The Eagle Block building at 10-12 N. National Avenue. March 22, 2021.
The Fort Scott LandBank members will meet at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23,at City Hall, 123 Main, in the City Commission meeting room to discuss a grant project with another local entity and also a request for bids for the Eagle Block building at 10-12 N. National Avenue.
There will be an update on the Eagle Block Building, FS Landbank Manager AllysonTurvey, said. “This discussion will include a request to go out for a Request For Proposal for the interior demo work.”
Also at this meeting, the members will have a presentation from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, which has budgeted $4,000 for LandBank projects that tie in with HBCAT initiatives, according to Turvey.
Jody Hoener. Submitted photo.
“The HBCAT Board decided to include Landbank’s package in our Neighborhood and Physical Environment Pathway,” Jody Hoener, leader of the HBCAT, said. “We have allocated $4000 of our Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas Grant Funds towards it.”
Hoener provided the following information from Pathways to Healthy Kansas:
“LAND BANK Focus Area & Pathway:
“Activity Summary: Land banks acquire, hold, manage, and develop problem properties (e.g., vacant lots, abandoned buildings, tax-foreclosed) property and transition them to productive uses such as affordable housing developments, community-focused commercial buildings, community gardens or green spaces.
“Land banks can also demolish abandoned or unsafe buildings.
“State and local governments can support land banks by allowing low or no-cost purchases of tax foreclosured property, clearing titles and/or forgiving back taxes, holding land tax-free, or negotiating property transfers that address community needs.
“Land banks are generally governmental entities created and managed at the local or regional level.
“Land banks policies can be adapted to prioritize projects of nutrition, physical activity and other health promoting activities.
“Activities could include building support for a policy, exploring options necessary to pass policy changes or further expanding land bank policy to include health and equity priority goals related to the health focus areas. Local governments would be required to implement one of the following tracks:
1) pass a new policy
2) improve or expand existing policy
3) enforce an existing policy.”
Although there will be a majority of the city commissioners present, no city commission business will be conducted, according to a press release from the City of Fort Scott.
The meeting will be made available via the city’s Youtube channel at the City of Fort Scott.
Fort Scott City Commissioners are a part of the Landbank members and include Josh Jones, Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, and Lindsay Watts. Additional members are Jim Harris-a Bourbon County Commissioner, who was selected to be Vice-Chairperson of the group; Turvey-who is also the Fort Scott Tourism and Community Development Manager and Susan Bancroft-Fort Scott Finance Director, who is the treasurer of the Landbank, and Gregg Motley-Director of the Bourbon County Economic Development Board, Inc.
Josh Jones was selected to be the chairperson of the group.
Expanding Veteran Spouses and Caregivers’ Vaccine Eligibility
Bill to Expand the VA’s Vaccination Efforts Heads to President’s Desk
This week, the Senate and House passed my bipartisan legislation to expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to veterans, their spouses and their caregivers under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). I introduced the Strengthening and Amplifying Vaccination Efforts to Locally Immunize All Veterans and Every Spouse (SAVE LIVES) Act with my colleagues on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee on March 11 and am pleased Congress moved quickly to send it to the President’s desk.
Currently, the VA is only able to vaccinate active VA Health Care System enrollees. While the VA will continue to prioritize vaccinating VHA enrolled veterans with its allocation of the COVID-19 vaccine, this legislation enables the VA to vaccinate non-enrolled veterans, veteran spouses, caregivers, overseas veterans and others with excess COVID-19 vaccine supply.
Military service is family service, and that is why the VA and this committee aim to care for both veterans and their families. I urge the President to quickly sign this legislation into law to make certain the VA has the freedom to vaccinate veteran spouses, non-enrolled veterans, caregivers, overseas veterans and others with excess COVID-19 vaccine supply. While the VA will continue to prioritize vaccinating VHA enrolled veterans with its allocation of the COVID-19 vaccine, this legislation will help further protect our veterans and their families
If you are a veteran, you can click here for more information about the VA’s COVID-19 testing and treatment resources. You can also sign up for updates about vaccine availability here.
