Fort Scott, Schools

Fort Scott High School Thespians Win State Honors

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FSHS Thespians Troupe. Submitted photo.

 

 

The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 brought home several high honors from the KS State Thespian Festival this weekend.

 

The troupe traveled to Wichita on Jan. 4-6 for the annual festival with nearly 2,000 other Kansas Thespians. Of the thirty students who attended, half of them also competed in individual Thespy events. Two students received Superior ratings on their events, qualifying them to compete at the International Thespian Festival in June. Senior Regen Wells qualified for the third year in a row in the Monologue category and sophomore Junie Fisher qualified in the Musical Solo division. Ten other entries received Excellent ratings on their Thespys.

 

The troupe received the Gold Honor Troupe Award which is the highest honor a troupe can receive at Festival. FSHS also had a team qualify to compete in the finals of the Competitive Improv event.

 

The FSHS Advanced Drama class competed with the one-act play entitled “I Quit! A Guide to Quitting Your Job in Style” directed by senior Josiah Eisenbrandt. The troupe also competed in the Lobby Display category by creating a display featuring the Festival theme “Kansas Thespians are One of a Kind” based on the musical Six.

 

FSHS Thespian President Lexi Hill, a senior, was one of only 10 students in the state to win a KS Thespian college scholarship for Technical Theatre. She also auditioned for all of the colleges in attendance at the Festival and had call-backs from 21 colleges for Technical Theatre and thirteen colleges for her Acting audition.

 

 

In addition to competing, students attended workshops from professionals in the theatre industry from across the country. They also attended the best high school musicals and plays in the state that were invited to perform at the Festival.

The troupe, directed by FSHS Theatre teacher Angie Bin, is currently in rehearsals for the dark comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Performances are Feb. 8-10 in the FSHS Auditorium. More information on Troupe #7365 can be found on the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page.

 

Left to right: Junie Fisher and Regen Wells receive Superior ratings on their Thespy events at the KS State Thespian Festival qualifying them to compete at the International Thespian Festival in June.

Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Pete Allen

2 Comments

As reported in the Fort Scott Tribune, which I consider an attempt to discredit my reputation as a commissioner, Commissioner Van Hoecke was obviously referring to me.

Submitted by Pete Allen.

I quite frequently, as the original author of the Special Street Maintenance Plan, and final co-author with Commissioner Matthew Wells, was asked by the city manager to inspect the work and to mark the areas needing repaired per the Plan. This only made sense, as I have had 35 years’ experience using the same process and materials and city staff having little or none. Matthew and I quite frequently, “visited the work sites”, all with the permission of the city manager and all within the limits of the “code of ethics” as quoted by Mr. Van Hoecke.

I also bought spray paint for marking purposes at the hardware store and charged it to the City. I initiated the training session with our pothole patcher manufacturer, and we visited a site during our initial work on Broadway Street to get his approval on our procedure. I also initiated the purchase of our emulsion storage tank and brought out the crack filling machine that had not been used for many years.

I did an inventory of our streets and with staff, rated every street in town. and put together a 2-year plan for our street maintenance plan.

I dusted off the “Storm Sewer Master Plan” and proposed the storm sewer project on 17th and Eddy Street, which included the work at 15th and National.

I motioned that we hire Earls Engineering as our City Engineer and worked with KDOT and Earls to secure a grant for the rebuild of Wall Street, and probably the most important task of my tenure on the commission, I said “NO” to charter ordinance 31, and with the help of Michael Hoyt, spearheaded the petition to overturn the transferring of funds from the utility accounts to the general fund.

To sum it up: permission was granted by city manager for my involvement, and no orders or discussions were made to staff. Only recommendations were made to city manager. Several times visits to sites were made with Commissioner Wells and City Manager Matkins for comments, with no workers on site.

Pete Allen

1/7/2024

 

 

Opinion

I Don’t Get It by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

 

 

Growing up, my parents gave me a lot of good general advice. At the time, I didn’t always understand the “why” behind some of their statements. For example, Mom told me, “It doesn’t turn out well to work with family.” Because I was so young at the time, I didn‘t get it. Now that I’m older and have witnessed a lot of life, I‘ve watched some families try to work in business together and it was a total fail. I’ve also seen a few families work successfully together. Nevertheless, in the majority of cases, it appears that Mom was right. Another bit of advice I didn’t get as a kid was, “Don’t eat that, you’ll spoil your appetite!” I didn’t give a hoot about my appetite, I just wanted to eat that delicious piece of chocolate fudge.

