Government

Kansas COVID Impact On Child Care

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Report notes the COVID-19 impact on Child Care in Kansas

TOPEKA – The 2021 Child Care Supply Demand Report is available. The report, created in partnership with the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and Child Care Aware of Kansas, is focused on the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on child care in the state.

“We deeply appreciate the work of Child Care Aware of Kansas collecting data for the report,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “The report will be a valuable tool moving forward in our efforts to strengthen child care in Kansas.”

“This report highlights the challenges facing not only families and child care providers, but Kansas’ economy in general,” said Kelly Davydov, Executive Director of Child Care Aware of Kansas. “Dependable, high-quality early care and education is a basic requirement that all working families need.

“This report represents a critical first step in finding possible solutions for the child care system. ‘Know Better, Do Better’ is not only the title of the report, but also a moto we can all follow when tackling these challenges,” Davydov continued.

The complete report can be found at www.ks.childcareaware.org.

Obituary

Obituary of Walter Fred Fredricksen Jr.

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WALTER FRED FREDERICKSEN, JR.

 

Walt was born July 19, 1925, on the Sadie Beck farm near Odense, Kansas, to Walter and Marguerite (Woodruff) Fredericksen. He attended Savonburg grade school and graduated from Neodesha High School in 1943.

 

Walt served in the U.S. Army Infantry in the ETO from 1943-1946, fought at the Battle of Metz, the Battle of the Bulge, participated in the liberation of a concentration camp, and was awarded the Bronze Star and France’s Knight of the Legion of Honor medal.  Walt was always proud to say he was a member of the famous 95th Infantry “Victory” Division, known as the “Iron Men of Metz.”

 

After the war, Walt studied geology at K-State from 1946-1951 and later completed classes at KU to become a Licensed Professional Engineer in Geological Engineering. Walt worked until retirement for the Kansas Highway Commission in northeast and southeast Kansas from 1951-1986.

 

Walt was married for 66 years to Juanita Murken of Neodesha, Ks. The couple lived on a farm near Thayer, Kansas, before moving to Fort Scott in 2002. Walt especially enjoyed fishing, attending his grandkids’ activities, rockhounding trips, and cheering for his K-State Wildcats. Walt was a lifetime member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

 

Walt was predeceased by his wife, Juanita, their son Larry Eugene, his two sisters Delores Catlett and Patty Fernandez, and his nephews, Jim Catlett and Russell Fernandez.

Walt is survived by two daughters, Sue Fredericksen, Fort Scott, and Linda Fredericksen (Brian Caldwell), Sanibel, Florida, and grandchildren Alexander (Neal Nurnberg), Marguerite (Justin Whittaker), and Hannah (Kurtis West) Fredericksen, sister-in-law Ruth Hackworth, and his nephews Tom and Don Catlett, and Lloyd Fernandez, Jr.

 

No services are planned. The family requests donations to Sami’s Legacy, supporting the youth activities he so loved, c/o Konantz Cheney Funeral Home, 15 West Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: (620) 223-1212. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

New FS City Commissioner: Kathryn Harrington

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Kathryn Harrington, taken from her Facebook page.

Kathryn Harrington, 38, was selected to be the new Fort Scott City Commissioner at the June 1 special commission meeting.

Fort Scott City Hall.

Seven people sent letters of interest to the commission: Cheryl Adamson, Chuck Begulia, John Coon, Harrington, Nicolas Philpot, Dean Striler and Robert Uhler, according to the City of Fort Scott Facebook page.

Harrington will be filling the vacancy of Kevin Allen, who resigned last month.

Her hometown is Clarence, MO.

Harrington earned a degree in healthcare administration from the University of Phoenix.

She has had a career in health care for 18 years and is currently the director of Country Place Senior Living, Fort Scott.

She is married to Rob Harrington and they have four children.

Her community involvement is with Community Christian Church and volunteering at Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc.

Harrington is passionate about health care and wants the city to look at the issues that surround it more closely, she said in an interview with fortscott.biz.

She said she wanted to “Step up to make a difference.”

To view the special commission meeting on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgugLNth5qc

Government, Kansas

KS Unemployment Insurance Modernization

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Governor Laura Kelly Administration Formally Kicks Off Unemployment Insurance
System Modernization

~~Governor Kelly Sends Letter Urging U.S. Labor Secretary
to Provide Additional Federal Funding for Modernization~~ 

TOPEKA – Today, the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) formally kicked off a $48 million, 26-month-long effort to modernize the state’s unemployment insurance (UI) system. Governor Laura Kelly also built on her previous support for the project by sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh urging him to provide additional funding previously allocated by the U.S. Congress for modernization.

