Tacos and Drinks at Woodland Hills June 7, by The Par Tee Girls Golf League

Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, Fort Scott.

The community is invited to join a food truck gathering at Woodland Hills Golf Course this Wednesday, June  7 from 5-9 p.m.

In addition, Sharky’s Pub will be selling mixed drinks, said Diane Striler, coordinator of the event. For more info, Striler can be reached at 248.568.7790.

Ghetto Tacos food truck, submitted photo.

KCC Approves Settlement To Recover Storm Costs

KCC approves settlement agreement allowing Liberty-Empire to recover winter storm costs over time

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has approved a settlement agreement outlining how The Empire District Electric Company d/b/a Liberty Utilities (Liberty-Empire) will recover $10.8 million in extraordinary costs incurred during the February 2021 Winter Storm Uri. The utility, like others regulated by the KCC, was ordered to do everything possible to continue providing service to its customers, defer the charges, and then develop a plan to allow customers to pay the unusually high costs over time to minimize the financial impact.

The settlement, negotiated by KCC Staff, the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB) and the company allows Liberty-Empire customers to pay for the extraordinary costs –associated with the Winter Event over a 13-year period from June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2036. On average, residential customer bills will increase by $5.73 per month during this period. This is a reduction from Liberty-Empire’s originally requested plan which would have resulted in an increase in the average residential bill of $7.32 per month.

The Commission emphasized it was in the public interest for Liberty-Empire to incur the extraordinary costs to ensure the integrity of the electric system and provide continuous service to its customers.

Today’s order states that any proceeds received by Liberty-Empire from ongoing federal or state investigations into market manipulation, price gouging or civil suits will be passed on to customers.

In issuing today’s order, the Commission found the agreement was supported by substantial competent evidence, will result in just and reasonable rates, and is in the public interest.  The Commission’s order in this docket is the last of the Uri-related utility dockets to be filed and acted on.

Today’s order is available here.

A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners on this order, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

 

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Fort Scott and Uniontown Receive Funds for New Murals

Governor Kelly Announces 14 Rural Communities Receiving Funding for New Murals

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced 14 communities will receive funding through the Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Mural and Public Art grant program. The $76,071 in grants awarded will allow communities to create 38 new murals and public art projects that engage community residents and create a place for the community to gather and enjoy. Since 2021, the Office of Rural Prosperity has funded more than 43 murals in 25 communities.

“Our Rural Mural program continues to gain momentum as a way to showcase and celebrate small towns across Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration will continue supporting local community efforts to enhance their sense of place and quality of life.”

Awardees are in communities across the state with less than 15,000 population. The murals will highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions – and provide a welcome message for visitors and residents alike. Each of the projects requires a 1:1 match from the community, with the smallest of communities being allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. 75% of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several of the city projects plan to start in the next few weeks.

“The Rural Murals already completed have added a unique attraction that communities are proud to display,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “As tourism in Kansas is on the rise, particularly in rural areas where visitors increasingly go to get off the beaten path, these new murals will encourage people to experience more great locations across the state.”

The organizations that are being awarded for FY 2024 include:

The Arts Center, Inc.; Anthony and Attica; $7,500
City of Cedar Vale; $1,500
City of Cheney; $3,603
Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation; $5,250
Northwest Kansas Technical College; Goodland; $4,250
5.4.7 Arts Center; Greensburg; $7,368
Graham County; Hill City; $7,500
Wichita County Economic Development, Inc.; Leoti; $4,500
Vesper Community Club, Inc.; Vesper Township; $7,500
City of Lyons; $7,500
The Greater Manhattan Community Foundation; Blue Rapids Community Action Team Fund, Blue Rapids; $2,350
City of Smith Center; $7,500
City of Uniontown; $2,250
Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce; Winfield; $7,500

“The innovation and creativity that these communities demonstrated in their applications was phenomenal,” said Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity Trisha Purdon. “We can’t wait to see how these new murals and public art projects will help energize these communities and increase tourism and community engagement.”

Backward Nicknames By Carolyn Hayward Tucker

 

Keys to the Kingdom

My Mom had planned to name my older brother, “Robert Randall,” and then call him “Bobby.”  Well, the delivery room in 1947 was a lot different from today‘s hospital. The birthing process was what we now call, “knock ’em out and drag ‘em out.”  Shortly after the baby was born, the nurse asked Mom for his name so she could complete the necessary forms. Mom was so discombobulated that she replied, “Randall Robert” which was exactly backwards. When she read the birth certificate information later in her room, she realized the name wasn’t right. However, she didn’t want to be a bother, so she just let it go. Therefore, she had to switch her preference and call her newborn “Randy.” This is one of the most bizarre family stories I’ve ever heard! My brother lived his entire life being called the wrong name because our mother was such a sweet and peace-loving lady.