 

It’s easy to focus on the aspects of our life that don’t make sense to us. At the close of  Jesus’ earthly life, he was talking in the Upper Room with His disciples (specifically Simon Peter): “Jesus answered him, ‘You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later‘” (John 13:7 TEV). Jesus knows we will experience disturbing  situations that we won’t understand. But I’m thankful that we’ll understand it by and by (either later on earth or in heaven). We can, and must, release our curiosity and lack of understanding into God’s capable hands. Leave it, let it go, and focus on living the good  life that Jesus died and arose to give us. We have to commit the things we don’t understand on purpose because it won’t happen automatically; it‘s simply not natural to us. But trust is the antidote for a troubled heart and weary spirit.

 

Paul said, “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely” (1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT). Like Paul, who didn’t perfectly understand everything, we can choose to trust God’s truth and believe in His promises. This will ultimately bring us peace  and inner rest of spirit. It’s comforting to know that we can have a personal relationship with the Master Creator who hung the stars and controls the tide. He is the Great Physician who holds us together. He is the Good Shepherd who loves and protects us. He is the Alpha and Omega who knows what we’re going to say and do from beginning to end. He is the Redeemer who sets us free from the chains of bondage and fear.

 

The original Hebrew for Genesis 17:1 states that God told Abraham, “I AM El Shaddai,” which literally means “the All-Sufficient One” or “the God who is more than enough.” God is more than any current or past circumstance that we don’t understand. I believe there will be life outcomes that won’t ever make sense while living on planet earth. But scripture tells us that we will eventually understand everything completely with perfect clarity. In the meantime, we can sufficiently live on the gift that Jesus left us:  “Peace is what I leave with you; it is My own peace that I give you. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid” (John 14:27 TEV). This wonderful peace cost Jesus everything, but it’s  free, real, and ever-present to believers.

 

When you don’t get it, remember you’re in good company.  Simon Peter didn’t get it, Paul didn’t get it, and many others. But when you’ve got the peace of King Jesus, you’ve got all the understanding you need for right now.

 

The Key: If you “don’t get it” now, you’ll “get it” later in heaven.

Bourbon County, Exercise, Fort Scott, K-State Extension

Stay Strong Stay Healthy Starts February 20th

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

 

 

Starting February 20th, improve your health and independence through strength-building exercises at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott. Stay Strong Stay Healthy class will meet twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:00-10:00am, for 8 weeks. Pre-registration is required, call Tara at 620-244-3826 to register and learn more.

 

This evidence-based program is built on simple, strength-building exercises that will improve balance, health and state of mind. No, it’s not strenuous weight-lifting. You’ll start at a level that’s right for you! No one is too inactive to participate. Take this opportunity to take better care of your health and join others for this fun program!

 

# # #

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

 

 

K-State Extension

K-State Research Interns/Educators Needed

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Clara Misenhelter (Wicoff) Submitted photo 2023

The Kansas State Southwind District has been selected as a host site for summer educators/interns for the third year in a row.

This full-time, eleven-week internship will run from approximately May 28th, 2024 to August 9th, 2024.

Educators/Interns will be responsible for planning, organizing, facilitating and teaching lessons to youth with research-based curriculum provided by K-State Research and Extension.

The pay for this grant-funded internship is $17 per hour.

You can find the link to the application here. For best consideration, apply by January 21st! Contact Clara Misenhelter ([email protected]) or Jennifer Terrell ([email protected]) with questions.

Art, Business, Fort Scott

The Artificers January Schedule

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Logo

The Artificers In January!

Happy New Year!!

Check out the calendar below for all events happening this month!
January Events Here!

Upcoming Classes

We are packing up art from Amy Smith, Lorrie Fowler, Isaac Fowler, Liberty Worth, and Brandy Evens this week… SO hurry in and check them out before they’re gone!! Check Socials for Specifics!

Think of us for your party’s!

Call us at 913-574-7741 for reservations!

We have catering connections for stress free party planning!

First Friday’s Is TONIGHT…

Join us tonight for a fun late night looking at art and socializing!

GLAZE DAY is January 27th!

