Tax Relief is still being worked on, but it took an odd turn. After the House gutted Senate Bill (SB) 300, which was a bankers’ tax bill, and put the contents of House Bill (HB) 2844, which contained many of the tax cuts being considered, in SB 300, and created House Substitute for SB 300. They passed it 123 to 0. The Senate President ruled the bill materially altered. Senators could have challenged the ruling, but it hasn’t been challenged. There are similarities in House Substitute for SB 300 to the bill the Senate passed, SB 539. I am working to pass tax cuts for Kansans, especially property tax relief, exempting Social Security from state income tax, and other provisions.
Death Certificates could now be signed by a licensed physician, surgeon, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, coroner, deputy coroner, or special deputy coroner if HB 2358 becomes law. It passed the Senate 39 to 1. I voted Yes. As with any bill returning to the originating chamber, the chamber can either concur, not concur and go to conference, or rule it materially altered and assign it to a committee. Most likely, the House will not concur and it will go to a conference committee.
K-12 Enrollment counts would change so that schools would use the greater of the preceding-year or current year on September 20. There are other counting changes and the bill was amended on the floor to help schools that are struggling with a declining population. SB 386 passed on a vote of 33 to 6. I voted Yes. We need to delve deeper into our K-12 school funding and spending. Of the billions of dollars being spent on K-12 funding, a greater percentage needs to get to the classrooms and teachers. The bill now goes to the House.
Unclaimed Property could be used to invest and possibly make money for the state. It may sound like a good idea, but what happens if the investments lose money and the property owner is found? It can and has happened. Legislators in the past blocked risky alternative investments because it almost broke KPERS and cost taxpayers. How they forget. The return on investments has been high so some perceive the risk to be low. Taxpayers will end up footing the bill for unclaimed property if these investments lose money. It’s a gamble I’m not willing to take. HB 2577 passed 38 to 2. I voted No. The bill returns to the House since it was amended.
Death or Disability to a police animal would be an increased penalty of a mandatory 90 days imprisonment and a minimum fine of $10,000 plus expenses such as veterinary treatment, funeral, and replacement. It is understandable we don’t want these animals harmed, but let’s strengthen the penalties for people who are harmed and not overdue for an animal. HB 2583 passed 25 to 15. I voted No.
Harm or Death to law enforcement or emergency responders for drivers who do not move-over another lane away from emergency responders would have increased penalties not less than $7,500 for death and $1,000 for harm. The current fine for not moving over for emergency responders would increase from $195 to $400. SB 426 passed 39 to 1. I voted Yes.
Public Utilities would not be able to use eminent domain for wind or solar facilities. SB 457 passed the Senate 38 to 0.
Energy Companies would be able to defer 90% of depreciation expenses and balances could be included in the utility’s rate base. If the bill becomes law, these changes could begin 7/1/2024 after the utility notifies the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). There are other provisions, like allowing for a new gas-fired plant to be built in Reno County. My concern is our ever-increasing energy costs and HB 2527 in its current form doesn’t address that. The bill passed 38 to 2. I voted No. The bill returns to the House since there were amendments.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Governor Kelly Announces March Total Tax Collections $7M More than Estimate
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that total tax collections in March were $760.4 million. That is $7.0 million, or 0.9%, more than the monthly estimate. Total tax collections are up 0.3% from March 2023.
“As we continue to work toward cutting taxes, the Legislature must be mindful that any tax relief must be fiscally sustainable,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The bipartisan tax cuts plan I introduced in January, among other things, eliminates all state income tax on Social Security benefits and provides about $100 million in property tax relief for Kansas homeowners every year. It is a fiscally responsible plan that puts money back into every Kansan’s pocket while enabling us to continue to fully fund schools and invest in our infrastructure and other critical areas.”
Individual income tax collections were $364.9 million. That is $29.9 million, or 8.9%, more than the month’s estimate and up 16.0% from March 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $77.1 million. That is $7.9 million, or 9.3%, less than the estimate, and down 24.8% from March 2023.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $261.2 million, which is $8.8 million, or 3.2%, less than the estimate. Those collections are $14.2 million, or 5.1%, less than March 2023.
