Bills Signed to Aid Economic Recovery
Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bipartisan Legislation to Aid Kansas’s Economic Recovery
~Legislation prioritizes strategic growth, business recruitment, and innovation as the state recovers from COVID-19~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed four bipartisan bills into law to drive economic growth and strengthen Kansas’ economy. Senate Bills 65, 66, 90, and 124 are part of Governor Kelly’s Growth Agenda, a multifaceted legislative approach to improving Kansas’ ability to attract major businesses and strengthen our economy in accordance with the Framework for Growth strategic plan.
“As our state recovers from COVID-19, we have the opportunity to rebuild a stronger, healthier, more resilient workforce and economy in Kansas,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “These bipartisan bills will help us achieve this goal by improving our ability to recruit cutting-edge businesses, revitalize our rural communities, and address housing shortages statewide. I thank the Legislature and Department of Commerce for their work on this important legislation.”
Each bill strengthens a specific area of Kansas economic development:
SB 65 – New improvements and updates to the High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP). Companies will no longer need to go through the Kansas Industrial Training/Retraining (KIT/KIR) programs to qualify for HPIP, leaving vital training funds to be used in more strategic ways. In addition, the bill allows for up to 50% of tax credits earned through HPIP to be transferred, helping to ensure that companies can fully utilize earned credits.
SB 66 – An extension of the Angel Investor Tax Credit program in Kansas for the next five years. Important updates have been made to the program, including changes to credit investment amounts, increasing budget appropriations and more. Strengthening the Angels program will allow our state to more effectively attract start-ups that will help create the technology of the future. In addition, an amendment to the bill provides for an increase in tax credits to be used to make homes accessible for people with disabilities.
SB 90 – This bill significantly expands the types of projects allowed in Kansas Rural Housing Incentive Districts (RHID) and enables the renovation into residential use (including vertical construction) of buildings and structures more than 25 years old on Kansas main streets and downtown districts. Any city with a population of less than 60,000 will be eligible for this program, regardless of county population. This program is essential in addressing housing shortages in rural Kansas in particular.
SB 124 – The STAR Bonds program in Kansas has been continued with major updates. This legislation establishes third-party feasibility studies to be engaged by Commerce, community engagement summary requirements, and other transparency measures. Updates also include measures to increase use of the program in rural areas. Finally, the program can now be used as a tool to recruit headquarters and major business facilities with the potential to attract sizable out-of-state visitation.
“Governor Kelly is known for her unwavering support of education, but measures like these prove she is also the Economic Development Governor,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “The Governor and our partners in the Legislature are responding to the needs of businesses and communities throughout our state, making rapid growth attainable in communities of all sizes. The pillars of our Framework for Growth, including forward-thinking policy, emphasis on talent and innovation and effective leveraging of community assets all are represented in this legislation. These new laws will be truly instrumental drivers of Kansas’ economic growth.”
This announcement comes during Governor Kelly’s “Back to School, Back to Work” tour through Kansas. April 12 through April 16 is “Economic Development Week,” with Governor Kelly and Lt. Governor/Secretary Toland visiting businesses and workforce centers across the state.
To learn more about the Kansas Framework for Growth, Kansas’ economic development North Star, click here.
Additional bills Governor Kelly signed:
HB 2178: Vacating certain blocks in the original town plat set aside for a college and a park in the city of Americus and vesting fee simple title in the city.
HB 2238: Eliminating the dollar limitation for acceptance of gifts by donors to school districts or cities, or both, for library purposes.
HB 2295: Exempting municipal motor grader vehicle operators from Kansas uniform commercial drivers’ license act requirements.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott April 16 Newsletter
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FS Planning Commissions Meets April 19
The Fort Scott Planning Commission will meet on Monday, April 19th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to consider a Conditional Use Permit for the property located at 10 N. National Avenue to allow first floor residential living.
This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.
Apple Pie by Patty LaRoche
Apple pie, the one slice of Americana not sacrificed on the altar of political greed, is next.
