Government

Deadline for Conservation Reserve Program July 23

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Deadline Fast Approaching for
Conservation Reserve Program General Signup

 

Manhattan, Kansas July 19, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Kansas is reminding producers and landowners that the signup deadline for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) current general signup is fast approaching. Eligible producers must submit their offers by July 23, 2021.

 

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) made several changes to CRP to make it more appealing to all producers, including those who are historically underserved, beginning, and veterans. FSA added incentives to encourage producers to include climate-smart agricultural practices in their operations to increase natural resource and environmental benefits.

“Agricultural producers and private landowners should take advantage of the opportunities offered by the revamped CRP,” FSA Acting State Executive Director Charles Pettijohn said. “Explore the increased payment rates and new incentives for climate-smart agricultural practices to see if elements of the revamped CRP fit your operation.”

 

Updates to the Conservation Reserve Program

 

USDA’s goal is to enroll up to 4 million new CRP acres by raising payment rates and expanding the incentives offered under the program. CRP is capped at 25 million acres for fiscal year 2021, and currently 20.7 million acres are enrolled, but the cap will gradually increase to 27 million acres by fiscal year 2023. To help increase producer interest and enrollment, FSA has:

 

·       Adjusted soil rental rates. This enables additional flexibility for rate adjustments, including a possible increase in rates where appropriate.

·       Increased payments for Practice Incentives from 20% to 50%. This incentive for continuous CRP practices is based on the cost of establishment and is in addition to cost share payments.

·       Increased payments for water quality practices. Incentive increased from 10% to 20% for certain water quality practices available through the CRP continuous signup, such as grassed waterways, riparian buffers and filter strips.

Additionally, to mitigate climate change, FSA introduced a new annual Climate-Smart Practice Incentive for the general, grasslands, and continuous signups that aims to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-Smart CRP practices include establishing trees and permanent grasses, developing wildlife habitat, and restoring wetlands. The Climate-Smart Practice Incentive amount is based on the benefits of each practice type.

 

More About CRP

CRP is one of the world’s largest voluntary conservation programs with a long track record of preserving topsoil, improving water quality, sequestering carbon, reducing nitrogen runoff and preserving healthy wildlife habitat.

 

Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the United States. It was originally intended to control soil erosion and stabilize commodity prices by taking marginal lands out of production. The program has evolved over the years, providing more conservation and economic benefits. CRP marked its 35-year anniversary in December 2020. 

Program successes include: 

·       Preventing more than 9 billion tons of soil from eroding, which is enough soil to fill 600 million dump trucks.

·       Reducing nitrogen and phosphorous runoff relative to annually tilled cropland by 95% and 85% percent, respectively.

·       Creating more than 3 million acres of restored wetlands while protecting more than 175,000 stream miles with riparian forest and grass buffers, which is enough to go around the world seven times.

·       Benefiting bees and other pollinators and increasing populations of ducks, pheasants, turkey, bobwhite quail, prairie chickens, grasshopper sparrows and many other birds.

More information about the program can be obtained through this CRP fact sheet.

More Information

Interested producers should contact their local USDA Service Center. In addition to the CRP General signup, FSA is also accepting applications for the CRP Grasslands and CRP Continuous signups. Learn more at fsa.usda.gov/crp.

To find their local FSA county office, producers can visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator. Service Center staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, e-mail, and other digital tools. Because of the pandemic, some USDA Service Centers are open to limited visitors. Producers should contact their service center to set up an in-person appointment. Additionally, more information related to USDA’s response and relief for producers can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

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 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.

 

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is engaged in a whole-of-government effort to combat the climate crisis and conserve and protect our nation’s lands, biodiversity and natural resources including our soil, air and water. Through conservation practices and partnerships, USDA aims to enhance economic growth and create new streams of income for farmers, ranchers, producers and private foresters. Successfully meeting these challenges will require USDA and our agencies to pursue a coordinated approach alongside USDA stakeholders, including State, local and Tribal governments.