The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CRE), comprised of the Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, will meet on April 19, 2024, to review the fall estimate and make any revisions it may consider necessary.
Click here to view the March 2024 revenue numbers.
Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet scheduled for, TOMORROW, April 2nd!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, April 2nd from 8:00-9:00 a.m. at City State Bank,
202 Scott Avenue.
These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotion and anything related to downtown.
Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
KRI President of Operations Joe Tinervin, MSW, stands in the intake room’s doorway near the former hospital’s west entrance.
The western part and administration portion of the former Fort Scott Mercy Hospital is in the process of renovation.
Kansas Renewal Institute, located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. is a behavioral healthcare center specializing in treating adults and adolescents. The building has approximately 120,000 square feet.
JG Healthcare Solutions is the parent company that owns K.R.I.
The institute administrators e are Jonathan Gross, Chief Executive Officer; T.J. Denning, Chief Operating Officer, Erik Engebretson, Chief Financial Officer, Joe Tinervin, President of Operations and and Mike Sharpmack, Executive Director.
Kansas Renewal Institute President of Operations Joe Tinervin stands in the southern hall of the former Mercy Hospital.
This group of men has worked together at Universal Health Services, Acadia Healthcare, and most recently Discovery Behavioral Health.
“We worked for years together, but towards the end of our time at Discovery, we said we could do this ourselves, help a lot of people and have fun along the way,” Tinervin said.
“The whole idea is to provide safe, effective care that promotes successful outcomes,” he said. “We hope to have a staff environment where people love to come to work.”
K.R.I. will open with 82 licensed beds across four units. The State of Kansas has told Tinervin that the licensure process will be finished by April 15.
Joe Tinervin shows a patient room that is being made ready for patients.
There is a 50-bed adolescent psychiatric residential treatment facility, with two units, one for males, and one for females.
K.R. I. President of Operations Joe TInervin gives a tour on March 26, 2024, of the new facility. This is a portion of the adolescent unit.
These units are located in the former maternity unit and adjacent hall on the north wing of the building.
The former maternity unit will be used for adolescent residential services at K.R.I. Joe Tinervin stands at the door between that unit and the hall. To the left is one of the many contractors working inside the building in anticipation of the April opening of the facility.
In addition, there are 32 beds in two units for adults: one for adult residential services and one for detoxification services.
This is a wing of the adult residential services unit at K.R.I., down the hall to the left is the detox unit. Work is still being done to prepare for the opening of the institute in April 2024.
The detox unit is located in the former intensive care area of the hospital with the adult residential services in the hall just adjacent.
The former Intensive care unit of Mercy Hospital is now the detox unit of Kansas Recovery Institute.A view of the two corridors in the former waiting room of the emergency department at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. in March 2024. The steps in the middle lead down to the cafeteria which will be for residents only, and won’t be open to the community.
“We have thrown a significant amount into the renovation so far,” Tinervin said. “Flooring, paint, equipment, and furniture,” he said.
“It’s all happening right now as we get the units ready to go,” he said.
“The State of Kansas has a significant waitlist,” he said. “We will be servicing residents from all over Kansas, not just southeast Kansas.”
“The state was here last week, and licensure might take until April 15,” he said.
“Our job is to reintegrate people back into their home communities,” he said. “If someone is from another place, they will return.”
“We are not opening with an outpatient level of care…only residential,” Tinervin said. “When and if we build an outpatient level of care, patients from the Fort Scott area will be able to commute for services while those who live outside of the Fort Scott area will be transitioning home and will have the opportunity to participate in KRI Outpatient services remotely through a virtual telehealth platform.”
In the administrative portion of the K.R. I. is this multi-purpose room which is currently being used for training employees and will be used for classrooms for residential adolescents in the future. Pictured is a training session.
K.R.I. will be collaborating with USD 234.
