USDA Assists Distressed Farm Loan Borrowers
USDA Provides Payments of nearly $800 Million in Assistance to Help Keep Farmers Farming
Immediate Help for Over 13,000 Distressed USDA Farm Loan Borrowers;
Begins Process to Provide up to $500 Million More for Up to 23,000 Additional Borrowers
WASHINGTON, October 18, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that distressed borrowers with qualifying USDA farm loans have already received nearly $800 million in assistance, as part of the $3.1 billion in assistance for distressed farm loan borrowers provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA directed USDA to expedite assistance to distressed borrowers of direct or guaranteed loans administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) whose operations face financial risk.
Today’s announcement kicks off a process to provide assistance to distressed farm loan borrowers using several complementary approaches, with the goal of keeping them farming, removing obstacles that currently prevent many of these borrowers from returning to farming, and improving the way that USDA approaches borrowing and servicing. Through this assistance, USDA is focused on generating long-term stability and success for distressed borrowers.
“Through no fault of their own, our nation’s farmers and ranchers have faced incredibly tough circumstances over the last few years,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The funding included in today’s announcement helps keep our farmers farming and provides a fresh start for producers in challenging positions.”
Work has already started to bring some relief to distressed farmers. As of today, over 13,000 borrowers have already benefited from the resources provided under the Inflation Reduction Act as follows:
- Approximately 11,000 delinquent direct and guaranteed borrowers had their accounts brought current. USDA also paid the next scheduled annual installment for these direct loan borrowers giving them peace of mind in the near term.
- Approximately 2,100 borrowers who had their farms foreclosed on and still had remaining debt have had this debt resolved in order to cease debt collections and garnishment relieving that burden that has made getting a fresh start more difficult.
In addition to the automatic assistance already provided, USDA has also outlined steps to administer up to an additional $500 million in payments to benefit the following distressed borrowers:
- USDA will administer $66 million in separate automatic payments, using COVID-19 pandemic relief funds, to support up to 7,000 direct loan borrowers who used FSA’s disaster-set-aside option during the pandemic to move their scheduled payments to the end of their loans.
- USDA is also initiating two case-by-case processes to provide additional assistance to farm loan borrowers. Under the first new process, FSA will review and assist with delinquencies from 1,600 complex cases, including cases in which borrowers are facing bankruptcy or foreclosure. The second new process will add a new option using existing direct loan servicing criteria to intervene more quickly and help an estimated 14,000 financially distressed borrowers who request assistance to avoid even becoming delinquent.
More details on each of the categories of assistance, including a downloadable fact sheet, are available on the Inflation Reduction Act webpage on farmers.gov.
Similar to other USDA assistance, all of these payments will be reported as income and borrowers are encouraged to consult their tax advisors. USDA also has resources and partnerships with cooperators who can provide additional assistance and help borrowers navigate the process.
The announcement today is only the first step in USDA’s efforts to provide assistance to distressed farm loan borrowers and respond to farmers and to improve the loan servicing efforts at USDA by adding more tools and relaxing unnecessary restrictions. Additional announcements and investments in assistance will be made as USDA institutes these additional changes and improvements.
This effort will ultimately also include adding more tools and relaxing unnecessary restrictions through assistance made possible by Congress through the IRA. Further assistance and changes to the approach will be made in subsequent phases.
Background
USDA provides access to credit to approximately 115,000 producers who cannot obtain sufficient commercial credit through direct and guaranteed farm loans, which do not include farm storage facility loans or marketing assistance loans. With the funds and direction Congress provided in Section 22006 of IRA, USDA is taking action to immediately provide relief to qualifying distressed borrowers whose operations are at financial risk while working on making transformational changes to how USDA goes about loan servicing in the long run so that borrowers are provided the flexibility and opportunities needed to address the inherent risks and unpredictability associated with agricultural operations and remain in good financial standing.
In January 2021, USDA suspended foreclosures and other adverse actions on direct farm loans due to the pandemic and encouraged guaranteed lenders to follow suit. Last week, USDA reiterated this request to guaranteed lenders to provide time for the full set of IRA distressed borrower assistance to be made available before lenders take irreparable actions.
Producers can explore available loan options using the Farm Loan Discovery Tool on farmers.gov (also available in Spanish) or by contacting their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also call the FSA call center at 877-508-8364 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern. USDA has tax-related resources available at farmers.gov/taxes.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Bourbon County VS Rachel Pruitt
The following was submitted to fortscott.biz
BBCA Case No: 2022–TC–0474
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
STATE OF KANSAS, Plaintiff, )
vs.
RACHEL MAE PRUITT, Defendant.
