Limited Time Only Kansas Tobacco Quitline Offers 8 Weeks of Nicotine Replacement Therapy
TOPEKA – For the first time in the twenty-year history of the Kansas Tobacco Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, (KDHE) is offering all phone coaching enrollees eight weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy while supplies last.
Participants who are 18 years and older that want to quit smoking, vaping or chewing tobacco and enroll in the phone coaching program can choose a lozenge, gum, or patch that will be mailed directly to their home if they enroll by midnight on Sunday, April 30.
“We want all tobacco users to know that although quitting is hard, they can do it,” said Matthew Schrock, cessation coordinator. “Individuals who smoke often try to quit several times before succeeding, but proven treatments and services are available that can improve your chances to quit for good. We encourage all Kansans to try to quit, and if they want free help, take advantage of this opportunity.”
The Kansas Tobacco Quitline is a free, 24/7 resource available to Kansas residents to help them quit smoking. The Quitline provides help, such as counseling, a personalized Quit Plan and quitting support by phone and through online services. A survey of Quitline users highlighted that 90% of participants were satisfied with the Quitline coaches and counselors. The Quitline can be reached by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the weekly Chamber Coffee on Thursday, March 16th at 8am hosted by Briggs of Fort Scott, 1819 S. Main St. in the Ford Showroom. Briggs will be celebrating their 7th anniversary in the community and 40th anniversary corporate-wide with additional locations in Manhattan and Topeka. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to door prize drawings.
The primary focus of Briggs is on building relationships with their customers and to make the car buying experience fast, easy, and hassle-free. Brands sold out of the Fort Scott dealership include Toyota, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Wagoneer. In addition, they offer Fiat, KIA, Nissan, and Subaru at the other locations. Briggs also offers a variety of automotive maintenance and repair services on all the brands they sell and more.
Chamber Coffees are held each Thursday at 8am for members to network, make announcements, and learn about the host business or organization. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information or to inquire about available dates for hosting a Coffee.
Leading Effort to Tackle National Security Threats from Foreign Tech
As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Senate Committee on Commerce, I joined my colleagues Senators Mark Warner and John Thune to introduce the Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk Information and Communications Technology (RESTRICT) Act. This bipartisan legislation will address the ongoing threat posed by technology, like TikTok, from foreign adversaries by further empowering the Department of Commerce to review, prevent and mitigate information communications and technology transactions that pose undue risk to America’s national security.
Foreign adversaries are increasingly using products and services like TikTok to collect information on American citizens, posing a threat to our national security. This legislation would give the Department of Commerce the authority to help prevent adversarial governments from controlling harmful products and services in the U.S., providing us the long-term tools necessary to combat the infiltration of our information and communications systems. The government needs to be vigilant against these threats, and additionally a comprehensive data privacy law is needed to make certain Americans are able to control who accesses their data and for what purpose. I urge my colleagues to support the RESTRICT Act and to work with me to enact a comprehensive data privacy standard.
Property Tax is on many Kansans minds as the valuation notices were recently mailed. Many will be protesting the increase. The directions for protest are on the valuation letter. Previously when property evaluations were increased your property taxes automatically increased – not anymore. In 2021, the legislature expanded Truth in Taxation for property taxes by establishing policy that local governments have to notify taxpayers and vote before they can collect a dollar more than the previous year, i.e. go above the Revenue Neutral Rate, sometimes referred to as Senate Bill (SB) 13. It keeps the property taxes revenue neutral, the same as last year. The Revenue Neutral Rate notice is a letter mailed by the County Clerk between August 20 and September 20, which includes the date, time, and location local governments will be voting on any proposed property tax increase. Property owners should show up at these meetings and hold the government responsible for tax increases.
The Property Valuation Department will be testifying in the Senate Tax Committee next week to investigate what is happening with property valuations in Kansas. There has to be a better way.
Exempting Sales Tax on manufacturer coupons passed the Senate unanimously. In Kansas, when a person uses a manufacturer coupon sales tax is charged on the entire purchase, including the coupon amount. SB 53 would exempt the coupon amount from sales tax.
Fairness in Women’s Sports passed the Senate 28 to 11. The bill establishes that only biological females could participate in women’s sports. Since it was a House Bill (HB), 2238, and there were no amendments by the Senate, it was sent to the Governor. Hopefully, she will not veto the bill as she has for the past two years.
