Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: August 30, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING WITH THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE
HEARING AT 6PM WITH THE REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING FOLLOWING.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
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 security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
FSCC Trustees Agenda For August 29
August 29, 2022
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
August 29, 2022. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
4:30 p.m. Budget Worksession at 4:30 followed by dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at
Regular board meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
4:30 BUDGET WORKSESSION
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
BUDGET HEARING, 5
A. Comments from the Board, 5
B. Comments from the Public, 5
C. Approval of Budget Revenue Neutral Rate, 5
D. Review and Adoption of the 2022-23 Year Budget, 5
CALL TO ORDER, 6
A. Comments from the Chair, 6
B. Comments from the Public, 6
C. Strategic Plan Update, 6
CONSENT AGENDA, 7
A. Approval of Agenda, 7
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on July 18, 2022, 8
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 10
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 7
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 64
A. Consideration of Legacy Football Request, 64
B. Approval of Agreement with FSCAPE, 65
C. Approval of 15 Passenger Van Lease Renewal, 66
D. Consideration of STARS Welding Equipment Bids, 73
E. Approval of Bailey Hall Furniture Purchase, 75
F. Approval of Fire Alarm System Service Contract Renewal, 86
G. Consideration of Cafeteria Remodel Bids, 881
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 92
REPORTS, 95
A. Administrative Updates, 95
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 102
ADJOURNMENT, 1032
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• August 29, 2022: Board Meeting
• September 5, 2022: Labor Day, Campus Closed
• September 19, 2022: Board Meeting
• October 17, 2022: Board Meeting
• October 29, 2022: President’s Cup Foundation Golf Tournament
• November 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• November 23-25, 2022: Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• December 12, 2022: Board Meeting
• December 15, 2022 – January 4, 2023: Christmas Break, Campus Closed
• January 16, 2023: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Campus Closed
• January 23, 2023: Board Meeting
• February 20, 2023: Board Meeting
• March 13 – 17, 2023: Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 20, 2023: Board Meeting
• March 24, 2023: Aggie Day
• April 7, 2023: Good Friday, Campus Closed
• April 17, 2023: Board Meeting
• May 13, 2023: Graduation
• May 15, 2023: Board Meeting
• June 19, 2023: Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.3
ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Robert Nelson
BUDGET HEARING
A. COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. APPROVAL OF BUDGET REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Revenue Neutral Rate for Fort Scott Community College was calculated as 28.079
mills by the Bourbon County Clerk; and
WHEREAS, the budget proposed by the Governing Body of Fort Scott Community College will
require the levy of a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body held a hearing on August 29, 2022 allowing all interested
taxpayers desiring to be heard an opportunity to give oral testimony; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body of Fort Scott Community College, having heard testimony, still
finds it necessary to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY
COLLEGE:
Fort Scott Community College shall levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate of
29.288 mills.
This resolution shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its adoption and shall remain in
effect until future action is taken by the Governing Body.
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board approve the Revenue Neutral Rate resolution as
stated above.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson
D. REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF THE 2022-23 YEAR BUDGET
Recommendation: Administration recommends that the Board approve the 2022-23 budget as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson5
CALL TO ORDER
(regular monthly meeting)
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE6
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Board Training and Regular Board Meeting
conducted on July 18, 2022.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Shane Kern, STARS Welding Instructor, effective August 22, 2022
b) Jared Dorsey, Digital Content Specialist, effective August 29, 2022
2) Separations
a) Jeffrey Sawyer, Assistant Rodeo Coach, effective August 22, 2022
b) Amanda Johns, Iowa MEP Regional Recruiter, effective August 31, 2022
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson
Obituary of Elvin “Dale” Wiley
Elvin “Dale” Wiley, 78, of Fort Scott, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. He was born January 4, 1944, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Fred Funston and Opal Virginia (Duncan) Wiley.
He married Annetta Marie Harth on May 12, 1962, in Fort Scott. They were married for sixty years, and Marie survives of the home.