Complaint
COMPLAINT/INFORMATION
I, Tiana M McElroy, the undersigned County Attorney of Bourbon County, Kansas, in the name and by the authority and on behalf of the State of Kansas, come here now and give the Court
to understand and be informed that:
COUNT I
COMPUTER CRIME
That on or about or between the 3rd day of July, 2019 and the 1st day of August, 2019, in Bourbon County, Kansas, one RACHEL MAE PRUITT, did unlawfully use a computer, computer system,
computer network or any other property for the purpose of devising or executing a scheme or artifice with the intent to defraud or to obtain money, property, services or any other thing of value
by means of false or fraudulent pretense or representation. In violation of 21–5839(a)(2)(b)(1), Computer Crime, a Severity Level 8 Nonperson Felony. (minimum months 7, maximum months
23) (Fine up to $100,000.00).
COUNT II
COMPUTER CRIME
That on or about or between the 3rd day of July, 2019 and the 1st day of August, 2019, in Bourbon County, Kansas, one RACHEL MAE PRUITT, did unlawfully use a computer, computer system, computer network or any other property for the purpose of devising or executing a scheme or artifice with the intent to defraud or to obtain money, property, services or any other thing of value
by means of false or fraudulent pretense or representation. In violation of 21–5839(a)(2)(b)(1),
Computer Crime, a Severity Level 8 Nonperson Felony. (minimum months 7, maximum months
23) (Fine up to $100,000.00).
COUNT III
MAKING FALSE INFORMATION
That on or about or between the 3rd day of July, 2019 and the 1st day of August, 2019, in Bourbon County, Kansas, one RACHEL MAE PRUITT, did unlawfully make, generate, distribute, draw, or
cause to be made, generated, distributed or drawn a written instrument, entry in a book of account or an electronic data entry, to–wit: a Flex Build, LLC invoice, with knowledge that such
information falsely states or represents some material matter, or is not what it purports to be, and done with the intent to defraud, to obstruct the detection of a theft or felony offense, or to induce
official action. In violation of K.S.A. 21–5824, Making False Information, a Severity Level 8
Nonperson Felony. (minimum months 7, maximum months 23).
COUNT IV
MAKING FALSE INFORMATION
That on or about or between the 3rd day of July, 2019 and the 1st day of August, 2019, in Bourbon County, Kansas, one RACHEL MAE PRUITT, did unlawfully make, generate, distribute, draw, or
cause to be made, generated, distributed or drawn a written instrument, entry in a book of account or an electronic data entry, to–wit: a Flex Build, LLC invoice, with knowledge that such
information falsely states or represents some material matter, or is not what it purports to be, and done with the intent to defraud, to obstruct the detection of a theft or felony offense, or to induce
official action. In violation of K.S.A. 21–5824, Making False Information, a Severity Level 8
Nonperson Felony. (minimum months 7, maximum months 23).
ENDORSEMENT OF WITNESSES
Officer(s): Evidence Custodian; SA Chris Farris; KBI Forensic Scientist; SA Anthony Maness;
Witness(es): Kevin Kent Allen; Susan Elizabeth Bancroft; Det. Judd Brungardt; William Lloyd Carter Jr; Major Andrew Carver; Jeffrey Deane; Rhonda Dunn;
Flexbuild; Anthony Joseph Krsnich; David Bryan Martin; Debra K McCoy; Paul Brian Wagner; Denton Jacob Wescoat;
Victim(s): City of Fort Scott;
I declare under penalty that the above and foregoing is true and correct. Executed on
Tuesday, September 6, 2022.
/s/ Tiana M McElroy
Tiana M McElroy, #21599
County Attorney
210 S National Ave., Ste. 22
Fort Scott, KS 66701
(620) 223–2910
Attorney for State.
ELECTRONICALLY FILED
2022 Sep 06 PM 3:34
CLERK OF THE BOURBON COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
CASE NUMBER: BB-2022-CR-000320
PII COMPLIANTBBCA Case No: 2022–TC–0474
American Legion Vice Commander Stops in Fort Scott Oct. 25
Thompson-Harkey American Legion Post #25
1 East 3rd Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-224-4733
Media Advisory
American Legion National Vice-Commander visiting Fort Scott American Legion Post #25 on a stop for his Kansas American Legion Posts Tour.
Who: National American Vice-Commander Glenn Wahus.
What: Will meet with American Legion Members, American Legion Riders Members, Sons of the American Legion Members, and American Legion Auxiliary Members to introduce himself and to discuss The American Legion Agenda for the 2023 Fiscal Year.
When: October 25, 2022, at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Memorial Hall, 1 East Third Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Media Contact: Jessica Allison, Commander, American Legion Post #25, 620-224-4733, [email protected]
Storytime November 5 at Hedgehog INK
Storytime at Hedgehog INK Book Store on November 5
Death Notice of Joy O’Neal
Joy Ann Whitesell O’Neal, age 82, resident of Nevada, MO, previously Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO. Services for Joy O’Neal will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
Obituary of Sandra Fulcher
Sandra Jill Fulcher, 87, of Fort Scott, passed away Sunday, October 9, 2022, at Girard Medical Center. She was born January 3, 1935, in Iola, Kansas, the daughter of John Joseph “Jack” Laird and Mary Hazel (Remington) Laird. She married Roy “Bruce” Fulcher July 28, 1953, in Sedan, Kansas, and he preceded her in death November 3, 1993.
