Government, Kansas

Grant to Revitalize Downtown Buildings Announced

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New Round of Funding Announced for Revitalization of Downtown Buildings

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today $1.5 million will be available for a fourth round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants to revitalize dilapidated and underutilized downtown buildings in small communities across the state. HEAL grants help close financial gaps for communities striving to make their downtown districts more economically vibrant.

Since the HEAL grant program was launched in 2021, more than $3.5 million has been awarded to fund 63 projects in 48 counties throughout Kansas.

Enhancements have been made for HEAL 4.0 that are designed to set up applicants for even greater success, including a longer application period and a maximum award of $100,000.  Additionally, formal bids will be required this round from licensed contractors at the time of application submission.

“HEAL 4.0 will offer even more support and funding for communities working to bring vacant and underutilized buildings back to productive use,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “We want as many communities as possible across the state to benefit from this successful program that breathes new life into downtown districts.”

HEAL grants help bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for:

  • New or expanding businesses
  • Housing
  • Arts and culture
  • Civic engagement
  • Childcare
  • Entrepreneurship

Submitted projects must show potential to be economic drivers in that community and also demonstrate that the space will be occupied by the end of the project. Proof of 1:1 matching funds from the building owner will be required at the time of application.

Communities that received a HEAL grant in the first round (awarded spring/summer 2022) are now eligible to apply again. Communities that received HEAL grants in either fall 2022 or spring 2023 are not eligible to apply this round.

The application window opens August 14 and closes November 10 with award notifications in mid-December.

A virtual webinar about the specifics of the program is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 18. Registration is required and the Zoom link will be provided after registration. Organizations and building owners interested in applying should register and attend the webinar. To register, please click here.

Additional information about HEAL, the webinar and the online application can be accessed here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Fort Scott, Government

Opening on Fort Scott Park Advisory Board

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT NEWS RELEASE

 

August 10, 2023

 

There is an opening on the Fort Scott Park Advisory Board to finish out the remainder of a vacated seat that expires December 31, 2023. The position is for a 3-year term and may be renewed after the upcoming expiration date, if you wish to continue to serve on the board. The function of the board is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and the City Commission regarding all parks within the City of Fort Scott. They meet on an “as needed” basis. All boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. Please submit your letter of interest by October 6, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. to Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at [email protected] or at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! August 10th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Special activities all this weekend! See link below.

Visit your National Park!

Trolley Tours of Fort Scott

50-minute narrated historical tour

Every Friday & Saturday on the hour

Fridays 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturdays 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 12 & under, leaves from the Chamber

Click this link: The Artificers

August pottery class/workshop

schedule, a creative space 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.

The Lavender Patch Farm will be open many days throughout the month of August, click here for specific hours/dates.

Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore August Special: 25% off gently used fiction books!

8/11 ~ Friday Nights at Uniontown, classic rock country band Ridge Runnerz with Hot Pink Heifer Food Truck, 5-8pm, click here for more info!

8/11 ~ Friday Night Concert in the Park featuring “Dangerous” Doug Harper, seating is limited so bring a lawn chair, in case of inclement weather concert will be at Common Ground Coffee Shop located at 12 E. Wall St. click here for more info!

8/12 ~ Poverty Paradigm by Core Community of Bourbon County, Tickets are $10, all are welcomed and encouraged to attend, Fort Scott Middle School, click here for more info!

8/12 ~ Coffee and Clay at The Artificers, 8-10am, click here for more info!

8/12 ~ Farmers’ Market on Skubitz Plaza every Tuesday Night from 4-6 and every Saturday from 8am-12pm through the last Saturday in October, click here for more info!

Register your garage sale listing for only $12! Garage sale flyers will be distributed throughout the entire city, so don’t wait! Click here to register!

8/12 ~ Fort Scott Christian Heights Alumni & Friends Gathering, 6pm, click here for FB event.

8/13 ~ Flower Bouquet Class at Sunshine Boutique, $10/person, contact 620.223.6007

8/15 ~ USD 234 Open House for FSMS and FSHS, 6-7:30pm, click here for details.

8/15 ~ Cornhole Tournament hosted by FSHS Volleyball Booster Club, Registration from 6:30-7:15pm, $20 team/Open Division, $10 team/Youth Division, click here for more info!

