request
  1. Vance Eden- USD 235 Contribution Decision
  2. Susan Walker, CFO
    1. Department of Labor Increase Approval
    2. 2024 SEHP Rate Increase Approval
    3. 5-minute Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
  3. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. Fireworks Permit
  • Opening of Solar Panel Committee Letters
  • Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! June 21st Weekly Newsletter

Fort Scott, Kansas ~ Then & Now

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Currently closed Wednesdays & Thursdays

until further notice.

Visit your National Park!

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

6/21 ~ Live music 6-9pm at Sharky’s Pub & Grub featuring Kylie Ast

6/21 ~ Patio Concert featuring Emily Hollingshed , Liberty Theatre Patio hosted by Bourbon County Arts Council, $15 BCAC members/$20 non-members, 8-10pm, click here for more information.

6/21 ~ Live music at Brickstreet BBQ by Left of Center, 8pm-11pm, click here for more information.

6/22 ~ Fort Scott Farmers’ Market, 8am-12pm, Gathering Square Pavilion

6/22 ~ Children’s Business Fair at the Farmers’ Market, come out and support young entrepreneurs, hosted by HBCAT & PSU Small Business Development Center, see flyer below for more info.

6/22 ~ Trolley Tours on the hour 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm leaving from the Chamber/Visitor Center, 231 E. Wall, $6 adults, $4 12 and under. 50-minute narrated historical trolley tour of Fort Scott!

6/24-27 ~ Kids Art Camp at The Artificers ~ Art in Japan, $125/per kid, click here to sign up and for more information!

6/25 ~ Fort Scott Farmers’ Market, 4-6pm, Gathering Square Pavilion.

6/26 ~ Chamber Lunch and Learn – Appraised Values and Property Tax, guest speaker Matt Quick/Bourbon County Appraiser with Susan Walker and Patty Love of Bourbon County on property taxes, registration is free, those attending may order an optional box lunch for $10 from Brickstreet BBQ by 12pm Monday, click here for more information and to register!

6/26 ~ 2 New Exhibits to be Unveiled at the Lowell Milken Center, 2 Women/2 Pioneers/2 New Exhibits, refreshments provided, 3pm, see the flyer below for more information.

6/24-27 ~ Greyhound Theatre Camp 2024 “The Wizard of Oz”, children ages 6-17, free event (t-shirt included), 1:30pm-3:30pm, click here for more information.

6/27 ~ Kid’s Art Show off at The Artificers, come out and enjoy all the hard work of local children artist, 6-8pm, click here for more information.

6/27 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott Community College Cosmetology, 2108 Horton St., 8am.

6/28 ~ Shepherd’s Center at First United Methodist Church, free admission, 1-4pm, click here for more information.

6/29 ~ NBHA Rodeo at Bourbon County Fairgrounds,

6/29 ~ 50th Bronson Day in Bronson City Park, free event for the public, bring lawn chairs, 11am-7pm, click here for more information.

6/29 ~ A night of Mardi Gras in the Fort, live music featuring Two Lane Highway & Ernest James Zydeco Band, Care to Share will be offering Shrimp Gumbo and Shrimp Boil for a FREE WILL DONATION, food starts at 5:30pm, Gathering Square Pavilion, see the flyer for more information.

6/29 ~ Live Music at Brickstreet BBQ by CM Johnson band, 8-10pm

7/4 ~ Happy 4th of July from the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce!

7/5-6 ~ 2024 Bourbon County Fair Rodeo at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 8pm nightly, tickets before rodeo: adults/$15 & kids/$10, tickets at the gate: adults/$17 & kids/$12, see flyer below for more information.

7/6 ~ City Wide Firework Show at Fort Scott Community College, 9:30pm

SAVE THE DATE:

7/9 ~ Downtown Meet & Greet at Cohn’s Cafe, 110 South Main, join community members to network and share ideas on events/promotions/and anything else related to downtown, coffee/juice/and light refreshments will be served, 8:30am-9:30am, see flyer below for more info.

7/10 ~ Food Truck at Woodland Hills Golf Course hosted by Part Tee Girls Ladies’ Golf League, Aunt Toadies will serve the food and the clubhouse will serve the drinks, EVERYONE welcome, 5:30pm-8:30pm.

7/12 ~ 30th Annual Fort Scott Area Chamber Golf Classic at Woodland Hills Golf Course, be a banner or hole sponsor/donate a raffle item or prize/volunteer to help, we would love for you to be a part of this tournament that is ALWAYS a blast and one of the primary fundraisers for the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, contact the Chamber at 620.223.3566 TODAY!

7/13 ~ Downtown & Around Summer Sidewalk Sale organized by the Chamber! Business Bingo to get your card punched at 3 or more stores for a Chamber Bucks Drawing and other deals & discounts! Stores featuring fruity refreshments!

7/15-21 ~ Bourbon County Fair at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, something for everyone to enjoy!

7/27 ~ Second Annual End of Summer Craft Creations at the River Room, food/drinks/crafts, 10am-4pm

_________________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Children’s Business Fair at the Farmer’s Market!

Chamber Lunch & Learn – Appraised Values & Property Tax Click here to register!

2 New Exhibits to be Unveiled at the Lowell Milken Center!

A Night of Mardi Gras in the Fort at the

Gathering Square Pavilion!