Come in and “paint” your heart away with all the variety of glazes and pieces we have available!
Click Here to Join in the Fun!
Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Agenda for January 8

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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

Nelson Blythe

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

 

January 8, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 12/18/2023
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $225,101.85
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $229,207.57
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Matt Quick, County Appraiser- Property Values and Personal Property Information
  • Susan Walker, CFO-Audit Firms 2024
  • Teri Hulsey, EMS Director-EMS Updates and KRAF Grant
  1. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk- 2024 Resolutions
  2. Sheriff Bill Martin-Retirement of K-9/Patrol Vehicle Totaled by Insurance
  3. 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.

Accounts Payable 12-29-23

Payroll 12-29-2023

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Agenda for January 8

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                             

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

January 8, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY

 

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                  David Stewart, President

2.0       Flag Salute

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0       Reorganization of New Board (Action Item)

            4.1 Appoint Board Member

            4.2 Election of Vice-President of the Board

5.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            5.1       Board Minutes

  1. 12/11/23 Board Minutes

            5.2       Financials-Cash Flow Report

            5.3       Check Register

            5.4       Payroll – December 18, 2023 – $1,689,996.80

            5.5       Activity Fund accounts

5.6       USD 234 Gifts

5.7       CTE Math 2023-2024 Fundraising

5.8       Update Officers

            Appoint KPERS Designated Agent

5.9       Resolution 23-11 KMIP Signers

5.10     Resolution 23-12 Bank Account Signers

6.0       Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)

6.1 Employee Recognition

  • Licensed
    • Speech Team
  • Classified
    • Bus Driver
    • Bus Driver

7.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

7.1       Superintendent’s Report

            7.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            7.3       Special Education Director’s Report

            7.4       Finance Director’s Report

 

 

8.0       Old Business

            8.1       Core Communities Report

8.2       Board Vacancy (Discussion Item)

            8.3       Publish Board Seat Vacancy #1&4, #2&5 in the Fort Scott Tribune.  (Action Item)

 

9.0       New Business

9.1     Resolution 23-10 to adopt Open Enrollment Policy (Action Item)

9.2     Resolution 23-13 To Establish Regular Board Meetings 2024

9.3     Resolution 23-14 To Establish Election of School Board Officers

10.0     Public Forum

11.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters

11.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

11.2     Exit Executive Session

11.3     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

12.0     Adjourn Meeting            David Stewart, President

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission From January 2

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Unapproved

Minutes of January 2, 2024                                 Special Meeting

 

A Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held January 2, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, M. Guns were present with Mayor M. Wells.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION  M. Wells led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, Michael Hoyt, Jason Silvers

 

NEW BUSINESS

Tracy Dancer and Dyllon Olson recited their Oath of Office for Commissioner and were sworn in by the City Clerk.

 

The City Clerk called roll for the first 2024 Fort Scott City Commission:

Commissioners T. VanHoecke, M. Guns, M. Wells, T. Dancer, and D. Olson were present. A quorum was established, and business was continued according to the agenda.

 

Appointment of Mayor of Fort Scott: 

Nominations opened for Mayor by M. Wells.  T. VanHoecke nominated T. Dancer for Mayor.  M. Guns seconded.

 

There were no further nominations for Mayor. M. Wells closed nominations.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to select T. Dancer as the Mayor of the City of Fort Scott. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. DANCER APPOINTED AS THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT.

 

  1. VanHoecke thanked M. Wells for his service as Mayor over the past year.

 

 

 

Mayor T. Dancer took position at the head of the Commission table and presided over the meeting.

 

Appointment of President of the City Commission of Fort Scott:  Nominations for President were opened.  M. Wells nominated M. Guns for President.  T. VanHoecke seconded.

 

There were no further nominations for President. T. Dancer closed nominations.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to appoint M. Guns as President of the City Commission of Fort Scott. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. GUNS APPOINTED AS PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF FORT SCOTT.

 

Review and Agreement of the Code of Ethics – Ordinance 3563

  1. Olson expressed concerns about specific responsibilities of Commissions such as “Represent the City at ceremonial functions at the request of the Mayor” and wishes to strike “at the request of the Mayor.”

 

Discussion was had about D. Olson’s concerns regarding Commissioners ability to directly contact the Chief Financial Officer, City Clerk, Contracted Entities and the City Attorney without prior approval of the City Manager.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to table the Review and Agreement of the Code of Ethics – Ordinance 3563until the January 9, 2024, meeting. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE REVIEW AND AGREEMENT OF THE CODE OF ETHICS – ORDINANCE 3563 UNTIL THE JANUARY 9, 2024, MEETING.