When professional baseball decided to stick its rosined nose into Georgia’s legislative voting protocol, Dave and I both held our hearts and grieved. Okay, I held my heart and grieved. Dave had a few, choice, frustrated words, as did numerous baseball buddies of his era.
Major League Baseball’s hierarchy opted to remove this summer’s All-Star Game from Atlanta, Georgia…the same Atlanta where our son Adam began his professional career and our youngest son Andy played his first major league game.
Our family loves Atlanta and the people who work at Braves’ stadium. Many employees we met were black and were some of the kindest, most dedicated individuals we’ve ever encountered in pro ball. But because somebody’s MLBPAA feathers were ruffled over the biased voter I.D. being required in Georgia (which would somehow be “unfair” to blacks), the mid-season game was moved to Denver…you know, where 93% of the people are white (as opposed to Atlanta where 76% of its citizens are black). And that is “fair” to the black people…how? Apparently, professional baseball thinks it prejudicial to ask voters to show their I.D.’s. The same organization that has asked for my I.D. for the past…oh, say 2,000 professional baseball games when I pick up my tickets at the Will-Call window. So, apparently everything is fair game…well, except where the All-Star game will be held. Nothing in my generation is to be left untouched as politics has caused a drastic upheaval in the way our citizens are asked to view:
1. The American flag
2. The National Anthem
3. The military
4. Prayer in school and in the workplace and in church and at assemblies and ________
5. Gender identification
6. Our police
7. Illegal immigrants
8. Freedom of speech
9. Guns
10. Rights of the unborn baby
11. Protests
12. God
And now, America’s favorite pastime…baseball.
Lucky #13 on the list.
Which brings us back to the one “untarnished” of American symbols: Apple pie.
After all, when you think of that popular dessert, surely you think “discrimination.”
Why else would the ala mode topping be vanilla and not chocolate? Um-hmmm! And then there is the “Gala” apple. Who, I wonder, came up with such a defamatory name? Reason enough to relegate apples to the orchard graveyard, if you ask me. One thing is for sure. Apple pie cannot remain guiltless. After all, many believe that an apple was the fruit of choice for Eve and Adam in the Garden of Eden, leading to the fall of mankind. If that isn’t serious, I don’t know what is. And since Scripture is silent on the fruit, we might as well take matters into our own juicy hands.
Readers, call your Congressmen/women. Correction: call your Senate people and Representative people. Remind them that one bad apple spoils the whole barrel. They will know what you mean.
Obituary of Raymond McIntosh
Raymond Claude McIntosh, age 83, was born at home, December 9, 1937, in Freedom Township, Bourbon County, Kansas, and died April 10, 2021. He died in a car crash returning to Buffalo, KS where he lived.
He married (1), Ida Rae Staten, December 18, 1959 in Pleasanton, KS, later divorcing. Their 4 sons were: Donald Ray and Daniel Dean, both of Bourbon Co., KS; David Scott and Debbie of Buffalo, KS and Cecil Earl of Phoenix, AZ. Raymond married (2), Delores Elaine “Hamilton” Owen, June 18, 1994. She brought to the marriage three children: Janet Sue Owen, Jeff Ronald Owen and Jack Allen Owen. Raymond was especially close to Jack Owen and his son.
Raymond was a high school graduate of Blue Mound, KS High School and took many educational and technical classes through the years. He was known to read advanced math books in his leisure. His intelligence, love of music, keen insights and love of all animals greatly impressed those around him, though he was a bit of a recluse. Raymond held various jobs (selling sewing machines, building boats and farm work) before his long-term job with the prison system of Phoenix, AZ. He then moved to the Los Angeles area of CA, building bridges, and finally worked with the Water Dept. of Buffalo, KS. Raymond was a member of the Carpenters Union of St. Louis-Kansas City.