8/16 ~ FSCC Business Expo for New and Returning Students, 8am-12pm, contact Marcus Page at 620.223.2700 ext. 3520 to register to have a FREE booth!

8/16 ~ USD 234 Open House for preschool, Winfield Scott, and Eugene Ware, 4:30-7pm, click here for details.

8/16 ~ Wednesday Writers at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, everyone with an interest in writing is welcome to join, 1:30-3pm, click here for more info!

8/17-18 ~ Ft. Scott Blood Drive at Buck Run Community Center, Thursday 12:45-7pm and Friday 9am-1pm, sign up online at redcrossblood.org

8/17 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Credo Senior Living, 820 S. Horton, 8am

8/17 ~ Berry Bowl Class at The Artificers, 7-8pm, click here for info.

8/18 ~ Friday Night Concert in the Park at Heritage Park Pavilion, seating is limited so bring lawn chairs, starting at 7pm

8/18 ~ Deadline to take the Interest Survey if interested in BCBS Health Insurance for 2024 thru the Chamber Blue program, click here for info. and survey link. If already on the program, you don’t need to take the survey.

8/19 ~ VFW 8 Ball Tournament, registration begins at 11am with calcutta starting at 12pm, $10 entry fee with 100% payout, click here for more info!

8/22 ~ Business Exit Planning – Breakfast @ Carson Wealth, enjoy breakfast while talking about how to prepare to successfully exit your business, 8-9am, click here for more info!

8/24 ~ Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting at Structure by Margo, 19 S. National Ave.

8/25 ~ Deadline for youth Fall sports signups through Fort Scott Rec. Dept./Buck Run Community Center. Click here for their FB page for more info.

8/25 ~ Patio Concert hosted by the Bourbon County Arts Council, Liberty Theatre Patio, Members-$15/Non-Members-$20, contact Terri Floyd 620.224.7221 or Deb Anderson 620.224.8650 for more information.

8/25 ~ Friday Night Concert in the Park featuring Jam Session, Heritage Park Pavilion, limited seating bring lawn chairs, 7-8pm, click here for more info!

8/25 ~ FSHS Football V/JV Pre-Season Jamboree @ Louisburg, 7pm

8/26 ~ Todd Royce Comedy at Memorial Hall, 7-10pm, click here for more info.

8/26 ~ Larry Ballou Jr. Alongside Care to Share, Biscuits and Gravy at the Farmers’ Market from 8am-12pm/free will donation, cornhole tournament with registration starting at 12:30pm/$20 per team, Fat Kids BBQ will be serving $15 meal deal from 12-5pm, click here for more info!

SAVE THE DATE!

9/1-4 ~ Uniontown Old Settlers Picnic, parade/craft and food vendors/drawings and games/Dale Jackson Memorial Care Show, click here for more info!

9/2 ~ Super Smash Bros, Ultimate Esports Tournament by FSCC, click here for more info!

9/2 ~ Butch Hall Memorial Fishing Tournament, 6am-4pm.

9/8-9 ~ Town-Wide Garage Sale, starting Thursday September 8th at 10am copies of the official garage sale maps may be found around town, click here for more details.

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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.

25% off gently used Fiction Books at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore!

Poverty Paradign at Fort Scott Middle School!

FSCC Business Expo ~ August 16th

Reserve a booth today, see below!

Breakfast and Business Exit Planning!

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation

grant applications are now being accepted thru 8/31 from eligible 501c3 organiations & other entities!

Click here for the application link.

Town-Wide Garage Sale!

Click here

Obituary

Obituary of Billy Joe Johnson

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Billy Joe Johnson, age 79, a resident of Devon, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at the Pittsburg Health & Rehabilitation Center in Pittsburg, Kansas.

He was born July 13, 1944, the son of Lawrence Leo Johnson and Esther A. Swartz Johnson.  Billy grew up in rural Deerfield, Missouri where he enjoyed farming and working with cattle.

He first married Donna Beisly and they owned and operated their own dairy farm near Deerfield for several years prior to their divorce.

At the age of eighteen, he became a licensed auctioneer and worked in this profession throughout his life.   In addition, Billy also worked for many years as assistant manager of Whiteside’s IGA which then became Gene’s IGA. He later took a job with the Bourbon County Public Works crew where he was employed until his retirement in October of 2011.