“We are excited about the partnership we are developing with Unified School District 234,” Tinervin said. “As part of this partnership, Unified School District 234 is committed to providing general and special education services to KRI residents within school age. These services will be provided on-site at Kansas Renewal Institute and the programming provided will be individualized according to the educational needs and levels of each student served at the KRI.”
This is the reception desk of the Kansas Recovery Institute at 401 Woodland Hills.
Once licensure arrives, people can make appointments at 620-644-1195 and they will also take walk-ins, Tinervin said.
The KRI Team photo, taken last Thursday at the end of orientation. Back Row from left to right: Joe Tinervin, President of Operations; Christopher Edwards, BHT; Lori Storm, Lead Case Manager; Dylan Pike, Nurse; Mark Steward, BHT Supervisor; Mike Sharpmack, Executive Director; Jay Abbott, Director of Quality Improvement and Risk Management; Jaymie Murphy, Nurse Front Row from left to right: Sheila Guinn-Peters, Admissions; Sheila Nami, Admissions; Pamela Johnson, Nurse; Mary Wilson, CMA; Candice Wyatt, BHT; Jessica Whitley, BHT; Tracy Serna, BHT Lead; JoDanna Simon, DON; Makenzie Brown, BHT; Stefani Brown, Nurse; and Jessica Allison, Clinical Director *acronym key: BHT: Behavioral Health Technician; DON: Director of Nursing; CMT: Certified Medical Technician. Submitted photo.
Also housed at 401-405 Woodland Hills Blvd.: Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, Ashley (Medical) Clinic, Care to Share (cancer family support group), I Am Rehab( physical therapy/fitness center), Regional Economic Development Inc., and Diamonds In The Marketplace ( a beauty salon).
The dog park in Gunn Park in Fort Scott, Kansas is very popular with local dog owners. Many canine pet owners meet there regularly to let their four-legged friends get exercise and socialize with other dogs in a safe, enclosed area made especially for them to play and burn energy.
While a dog park meets the needs of many pet owners, local ophidian owners haven’t had a good place to recreate their pets. John Snalt, a senior at Fort Scott High School, is a local pet owner who has personally felt the lack of options. “There just aren’t a lot of places I can take Fred to get exercise,” he said. Fred is John’s 4.5-foot copper-headed water cobra that he got when he was 12. That’s about to change for John, Fred, and other snake owners in the area.
John Snalt with his pet copper-headed water cobra named Fred.
Thanks to a grant from the International Order of Friendly Reptile Keepers (IOFRK), Gunn park will be getting two snake pit exercise areas this coming year.
Located just North of the dog park will be the non-venomous snake pit, and just North of that will be the venomous snake pit. Sue Stalkholm from the IOFRK stressed the importance of having two separate areas for the different types of snakes. “I need to stress the importance of having separate areas for different types of snakes,” she said in her comments to FortScott.biz. “This isn’t just a simple hole in the ground. We’ve designed everything to maximize safety and fun for everyone using the snake pit park,” she said.
Plans call for an emergency telephone and a snake bite kit located between the two pits as well as educational signs to make sure everyone knows that they should always check with the snake’s owner before attempting to pet a snake or play a flute for it. Sue said, “Many people who haven’t been around snakes don’t understand proper snake-handling etiquette so we want to make sure everyone has all the knowledge they need to be comfortable in the snake pit park.”
The grant will cover the construction of the two snake pits as well as ongoing maintenance for the first five years. Ms. Stalkholm said that in most communities, snake pits have become very popular, and local donations can usually fund maintenance after a few years. She stressed the economic value of having snake pit park options for the community and suggested that it might open up opportunities for reptilian pet stores that wouldn’t have been able to stay in business without a local snake pit park.
Several local community members expressed concern about the project. “Is this a good thing to put in Fort Scott before we have an emergency room?” asked John Shnoodle. Mr. Shnoodle doesn’t want anyone to think he is against snakes as pets, but just wasn’t sure if emergency response time should be considered.