Hearing from Veteran Service Organizations
This week the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees conducted our third and final joint veteran service organization (VSO) hearing. Though we were not able to meet in person, these virtual legislative proposals provided input that my colleagues and I benefit from each year, hearing directly from veterans and veteran advocates.
Throughout the hearing, we heard from VSOs, including Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Veterans, Fleet Reserve Association, Gold Star Wives, National Congress of American Indians and the National Association for Black Veterans. These joint hearings always provide a unique opportunity to interact with groups representing the many diverse corners of America’s veteran community, and I look forward to continuing to partner with veterans and their VSO advocates to craft solutions to problems like the harmful effects of toxic exposures, making certain veterans’ community care is robust and reliable, expanding vaccine access for veteran family members and caregivers, providing high-quality mental health care and suicide prevention services, ensuring VA’s educational benefits are best-suited to set up veterans for success after service and that our women and minority veterans have a VA that works for them. Oversight of VA’s implementation of recent legislation tackling these challenges will be crucial, and hearing from veterans on the ground is pivotal in that effort.
Calling on the VA to Expedite Vietnam Veterans’ Blue Water Navy Claims
This week I joined Chairman Jon Tester in a letter to VA Secretary McDonough to request that he renew the agency’s focus on the implementation of policy changes required by Public Law 116-23, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, and Public Law 116-183, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21 NDAA), both of which grant long overdue health care and benefits to veterans of the Vietnam War and Korean Demilitarized Zone (Korean DMZ).
In some instances, these veterans have waited half a century for recognition that their service caused adverse health effects. As such, we asked that the Secretary provide an estimated timeline for when VA will complete initial processing of the anticipated claims under the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act. For too long we have seen generations of veterans suffering from negative health outcomes due to hazards encountered during their service. Unfortunately, over the years and across several administrations, there continues to be a concern that VA does not take action quickly enough after research is conducted, which has led to Congress stepping in and legislating additional presumptions. I am committed to learning from veterans about the past and fixing the future process for all generations of veterans. Read the full letter here.
Examining and Combatting Veteran Homelessness
Each year, the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) releases a Point-in-Time (PIT) count of unhoused people, including veterans. HUD conducted its annual count in January 2020, but never released its report—a major resource for Congress in making decisions about how to legislate and allocate resources to respond to veteran homelessness. Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our veterans were facing increased challenges regarding homelessness.
After joining leaders of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees in a letter to urge Acting HUD Secretary to release the report, HUD finally did so, releasing critical data covering veterans experiencing homelessness. This data is essential to understanding the veteran homeless population and how that number has risen over the past year. I am encouraged by the HUD and VA partnership to improve services for homeless veterans and those at-risk for becoming homeless. In order to effectively address barriers to access shelter, health care and benefits for this particularly vulnerable population, my SVAC colleagues and I must be provided with the most up-to-date information available. During the 116th Congress, I supported key provisions in the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, an end-of-year veterans’ package that would remove barriers to VA funding for organizations in need of critical upgrades to keep homeless veterans safe from the coronavirus. I am committed to conducting oversight to ensure these laws are implemented efficiently and provide services for homeless veterans and those at-risk of becoming homeless.
Opposing the Confirmation of HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra
This week, I voted against the confirmation of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to be Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In recovering from a once-in-a-lifetime public health emergency, Americans need to have confidence our HHS Secretary understands the intricacies of health care policy and has an eye to the future as we improve on our pre-pandemic vulnerabilities, protecting future generations from experiencing similar difficult situations.
While Attorney General Becerra served on a healthcare-focused subcommittee as a United States Representative, he has no further experience in public health or medicine. He also lacks the executive experience that would be useful in running a complex executive branch department like HHS, which is involved in the nationwide vaccine rollout and now the regulatory implementation of the recent $1.9 trillion package. Americans deserve to know their voices will be heard when it comes to conversations surrounding health care policy. Ideological or moral disagreements should not be met with legal challenges. Americans need to know their government is working together to find common-ground that will protect all strongly held personal and religious beliefs, including the belief in the sanctity of life.