Billy married Kathy Harper Underwood on October 18, 1996.  Following their marriage, Billy moved to the Devon area where he continued to farm and raise cattle.  After his retirement, he befriended several members of the Amish community, and he frequently provided them with transportation.  One of Billy’s favorite auctioning gigs was the annual Christian Heights Country Store Auction.  He faithfully volunteered his auction skills for many years and helped to raise thousands of dollars for the benefit of the school.

Billy will be lovingly missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to express their thanks to Pittsburg Health & Rehab and to Gentiva Hospice for the excellent love and care for Billy over the last several months.

Survivors include his wife, Kathy, of the home; three children, Tabitha Hamersley (David) of Nevada, Missouri; Diana Heckman (Jerry) of Fulton, Kansas and Julia Brown (Keith) of Ft. Scott, Kansas; thirteen grandchildren, Stephanie Lilley (Bradley), Dr. Chad Johnson (Becca), Trenton Johnson, Catherine Johnson, Landon Johnson, Gabriel Hamersley, Opal Heckman (Kyle), Whitney Heckman, Ashley Rodriguez, Jerad Heckman (Andi), Jenny Heckman (Kaden), Lily Brown and Alex Brown and twenty-one great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother, Roger Johnson.

Billy was preceded in death by a son, Doug Johnson and an infant daughter, Regina Kay Johnson, a brother, Jerry Johnston and a sister, Claribel Kerrick.

Rev. Bill Smith will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Monday, August 14th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Christian Heights School and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Kansas

KDOT requesting comment on draft 2024 Statewide Transportation Improvement ProgramTIP

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on the draft Federal Fiscal Year (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 draft STIP document is available for review online at https://www.ksdot.gov/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp. Select the draft FFY 2024-2027 STIP link at the top of the page.

The approval of the STIP requires a public comment period of 30 days, which concludes on Sept. 8. To make comments on the STIP document, contact Lisa Roth at (785) 296-0892 or Gene Ingwerson at (785) 296-0136 with KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management.

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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Bourbon County

Mary’s Precious Puppies In Ongoing Investigation For Animal Suffering and Neglect

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People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sent this press release on August 7 to fortscott.biz.

The release was sent to Bourbon County Attorney Tiana McElroy and McElroy answered a request for verification with this statement:

“This is an ongoing investigation so I am unable to comment on either email you have included below,” McElroy said.

PETA has received damning U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports documenting that dogs’ fur was matted with feces, dogs were left panting inside a sweltering building, and some were painfully disfigured at Mary’s Precious Puppies, a local puppy mill operated by Mary Moore. In response, PETA sent a letter today to Bourbon County Attorney Tiana McElroy asking her to investigate and file applicable charges against those responsible for the animals’ suffering and neglect.

 

According to the reports, on May 2, Moore admitted to a USDA veterinarian that she had wrapped bands around the tails of three puppies in order to cause the appendages to fall off—“a painful” mutilation, according to the veterinarian, who also found that more than a dozen dogs’ coats were “heavily matted,” including with dried and fresh feces. Another dog, Keeshond, was “not bearing any weight on his left front leg,” which is “a significant indicator of pain.” Weeks later, Keeshond was found to be lame in his right front leg and Moore failed to immediately consult a veterinarian, despite being ordered to do so. And on May 30, up to 20 dogs were found panting in a building where the temperature had reached 93.2 degrees.

 

“This breeding hellhole has treated dogs like cheap equipment and left them to languish in squalor,” says PETA Vice President of Evidence Analysis Daniel Paden. “PETA urges Bourbon County authorities to prosecute those responsible for these dogs’ suffering and encourages everyone never to buy animals from pet stores or breeders and to adopt from shelters instead.”

 

PETA is pursuing charges under state law because the USDA does not render relief or aid to animals during its inspections and these violations carry no federal criminal or civil penalties.

 

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org, listen to The PETA Podcast, or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

 

I can be reached at 682-395-1238 or [email protected]. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

 

PETA’s letter to McElroy follows.