“My administration is working quickly to update our antiquated computer systems so Kansans who need unemployment benefits don’t experience the same problems they faced during the pandemic,” Governor Kelly said. “Congress promised to help states modernize their unemployment insurance systems and allocated the resources to get them started. Kansas upheld its end of the deal by investing millions of dollars in a new system. It’s now time for the U.S. Department of Labor to release these modernization funds to the states as Congress directed. It’s the only way to ensure we are prepared for the next economic downturn.”

Kansas’ current mainframe system used to process UI benefits was created in the 1970s. The last major push to modernize began under Governor Sebelius in 2005 but was subsequently abandoned in 2011 by the Brownback administration. That shortsighted decision directly led to the systemic inefficiencies and vulnerabilities that occurred within the state’s unemployment system during the pandemic. The effort to bring Kansas’ UI system into the 21st century will be led by information technology experts Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

“We have been looking forward to this day and to bringing everyone together to begin the formal process of developing a new, modernized unemployment system,” said Kansas Labor Secretary Amber Shultz. “TCS is a capable partner for KDOL to set a path for technology and process transformation that will enable the delivery of software that will be responsive to the future needs of the state.”

Upon completion, the KDOL’s new system will improve the experiences of unemployed Kansans and businesses that interact with the UI systems by:

  • Modernizing technology: Replace the agency’s antiquated IT legacy system that supports unemployment insurance taxes, payment of unemployment insurance benefits, and delivery of employment services.
  • Enhancing customer experience: Deliver improved services such as online self-service, automation, access to data, and integration with partners.
  • Transforming business processes: Provide improved efficiencies in business processes, offer new tools for KDOL employees, and support more effective service delivery to Kansans.
  • Improving data security: Better anticipate and respond to security threats and prevent unemployment insurance fraud.
  • Providing expandable technology: Deliver a system capable of supporting new programs and functionality, as well as connections to other systems like workforce tools.

A page has been created on the KDOL website to keep the public updated on the modernization project’s progress.  For the most recent information, visit www.dol.ks.gov/ui-modernization.

See a copy of Governor Kelly’s letter here.

Bourbon County

Starlite FCE Minutes June 2022

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The May meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager Building on the Bourbon County Fair Grounds.  Vice President Joyce Allen called the meeting to order and led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  Nine members were in attendance and reported one hundred and twelve hours of volunteering and that they had recycled ninety pounds of paper.

 

Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report, Deb Lust moved that we accept the report, Terri Williams seconded the motion, motion carried.  Karen Peery reported that the Council had met prior to the Regional Recognition Day.  It was announced at the Recognition Day that Doris Ericson was selected as the Regional Heart of FCE and was now in the running for the State Heart of FCE.  Joyce Allen announced the May birthdays which were LeAnna Taylor and herself.

 

New Business consisted of Deb Lust making the motion that the club enter the hay bale decorating contest and the Scarecrow contest at the fair, Deb Wood seconded the motion, motion carried.  Joyce Allen announced that the library was looking for volunteers to provide snacks and to read stories.  It was moved and seconded that we help the library.  Joyce gave us the phone number to call to volunteer.  Deb Woods was going to get an updated list for Glenda.

 

Deb Lust announced that she would let us know when the Poppy sales would be and that May 31st the American Legion would be helping with the Memorial Day Service at the National Cemetery.  The VFW will be open after the Ceremony for people to gather.  Deb also invited us to help in setting up the flags on the Avenue of Flags

 

It was moved and seconded that the club make a donation to the Allen Warren memorial.  Joyce Allen asked that the members bring snacks for the VFW and rest homes in June.

 

Doris Ericson moved the meeting be adjourned, Del Parks seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.

 

Claudia Wheeler presented the program on Helpful hints to the members while they enjoyed refreshments of chocolate chip cookie bar, jello fruit dessert, juice and water

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

 

Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Minutes of June 1

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

June 1, 2022

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Eleven members representing nine agencies attended.  Billie Jo noted the following greetings from those unable to attend in person:
  • Michelle Stevenson, Fort Scott Early Childhood Program, has openings for the new grant year for families with children prenatal through age 6.
  • Christine Abbott, Youth Career Advisor for SEKWorks, will be working in Independence on Wednesdays while they hire and orient a new Career Advisor for that area.
  • Sandra Haggard, RSVP, did not have anything new to report but was unable to attend due to the weather.
  • Jackie Sellers, Senior Citizens, reported that she has Farmers’ Market vouchers available for those who qualify. She also wanted members to be aware that the transportation service will run until 9:00 p.m. during Good ‘Ol Days.  Due to the rise in cost for gasoline, taxi prices have been increased to $6.00; senior citizens and low income price is $5.00.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army, reviewed all the services that are available through his program. He also noted that the fan distribution funded by Evergy and managed by Salvation Army is now in progress.
  • Holly Fritter, SEK Multi-County Health Department, reminded members of the Community Baby Shower to be held at Buck Run Community Center, June 23, from 10a.m. until noon.
  • Shelly Kelley, SEK Mental Health, was welcomed as a first-time attendee.
  • Lisa and Erin Thurston, Bourbon County Angels, also first-time attendees, gave a quick synopsis of their services. They are located at 111 West Third Street.  Agency hours are 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and 8:00 a.m. until noon on Saturdays.  They can be reached through the Facebook page or 620-644-8291.  They would welcome volunteers.
  • Lisa Robertson, CHC COPE (Community Organization to Promote Equity), noted that CHC is looking for drivers for their transportation program.
  • Patty Simpson shared that all 190 units in the Fort Scott Housing Authority are currently full; she does maintain waiting lists.
  • Elizabeth Schafer, CASA, noted they are still in need of volunteers.

 

 

  1. Program: April Jackson: Narcan Training.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, April was not able to attend; we will plan this program for a later date.

 

 

  1. Open Forum:
  • Billie Jo announced that the Community Christian Church will serve the Monday Feeding Families meals beginning June 6 and serve through August 29. There will, however, be no meal served on July 4.
  • Billie Jo also shared that the Coalition Board had approved 27 family passes to the Fort Scott Aquatic Center.
  • Elizabeth and Billie Jo informed members that the Next Steps program has been dissolved due to Covid and the lack of participants willing to commit to the class requirements.

 

  1. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be August 3, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.
Government

KS Tax Collections Exceed $900 Million

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces May Total Tax Collections Exceed $900 Million

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that total tax collections for May were $910.1 million – $239.5 million, or 35.7%, higher than the estimate for the month.

“Our tax collection receipts continue to show the state’s fiscal health and the work my Administration has done to ensure Kansas is on solid financial footing,” Governor Kelly said. “We will continue our work to be fiscally responsible while providing tax cuts and fully funding schools, law enforcement, and roads.”

Individual income tax collections were $518.4 million. That is $198.4 million, or 62.0%, above the estimate. Corporate income tax collections were $51.4 million –$33.4 million, or 185.6%, more than the estimate.

Retail sales tax collections were $240.8 million – $13.8 million, or 6.1%, over the estimate and 5.7% over May 2021 sales tax receipts. Compensating use tax collections were $64.8 million, which is $2.2 million below the estimate but 19.1% greater than May 2021.

“May receipts reflect strong performances by the individual and corporate income tax types. Income tax receipts were not influenced by extensions of tax filing deadlines as had been the case in May 2020 and 2021,” Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said. “Retail sales and compensating use tax receipts also continue to reflect the stability they have shown for the past 10 months.”

The spreadsheet for May tax collections can be found here.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Train Show and Quilt Auction at Museum of Creativity

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Museum of Creativity

Good Ol’ Days Train Show and Quilt Auction Fundraiser

Friday, June 3rd & Saturday, June 4th
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GOOD OL’ DAYS TRAIN SHOW

Train clubs from the SEK and KC area are bringing their model trains to set up at the Museum of Creativity for the Good Ol’ Days weekend celebration on June 3rd and 4th. Downtown Fort Scott comes alive for the weekend with a parade, kid attractions, and dozens of cute little treasure booths on main street.

We are located just a block off Main St. on the corner of 1st and National, where we will have model trains for sale as well as handcrafted items in our gift shop. There will be experienced model train engineers to learn from while you watch the trains chug along the tracks and play the I-Spy game. You might even see Thomas and his friends in our little train theater. Don’t forget to stroll through Barbie World to discover the amazing details in those displays too.

Contact us to buy your tickets today @ $5 each or 12 for $50.

$3/person suggested entrance at the door

This is a family friendly event with fun for all ages! It will be an escape from the weather, a place to use the facilities and rest from all the excitement downtown. The kids can get energy out on our geo dome and ninja course while you all enjoy a cheap $3 meal with a hot dog, soda and chips.

QUILT AUCTION FUNDRAISER

We will also be having a Quilt Auction Fundraiser. This will include silent auction items and a live auction starting at 2:30 (in person and via Facebook Live). After the live auction we will be drawing the raffle winner of the amazing Kansas inspired quilt dedicatedly crafted by Carolyn Sadler and Lorina Bowman.
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 Purpose of the Fundraiser

The Museum of Creativity is located in an old historic building in Downtown Fort Scott, Kansas. In the 100 years since its creation no one has made handicap access to the building. There are 5 steps up to the front door at 102 S. National Ave. Then there are 6 more steps right inside the door.