Sandra is survived by her daughter, Alana Fulcher, of Raytown, Missouri, and her son, Jeffrey Bruce Fulcher, of Phoenix, Arizona
. In addition to her husband, Bruce, she was also preceded in death by her parents, and an infant son, Jack Troy Fulcher in 1967.
Following cremation, graveside services will be held at a later date at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Obituary of Milton Yazel
Milton “Junior” Yazel, 93, of Columbus, Kansas, passed away October 14, 2022, in Oswego, Kansas. He was born February 24, 1929, in Freeman, Missouri, the son of George Algon and Naomi (Wigginton) Yazel. He married Lily Mae Irvin, and she preceded him in death March 1, 1987.
Junior served in the US Army, and worked for many years as a machinist for 3M in Nevada, Missouri.
Junior is survived by his sister, Helen Wood, of Walker, Missouri; a grandson, Seth Allen Turner, of Raleigh, North Carolina; a nephew, Troy Wood, and close friend, Dave Turner of Columbus, Kansas.
Following cremation, graveside services will be held at a later date at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Walmart Grants $3,500 to Bourbon County EMS
Walmart Provides $3,500 Grant to Bourbon County EMS to address the need for workout equipment for employees.
Grant Presented to Bourbon County EMS During a Check Presentation Ceremony at 405 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, KS October 18, 2022– Walmart announced today a $3,500 grant to Bourbon County Emergency Medical Services to address the need for workout equipment for employees. The grant was presented to Paramedic Supervisor Jon Lowery and EMS Director Teri Hulsey at a check presentation ceremony at Bourbon County EMS, 405 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS 66701. The grant was facilitated by Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc.
Each year, Walmart U.S. stores and clubs award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5,000. These local grants are designed to address the unique needs of the communities where they operate. For Walmart of Fort Scott, it’s about making sure our local EMS has access to the tools and equipment needed to keep our community members safe, including Walmart employees and shoppers. The mission of Bourbon County EMS is to provide a 24-hour operation to reduce the loss of life and property and to protect the environment. The highest priority is to protect Bourbon County residents from all hazards by providing and coordinating resources, expertise, leadership and advocacy through a comprehensive, risk-based emergency preparedness program of mitigation, management, response and recovery.
Through the grant, EMS will purchase a weight bench, barbells and plates, a dumbbell set, a squat cage, a bike and a treadmill. Having this grant allows equipment to be purchased without using funds from Bourbon County or Fort Scott.
Supervisor Jon Lowery states that EMS is a physically demanding job, and it is imperative that employees have access to equipment that allows them to be in top physical shape. Staying in top physical condition reduces injuries that could be sustained by crew or patients while moving or lifting patients, stretchers, equipment or other activities that could present in crisis situations such as fire or car accidents.
Bourbon County EMS has responded to 1,927 calls so far this year. These calls range from 911, transfers and dry runs.
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About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts that draw on the strengths of Walmart in the arenas of sustainability, economic opportunity, and community. As part of our commitment to creating a more sustainable food system worldwide, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States. They recently exceeded a $2 billion goal to fight hunger one year ahead of schedule and have donated more than 1.5 billion pounds of food to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit www.foundation.walmart.com.
Dr. Burke: Same Location, Different Medical Group Starting Nov. 21
On November 21, Dr. Katrina Burke will be under the auspices of Girard Medical Center of Fort Scott and will begin seeing patients at the same office in downtown Fort Scott where she has been located for two years.
“All of Dr. Burke’s staff will be staying on, including nurse practitioner, Kristi Harbit,” said Ruth Duling, Chief Executive Officer of Girard Medical Center.
“We really want to emphasize that the clinic is in the same location!” she said. ” Dr. Burke is not leaving the Fort Scott medical community. She loves her patient population there and she and her staff will continue to provide the same great service they always have.”
“There will be a few days between the last day for Ascension Via Christi and the first day for us, as we will need a few days to reset and get computers in place, etc,” Duling said.
“Patients can call the office to ask that their records be transferred from the Via Christi Clinic to the GMC Clinic,” she said. “It’s just a matter of getting their records from the Via Christi electronic health record system to ours, but patients do have to request for that transfer to be made.”
The office number is 620-223-7008.
Hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday.
“We are extremely happy to have the opportunity to bring Dr. Burke and her staff into the Girard Medical Center family,” Duling said. “It’s no secret that Dr. Burke is well respected by her patients, her colleagues, and the medical community.”
“Girard Medical Center is fortunate to have family practice clinics in Girard, Frontenac, Arma, Cherokee, and in another Bourbon County community, Uniontown,” she said. “We do family practice well! We’re excited to have a physical presence in Fort Scott and we’re equally excited to have Dr Burke’s patients become more familiar with Girard Medical Center.”
“Rest assured, we are doing everything we can to make a smooth transition and to ensure that Dr. Burke, Kristi and the staff are able to continue to provide the same great service they always have and it’s an added plus to be in the exact same location,” Duling said.
Sponsors Sought For Annual Downtown Trick or Treat Parade
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