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Fort Scott, Government

Updated FS Commission Agenda July 20

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JULY 20, 2021
6:00 P.M.
I. K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)
IV. Approval of Agenda:
V. Proclamations/Recognitions:
A. Recognition of Lisa Walther for 25 years of service to the Fort Scott Public Library
VI. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1292-A totaling $538,748.47
B. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering Inc. – River Intake Improvement – $ 54,902.50
C. Request to Pay – Health Insurance – $1,192.61
D. Request to Pay – Agricultural Engineering Associates – Mayco Ace Project Inspection –
$4,000
E. Request to Pay #3 – Triangle Builders, LLC – Mayco Ace Project – $59,993
F. Resolution 8-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at – 14 S. Margrave St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
G. Resolution 9-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 114 S. Barbee St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
H. Resolution 10-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 323 S. Hill St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
I. Resolution 11-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 510 S. Heylman St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
J. Resolution 12-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 619 S. Ransom – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
K. Resolution 13-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 611 S. Ransom St.– Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
L. Resolution 14-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 316 S. Main St.– Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
M. Resolution 15-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1517 S. Main St. – Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
N. June financials
VII. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per
person, at Commission discretion)
VIII. City Manager Reports and Comments
IX. Engineering Firm Update
X. Old Business:
A. Discussion of Lake Fort Scott repairs/upkeep
B. Approval of Ordinance No. 3586 pertaining to operation of golf carts
XI. Appearances:
XII. New Business:
A. Approval and adoption of USDA Loan Resolution for River Intake/Dam Repair Project
B. Approval of Resolution 17-2021 – Emergency Removal of Unsafe and Dangerous Structure
located at 14 S. National Ave.
XIII. Reports and Comments:
B. Commissioners Report and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XIV. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
XV. Adjournment:

Government, Kansas

Kansas Redistricting Process

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Kansas Commissions Urge Transparency, Constituent Engagement in Redistricting Process

TOPEKA – The Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission, the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, and the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns today sent a joint letter to the Kansas Redistricting Committee outlining steps it should take to ensure constituent participation, transparency, and accessibility during the redistricting process.

“It is crucial that the redistricting process is as transparent as possible and that as many people have the opportunity to be involved in the decisions that will impact who their voice in the legislature is for potentially the next decade,” the letter says. “Yet, there remain several steps this committee should take to ensure constituent participation.”

Suggested steps outlined in the letter include:

  • Holding hearings in an Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliant space;
  • Providing both sign language and Spanish language interpreters, and notifying the public of the availability of such services;
  • Ensuring several meetings be held during the evening and on the weekends to accommodate working schedules;
  • And including maps and/or statements submitted by Communities of Interest.

“These steps are not egregious in their scope and should be considered to ensure Kansans have confidence in the procedures that will shape our collective future,” the letter says.

Obituary

Obituary of Lois M. Williams

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Lois Maxine Williams, age 90, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 24th at the First Southern Baptist Church in Ft. Scott.

Burial will be in the Clarksburg Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the First Southern Baptist Church Building Fund 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.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee July 22: Hound Nutrition

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Chamber Coffee & Ribbon Cutting Announced for The Hound Nutrition

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to our weekly Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting of The Hound Nutrition at 116 S. Main St. The event will take place Thursday, July 22nd at 8 a.m. with remarks starting at 8:15 a.m. followed by the cutting of the ribbon. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.

Co-Owner’s, Kelly Perry and Ashtyn Dowell of The Hound Nutrition offer meal replacement shakes, protein coffee, and energizing teas with many benefits to be added to any of your drinks and assortment of flavors. serve healthy and tasty options to Fort Scott. They offer Protein donuts, waffles, and pretzel bites.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

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Area News, Government

KDOT resurfacing K-7 section in Linn County

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has started a resurfacing project on K-7 in Linn County, from K-52 north to K-152.     Project activity includes a mill and overlay. Flaggers and a pilot car will guide one-lane traffic through the work zone; expect delays of 15 minutes or less on days when the project is active.   KDOT awarded the construction contract of $1.8 million to Shilling Construction, Manhattan. Weather permitting, the project should be finished by late August. Persons with questions may contact Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.

Bourbon County, Fair, Food, Fort Scott

Beech Street Eats: A Full Restaurant on Wheels

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From left: Chasi Pickert, Kenna Smith, John Alley and Christy Montogo man the Beech Street Eats food trailer at the Bourbon County Fair.

A new restaurant on wheels started on Memorial Day 2021 by Wesley and Kenna Smith, called Beech Street Eats.

“My parents, Kenneth and Calen Alley, owned the Riverside Cafe in Belltown for 15 years,” Kenna Smith said. “We kids worked there.”

“I managed the Best Western OFF Club and restaurant from 1986 to ’89,” Smith said.

Her brother John Alley works as the cook in the new food trailer venture.

“John was grill cook at Mercy Hospital for 20 years,” she said. “My dad was a cook in the navy.  We’ve always done food. We are a family of cooks.”

“We decided on a 30-foot food trailer, so we can travel,” she said.

The 30-foot food trailer is a restaurant on wheels.

When they first started at the end of May, they were asked to do weddings and graduation parties,  and even the Good ‘Ol Days Festival, but wanted to get a little experience in the food trailer business first, she said

They park their food trailer on the east side of Lockwoods Motor Supply, located at 1523 S. National Avenue, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“But we might switch that up in the future,” Smith said.

The employees are herself,  her brother, John, her daughter Chasi Pickert and Cristy Montogo.

Mark Brillhart, a Bourbon County Fair Board member, asked the Smiths to provide food during the fair last week.

They had a steady stream of customers.

On the horizon for the business is providing food for special events and festivals, she said.

Beech Street Eats Food Trailer menu.