Dale served in the U.S. Navy from 1962 until 1966 on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Kittyhawk. He was a Firefighter for Fort Scott Fire Department for twenty-three and half years from 1967 until 1992. He was a carpenter for over forty years, working with his brother Lloyd on his days off from the fire department. Later he began repairing sewing machines for Helen’s Fabric. He was also a machinist, and loved to build and make things. He particularly loved a good challenge.
In addition to his wife Marie, Dale is survived by his two sons, Bryan Wiley and wife Kimberly, of Independence, Missouri, and Bradley Wiley and wife Robin, of Fort Scott, Kansas; a brother, Lloyd Wiley, of Fort Scott; six grandchildren, Jessara Bowenshulte, and husband Tyler, Cullan Wiley, Breck Wiley, Whitley Wiley, Chelsea Zandler, Daryn Wiley and fiancé Collin Grayum; one great-grandson, Bennett Bowenshulte, and one more great-grandchild on the way. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Dorothy Hoffman; two brothers, Larry Wiley, and Don Wiley; and an infant sister Netti.
Following cremation, Pastor Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 3, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Burial will take place at the Fort Scott National Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends Friday evening September 2, 2022, from 6-7:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Care to Share. and 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.
Obituary of Norma Fitzsimmons
Norma Jean Fitzsimmons, 90, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away Tuesday morning, August 23, 2022, at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born July 8, 1932, in Redfield, Kansas, the daughter of Harry Earl and Pearl (Gunsolley) Wilson. She married Richard Donald Fitzsimmons on August 16, 1950, and he preceded her in death May 4, 2010.
Norma is survived by her sons, David Fitzsimmons, of Waynesville, Missouri, Mike Fitzsimmons, of the Lower 48, and Kevin and wife, Brenda Fitzsimmons, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; a sister, Barbara Bolinger, of Olathe, Kansas; a son-in-law Matt Townsend of Fort Scott, Kansas; eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Julie Townsend; five sisters, Wylma Pearl Campbell, Juanita Durbin, Una Bowles, Thelma Darlington, and Dora Ellen Henning; and a brother, Harry Duane Wilson.
Funeral services will be at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at 10:00 a.m. at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 West Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
New U234 Teacher: Dale Brauer
This is part of a series featuring the 26 new educators in USD 234.
Dale Brauer is a new 8th-grade math and Algebra 1 teacher at Fort Scott Middle School.
He earned an Associates of Science from Fort Scott Community College, Bachelors of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University and a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University.
This is Brauer’s ninth year in education.
His hometown is Girard, Kansas.
His wife is from Fort Scott, Ashleigh Page Brauer, and they have three children.
“We raise our six year-old nephew Theodore Brauer, our
oldest son is 2 years-old, Maverick Brauer, and Macen, 2.5 months old.”
Brauer’s grandparents are Mary Diane and Derell Spencer, and his mom is Susan West. He has a brother Marcus Page and wife, Ashley, who work at Fort Scott Community College.
In his spare time he likes making items out of wood – cabinets, tables, kids toys, and spending time with his family.
A former teacher from his high school inspired him to take part in the profession of teaching, he said.
For Brauer, the best part of teaching is interacting with students.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 26
Starlite FCE August 2022 Minutes
The August meeting of Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager Building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Ten members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for 236 hours, and had recycled 160 pounds since their last meeting.
Thank you, letters were read from Betty Johnson, Byron Fry and ShowMe Christian Youth Home. Glenda Miller acknowledged Delphine Parks and Jackie Warren’s birthdays. Doris Ericson gave the treasurer’s report and announced that the Bake Sale at the Fair had raised $285.00 to go toward the scholarship fund. Doris also announced that our club had won the hay bale decorating contest and received third in the scarecrow contest.
Before the meeting the members filled gift bags with snack foods to be presented to the Police department, Fire department, Sheriff department, the EMT’s, the ER and the walk-in clinic personnel. They also signed cards thanking them for their service to our community. Members also signed cards for Deb Lust and Nolene Whiteside.