Prior to my vote, I spoke in opposition of Secretary Becerra’s nomination on the Senate floor. Watch my remarks here or below.
My Resolution Honoring Father Kapaun Passes the Senate
On March 5, I announced that the remains of the late Father Emil Kapaun had been identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, and this week, the resolution I introduced with Sen. Roger Marshall honoring Father Kapaun unanimously passed the Senate.
Father Kapaun is an American hero whose selfless actions inspired his fellow soldiers and continues to inspire generations of Kansans today. In 2011, I introduced legislation to bestow Father Kapaun with the Medal of Honor, and I am pleased to sponsor this resolution to further recognize his tremendous service to our country.
Questioning Top Health Officials Regarding America’s COVID-19 Response
This week, during a Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing, I questioned top federal health officials from the Centers for Control and Disease Prevention (CDC), National Institute of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to examine America’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
I asked CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky about the CDC’s guidelines for vaccinated individuals. Throughout this pandemic, we have seen inconsistencies and lags in updated health information surrounding public guidelines. I expressed my concern to Dr. Walensky regarding the need for current, consistent and timely safety guidelines from the CDC moving forward. As more and more Americans become vaccinated, it is important that vaccinated individuals are receiving updated and accurate information from the CDC so that friends, families and communities have a way to measure risk assessment as they decide how to adjust their lives post-vaccination and return to normal.
Additionally, NIH Director Dr. Anthony Fauci assured me that throughout this pandemic, medical research and health care falling outside of COVID-19 continue to function at their pre-pandemic levels. I look forward to assisting the NIH with this goal from my seat on the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, which provides funding to the biomedical research department.
Opposing H.R. 5, The Equality Act
This week, I spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to the Equality Act, an infringement on the constitutional right to religious liberty. I support efforts to end unjust discrimination, but this legislation represents one of the most dramatic assaults against religious faith and conscience that I have seen in my time in Congress. If this bill is passed into law, the effects will be devastating to communities in Kansas and across the country. I will oppose the use of expansive federal power to infringe on matters of religious belief and conscience. Watch my remarks by clicking here or below.
Joining The University of Kansas Health System’s 250th Media Update
On Wednesday morning, I joined The University of Kansas Health System (TUKHS) for their 250th daily media update with Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri. I thanked the TUKHS team for their steady leadership throughout COVID-19 and their efforts to keep Kansans informed and updated throughout the pandemic.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to TUKHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steve Stites and TUKHS Medical Director for Infection Prevention and Control Dr. Dana Hawkinson for their dedicated work throughout the past year and for allowing me to join many of these updates to discuss the efforts I have taken at the federal level to help mitigate the effects of COVID-19 across Kansas. Watch our conversation by clicking here or below.
Supporting Kansas Manufacturers
In response to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) decision to draw down purchases of viral transport media being produced by Kansas and American manufacturers, I urged President Biden to renew the federal government’s commitment to supporting our domestic supply chain.
As the nation was in the midst of an unprecedented public health emergency last spring, Kansans stepped up, as they always do, to increase manufacturing of viral collection products necessary for widespread COVID-19 testing. Should the administration forget the lesson learned from just a year ago, Americans will pay the price for years to come as our supply chain returns to its pre-pandemic orientation. I urged the President to support American manufacturing capabilities in order to end our tenuous reliance on foreign suppliers and to abide by his promise to “Buy American” and to uphold his Made in America executive order to protect American livelihoods. The full letter can be found here.
Deploying Broadband Progress Across Rural America and Undeserved Communities
As a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, I questioned witnesses this week about the progress of federal programs aimed at broadband deployment, including broadband mapping, the stability of the Universal Service Fund (USF) and oversight of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF).