Jane Pfeffle also weighed in with strong opinions on the subject. “We shouldn’t build a snake pit until we have a hospital,” she stated emphatically. When told that the funding for this was coming from an outside source and wouldn’t be available to fund a hospital anyway, she responded with, “That doesn’t matter. We need to shut everything down until a hospital opens in Fort Scott again. That includes all of our roads, schools, electricity, water, etc. If it has a budget, power switch, or valve, it all needs to shut down until a hospital reopens.”
According to IOFRK the snake pit park is expected to be completed in exactly 1 year. “We like to see a grand opening that the entire community can participate in.” said Sue. “In other communities, we’ve brought in some snake charmers for the opening day, and that has been a really big hit with local residents,” Sue said. The snake pit park plans to celebrate the opening day on April 1st of 2025. “Plans like this really best when everything related to them happens on April 1st. It really doesn’t work well to have discussions about it on any other day of the year,” said Sue.
FortScott.biz reached out to Fort Scott Mayor Sam Sneedle (who isn’t the normal mayor but is briefly filling the role for the purposes of April 1st) for comment, but he said that current litigation prevented him from making in comment. He went on to say, “They are going to build what in Gunn Park?!”
Tuesday, April 2nd: Driver’s Ed, classroom section, begins
Wednesday, April 3rd: SkillsUSA Career Fair @ FSHS
Wednesday, April 17th: FSHS Mental Health Fair
Thursday, April 18th: FSHS Honors Reception
Come Check It Out!
The Career Fair, sponsored by the FSHS SkillsUSA chapter, is to acquaint students with the career opportunities in our region. Students will have the opportunity to visit with 100+ business partners and research employment opportunities that are available locally and regionally. This is also an opportunity for students to discover the educational requirements to be prepared for these employment opportunities. The details of the Career Fair are as follows:
DATE: Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024
TIME: 8 a.m. until Noon
LOCATION: Fort Scott High School, both main and aux gyms
STUDENTS: Fort Scott & Pleasanton High School students ~600 total
Uniontown is unable to attend this year.
While there is no charge for the public to attend, monetary donations to the FSHS SkillsUSA Chapter are welcomed. These donations will help cover the costs of attending State and National Competitions. Thank you for your generosity!
–photo: Kaleb Bailey with Bailey Drone Services, LLC
This newly released NPS youth conservation corps recruitment video features FSHS Tiger students Stewart Davenport, Elsie Hurd, Bryson Morrell, Adelynn Nolan, Aiden Sigafoos and Kiara Thompson.
Join the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)
Ever wondered what the Youth Conservation Corps Program (YCC) is all about? Check out this short video to hear from the youth and staff themselves on their YCC experience. From historic preservation to trail maintenance, the arts to living history, and more, see what you could do as a YCC member and beyond!
March 18th: Each year at the State Basketball tournaments, KSHSAA appoints a special committee to evaluate and rate each school based on the team, its coaches, cheerleaders, school cheering section and fans, both adult and non-high school followers. A rating system is used and a certain score must be reached to receive an award.
Teams that make it to the semifinal rounds are eligible to receive a plaque. Teams that do not advance past the first round are eligible to receive a certificate.
KSHSAA announced the winners last week and Fort Scott High School received both a plaque for the Girls Basketball team and a certificate for the Boys Basketball team! This is a tremendous accomplishment and a great reflection of our school and community!
KSHSAA sent us a copy of the rating sheets and they were filled with positive comments about all involved at State: cheerleaders, student section, the players on the floor, coaching staffs, adult fans and also mentioned were our Band that performed Wednesday and Thursday and our Orchestra that performed Thursday.
Thank you to all involved in making the week in Salina a special time and for representing our school and community in such a positive manner. So much to be proud of! Tiger Pride was on full display in Salina!