We see dedicated moms struggling to get strollers up the steps. We see those with aching knees slowly navigate themselves upward on the many stairs. We would like to make their experience more pleasant and allow access for those that are not able to even attempt to visit us.

Our plan is to put a ramp on the outside of the building and install a chair elevator inside to replace half of the wide staircase in our front lobby. We are considering alternative plans also but any attempt at building handicap access is a huge, expensive project.

As a non-profit 501(c)3 institution we rely on generous people like yourself to donate their time, money and/or materials towards our goals. ALL proceeds from this event are going into the Handicap access fund we have started. We already have $1500 in this fund from our Yard Sale fundraiser on May 6th and 7th but we have a goal of $15,000 to cover the cost of equipment, materials and construction.

If you are not able to come visit in person you can contact us to buy raffle tickets and participate in our live auction online. As always, you can donate online through this link https://www.gofundme.com/f/fort-scott-ks-children039s-museum?
Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Good Ol’ Days This Weekend

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May be an image of ‎8 people and ‎text that says '‎41st Annual GOOD GOOD OL' DAYS FESTIVAL! 1ه Friday & Saturday, SAI June 3 & 4, 2022 FORT SCOTT, KS Visit T www.visitfortscott.com Remembering 41-derful Years of Family, Friends and Fun FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! OOKING OR NOTHIN ANE HOWARD‎'‎‎

The theme of the Good Ol’ Days Festival this year in “Remembering Forty One-Derful Years.”

The kick-off is this Friday, June 3 with the 6 p.m. parade.

Register Now for the Good Ol’ Days Parade

Friday, June 3rd, 6pm

“41-derful Years of Family, Friends, and Fun”

In recognition of the 41 years of the Annual Good Ol’ Days Celebration!

Deadline to Register: Wednesday, June 1, 2022
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Click here to register

 

A Chicken Mary’s chicken dinner will be for sale downtown.

May be an image of 1 person and text that says 'Meal on the Mall GOOD Tickets on Sale Now at Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce F.RT.S Meal catered by Chicker Chicken Mary's, includes 2 pieces of chicken, german potato salad, creamy coleslaw, bread, and water'

“You can purchase tickets for the chicken dinner for $8 at the Chamber of Commerce Office, 231 E. Wall,” Shawn O’Brien, chairman of the Good Ol’Days Stearing Committee, said.  “The dinner includes a two-piece chicken, German potato salad, creamy slaw, bread, and water.”

Friday Night Free Music Concert

A live music concert by the Diamond Empire Band will be a 7 p.m. Friday at Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main Street.

“Bring your lawn chairs and come enjoy live music!” O’Brien said.

 

Saturday Activities

“Saturday we have lots of free activities for kids and adults,” he said.  “Tye die t-shirts have been donated by Key Industries for the first 300 people, starting at 9AM until gone.  They will be located at 2nd and Main.”

Free bounce houses are available again this year, located in the parking lot east of Oak Street and National Ave. Face paint is not allowed on the inflatables, so plan accordingly.

“We are always excited to see the large turnout for these,” he said.

There is a  car and bike show this year at the Riverfront Park on North National Avenue.

“We are excited that Old 54 Cycle has teamed up to offer this amazing car and bike show,” O’Brien said.

New this year is a Care to Share Children’s Cove.
“They will be located on Skubitz Plaza and have lots of kids activities for $5. They will be open 10 AM – 2 PM (Saturday). We are excited for their new fundraising efforts. We look forward to them coming to the Good Ol’ Days.”
Care to Share Children’s Cove has a $5 wristband entry which includes one free ticket for a cotton candy.
There will be a ring toss, bean bag toss, duck pond, sack race and more for children ages 5th grade and younger.
The stearing committee is comprised of  O’Brien -Chairman, Kayla Hall – Secretary, Melissa Wise – Treasurer, Charlotte Thompson – Logistics, Cheryl VanHoecke – Vendor relations, Tim VanHoecke, Shay Clements, Angel Wilson, and Carl Brenner – Fort Representative.
“We have tons of fun activities planned, come down and celebrate 41-derful years! Located downtown Fort Scott, starts at 3rd and Main and runs north to the Fort (Fort Scott National Historic Site) and west to National Avenue.”

 

History of the Event

Good Ol’ Days began as a festival when founding member Anne Emerson arrived in the community from the eastern U.S., over four decades ago.

“She had been to a street festival and was excited to bring the same type to Fort Scott,” O’Brien said. “The first year they had activities all over Fort Scott, such as the pool, the stadium, Gunn Park, and many more places. They realized that they were stretched out too far and made it the downtown street festival.”

“We stick to the same ideas with a main event each year, Blane Howard is the main event this year,” he said. “Of course we have crafts, food, family, friends and tons of fun every year!!!”

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Bourbon County Local News