Kansas Attorney General would be authorized to prosecute any alleged crime that occurs in two or more counties. It passed the Senate 35 to 3.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Katherine Denise “Mammy” Beal Howe, age 70, resident of West Plains, MO, died Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Via Christi Emergency Room, Fort Scott, KS.
She was born April 4, 1952, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Olan and Audrey Brown Beal.
Mammy worked at the local donut shop and later as an over-the-road truck driver. She enjoyed stock car racing, casinos, and playing bingo. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was known as Mammy to everyone.
Survivors include two children, Tina Martin (Matthew), and Lokota Beal (Megan); four brothers, Olan “Bud” Beal, Jr. (Janet), Alan Beal (Debbie), Russell “Rusty” Beal (Donna), and Robert Beal (Judy); three grandchildren Ryan Hill (Bryant), Amanda Hill (Joseph), and Lakota Beal, Jr.; three stepsons, Christopher Howe, Cory Howe, and Stephen Niehaus; a great granddaughter, Seguin Grace and baby Hill on the way.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Tonia Beal, and her parents.
Also surviving is her significant other Ron Falwell and his family, 1 son and spouse, 5 granddaughters, 3 grandsons, 8 great granddaughters, 1 great grandson, and preceded in death by 1 son.
Bud Beal and Rusty Beal will conduct graveside services at 1:00 Thursday, March 16th, at the West Liberty Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Mammy Howe Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Governor Kelly Unveils Kansas’ Largest, Most Comprehensive Plan for
Cancer Prevention and Control
~~Blueprint Outlines How Kansas Will Reduce the Burden of Cancer, Improve Cancer Screening and Treatment Outcomes Over the Next 5 Years~~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the release of the largest, most comprehensive cancer prevention and control plan in Kansas history. The plan outlines how the State will allocate resources over the next five years to prevent cancer and reduce the disease’s burden on Kansans who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families. It includes proposals to bolster the health care workforce, increase early detection, expand providers’ understanding of the span of resources available to patients and survivors, and reduce unhealthy behaviors.
Cancer is a leading cause of death in Kansas, exceeded only by heart disease. On average, more than 5,500 Kansans die from cancer each year.
“Nearly all of us will be impacted by cancer at some point in our lives, whether that’s receiving a diagnosis ourselves or supporting family and friends through treatment,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Kansas Cancer Plan is a call to action that reflects a year and a half of hard work, research, and sustained engagement to improve the lives of Kansans. I thank everyone who contributed to this important blueprint for how we can advance uniquely Kansan solutions to combat this terrible disease.”
The plan results from an 18-month collaboration between the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Cancer Partnership (KCP). The KCP has multiple workgroups and regional coalitions comprised of oncologists, survivors, advocates, and those with a vested interest in cancer.
“This plan represents the largest formal effort to address the burden of cancer in the State of Kansas,” said Olivia Burzoni, program manager for the KDHE Cancer Control Program. “We invite everyone to discover their role and responsibility in the fight against cancer, as all may be affected by cancer in some way. It will take all of us to meet this challenge.”
The Kansas Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Control Plan outlines strategies in five priority areas, including prevention, early detection, cancer survivorship, financial burden, health equity, and advocacy and policy. In addition, the plan calls for increased collaboration to address social determinants of health and health equity.
The population-based data collected in Kansas revealed:
The age-adjusted cancer incidence rates were 15 to 35 percent higher for men than women from 2008 to 2017.
Cancer mortality rates increase dramatically with age, with the highest rate among Kansans aged 85 and older.
Kansans who are African American have significantly higher mortality rates than Kansans who are white.
Hispanic Kansans have substantially higher mortality rates than non-Hispanic Kansans.
“Achieving the goals and objectives in this plan will ensure that all Kansans have excellent support systems within their communities, access to quality cancer care, and the resources needed to help deal with the many challenges of cancer,” Dr. Jennifer Bacani, KCP Chairperson and Family Physician, Fredonia Family Care, said.
Visit kscancerpartnership.org/ to download a copy of the 2022-2027 Kansas Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Control Plan or to learn how to get involved with the Kansas Cancer Partnership.