He is survived by his first wife and their four children and two stepchildren of the second wife; many grandchildren and nieces and nephews; his brother: Gary McIntosh of Iola, KS and his sister: Linda Lou Heidner of Lawrence, KS and his first cousin of Mapleton, KS: Edith “Chaplin” Post and Howard. Passing before him were his brothers and a sister: Robert Louis, Richard Earl; William Edwin and Patricia Ellen Schwepker; and his parents: Nora Ellen Atherton and Earl Edwin McIntosh; and first cousins: Iren, Charlie, George and Cecil Chaplin. At life’s end, Raymond’s dog, Ellie, who survived the accident, was his constant companion. He will be greatly missed.
Cremation has occurred and a Graveside Service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. May 1, 2021, at the Maple Grove Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, Fort Scott, Kansas. Memorials should be directed to, ‘Your Community Foundation’ for the benefit of animals (a special account established by Raymond); Box 44, Iola, KS 66749, or may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Year End Activities For Bourbon County High Schools
It’s the time of year where high school activities are ramping up for the end of the year: proms, graduations, senior trips.
The following are those activities of Fort Scott and Uniontown High Schools, Bourbon County’s two school districts.
Fort Scott High School
FSHS Prom is Saturday, May 8 from 8 to 11 p.m. in the River Room Event Center above Luther’s BBQ, at National Avenue and Oak Street.
Bert Lewis, FSHS Junior and Senior Class Sponsor, said she will be asking the Fort Scott City Commission on April 20 about closing Oak Street from National Avenue to Judson Street for the prom walk-in.
Walk-in by the prom attendees will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
“Masks and social distancing will be required for spectators,” Lewis said.
Lewis said dates of current juniors or seniors that don’t attend FSHS, will need to sign up in the school office before the prom, to attend.
FSHS has 136 juniors and 137 seniors this school year.
Thursday, May 13 is the last full day of classes for all FSHS, including seniors.
Graduation is Saturday, May 15.
“Graduation is on May 15th at 8 p.m. at the FSHS Football Stadium,” Jeff DeLaTorre, activities director for FSHS, said. “There will also be baccalaureate in the FSHS gym at 4 p.m. “We are also working on details for a senior parade at 10 a.m. on the morning of the 15th. Nothing official yet but we will release details when they do become official.”
“At this time we plan on having full capacity at graduation,” he said. “Masks will be required and social distancing expected, but no other limitations at this time.”
“There will be a senior trip for seniors that choose to go on May 24th and 25th,” DeLaTorre said. “They will be traveling to Branson.”
“This school year has been challenging for everyone in the district,” he said. “But our teachers, staff, students, and community have done an outstanding job of following protocols and procedures to keep our distractions and interruptions to a minimum. We are looking forward to finishing this school year strong and hope to return to more of a normal school year next year!”
Uniontown High School
Uniontown High School Prom is this Saturday, April 17 in the high school gym.
The prom lineup is at 5:15 p.m., at the junior high school entrance. The walk-in is 6 p.m. and the dance is from 7 to 11 p.m.
“We have close to 70 students signed up to come to prom, which is higher than what it usually is,” Senior Class Secretary Kristy Beene said. “Outside visitors can come from other schools but (students) have to have a form from their dates school to make sure they are in good standings.”
“You can take pictures at walk-in of course, and if you would like to take pictures of the decorations in the gym, it will have to be when the students are not in the gym, before the walk-in at 6 p.m.” Alison Weston, class sponsor, said. “The (pandemic) restrictions haven’t completely lifted, just a little more lax.”
The UHS seniors will be going on a senior trip towards the Branson area, April 23-25.
Graduation will be Saturday, May 8 at 2 P.M. in the West Bourbon Elementary School Gym.
There are some pandemic restrictions for UHS graduation.
Each member of the senior class will have tickets for 14 people to attend, according to Superintendent Bret Howard and a ticket will be required for entry to graduation.
There are 43 juniors and 30 seniors at UHS.
The senior’s last day at school is May 6, and the district’s last day is May 19-with a 1 p.m. dismissal.
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports April 13-14
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 15
The National Avenue Pavement Preservation Project Began Yesterday
With city street improvements, comes a little inconvenience.
And the City of Fort Scott has two projects on National Avenue in the works.
National from 13th to Wall
A pavement preservation project began on April 13 and will continue through next week.