 

Review and Agreement of the Code of Procedure for the Commission of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to agree to the Code of Procedure for the Commission of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas as it is written. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO AGREE TO THE CODE OF PROCEDURE FOR THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AS IT IS WRITTEN.

 

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Michael Hoyt: addressed the Commission to congratulate the new Commissioners and passed out copies of the Constitution that he does traditionally.

 

  1. Hoyt requested to be put on the January 23, 2024, agenda to discuss Charter Ordinance 31. T. VanHoecke requested that M. Hoyt provide support materials to the Commission for their review prior to the meeting if possible.

 

  1. Wells moved to have a meeting on January 2nd to swear in the new Commissioners and officers. The regular City Commission meetings for January will be on the 9th and the 23rd. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

The City Manager reminded the public about the scheduled Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, January 4, 2024, 6:00PM at the Empress Event Center to discuss the Star Bond and TIF Bond issues with the City’s Bond Counsel, Gath Herman, Bourbon County REDI’s Rob Harrington and City Manager, Brad Matkin.

 

         Commissioner VanHoecke, Commissioner Guns, Commissioner Wells, Commissioner Olson, and Commissioner (Mayor) Dancer made comments.

 

The City Attorney commented as well.

 

ADJOURNMENT

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:56PM. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:56PM.

 

Next Meeting:

WORK SESSION:  Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 5:00PM to discuss Advisory Boards

REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING – Tuesday, January 9, 2023, at 6:00PM

 

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for FS City Commission Meeting on January 9

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Work Session at 5:00 PM on 1-9-2024 – Advisory Boards

City Commission meeting at 6:00 PM on 1-9-2024

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

January 9, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.   Call to Order
  2.   Roll Call:  T. VanHoecke, M. Wells, M. Guns, D. Olson, T. Dancer

III.    Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Consent Agenda:
  4. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 19, 2023, and January 2, 2024.
  5. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1351-A – $4,063,977.89
  6. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Project No. 23-430 – South Industrial Park Waterline Extension – Invoice No. 17054 – Inspection Fees – $17,473.48
  7. Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion Project – Payment Application No. 3 – $70,875.00
  8. Request to Pay – Nowak Construction Co., Inc. – Project No. 22-305 – Contractor’s Project No. 231031 – South Industrial Park Waterline Extension – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 2 – $231,061.95
  9. Request to Pay – T. Richardson Construction – Project No. 21-307 – Application for Payment No. 8 – 17th and Eddy St. Stormwater Improvements –           Drainage – $23,619.44
  10. Request to Pay – Bourbon County Treasurer – 2023 Real Estate Taxes for City-owned properties – $43,301.08
  11. Renewal of 2024 Cereal Malt Beverage License for Consumption on the Premises – Debra Cagle – DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 N. Humbolt, Fort Scott.

 

VII.   Public Comment:   Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda

and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

 

 

 

 

  VIII.   Old Business:

 

  1. Review and Agreement of Code of Ethics – Ordinance No. 3563 – tabled from January 2, 2024.

 

  1. Discussion of Advisory Boards from Work Session.

 

 

  1.  New Business: 
  2. Selection of City Commissioner Representatives to Advisory Boards
  3. Bourbon County REDI Representative
  4. Land Bank Representative
  5. Lake Advisory Board Representative
  6. Library Board Representative
  7. Fort Scott Housing Authority Delegate
  8. Healthy in All Practices (HIA)

 

  1. Approval of Golf Advisory Board recommendations – (8) Letters of Interest submitted to fill (4) vacancies – Golf Advisory Board recommendations made on December 27, 2023.

 

  1. Request to Amend Ordinance No. 3604 – Membership Terms – Golf Advisory Board recommends change City/County requirements in the ordinance as stated on Staff Request for Commission Action – M. Wyatt

 

  1. Consideration of Change Order No. 1 – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-032 – KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 at 20th Repair – Final Measured Quantities – Decrease of $7,341.20

 

  1. Consideration of Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 1 (Final) – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-032 – KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 at 20th Street Repair – $148,783.80 – Certificate of Substantial Completion included.

 

  1. Consideration of Change Order No. 2 – Bennett, Inc. – Project No. 23-005B – Engineer’s Project No. 217314-022 – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation – $129,530.00

 

  1. Approval of 2024 Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) License for Consumption on the Premises and Retail Sale of Original and Unopened Containers – Kevin Allen – DBA Aunt Toadies – 1411 E. Wall, Fort Scott – 2023 CMB License was issued for Consumption on the Premises only, requires new approval.