Improving the maps that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) uses when it allocates federal broadband deployment money is critical, as a lack of specific coverage information can lead to funds being misdirected and some Americans continuing to lack broadband access. Last year, I cosponsored the Broadband DATA Act, which requires the FCC to collect more accurate and precise data that will ensure that we know exactly what areas do not have broadband service, so federal deployment funds can go to areas most in need. President Trump signed this legislation into law last year, and I helped ensure that the program was fully funded as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act passed in December 2020. During this hearing, one of the witnesses, former FCC Commissioner Michael O’Reilly, assured me that there are no legitimate reasons left to stop the commission from completing these important coverage maps and told me about his support for maps to be used for all federal broadband programs. I will continue to work with my Senate colleagues to ensure that federal broadband deployment funds are better directed to people and areas that need the funding the most.
Supporting Small Meatpackers during COVID-19
On Monday, I led my colleagues in urging Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to prioritize reducing U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) overtime fees for very small and small meatpackers based off the provisions included in my legislation, the Small Packer Overtime and Holiday Fee Relief for COVID-19 Act. I introduced this legislation to support small meatpacking plants that are operating more than 40 hours per week during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our nation’s food supply chain moving. It directs USDA-FSIS to reduce the fees charged to very small establishments by at least 75 percent and to small establishments by at least 30 percent.
These changes will help build greater resilience in our nation’s food supply chain by addressing the economic disincentive currently in place for small meatpackers to work longer hours. It will also help level the playing field between very small and small establishments versus large establishments capable of operating two full operating shifts and therefore able to avoid these inspection fees. Consumers will also benefit from greater access and more options for locally sourced meat products provided by small meatpackers and I will continue to work with Secretary Vilsack to continue to help local meatpackers and food processors. The full letter can be found here.
Supporting Law Enforcement in Kansas and Beyond
Introducing the Protect and Serve Act
Violence against law enforcement is unacceptable. That’s why this week, I introduced the Protect and Serve Act with my Senate colleagues to create federal penalties for attacks on law enforcement officers, whether a Capitol Police officer or a Kansas patrolman or patrolwoman. Being a law enforcement officer involves great risk, but the additional threat of ambushes and targeted attacks makes the job harder and more dangerous for our men and women in blue.
Our nation’s law enforcement professionals deserve our continued support and respect. I am grateful for all of the brave men and women who have pledged to protect our Kansas communities.
Addressing the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center’s Graduating Class
This week, I had the honor of addressing graduates of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) during its 275th graduation ceremony.
Very little about being a law enforcement officer today can be described as easy. America is facing an opioid and drug epidemic that is ripping families and communities apart and we’re seeing an increase in violent crime in cities across the country. These factors all indicate the need for individuals who are willing to step forward and meet the challenges of our time through service as a law enforcement officer. I am thankful for each and every graduate that has chosen to take on this great responsibility. I am confident many Kansas communities have gained dedicated public servants and was pleased to be able to see these graduates move into the next phase of their career protecting and serving communities in Kansas and beyond.
As the lead Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the U.S. Department of Justice, I will continue working to ensure KLETC and other law enforcement training programs have access to the tools necessary to train law enforcement officers that will strengthen engagement and trust with the communities they serve.
Thank you to KLETC Director Darin Beck for the kind invitation and to Officer Logan Grant who received a special certificate of commendation for helping save the lives of those involved in a car crash this past January while receiving his law enforcement training.
Meeting Kansas Health Officials in Lawrence and Hutchinson
Learning More about Lawrence’s West Campus Hospital
This week, I visited the Lawrence Memorial Health West Campus to tour the recently opened facility, including its orthopedic surgery and rehab wing. LMH West is a fully outpatient health center that focuses on integrated care across specialty areas that best serve Douglas county. I also enjoyed speaking with several orthopedic surgeons to discuss the facility’s partnership with OrthoKansas.
Thank you to LMH CEO Russ Johnson, Vice President of Service Lines Jared Abel, Dr. Neal Lintecum and Dr. Adam Goodyear for hosting me today and the informative discussion about the services offered, including their collaboration with the VA to offer care closer to home for veterans.