National Avenue from 13th Street to Wall Street will be affected by this project, with one lane open at all times, according to a City of Fort Scott press release. Each day, specific sections of the street will be targeted in an effort to mitigate the impact on local businesses.
“This project is being performed…by Proseal Asphalt Preservation,” Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier said.
He said the contract for this work was awarded in November 2020, prior to his arrival as the city manager.
The first phase is completed, phase two started yesterday.
“Proseal is currently prepping the cracks in the pavement by blowing them out with extremely high-pressure air blowers to address heavily damaged and cracked street areas.”
“On Thursday they will be going back through those same cracks starting at the bridge near the Marmaton River… but this time they will be blowing the cracks and then filling them immediately thereafter street (with) crack filling solution,” he said. “This will reduce further damage to the roads and extend the life of the streets. The debris will be blown to the side of the streets and the larger portions taken away.”
Friday, workers will finish what is needed from Thursday’s work.
“If the weather cooperates, it is expected that this process will conclude by Monday of next week,” Frazier said.
City employees will use the street sweeper to remove debris, Frazier said.
“City staff has reached out to the affected businesses along National to provide notices of the work to be performed,” Frazier said.
The cost of the second phase work was quoted to be roughly $38,000, Frazier said.
National From Hwy. 69 to 13th
A second project will begin in late spring 2021 for a mill and overlay project on National between 13th Street and Hwy 69, Frazier said.
“We received heavy rains a few weeks ago that resulted in the drastic deterioration of National (Avenue) near Hwy. 69,” Frazier said.
At an unrelated meeting with KDOT, Frazier mentioned this deterioration.
KDOT informed Frazier that there was a possibility of piggybacking on the mill and overlay work that was soon to begin on Hwy. 69 by Bettis Asphalt.
The news couldn’t have come at a better time, he said.
“After checking with the city attorney, and given the water-related damage that had occurred on National, coupled with the possibility of adding to a project currently underway, I felt that it was necessary to address the damage as quickly as possible,” Frazier said.
The city staff requested a bid from contractor Bettis Asphalt, to add National Avenue up to 13th Street from Hwy. 69 onto the existing project, he said.
The company was already going to pave a small portion of the entrance from Hwy. 69 onto National Avenue.
“It made sense to take advantage of this contractor’s presence for a few additional and recently damaged blocks,” Frazier said.
The quote was received on April 6, 2021, in the amount of $116,350.50 and presented to the Fort Scott City Commission for consideration and possible approval.
They approved the project and it is estimated that the project begins in late May or early June after the completion of the US-69 project, Frazier said.
“This project will consist of milling the existing asphalt over the bricks and the replacement of a 1.5” overlay on top of those bricks,” he said. “There is a possibility that in an effort to save or reduce project costs that the city may offer street sweeping services for cleanup during the project. Otherwise, this project would be completely executed by Bettis Asphalt.”
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Please contact City Hall at 620-223-0550 for questions.
USD234 News Release
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, April 12, 2021
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, April 12, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.
President David Stewart opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda. The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – March 11, 2021 – $1,410,272.92
D. Financial Report
E. Activity fund accounts
F. Parent/Teacher Conference statistics
G. KASB Membership Renewal with Season Pass and Legal Assistance Fund Contract Renewal for 2021-22
H. Employee Recognition Reception – May 10 – 5:00 p.m. – Fort Scott Middle School Commons
Students from the Fort High School Drama and Thespians Department gave a presentation.
Patrons spoke during the public forum section.
Reports were given by the following:
· Brenda Hill, KNEA President
· Administrators’ written reports
· Dalaina Smith, Academic Director
· Ted Hessong, Superintendent
· Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk
The board acknowledged receipt of negotiations lists for 2021-22. There was a Return-to
School Plan discussion. Board members received a Roof Inspection Report. In addition, the board heard a Summer Projects Report from Daniel Koppa, Facilities Director.