Glenda Miller reported on the highlights from the Flash newsletter and announced that election of officers would be in January. It was also announced that dues are due in October.
Doris Ericson moved the meeting be adjourned, Letha Johnson seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.
After the meeting Karen Peery presented the lesson Advanced Wishes to the members. Karen had also prepared a display, that was in the Meyers building during the fair. The display contained forms for people to take home and fill out to have their lasts wishes on record. One hundred forms were distributed.
Refreshments prepared by Karen Peery, Betty Johnson and Glenda Miller consisting of parfaits, caramel corn, chocolate dessert, mints and water were enjoyed by the all.
Prepared by
Terri Williams
The Edge of the Addiction Cliff by Patty LaRoche
In a Bible study, my group prayed for Ben, a 21-year-old heroin/meth addict who has been placed in a treatment center by his parents. Ben, we were told, was a star baseball player. At 6’6” and 250 pounds (plus owning a 93-mph fastball), scouts were showing an interest. Two summers ago, while tossing haybales at his parent’s ranch, Ben felt something pop in his throwing arm. The news was not good. He would need Tommy John surgery.
Ben was told that it would be about two years before he would pitch again. The opioid Oxycodone was prescribed, and Ben became addicted. Fortunately, he was not one of the 130 people who die daily from an opioid-related overdose, but ultimately, that pain killer morphed into illegal drugs (not uncommon since 80% of heroin users begin with prescription pills).
For two years, tens of thousands of dollars were spent ineffectively on rehab facilities by the young man’s parents. On his own, Ben took the first step to stop using drugs. The improvement was so radical, his parents bought him his own house so he could get a fresh start. Then he needed his wisdom teeth pulled. Pain pills were prescribed, and Ben was hooked again, this time more than ever. His parents once again brought him to live in their home.
One night, Ben’s parents went to town for an evening out. They took precautions, locking the keys to their second car in the safe. When they returned, they found the safe had been pulled into the garage and their tractor was missing. On a meth-high, Ben had been able to drag the safe next to the car, hoping the keys were close enough to start the vehicle. When that failed, Ben drove the tractor to McDonalds, a few miles away.
Ben now weighs 155 pounds and calls his parents daily, begging them to remove him from the facility to which they have committed him. I found myself grieving for the parents, as I have walked alongside two friends whose sons had chosen similar paths and had made those phone calls. Some days, it was all the parents could do to drag themselves out of bed as their sadness would take on the same lifespan as their addict children. Some days, they enabled their addict child. Some days, they drew a line in the sand and refused to help.
In the last year, I have sat with two mothers whose young adult children died from drug’s side effects. One was suicide from drug-induced bipolar disorder and the other from drug-induced bulimia. Their children’s torment has ended. Theirs hasn’t. In this life, it probably never will.
There are all types of addictions: cigarettes; alcohol; pornography; work; sex; caffeine; ministry (yes, even that); gambling; golf; the internet; shopping; approval of others; comfort foods; and video games, to name a few. What keeps individuals pursuing these obsessions?
For one, life is tough. Not a day goes by that we aren’t reminded that things aren’t as they should be. Instead of accepting that perfection stopped in the Garden of Eden and won’t return again until Jesus comes back, these messy in-between years are expected to be something they can’t be. We keep seeking answers, and instead of turning to God, we turn to behaviors which provide relief (albeit temporarily).
Isaiah 64:6 reminds us how close we all are to the edge of the addiction cliff when it says we all are unclean. All of us. So, we seek relief which can be found in one of two places: the Creator or the world. Maybe it’s not drugs, but look at the inexhaustive list above. Who of us hasn’t at one time or another sought to feel better by relying on something other than our Creator? (My hand is raised here, thank you potato chips and dip.)
I write this article to ask you to pray for Ben and anyone else you know whose addictions have led down a road to destruction. Pray for their families. And pray for yourselves, should anything you do be one step closer to pulling you away from God and into the ways of the world.