Touring Hutchinson Regional Medical Center
I also visited Hutchinson Regional Medical Center where I learned about their COVID-19 treatment options, as well as the facility’s vaccination process. In addition to their vaccination program, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center offers antibody infusions to patients testing positive for COVID-19. This successful process has helped reduce hospitalizations since they were first offered in November of last year. I was impressed by the skilled work of the health care professionals and was pleased to discuss more about the importance of having access to quality mental health care with hospital personnel.
Thank you to CEO Ken Johnson and Dr. Michael Hagley for their leadership, and to Director of External Affairs Richard Shank, RN and VP of Patient Care Services Amanda Hullet and CEO of Horizons Mental Health Center Michael Garrett for arranging this visit.
Meeting with Dairy Farmers of America
This week, I met with the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) to hear about issues impacting dairy producers. We discussed how the recent disruptions in natural gas and other energy sources caused significant losses for dairies in Kansas, both in terms of raising energy costs and forcing dairies to dump milk when processing facilities shut down. We also discussed the importance of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) payments in helping producers pull through the adverse impacts of COVID-19 on the dairy industry, as well as the importance of a strong farm labor workforce for agriculture. The DFA members updated me on the operations of their milk powder plant in Garden City that has helped support industry growth in southwest Kansas by receiving millions of gallons of milk from area producers. I look forward to continue working with DFA as a strong advocate for dairy farmers in Washington, D.C.
Discussing Impacts on Domestic Travel with U.S. Travel Association Members
I met with Kansas members of the U.S. Travel Association to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on domestic travel and the industries supporting the tourism market. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been a lifeline for the travel industry, and I was pleased to support additional flexibility and support for PPP through the COVID-19 relief package passed into law in December.
A successful, encompassing vaccine roll out is the next step towards ensuring the prosperous return of the travel industry. As Kansas moves forward with vaccinations, I will continue to foster strong communication between federal, state and local entities, as well as greater transparency surrounding the amount of doses hospitals and counties receive each week. I look forward to continuing to advocate for our travel industry and assisting the return of Americans traveling safely once again.
Thank you to Suzan Barnes of the Grand Central Hotel in Cottonwood Falls; Natalie Bright, Executive Director of the Travel Industry of Kansas; Kevin Fern, Executive Director of Visit Shawnee; Roger Hrabe, Director of Rooks County Economic Development in Stockton; Holly Lofton, Director of the City of Lindsborg; Julie Roller Weeks, Director of Abilene CVB; and Jim Zaleski, Director of Parsons CVB for your time.
Discussing Middle Eastern Stability
I visited with Bonnie Siegel, Carol Katzman, and others from American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) this week to discuss the U.S.-Israel relationship and how best to protect our shared interests in the Middle East. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am a strong supporter of the security assistance provided to Israel, which is necessary in a troubled region. In particular, Iran’s activities, whether through its nuclear program or its support for terrorist proxies, represent an existential threat for Israel and destabilizes the region as a whole, harming American interests. We talked about the positive development of the Abraham Accords negotiated last year and our shared hope that more Arab countries will follow in normalizing relations with Israel. Israel’s security is non-negotiable, and our own security is strengthened when we work together with Israel. I will continue to advocate for the relationship as the new Congress begins.
Announcing Water Conservation and Wastewater Management Grants for Northern Kansas
This week, I was pleased to announce that $3 million in water conservation grants and wastewater management are headed for northern Kansas to mitigate water loss across creeks and reservoirs that provide water for ranches, farms and communities in both states:
Almena Irrigation District will receive $227,345
Kansas Bostwick Irrigation District will receive $789,805
Nebraska Bostwick Irrigation District will receive $2,000,000
City of Miltonvale will receive $30,000
Water is the lifeblood of Kansas communities, and we need to do all we can to protect it for future generations. These investments will help conserve water for local communities to support their economies and a rural way of life.
Visiting Inman
I stopped in Inman this week where Harvest Cafe was the talk of the town. I was able to visit with Mayor Jim Toews and City Clerk Barb Tuxhorn to discuss the issues they face as a rural town and what I can do to help them in Washington. One of my priorities as a U.S. Senator is preserving Kansas’ rural lifestyle and the close-knit, community-based relationships of small towns across the state. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to speak with me while I was in town.