Department of Commerce announces $30 Million in New Workforce Grant Programs
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced $30 million will be made available under the Aviation Learning Opportunities & Funded Training (ALOFT) and Delivering Residents and Workforce (DRAW) grant programs. The ALOFT program will provide $20 million in funding for training development and expansions requiring new job opportunities in the aviation and aerospace industry. The DRAW program will provide $10 million in funding for training development for high demand employers, such as healthcare, education, technology-based, and entities working with persons with disabilities. A priority for the DRAW program is to increase new residents from out-of-state.
The funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and approved by the State Finance Council in December.
“The state’s unprecedented surge in new economic opportunities for businesses is creating next-generation jobs and careers for Kansans,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These new funding sources will allow targeted investments in people that align with the needs of Kansas companies, while also growing our talented workforce by attracting more people to the state.”
ALOFT applications can include construction costs for on-site training facilities, vendor training on machinery and equipment, supervisor and management salaries directly related to training, marketing and activities to encourage youth participation in aviation and aerospace careers, and participation costs in the Kansas Registered Apprenticeship and Workforce AID programs. Awardees will have two years to complete their projects and utilize all awarded funds.
Eligible ALOFT applicants include:
Aviation and aerospace manufacturers
Supply chain manufacturers that provide services, equipment and manufacturing for eligible aviation and aerospace manufacturers
Locally and city-owned airports.
DRAW applications can include construction of on-site training facilities, vendor training costs, machinery and equipment used solely for training, course development costs, and marketing and attraction costs to attract talent to Kansas. Awardees will have two years to complete their projects and utilize all awarded funds.
Eligible DRAW applicants include:
Mobile workforce training providers
Healthcare providers
Education providers
Technology-based businesses
Employers working with the blind, visually, or hearing impaired, or persons with disabilities
Employers hiring for positions determined as “high demand and high wage” from the Kansas Department of Labor.
The ALOFT and DRAW grant applications both open at 2:00 p.m. today, with submissions closing at 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 24, for both programs.
Informational webinars will be available to the public, with ALOFT’s webinar beginning at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 16, and DRAW’s webinar beginning at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 17. Registration for the webinars and guidelines for the grant applications can be found at www.kansascommerce.gov/aloft and www.kansascommerce.gov/draw.
Applicants can contact [email protected] for any questions regarding this funding opportunity.
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.
In most small towns, fresh produce nearby is hard to come by, unless you grow your own.
Thaddeus and Kelly Perry have started a service that allows people to order fresh fruits and veggies ahead of time, then pick up at their Bronson store, Perry’s Pork Rinds and General Store.
Kelly and Thaddeus Perry, owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds. Submitted photo.
The store is located on Hwy. 54 that goes through the town, east to west. Bronson is in the rural western part of Bourbon County.
The box of produce will typically cost $15 and have a variety of approximately 15 lbs. of fresh fruits and veggies, with prices subject to change based on the cost of food.
Depending on what fruit and vegetables are in season and what their pricing is, will decide what is in the boxes, Kelly Perry said.
For the next distribution of fresh veggies and fruits, today, March 13,
is the deadline for a March 17 pick-up order.
“This is something that is not only smart for our business to attract more foot traffic into the door, but also valuable for the community to not have to travel to get fresh produce,” Kelly said. “This fits in line exactly with what Thaddeus and I have always said, we will invest back into our community locally.”
Perry’s Produce is a Bourbon County community program designed to make affordable bundles of fresh produce regularly available in their town and the surrounding area.
“This saves residents time and money shopping while helping them eat healthier,” Kelly said.
This Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Initiative works with a program coordinator, in this case, The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), located in Fort Scott.
“(BCBS)Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Initiative works with 24 communities across the state of Kansas,”HBCAT President and CEO Jody Hoener said. The HBCAT and the Perry’s worked together on ways to improve health in the community by awarding the Perry’s a $20,000 grant for a five year commitment to the food program for rural citizens.
“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team has worked since 2016 to build up and support local food systems,” Hoener said. “We are thrilled to have Perry’s Produce as a partner in our efforts to increase access to healthier food options.”