KCC awarded $25 million federal grant to plug abandoned wells
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has been awarded a $25 million initial federal grant to help plug abandoned wells in the state. The initial grant is part of $1.15 billion earmarked under the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to help states remediate abandoned oil and gas wells. A total of $4.7 billion has been allocated over the next eight years to plug abandoned wells in the U.S. The KCC is eligible to receive another $33.6 million in future formula grant funding.
“These federal grants provide Kansas with a one-time opportunity to help address the issue of abandoned wells in Kansas while helping the economy by providing good paying jobs for several years,” said Ryan A. Hoffman, KCC Conservation Division Director.
The KCC plans to use the initial $25 million grant to pay for eight projects involving the plugging of more than 2300 abandoned wells over the next two to three years. Four projects are located in Eastern Kansas. The other four are located in Central and Western Kansas. A map showing the locations of the projects and number of wells in each can be viewed here.
A well is considered “abandoned” when it has been permanently taken out of production, is not properly plugged to prevent possible air or groundwater pollution, and the rightful legal owner cannot be determined or located to take responsibility.
While the federal grants will help reduce the total number of abandoned wells in Kansas, they are insufficient to address the entire problem. The KCC will still rely on industry generated funds to plug the thousands of wells remaining after the federal program expires.
More than 11,000 abandoned wells have been plugged since the establishment of the state well plugging fund in 1995. Oil and gas drilling in Kansas began in the 1860’s. Record keeping by early operators was not as precise as it is today. It is not uncommon for older abandoned wells to be discovered by landowners who were unaware they existed.
“These federal grant funds will provide important assistance in plugging abandoned wells in Kansas. However, to adequately protect Kansas fresh water resources, it will also be necessary to continue funding the plugging of abandoned wells with state well plugging fund resources provided by oil and gas industry fee assessments,” said Dwight D. Keen, Chair of the KCC.
###
Obituary of Marilyn Ward
Marilyn Maxine Ward, age 88, a resident of rural Mulberry, Kansas, passed away early Thursday, August 25, 2022, at her home. She was born October 28, 1933, in Jasper County, Missouri, the daughter of James Endicott and Iris Wilson Endicott. Marilyn first married Harvey Harrison in 1952. They later divorced and she married John C. Ward in 1975. Marilyn was a devoted wife and a loving mother to her five children. She enjoyed sewing and doing puzzles.
Survivors include her children, Harvey David Harrison of Fulton, Kansas, Janice Durbin (Jesse) of Hume, Missouri, Wilma Cagle of Mulberry, Kansas, Sandra Elaine Nutter (Walter “Buster”) of Garland, Kansas and Darryl Harrison of Weir, Kansas; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. Also surviving are a sister, Alice Fink of Redfield, Kansas and two brothers, Robert Endicott of Hepler, Kansas and J. W. “Jingles” Endicott of Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, John, on November 8, 2005. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Wayne and James Endicott, five sisters, Laverne Harrison, Mary Lee Heathman, Carol Ybarra, Irma Hughes, Lucille Quick and Leona Endicott and a son-in-law, Jack Cagle.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, August 29th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Monday from 9:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Avalon Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association 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.
Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show Sept. 5 in Uniontown
Dale Jackson was a car mechanic for many years in Uniontown. Event organizers are honoring him with a car show in conjunction with the annual Old Settler’s Picnic on Labor Day.
“We started the car show in 2019 to honor Dale Jackson and bring more people to the Old Settlers Picnic, an event that Dale contributed to for many years,” said car show organizer, Sara Roufs.
“I’m the main organizer but I have a great group of friends and family helping me put it all together,” she said. “I also need to give credit to Jeremy Lockwood, Garrett Knight and the Wasted Youth Car Club for helping get this car show started and making it a success.”
“Local businesses and organizations have sponsored the t-shirts, trophies, dash plaques and door prizes,” she said. “They have also contributed goody bag items that the first 50 car show registrants will receive.”
The Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show will be on Monday, Sept. 5 in Uniontown at the downtown square.