 

The name parents choose for their child is important because names have meanings. God made sure that the Son of God would have the most-appropriate name, so He gave these specific instructions to Mary through the angel Gabriel: “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:31,32 NLT).

 

When Joseph and Mary were engaged to be married, while still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. As Joseph considered breaking the engagement, an angel appeared to him in a dream and said: “…Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus (meaning The Lord saves)…“ (Matthew 1:20,21 NLT). Both Mary and Joseph were separately told by angels that this child was to be given the name of Jesus. There was to be no confusion, mistakes, guessing, or doubts that the Messiah’s name was to be Jesus.

 

Salvation through Christ alone is one of the main themes of the New Testament. “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NLT). Jesus is the only way to God, salvation, and eternal life. In the book of Acts, the apostles were busy loving and helping people by using the name of Jesus to pray for them.

 

There are many other titles in the Bible that are given to Jesus. Here are just a few KJV references: Advocate (1 John 2:1), Author and Finisher of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2), Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), First and Last (Revelation 1:17), Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22), Light of the World (John 8:12), Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), Truth (John 1:14).

 

Jesus’ name is so powerful, He instructs believers to pray to the Father in His name. “You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it!” (John 14:13,14 NLT).  Jesus gave believers the “Power of Attorney” to use His name for every situation we will ever face.

 

The Key: Don’t answer any questions while coming out from under anesthesia.

Kansas Training and Retention Aligned with Industry Need

Kansas Commerce Department Announces Training Opportunities Available to Employers Through KTRAIN

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the rebranding of the Kansas Workforce Aligned with Industry Demand (AID) program to Kansas Training and Retention Aligned with Industry Need (KTRAIN). In partnership with the Kansas Board of Regents, the Kansas Department of Commerce had developed Workforce AID to address the skills gap challenging companies throughout the state. KTRAIN will retain that focus with opportunities for even more engagement and concentration on program aspects.

“As more and more companies locate to Kansas or expand existing operations here, the number of jobs and career opportunities keeps increasing,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “It is imperative the Commerce Department keep pace. We are excited to launch KTRAIN as a means to make our talent pipeline prepared to meet the needs of the private sector.”

KTRAIN will continue established partnerships with employers to leverage demand-driven strategies that address critical skills gaps in Kansas. The KTRAIN program will reimburse Kansas employers up to 50% of the cost to deliver approved customized training and education that provide critical skills to new and current employees in high-demand, high-wage positions. Under new program guidelines, KTRAIN is designed to take this mission to higher levels by introducing several enhancements.

KTRAIN will focus on more deliberate, intentional partnership efforts that incorporate principles of the U.S. Department of Commerce Foundation’s Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) framework. TPM is a comprehensive talent management approach that is implemented by employers to source and develop talent for jobs critical to their competitiveness and growth. TPM is a process for building high-performing education and workforce partnerships that deliver measurable returns for employers and learners alike.

KTRAIN will use principles of the TPM framework to significantly increase focus on employer-led efforts in which employers are much more than advisors or beneficiaries. Additionally, KTRAIN will introduce a more streamlined application process and provide digital versions of all program-related literature through the Kansas Department of Commerce’s website. Interested applicants also will have the option to use the website to submit forms, request information directly from the Program Manager, and submit feedback. For more information or to apply, please contact the KTRAIN Program Manager at (785) 207-5275 or email [email protected].

“KTRAIN brings a new, more collaborative approach to closing the skills gap in Kansas by applying talent pipeline management principles to education and workforce partnerships,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce Mike Beene said. “KTRAIN partners with employers and educators to develop demand-driven solutions to their most critical workforce needs, communicate those needs to trusted partners, and manage and improve performance.”

More information on KTRAIN can be found 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 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes May Review

Lowell Milken Center
for Unsung Heroes
 May 2023 Review
2023-06-IS0005

We’re thrilled to announce the winners of the 2023 ARTEFFECT Competition! Join us in celebrating their outstanding creations that pay homage to unsung heroes from history.

2023 ARTEFFECT Competition Winners
LMC HAS WELCOMED VISITORS FROM 108 COUNTRIES
We pinned a new country on our map! Mylene, who recently received her MBA from nearby Pittsburg State University, visited the LMC with her mother, Norhane, from Tunisia.
Upcoming Events
June 18: 2023 LMC Fellows for Week 1 arrive in Fort Scott

 

June 25: 2023 LMC Fellows for Week 2 arrive in Fort Scott

 

July 1: Deadline for submission of the 2023 Discovery Award Competition projects

 

TBD: LMC Star Party

Discovery Award Competition Reminder

 

Projects are due July 1, 2023!