With the funds, they are purchasing grocery shelves that will have a larger capacity to hold even more groceries, pet supplies, home goods, toiletries and more so families do not have to travel into “town” to get something they need, saving them time and money, Perry said.
Shelving for produce distribution and storage, scales, and a printer/date labeler for the fresh grab-and-go salads, sandwiches and deli items, will all be purchased as a direct result of this grant.
The Perry’s, HBCAT and Pathways started researching a program, KSTATE’s Simply Produce program, around eight months ago via zoom calls and emails and in-person meetings.
The first distribution date of the produce was March 3.
“We distributed 61 bundles to members of the community,” Kelly said. “There was a clerical error at the produce company and we ended up having to improvise, so some folks got double on certain items to still fulfill our end of the deal versus them not getting a bundle at all. There will be learning curves and this is new, so we are working hard to combat all of those curves.”
This is the 15 pounds of produce that was distributed in bags to those who pre-ordered for March 3 delivery. Submitted photo.
“We’ll try to source locally as much as possible for this program,” Kelly said. “Some models are based on weight, others base off a set number of items in their bundles and we will work with this over the next few months to see what works best and gives shoppers the most bang for their buck. Inside each bundle will also be a recipe card provided by K-State Southwest Extension District Snap Education.”
The bundles are currently being placed in reusable grocery bags provided by K-State Southwest Extension Snap Ed. Division, she said.
The produce bag. Submitted photo.
The pre-paid bundles can be picked up over the next five years on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during open store hours.
The bundles are $15 each, plus tax.
“ALL bundles are pre-ordered and pre-pay unless you’re an EBT/SNAP user,” Kelly said.
“Due to regulations by the U.S. Department of Agriculture EBT/SNAP users cannot prepay for food. EBT/SNAP users can come in or call in and place their orders and pay on pick up days,” she said.
“Each buyer will get a receipt with their pick up date written at the top and we will print a second copy for the store and have the customer write their name and number on the receipt,” she said
“If you have not picked up your receipt by 2 p.m. we will call or text the number for a reminder,” she said. “When you arrive in the store, you will sign the book showing you came to pick up your order.”
“KHRC wants to keep the dream of homeownership alive for Kansas families despite recent increases in home values and interest rates,” said Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director. “By expanding eligibility for first-time homebuyers, we’re making homes more affordable, enabling households to build equity, and helping families invest in future generations of Kansans.”
The First Time Homebuyer Program assists those purchasing their first home or those who have not owned a home for at least three years and earn no more than 80 percent of their area’s median income. Homebuyers must make a modest down payment investment and are eligible for an interest-free loan in the amount of 15 or 20 percent of the home’s purchase price. The loan is forgiven if the buyer remains in the home for 10 years.
Recent program updates have expanded eligibility:
Debt-to-income ratio of up to 45 percent. Previously, homebuyers could spend up to 41 percent of their monthly income on debt such as car loans, credit cards, and student loan payments.
PITI (mortgage payments including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) ratio of 15 to 30%. Previously, applicants were required to devote 20 to 30 percent of their monthly income to PITI.
Homebuyer down payment contribution of one to 10 percent. Qualified participants were previously required to contribute two to 10 percent of the home’s sale price.
Adjusted interest rates. To accommodate a broader range of credit scores, lenders can now set interest rates up to .65 percent higher than Freddie Mac, a .15 percent increase from the previous limit.
Other updates will modernize and streamline the application process for lenders and homebuyers. These include allowances for electronic signatures in place of original signatures, and encrypted emails to replace faxed applications.
Funded by federal HOME funds, the state’s FTHB program assists with home purchases throughout the state except for within the city limits of Topeka, Lawrence, Wichita, or Kansas City, or Johnson County. These areas administer their own HOME funds.
KHRC also administers theHome Loan Guarantee (HLG) for Rural Kansas, which helps existing and prospective homeowners in rural counties by covering the gap between the loan and the appraisal for building or renovating a home.
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Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
Join Bourbon County Democrats on Sunday, March 19th to discuss Education in the state of Kansas with Representative Mari-Lynn Poskin at the Bourbon County Democrats General Meeting.
The meeting will be held 2-4 p.m. in Room H121 of the Ellis Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
Please text Carol MacArthur at 620 215 1505 for more information or a ride to the meeting!