 

August 7, 2023

 

The Honorable Tiana McElroy

Bourbon County Attorney

 

Dear Ms. McElroy:

 

I hope this letter finds you well. I’m writing to request that your office (and the proper law-enforcement agency, as you deem appropriate) investigate and, as suitable, file criminal charges against those responsible for neglecting dogs at Mary’s Precious Puppies, a breeding facility operated by Mary Moore at 1567 75th St. near Uniontown. PETA hopes investigators will visit the facility with a veterinarian who has expertise in canine health and welfare so that they can identify any animals in need of care and opine on the conditions of and for the approximately 28 animals there.

 

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) veterinarians documented neglect at the facility in the attached reports. On May 2, Moore reportedly admitted to a veterinarian that she had wrapped bands around the tails of three puppies in order to cause the appendages to fall off, which is “a painful process,” according to the veterinarian. The veterinarian also found that 13 dogs’ coats were “heavily matted,” including with dried and fresh feces. Another dog, Keeshond, was “not bearing any weight on his left front leg,” which is “a significant indicator of pain.” Moore was ordered to resolve the issue of the 13 dogs’ matted coats by May 3.

 

But on May 3, USDA officials found that Moore had “not groomed any of the dogs.” They found five more dogs who were “seriously matted.” When four USDA officials arrived at Moore’s facility on May 4, they found brown debris—consistent with ear infections and other ailments—in the ear of one dog, who had evidently not received veterinary care for the condition. On May 30, up to 20 dogs were found panting in a building where the temperature had reached 93.2 degrees. The same day, Keeshond was found to be lame in his right front leg. Moore was ordered to have him examined by a veterinarian, but as of May 31, she “still [had] not consulted a veterinarian about” his latest ailment.

 

These findings may violate Kansas’ anti-cruelty statute, K.S.A. 21-6411. The USDA renders no aid or relief whatsoever to animals on site, and these reports carry no criminal or civil penalties and don’t preempt criminal liability under state law for neglecting animals. If you’d like to learn more about the USDA’s findings, please see the contact information for its office in Riverdale, Maryland, here. Thank you for your time and consideration.

 

Sincerely,

Daniel Paden

Vice President of Evidence Analysis

PETA

 

Brittney Williams

PR Coordinator, Media Relations

P: 682-395-1238 | M-F 9am- 5:30pm EST

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

If you ever have an animal emergency and local authorities are unresponsive, please email [email protected]. For after-hours emergencies, please call 757-622-PETA (757-622-7382) and listen to the prompts. Thank you!

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Teachers: Deatsch, Turner

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This is a series introducing the 20 new Fort Scott teachers.

Distict Events Taken From https://www.usd234.org/ :

August 12 from 4-6 p.m. there is a Core Communities Poverty Simulation :https://advanceboco.ticketspice.com/core-communities-poverty-simulationat 1105 E 12th St, Fort Scott
Aug 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. is the monthly board of education meeting at 424 S. Main, Fort Scott.
August 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. is the Fort Scott High School Open House at 1005 S Main St, Fort Scott.

School starts on August 18

Erin Deatsch. Submitted photo.
Erin Deatsch, 24, is a new kindergarten teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She taught for two years for Kansas City Kansas Public Schools as a kindergarten teacher.
Deatsch earned a BSE  from Emporia State University.
Her hometown Louisburg, Kansas.
“Teaching has always been what I wanted to do ever since I was a little girl,” she said.  “I was that friend that had the chalkboard and always wanted to play school. In high school I had some of the best educators who really cared about their students and I wanted to be that for someone someday.”
“In education sometimes you have students who have a rough home life,” she said. “Every child deserves a champion and someone who is consistently going to bat for them. I love being that person. Knowing I make a difference for these little kinderbabies (as I like to call my students). Watching them… from being shy and meek in their abilities to knowing what they are capable of and believing in themselves no matter how many mistakes that they may make.”
“The greatest challenge for teaching for me is the time management with my home life,” she said. “I want to do so much for my kiddos that I sometimes take work home and don’t spend as much time with my daughter as I would like. I want to be the best teacher I can be and do the most for my students but it takes a lot of preparation to be able to do that!”
She has a 2 year-old daughter, Eleanor.
In her spare time she “enjoys making memories with my loved ones by taking trips…and going to new places while my daughter competes in pageants! She loves them!”
Candy Turner, 43, is a new special education teacher at Fort Scott Preschool.
She has 17 years of working with children: five years teaching 4th grade in Nevada MO, five years working for Sek-Cap Head Start Birth- 5 year-olds, two years title math in Arma, three years teaching kindergarten, 1st grade at Pleasanton, two years at Galesburg teaching Kindergarten- 6th grade pull out.
In  2003 she earned a bachelors degree in Elementary Education  and in 2004 a masters in Early Childhood both from Pittsburg State University.
Her hometown is Fort Scott.
She has a son Landon, 16,  a junior at FSHS and a  daughter, London, an eighth grader at FSMS.
Outside of school, “I love watching my kids do what they love and spending time with my family.  I enjoy traveling and seeing new things.”
Her Aunt Mary Ann inspired her to be a teacher, she said.   “Over the years I wanted to be a teacher because I wanted to ensure that every child had an opportunity to learn at their full potential in a fun, safe, caring environment.”
The best thing about teaching is  “Seeing students learn new things and celebrating their progress with them.”
A challenge for her is “Saying goodbye at the end of the year,” she said. ” Each child I work with becomes part of my heart and family so when they move on I miss getting to see them every day.”
Schools, Youth