Cars, trucks and motorcycles are encouraged to enter, Roufs said.
The Old Settlers Picnic Parade is at 10:30 a.m. with line up at the high school starting at 10 a.m. for those vehicles wishing to be in the parade.
After the parade ends, vehicles will park at the town square.
The Car Show will be from 11a.m. to 1 p.m.
To enter the show, register by noon at Uniontown Community Center, on the square’s east side in Uniontown. Registration fee $10. The first 50 to register will receive a dash plaque, she said.
“We will have four judges and 20 trophies to be awarded,” Roufs said. “A special crowd favorite trophy, sponsored by Ol’Boys Tire & Auto, will be awarded to whoever receives the most votes. Spectators may pay $1 to vote for their favorite entry. Vote by 1 p.m. inside the Uniontown Community Center. ”
“There will also be a raffle for a free full vehicle detail from Tip Top Detailing,” she said. “The car show participants enjoy supporting a good cause so anything left after the expenses of the car show will be donated to the Bourbon County Angels. They are a local organization that help Bourbon County families to ensure that every child in need receives something nice to open on Christmas morning.”
The trophy presentation will a be at 1 p.m.
Vehicle classes:
-Best in Show
-Best of the 50s
-Best of the 60s
-Best of the 70s
-Best of the 80s
-Best of the 90s and up
-Best Hot Rod
-Best Street Rod
-Best Rat Rod
-Judges Choice (4 trophies)
Motorcycle classes:
-Best Motorcycle
-American Classic
-American Custom
-Metric Standard
-Metric Custom
-Best Trike
There will be t-shirts available for purchase this year thanks to Shirt Shack and these local sponsors:
Agricultural Engineering Associates
Bourbon Boy Bait Co
Brumback Engine & Machine
Cedar Ridge Management
Fort Scott Rides
Matt Russell Bulldozing
On Point Auto Sales
Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store
Roger’s Body Shop & Alignment Services
RHC Ron Hurd Construction
Tip Top Detailing
Union Station
Grant Opps for Childcare/Senior Programs, Community Vibrancy, Food Retail, Libraries
Kansas Department of Commerce Announces New Grant Opportunity to Support Economic Development in Smaller Communities
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland announced a new grant opportunity today that will help support economic development and revitalization efforts in smaller communities across Kansas through investments in quality-of-life initiatives.
The brand-new Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) program will make grants between $5,000 and $50,000 available to communities in 78 designated counties with a population of 5,000 or less. Grants will be available in the following categories:
- Childcare and senior programming – projects that support or enhance these services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies and equipment;
- Community vibrancy – projects that refresh, re-energize and unlock the attractiveness of rural communities, such as art installations, murals and signage;
- Food retail – projects that support access to food retail establishments, including development, renovation and/or expansion; and
- Libraries – projects that support providing free and open access to a broad range of materials and services, including reading material, technology, furniture and building improvements.
“The Department of Commerce is very pleased to offer this new grant opportunity to our smallest communities across Kansas,” said Lt. Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland. “The SEED grants will offer communities a boost that will help them prosper and thrive. Quality-of-life investments help create vibrant communities that attract more people to live and work in Kansas.”
Local governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and other organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide a minimum 10 percent match and complete the project within 12 months of receiving grant funds. Funds will be distributed half at the beginning of the grant cycle and the balance upon successful completion of the project.
Funding for the SEED program, which is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.
Earlier this year, the Beneficient Company Group, L.P. received its full charter and became the first technology-enabled fiduciary financial institution in Kansas pursuant to the TEFFI Act. Beneficient’s first contribution to the grant program totaled $2.7 million.
SEED grant applications will open Monday, August 29, and close at 11:59 p.m. Friday, September 30. Grant awardees will be announced in October.
An informational webinar on the SEED grant will be available to the public at 10:00 a.m. (CST) Monday, August 29. Registration for the webinar, guidelines for the grant application, and a list of eligible counties can be found at www.kansascommerce.gov/
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 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.