Downtown Meet & Greet hosted by Cohn’s Cafe!

D30th Annual Chamber Golf Classic, July 12th!

Contact the Chamber at 620.223.3566 to become a banner or hole sponsor/donate a raffle item or prize/ or volunteer your time!

Summer Sidewalk Sale ~ Downtown and Around Fort Scott!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
…
Bourbon County, Elections

Kansas State Senator District 13 Candidates On The August 8 Ballot

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This is part of a series of those candidates running in the Kansas Primary Eection in August, 2024.
The following are the  three candidates for  District 13 Kansas State Senator:
Tim Shallenburger. Submitted photo.
Tim Shallenburger, 70, Baxter Springs is the incumbent 13th District Kansas Senator, running again for the position.
Schallenburger attended Pittsburg State, served in the 1990s in the Kansas Legislature, past speaker of the Kansas House and former Kansas State Treasurer.
He has been involved over the years in many civic and community organizations; Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, etc. and has served as mayor of Baxter Springs prior to becoming state senator.
For Schllenburger, the primary role of a Kansas Senator is to protect freedoms outlined in the constitution, fight against wasteful spending and unnecessary regulation.
The most pressing issue currently in the Kansas Senate is to lower the state tax burden.
“We have a massive surplus of citizen’s money deposited in state bank accounts which should be in citizens bank accounts,”  he said.
Sam Owens. Submitted photo.

Sam Owen, 29, Fort Scott, graduated from Hamilton, MO. High School in 2014 and attended Fort Scott Community College from 2014-16 earning an associates degree in construction.

The primary role of a Kansas Senator is to ” be honest, trustworthy to the American people in this District 13. I going get the job done in the office my first four years in office. I am not going sit talk about it, I am going to fight and pass what should pass what shouldn’t be pass.”
The most pressing Kansas Senate  issues currently, in his view:
“1. Health Care Costs- We need to lower expenses for medical services, insurance premiums, and prescription drugs impact residents’ access to quality health care,
2. Lower taxes down,
3. Economic Growth- Infrastructure attracts businesses, creates jobs, and stimulates economic activity. And Increase minimum wages.
4. Education funding- Make schools better, safer, and more protected in each county.”
Austin Stapleton, Photo by Breana Clark.
Austin Stapleton, 30, lives in Pittsburg and attended
 Pittsburg State University.
In the past, he has been Bourbon County Democratic Party Vice Chairperson, Bourbon County Precinct Committeeperson, Co-founder and President of Crawford County Young Democrats.
 Currently, he is the Kansas Democratic Party Rural Caucus Secretary, Crawford County Precinct Committeeperson, and Kansas Democratic Party Second Congressional District Delegate.
Stapleton’s community involvement has been in Pittsburg Community Chorus Outreach Committee Chairperson, a member of Pittsburg Area Young Professionals, participant in Pittsburg Community Theatre and Triple Threat Threeatrics.
“The primary role of Kansas Senator is the sum of their constituents’ voices,” he said. “State senators have the responsibility and honor of representing their district’s values to wider state government. A state senator should always have the best interests of their district at heart when proposing legislation, confirming appointments,  allocating resources, and working to secure solutions across the aisle. If I am entrusted with the honor of representing District 13, I will use the skill set I’ve acquired from my time as a case manager to seek out and ensure safety, opportunity, and dignity for District 13.”
The most pressing issue of the Kansas Senate is “Securing the social, economic, and legislative safety of all Kansans is the paramount issue in the Kansas Senate. When working-class Kansans are well-represented by leaders who have their best interests at heart, we can ensure the dignity of affordable healthcare, career opportunities, well-funded public education, social acceptance, and constitutionally enshrined access to reproductive healthcare.”
To view the candidate series previously featured:
Government, Kansas

KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes July 3. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

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Government, Kansas

Governor Has Signed Legislation For Tax Cuts For All Kansans and STAR Bonds Use

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Governor Kelly Signs Bill Providing Tax Cuts for
All Kansans

~~ Gov. Kelly Also Signs Legislation Approving Economic Development Tool to Attract Professional Sports Teams to the State ~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that she has signed Senate Bill 1, bipartisan legislation that will provide tax cuts for all Kansans without threatening the state’s long-term fiscal health. The bill reduces property and income taxes, immediately eliminates the state tax on Social Security income, and increases the standard deduction and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.

“I am proud to be delivering on my commitment to responsible, meaningful tax relief for all Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I appreciate the Legislature’s quick work to pass this tax relief package. Senate Bill 1 provides significant tax relief while preserving our ability to continue fully funding our public schools, roads and bridges, and State Water Plan.”

The governor also signed House Bill 2001, enabling the use of the Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds, an economic development tool, to expand Kansas’ portfolio of professional sports teams. STAR Bonds allow the issuance of bonds to finance the development of major commercial, entertainment, and tourism projects. The bonds are paid off through the sales tax revenue generated by the development.

“We know that modernizing our economic development tools provides the opportunity to increase private investment into the state,” Governor Kelly said. “By modifying the STAR Bonds program, one of our strongest economic development mechanisms, lawmakers crafted a viable option for attracting professional sports teams to Kansas.”

Click here to learn more about STAR Bonds.

Bourbon County Local News