Board members approved the following:
· Community in Schools Renewal for 2021-22
· Southeast Kansas Gear Up Program
· Technology purchase
· Concrete bids – RII Concrete Construction
· Early retirement payout
· Purchase of two smaller buses
· Health insurance waivers of $456.96 for the entire 2020-21 school year
· Federal Fiscal Procedures and Policy
· Contract for Provision of Educational Services Specialized Learning
· Summit Truck Group estimate on bus repair
Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.
The board approved the following employment matters:
A. Retirement of Pam Williams, Winfield Scott teacher aide, effective June 1, 2021
B. Retirement of Tom Lancaster, bus driver, effective April 1, 2021
C. Resignation of J. P. “Phil” Hammons as USD 234 Treasurer, effective March 5, 2021
D. Resignation of Joy McGhee, Winfield Scott Principal, effective at the end of the 2020-21 contract year
E. Resignation of Tammy Grimes, Eugene Ware speech paraprofessional, effective April 3, 2021
F. Resignation of Dillon Duffy, middle school four-hour paraprofessional, effective March 29, 2021
G. Termination of Gary Floyd, middle school paraprofessional, effective March 29, 2021
H. Transfer of Clint Heffern, high school social studies/physical education teacher, to the additional high school physical education teacher position for the 2021-22 school year
I. Leave of absence for Carrie Southwell, Eugene Ware third grade teacher, for the 2021-22 school year
J. Clarification of contract for Stephanie Flanner, elementary behavior specialist
K. Employment of Scott Kimble as high school principal for the 2021-22 school year
L. Employment of Sarah Dunivan as the Winfield Scott music teacher for the 2021-22 school year
M. Employment of Michael Casner as high school industrial technology teacher for the 2021-22 school year
N. Employment of Ashley Wilcox as Winfield Scott technology teacher for the 2021-22 school year
O. Employment of Susan Carnes as Eugene Ware speech paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year
P. Employment of Sabrina Cady as a middle school four-hour paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year
Q. Employment of Nina Merriman-Reed as a middle school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year
R. Employment of Rhonda Dawson as USD 234 Treasurer
S. Employment of Fort Scott High School licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year
T. Employment of Fort Scott Middle School licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year
U. Employment of Eugene Ware Elementary licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year
V. Employment of Winfield Scott Elementary licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year
W. Employment of Fort Scott Preschool Center licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year
X. Employment of special services/technology licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year
Y. Resignation of Allison Gorman as high school head girls’ tennis coach, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
Z. Employment of Terra Kegler as high school head volleyball coach for the 2021-22 school year
AA. Resignation of Courtenay Slinkard, high school English teacher, effective at end of the 2020-21 school year
AB. Addition of a full-time high school agriculture education teacher position for the 2021-22 school year
AC. Employment of Margaret Marino as a Winfield Scott special education teacher for the 2021-22 school year
The board adjourned.
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 6
April 6, 2021 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Oharah and Harris present, (Commissioner Beth arrived at 9:20) the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.
Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Jeremy Frazier, Susan Bancroft and Nancy Van Etten.
Lynne made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, Jim seconded and all approved and signed the minutes.
Eric Bailey previously received a request to move an oversized load on the County roads; he said he has the insurance paperwork from this requestor and that Justin Meeks had reviewed and approved it. Lynne made a motion to approve the moving permit, Jim seconded and the motion passed.
Eric Bailey reported that they have finished capping the C&D at the Landfill.
Eric reported three trees had fallen across the road last week, which they have pushed off of the side of the road.
Eric said they hope to be crushing at the Beth Quarry by the last part of the week.
Eric reported that the burner on the oil tank quit, but the part has been ordered for repairs. He said they are working on repairs to the laydown machine.
Eric reported the low water crossing at 60th & Grand had given out, he said engineer Frank Young is involved and they are putting in temporary culverts there.
Eric asked Jim Harris about the crossing at 115th & Range to the north; Jim suggesting asking Frank Young to pull the review of this crossing.
Eric briefly discussed the windfarm project; he said the contractors are 13% complete on capping the roads and said they are working on 40th & 50th and at 39 & Cavalry Road. He said weight limit signs have been put up at a few crossings.
Continue reading Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 6