–Jeff DeLaTorre, FSHS Athletic/Activities Director
The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge at FSHS on March 5th required students to conceptualize a business, including a plan for that business and a tradeshow-style presentation. These students then presented their business to local business leaders who served as judges for the challenge.Here are the prize-winning owners/businesses:
1st ($1,000) – Jasper Anderson – Fresh Start
2nd ($750) – Kaylie Dinneen – EmpowHer
3rd ($500) – Ivy Lee – Little Town Decor
Judges Choice Tradeshow ($250) – Ivy Lee – Little Town Decor
Additionally, the tradeshow was open to the public to attend and vote:
Community Choice Tradeshow ($250) – Ella Regan & Camrie Hunziker
Thank you all who attended!
from left: Lindsay Madison, judge; Josh Jones, judge; Jasper Anderson, creator of Fresh Start cleaning and grand prize winner; Deb McKenney, judge; Carissa Bowman, judge; Katie Casper, judge
FUTURE OFFICERS
The FSHS Chapter announces the 2024-25 FFA Officer Team:
President: Dakota Hazelbaker
Vice-President: Blaiton Terry
Secretary: Gracin Pitts
Treasurer: Jaidyn Crumby
Reporter: Raylee Cowan
Sentinel: Teegan Stiles
Parliamentarian: Kaden Cannon
Historian: Treyton Valentine
front row, from left: Landon McDaniel; Elsa Bishop; Adelynn Nolan; Caroline Barnes; Nick Davis; Savanna Cunningham; Jayden Newman
back row, from left: Molly Claypool (behind Elsa); Zaida Summers; Raj Gugnani; Cody Geiger; Rylan Miller; Sypher Cannon; Daetyn Fowler; Ben Phillips ; Aden Koppa
not pictured: Joy Self
Several of our FSHS students participated in the Allen Community College Math Competition on Tuesday, March 19th. This year, ACC decided to recognize the top two students from the sophomore, junior and senior levels and FSHS had TWO students ranked!
Nick Davis was in the top two seniors and Joy Self was in the top two juniors.
The ACC math competition included around 220 students from 11 schools. This is a great honor for both Nick and Joy. They are each being awarded with a free 3-5 credit course from ACC for the next academic year!
front row, from left: Jasmine James; Eden Haught; Hattie Jackson; Kathryn Williams
back row, from left: Delani Weddle; Cadence Hunziker; Luci Dunkeson; Caitlynn Tate; Tiffany Salazar
As members of the newly-formed FSHS Chapter of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), these students attended the “Inspiring Women in Healthcare” conference in Pittsburg on March 20th.
Area professionals provided information and answered questions about their respective fields, encouraging those interested to consider a career in healthcare.
–submitted by HOSA sponsor and FSHS Health Sciences teacher Julie Heatherly
A FOUR-PEAT QUALIFIER AND A FIRST AT STATE!
A round of applause and tip of the hat for Lady Tiger Wrestlers Gabby Rusk and Kenna Miles! In her fourth and final season, Gabby celebrated 100 career wins and is the first girls’ wrestler to qualify for state all four seasons! Kenna, a sophomore, captured the first girls state wrestling championship in school history!
In last month’s Tiger Newsletter, we shared that senior Jasper Allison celebrated 150 career wins in his four years as a standout Tiger wrestler. Jasper finished as runner-up at the Class 4A State Wrestling Championships in Salina. Congratulations, Jasper!
2024-2025 FSHS SPIRIT SQUAD MEMBERS CHOSEN
Tryouts for Tiger Dance & Cheer teams were held the week of March 18th.2024-25 Tiger Dance Team
Freshmen: Laurali Clark; Gianna Gorman; Ahlonna Johnson
2024-25 Tiger Cheer Team
Seniors: Maddi Cook; Jaidyn Crumby; Jocelyn Fess; Cadence Hunziker;
Emersyn Logue; Emilly Moore
Juniors: Sadie Claypool; Kinley Dillow; Anna Farrington; Katlyn Parker
Sophomores: Molly Claypool; Camrie Hunziker; Gabby Majors; Jerri Smith
March 25th: Tigers had a great showing at this NSDA National Qualifier. Only two can qualify per event and both Lincoln-Douglas debate qualifiers are from FSHS: Annelise Hall, senior, and Grace Walker, sophomore! The team’s other LD debater, freshman Joseph Moberg, is second alternate. Also, due to shifts in entries, Regen Wells will represent Fort Scott at Nationals in Senate Debate. The Tigers are Nationals-bound with one more qualifier to go!