 

 

 

  1. Resolutions
  2. Resolution No. 1-2024 – DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL CITY NEWSPAPER FOR THE ENSUING TERM OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF   THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS

 

  1. Resolution No. 2-2024 – DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES FOR THE PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE CITY OF FORT    SCOTT, KANSAS

 

  1. Resolution No. 3-2024 – EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES UNDER K.S.A. 1120A

 

  1. Resolution No. 4-2024 – NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 922 E.            WALL – PUBLIC HEARING DATE – FEBRUARY 20, 2024, AT 6:15PM.

 

  1. Resolution No. 5-2024 – NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 515 S.            HEYLMAN – PUBLIC HEARING DATE – FEBRUARY 20, 2024, AT 6:15PM

 

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:
  5. VanHoecke
  6. Wells
  7. Guns
  8. Olson
  9. Dancer

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1.  Executive Session:

XII.     Adjournment:

 

 

Work Session – Contactors’ Licenses: Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 5:00PM

City Commission meeting:  Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 6:00PM

Government, Kansas

Kansas Credit Rating is AA

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Fitch Ratings Releases First Kansas
Credit Rating at AA, Citing Fiscal Responsibility Championed by Governor Kelly


TOPEKA— Today, Fitch Ratings, a global credit rating agency, released its first credit rating for the State of Kansas. Citing Governor Laura Kelly’s fiscal responsibility, including efforts to pay off debt, balance the budget, and increase Kansas’ Rainy Day Fund, Fitch announced Kansas’ Issuer Default Rating (IDR) as AA with a stable rating outlook.

“It’s clear that our laser-sharp focus on growing the economy, paying off debts, and balancing the budget is setting Kansas up for long-term success,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Fitch Ratings’ announcement today is great news for Kansans. I will continue to prioritize fiscal responsibility as we work to cut taxes for working Kansans.”

In its report, Fitch cited Kansas’ sustained trend of balanced budgets, bolstering the Rainy Day Fund, and responsible spending as indicators of long-term fiscal responsibility that contributed to the high credit rating. This rating is higher than the most recent credit rating Kansas received, AA-, from S&P Global in February 2023.

“This AA credit rating is affirmation that the path the state has taken to restore stability, predictability, and overall health to the state’s finances is the right path to be on,” said Budget Director and Secretary of Administration Adam Proffitt. “It’s a testament to the work done by Governor Kelly and the Legislature to put the state on solid footing.”

Prior to Governor Kelly’s administration, the State of Kansas’ credit rating and outlook was downgraded four times between 2014 and 2017 by S&P Global. The state’s credit rating was downgraded from AA+ to AA in August 2014, put on a negative credit watch in 2016, downgraded again to an AA- in the same year, and the outlook downgraded from ‘stable’ to ‘negative’ in 2017. S&P Global improved the state’s credit outlook from ‘negative’ to ‘stable’ in 2018 after lawmakers rolled back the Brownback tax experiment.

Fitch Ratings’ report can be found here.

Obituary

Obituary of Virginia Martin

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Virginia Louise Martin, age 91, resident of Lee’s Summit, MO, and formerly of Fort Scott, KS, died Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Wilshire at Lakewood Rehabilitation Center in Lee’s Summit.  Virginia Hockett was born February 11, 1932, in Bronson, KS, the daughter of Ray Carlton Hockett and Edna Jessie Thompson Hockett.

She married Melvin Martin on October 3, 1953.  She had two children and spent most of her married life as a housewife.  Virginia worked briefly at Wilco in Columbia, MO to help her daughter through nursing school.  Her son spent over 20 years in the Navy.  Her husband Melvin also served in the Navy prior to their marriage.  Virginia spent over 40 years in Fort Scott, residing at 742 Horton.

 

Virginia enjoyed baking for her family.  She tended her beautiful African violets while living in Overland Park, KS.  She spent the last two years of her life at Willshire at Lakewood Center.  Virginia was a member of the Community Christian Church, joining late in life. She always enjoyed visiting with people.

 

Survivors include her daughter, Nancy, Lee’s Summit, MO; her son, Michael and his wife Maggie, Jay, FL; and various other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband Melvin; 3 brothers, and her parents.

 

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 PM Wednesday, January 10th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

 

Bourbon County Local News