Poverty Speaker: Solving Poverty and Healing Trauma

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ALL are invited and welcome to attend the Poverty Paradigm event this Saturday, August 12 at 4 p.m. at Fort Scott Middle  School.

The cost is $10 to participate.

If individuals want to participate, but cannot afford the $10,  contact Jennifer Michaud: phone:  785-230-7010 or email
[email protected]

The speaker is Rebecca Lewis-Pankratz.

To get a ticket, see the flyer below.

About the Speaker: Rebecca Lewis-Pankratz

Rebecca Lewis-Pankratz works with both communities and schools across the US to truly solve poverty and heal trauma, according to a press release. She does this by helping caring leaders create sustainable ecosystems of resilience through building better relationships.

Rebecca fought her way out of poverty and the trailer park in 2011 with three young sons. A local poverty resolution project found Rebecca and activated her journey. She later went to work for that non-profit and then went on to build multiple projects like it to help more families. In 2015 She started working with public education and ignited a trauma-informed schools movement in her state and beyond.

Rebecca experienced a lifetime of trauma and poverty and through access to buffering relationships she healed from both and continues to light the path for others.

Schools:

Rebecca is a Co-Founder of the ESSDACK Resilience Team. Rebecca and her team have walked alongside well over 100 Kindergarten through12th grade schools, equipping their staff as they journey toward becoming trauma-informed. The Resilience Team’s core value is that in order to create more positive outcomes for children, we must focus on transforming the adults who are important in these kids’ lives.

Communities:

Additionally, Rebecca and her team have partnered with Youth Core Ministries out of Greensburg Kansas to establish and sustain poverty resolution projects across Kansas and Illinois. Currently they are working with over 200 families who are systematically building their paths out of poverty.

Rebecca is widely known in Kansas and across the United States for her extensive work building trauma-informed schools. She is a captivating presenter and her lived experience of escaping poverty when she was 40 years old,  with three young children, invites people into her undeniable experience of healing, hope and restoration.

Rebecca has 8 ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) which she lived out as an adult with addiction, domestic violence, poverty and pain. She captivates audiences with her ability to weave concepts in with stories and helps people understand what is typically getting in the way of adopting the movement of trauma-informed schools. More importantly, Rebecca helps participants identify where they are, where they want to go, and how they want to get there. She is a master facilitator, a generous storyteller, and has an uncanny way of helping people boil down and absorb deep concepts around the brain, behavior, and healing.

Rebecca has shown the light for hundreds of schools and thousands of teachers on the path of equipping trauma-informed cultures and frameworks. She is well known for her carefully crafted work on:

  • Behavior is a Brain Issue and Not a Character Issue
  • Unpacking Behaviorism and its devastating effects on kids and families from trauma
  • Poverty and Trauma: Brains Wired for Survival
  • Understanding the science of the brain and resilience and how the brain wants to heal and can heal at any age
  • No kid, regardless of their story is a lost cause
  • Is it really all about choices?
  • Healing a fight/flight/freeze brain into a cause and effect brain within our schools
  • How Resilience is Built: The External Requirements for Thriving, Despite Adversity
  • Truly, it IS all about the relationships
  • Punishment Versus Discipline: The Hardest Hill in Equipping Trauma-Informed Schools for Sustainability

Rebecca coined the popular Resilience phrase “I see you, I hear you, I am with you.” This is the foundation for building resilience in ALL kids and staff.