–Tyler Slinkard, FSHS Debate/Forensics
pictured: Grace Walker, left; Annelise Hall, right
BASKETBALL!
Congratulations to these Tiger/Lady Tiger Basketball players who earned All-SEK League honors!
First Team: Keegan Yarick (unanimous); Rocco Loffredo
Second Team: Allie Brown; Kylee Comstock; Dierks Kegler
Honorable Mention: Abbie Gorman; Dub Chipman
WRESTLING!
Congratulations to these Tiger/Lady Tiger Wrestlers who earned All-SEK League honors!First Team: Jasper Allison; Jaden Garcia; Brody Gomez; Trace Metcalf; Kenna Miles; Ryder Newton; Ali Simhiser; Jerri Smith; Caellen Wescoat
After graduating from business college, I began working as a secretarial receptionist. I typed a lot of specs and documents, so it was annoying when I made a mistake and had to brush on the white correction fluid and wait for it to dry. In 1980, I moved to Kansas and was employed at The Western where I used an IBM Selectric II correcting typewriter. I was so happy that someone brilliant had finally designed a built-in correction feature. I thought it was the best invention since high heels! Whenever I misspelled a word, all I had to do was hit the backup key, retype the wrong letter, then type the right letter and all was made right. It was just as if I’d never messed up. Even though I aimed for perfection, it was impossible to perfectly type every single document in a workday.
The heartbeat of God is to free us from our sins and baggage so that’s why He sent Jesus to clean, correct, and restore our flawed lives. He welcomes the bruised and crushed of humanity to come to Him for restoration. “…Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18 NKJV). The Samaritan woman at the well, who’d been married five times, didn‘t cause Jesus to bat an eye or raise an eyebrow. When she believed and placed her faith in the Messiah, she immediately became the first female evangelist in her village. Many broken people came to believe in Christ because of her life-changing testimony. Jesus used, and still uses, some of the most-controversial individuals for His work and purposes.
Apostle Peter lied and denied, then quickly repented and was forgiven and restored. Saul/Paul persecuted, imprisoned, and approved of stoning Christians. But he stopped doing that when the light of Jesus landed him flat on the Damascus road. Jesus takes the most unlikely and makes them likely. In season 1, episode 7 of The Chosen, Jesus turns to Peter and says, “Get used to different.” Jesus didn’t come to admire the outward pretenses of a person, He came to clean the dirty insides of a person. Jesus came to love, forgive, and restore sinful and defective people and put them to work in the Kingdom of God.
Jesus specializes in picking up people and turning them around. He cast seven demons out of Mary Magdalene and she was miraculously freed from bondage and restored to her right mind. She became one of the faithful women who traveled and supported Jesus’ ministry and she’s mentioned in all four of the gospels. Her previous life may have been the worst, but Jesus made sure that Mary Magdalene was the first to see Him on resurrection morning. She is a beautiful example of a godly woman whose life was poured out in gratitude for God’s extravagant love, mercy, and grace. From the worst to the first — that’s how the Master of the Universe works. Jesus entrusted Mary of Magdala with the awesome assignment of telling the grieving disciples, “He’s alive!”
Jesus is the only true correction tape for the world. A simple definition of “justification” is “just as if I’d never sinned.” When we believe in Jesus as Savior, God pardons, cleanses, and acquits us from condemnation. Justification is a gift of grace; not a result of human effort. Jesus died and rose again; He paid it all so we can be clean and free. “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin” (Romans 4:7,8 NLT.)
The Key: Our faith in Jesus’ sacrifice makes us right in God’s sight (ref Romans 5:1.)
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