 

http://bit.ly/2wYZPiD .

 

For questions, email [email protected]
or call 620-223-1312.

A Beacon of Hope

Unsung Hero: Abdol Hossein Sardari

Grand Prize

Artist: Celine Fong, Grade 11, Rye Country Day School, Rye, NY

Teacher: Dan Park

A Triple Threat

Unsung Hero: Florence Kelley

HS Division: Best in Show

Artist: Breanna Zaborowski, Grade 12 Hartland High School, Brighton, MI

Teacher: Joshua Etheridge

More award-winning projects will be shared in upcoming newsletters.

We look forward to connecting with you.

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Copyright © 2023 Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

1 South Main St

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Kansas Tax Receipts Exceed Estimate

Governor Kelly Announces May Total Tax Receipts Exceed Estimate by Nearly $40 Million


TOPEKA
– Governor Laura Kelly announced today that total tax collections for May 2023 were $857.3 million. That is $38.8 million, or 4.7%, above the estimate.

“Thanks to our work to recruit businesses, create jobs, and grow the economy, Kansas is now in strong position to weather any future storms, to continue to invest in public education, and to fix roads and bridges across the state,” said Governor Kelly. “We’re also in a position to pass responsible, affordable tax cuts, which is what legislators must do when they return next session.”

Individual income tax collections were $440.1 million. That is $12.9 million, or 2.9% below the estimate, and down 15.1% from May 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $91.2 million, or 140.0% higher than the estimate and up 77.4% from May 2022. The drastic increase in corporate income tax collections can be partly attributed to the continued impact of the SALT Parity Act.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $289.6 million which is $9.4 million, or 3.1% below the estimate and down $16.0 million, or 5.2%, from May 2022.

Total tax collections are down 5.8% from May 2022.

Click here to view the May 2023 revenue numbers.

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K-State Youth Programs Offered

Clara Wicoff. Submitted photo 2023

Several youth programs will be offered through K-State Extension this summer.

The first is a program called “Choose Health: Food, Fun, and Fitness.” This is a six-session series that focuses on healthy eating and active living through interactive lessons with food and games. We will be offering this in two locations this summer (including Erie and Moran) starting on June 7th. The sessions build on each other, so youth should plan to attend all six sessions. The program is free, but registration is required at https://bit.ly/chffferie for the Erie series and https://bit.ly/chfffmoran for the Moran series. This program is open to youth in the third through eighth grades. (I know both of these are outside of Bourbon County, but I wanted to share them anyway in case they are of interest!)

The second opportunity I wanted to share is our STEAM Sewing Workshop. We will be offering this in five locations, including an offering in Fort Scott on June 23rd from 1 PM to 4 PM. Youth will sew their very own pillowcases. They will build their STEAM skills at the same time as they learn how science, technology, engineering, art, and math are related to sewing. This is open to students of all experience levels, from those who have never used a sewing machine before to those who have experience sewing. Students who have just completed the third through sixth grades are eligible to participate. Registration is required at https://bit.ly/southwindsewing. (Please note that registration will not open until June 1st for the STEAM Sewing Workshop.)

Any questions can be directed to me via email at [email protected] or by phone at 620-365-2242. These programs will fill quickly, so I highly encourage people to register soon!

 

Any questions can be directed to me via email at [email protected] or by phone at 620-365-2242. These programs will fill quickly, so I highly encourage people to register soon!

Agenda for Bourbon County Commission on June 5 at Uniontown

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
Uniontown Community Center

June 5, 2023, 5:30 PM


I. Call Meeting to Order

II. Flag Salute and Prayer

III. Consent Agenda

a. Approval of Minutes from 5/16/2023 and 5/22/2023

b. Approval of Payroll totaling $208,575.01

c. Approval of Accounts Payable totaling $319,552.12

d. Approval of Miscellaneous Disbursement Checks totaling $24,738.25

IV. Becky Johnson-Health Department Budget

V. Department Updates

a. Eric Bailey, Public Works Director

VI. Sheriff Bill Martin

a. Finalization of Loan Documents for Patrol Vehicles

b. Equitable Sharing Agreement Certification

VII. Jennifer Hawkins-County Clerk

a. Resolution 12-23

b. Hall Fence Viewing

VIII. Jim Harris- Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)

IX. Public Comments

X. Commission Comments

XI. Meeting Adjourn

Attachments:

Misc. Disbursement May 2023

Accounts Payable 6-2-23

Payroll 6-2-2023


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.

Bourbon County Local News