Some of their crowd favorite offerings are street burritos, Philly sandwiches, and quesadillas, she said.

“The street burrito is a 14-inch shell filled with steak, chicken, cheese, guac, homemade pico, salsa with steak fries,” Smith said. “It’s one of our best sellers.”

“For the quesadilla, we make our own pico, fresh every day,” she said. “We try to get our tomatoes and onions from the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market.”

For those craving a sweet dessert, they include homemade cherry cheesecake and homemade peanut butter pie to finish out a meal.

For more information or to phone an order: 620-224-8005.

 

Chasi Pickert and her mother Kenna Smith wait on customers, Lisa and Dale Griffiths, at the Bourbon County Fair on Wednesday. Griffiths is a member of the fair board.

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Supports and Training For Employing People with Disabilities Announced

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Supports and Training for Employing People Successfully

Introducing a new program from KDHE & Working Healthy

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces the launch of a new employment program for individuals with disabilities. Supports and Training for Employing People Successfully (STEPS) provides employment and independent living supports, enabling them to increase their income while gradually decreasing their reliance on Social Security and other public benefits.

STEPS is a pilot program that launched July 1 and is facilitated by a Community Services Coordinator who helps participants prepare for employment, increase independence, receive/maintain health care coverage, and provide on-going supports to help maintain employment. STEPS services are provided by community agencies with the experience to successfully support people with disabilities to reach and maintain their employment goals. The program is scheduled to run through 2023 and if successful, it may be extended.

The eligibility requirements for STEPS are as follows:

  • Must be a KanCare beneficiary aged 16 to 65, and
  • Must qualify under one of the following criteria:
    • Individuals who receive SSI or SSDI and have one or more qualifying behavioral health diagnoses;
    • Individuals who receive SSI and are waitlisted for the Physical Disability (PD) or Intellectual or Developmental Disability (I/DD) home and community-based services waiver; or
    • Individuals who are current on the Brain Injury (BI), Physical Disability (PD), or Intellectual or Developmental Disability (I/DD) home and community-based services waiver who wish to leave their waiver to participate in STEPS.

To enroll or if you have questions, please contact the STEPS Program Manager. Those community providers who may also be interested in participating or learning more are also asked to contact the STEPS Program Manager.

More information about STEPS can be found on kancare.ks.gov/consumers/working-healthy/steps.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Friday Night Free Concert: Faith Church Worship

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by Faith Church Worship, Garland. The four-piece band and vocalists will feature songs of today’s worship.

“These folks have a united desire to honor God with their musical talent,” concert series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “Come out and join us for a special opportunity to see friends and enjoy some inspirational music. We are pleased to welcome Faith Church to the park pavilion.“

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. We are grateful to have Dave Oas, Parsons, serve as sound technician each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Be Aware of Child Tax Credit Scams

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Joy Miller, RD, LD
Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent
Adult Development and Aging
Family Resource Management
K-State Research and Extension
Southwind Extension District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Fax: 620-223-0332
[email protected]

Advance Child Tax Credit & Scams

To help parents during the pandemic, the Child Tax Credit has been expanded under the American Rescue Plan Act. This means that many families will receive advance payments starting July 15, this opportunity is confusing and scammers are already are jumping into the game with attempts to capture personal information from you.

What is the Child Tax Credit (CTC)? The CTC is available if you claim any children younger than 17. The CTC has been $2,000 per qualifying child. For 2021, the amount will increase to $3,600 for children ages 5 and under and $3,000 for children ages 6 through 17. Note, the CTC amount is based on income.

The American Rescue Act included an Advance Child Tax Credit Payments program. These early payments from the IRS are half of the estimated CTC that you may properly claim on your 2021 tax return during the 2022 filing season. If the IRS has processed your 2020 or 2019 tax return, these monthly payments will be made starting in July and through December.

In general, you do not need to do anything to receive these advance payments. You may opt out of the monthly payments and get your money in one lump sum when you file during 2022.

Families should be on the alert for scammers using phone calls, emails, texts and social media to trick them into providing information needed to get the new 2021 advance Child Tax Credit. The IRS emphasizes that the only way to get the Advance Child Tax Credit is by either filing a tax return with the IRS or registering online through the Non-filer Sign-up tool , exclusively on IRS.gov. Any other option is a scam.

There are many details regarding the Advance Child Tax Credit. To learn more and find answers to your questions, I recommend 3 resources. First is the IRS Advance Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021 (www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021). Here you can learn the details of program, unenroll from advance payments, and non-filers can submit information. The second is The White House (www.whitehouse.gov/child-tax-credit). Here they will cover the same topics as the IRS, but also provide some examples of how the Child Tax Credit works for families that may be similar to yours. The third source is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/managing-your-finances/).

For more information, contact Joy Miller at [email protected] or by calling 620.223.3720

Bourbon County Local News