To learn more:
Government, Kansas

Road/Weather Motorist Info New Web Address

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KanDrive web address updated

Reliable road/weather information stays the same
The KanDrive website, which provides up-to-date road and weather information for motorists across Kansas, has updated its web address to www.KanDrive.gov. Instead of ending with .org, the domain extension is now .gov.

There are no other changes to the website. People typing the old web address will automatically be directed to the KanDrive website. The address will also be updated soon in Google and other search engines.

Whether by desktop, mobile or tablet, more than 1.64 million KanDrive web sessions in 2022 provided users information that is updated 24/7 on highway maintenance and construction activities, winter highway conditions, flooded roadways, incidents and crashes affecting traffic and closed highways. WICHway and KC Scout can be directly accessed through KanDrive. A commercial vehicle mode also provides information for truck drivers.

Changing KanDrive’s web address is part of an overall update to KDOT websites to help increase security and be consistent with government addresses.

Go to www.KanDrive.gov and get started today.
Area News, Government

U.S. Hwy. 69 Corridor Study Starting Over

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KDOT stopping work on U.S. 69 Crawford County Corridor western alignment; starting new corridor study later this year

 

In response to feedback from communities and residents along U.S. 69 in Crawford County, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is stopping any further progress on developing the western alignment of the Crawford County Corridor (also known as the Pittsburg Bypass). This includes stopping design work and planned construction of the U.S. 160 improvements (Phase 3) of the Crawford County Corridor. That project would have extended U.S. 160 to the west along 590th Avenue.

Discussions about improving the U.S. 69 corridor have been happening for decades. The project would expand an 18-mile corridor of U.S. 69 to a four-lane freeway, starting at the Cherokee-Crawford county line and continuing north of the City of Arma.

Over time, KDOT has done preliminary engineering and environmental reviews, working with cities and counties along the U.S. 69 corridor. The last study on the project was completed in 2012, and at that time, the western alignment was presented as the preferred alternative. While there have been ongoing conversations through KDOT’s Local Consult process and individual project meetings, until this spring, KDOT had not had a dedicated conversation with communities along the corridor about the project in more than 10 years.

In May, more than 350 people attended city council and county commission meetings where KDOT presented about the U.S. 69 Crawford County Corridor. The overwhelming majority of people KDOT heard from were opposed to the western alignment of the U.S. Crawford County Corridor. The most common reasons included:

  • The cost of the project relative to its benefit to the community;
  • The last study was completed in 2012, and there have been significant changes in development since that time;
  • Impacts to homes; and
  • The potential impact of a new bypass on towns and existing businesses in the area.

“We heard loud and clear the U.S. 69 corridor is a top priority for southeast Kansas,” said Greg Schieber, KDOT State Transportation Engineer. “We also heard things have changed since decisions were made more than a decade ago, and we need to step back and work with communities to find the right solution for the future of U.S. 69. Infrastructure improvements are expensive, and we want to invest in projects that not only improve the state highway system, but also align with the needs and visions of Kansas communities.”

Later this year, KDOT will start a new corridor study to re-evaluate the current highway and identify the current and future needs of the communities along U.S. 69 in Crawford County. The study will include an updated traffic and safety analysis to help determine viable options to improve the Crawford County Corridor.

To help inform the study, KDOT will establish a stakeholder group composed of representatives of the cities, county, and businesses along the corridor to hear a variety of perspectives on the priorities in the region. The study will include a robust public outreach effort and multiple opportunities for public input. It will take 12-18 months to complete the new study.

At this year’s Local Consult meetings in October, KDOT will not list a specific U.S. 69 Crawford County Corridor project for discussion. At the last two rounds of Local Consult, KDOT heard from southeast Kansans that improvements to U.S. 69 in Crawford County are a priority. KDOT is actively taking steps, like this new corridor study, to address that priority. The study needs to be done so that KDOT can have projects for consideration at the next round of Local Consult meetings in 2025.

As more information about the study schedule and opportunities for input are available, KDOT will post information online at: https://www.ksdot.gov/us69crawfordcountycorridor.asp.

 

 

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Bourbon County Local News