In Case You Missed It
Individual Tax Filing Deadline Extended
The IRS announced that it is delaying the tax filing and payment deadline for individuals from April 15, 2021 to May 17, 2021 for 2020 tax returns. The delay applies to individuals filing Forms 1040 and 1040-SR. It does not affect deadlines for corporate, partnership or nonprofit tax returns. For more information, click here.
Find Rental Assistance
The Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program, funded through the bipartisan Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, provided the state of Kansas over $200 million in rental assistance funding. The program provides financial assistance for Kansans who have had difficulty paying or collecting rent, utility, and internet payments as a result of the COVID pandemic. The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is serving as the primary administrator of these funds. For more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the Kansas KHRC website here.
The City of Wichita will initially administer its own rental assistance program and Wichita residents can find more information here.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C. office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Thank you Mr. Attorney General for taking action against the federal administration for attempting to stop state tax cuts. The administration is trying to block any tax relief even though it was started before federal COVID-19 funds were made available. Myself and other Kansas legislators will continue to work on tax relief.
Emergency Powers
The House and Senate conference committee met to work out agreements on Senate Bill (SB) 40, the emergency powers bill – turning over legislative authority to the Governor and others during the declaration of an emergency. I voted for the Senate version of the bill. It wasn’t perfect but it made some good changes with legislative oversight during an emergency. However, the final version, gave up too many of those checks and balances. That is why I did not support the final version of SB 40. Disappointingly, a majority of Senators voted to support SB 40. It passed 28 to 8.
Fairness in Women’s Sports
The Senate debated SB 208, restricting biological males from playing women’s sports. The bill passed 24 to 10. I voted Yes. Who would have ever dreamed 10 years ago we would be debating such topics in the Kansas legislature?
Help for Military Members and Spouses
House Bill (HB) 2066 would help military members or their spouse by allowing their out-of-state licenses (teachers, realtors, nurse, to name a few) be recognized in Kansas. We passed legislation a few years ago on the same topic. This bill will expand the statute and encourage these individuals to make Kansas their home.
Budget
SB 267, as with any budget, had many reasons to vote no. However, there were some key items that we have never seen in a budget bill before that I wanted to support. Three amendments I offered passed on the senate floor. The first would require department and agencies to submit a performance based budget so the legislature can find duplicate programs and inefficiencies. It was a law passed in 2016 that has not been followed. The amendment would cut the departments budget by 2% next year if they do not submit a performance based budget. The second was to require the Governor to lift the Osawatomie State Hospital (OSH) moratorium. The moratorium was put on a few years ago restricting the number of beds available for mental health patients. Law enforcement and others know how important it is to increase the number of beds. The third amendment, was to reimburse scrap metal dealers who paid a $1,000 and were fingerprinted for a program that didn’t exist. If the House doesn’t take out the language, these business owners will be reimbursed as they should be. Another amendment, offered by a member of the ranking party, would require any state employee or contractor to be verified as a U.S. citizen. The citizenship amendment passed. I voted Yes for it and the budget. The budget passed 24 to 13.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
The enrollment process is open for the 2021-2022 West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown, 4-year-old preschool program.
To be eligible for this program, your child must be 4 years old on or before August 31, 2021. Please contact WBE at 620-756-4335 for an application or for further information.
A screening clinic for kindergarten students will be scheduled during District enrollment in August. To be eligible for kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old on or before August 31. Further details will be released closer to enrollment time.
Updated – The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to approve an ordinance to hire Robert L. Farmer as City Attorney. They will also hear a request for the use of Gunn Park on April 9th. Also, to be heard will be approval to apply to the Fort Scott Community Foundation Grant for roller skates.
This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
Call to Order
Flag Salute
Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
Eric Bailey/Will Wallis – Road and Bridge Report/Disaster 4449-KS Project Details and Total Summary
Lora Holdridge – 1989 Reappraisal Map
Resolution 15-21: Sewer District Bond Refinance
S & P Global Ratings Engagement Letter
Patrick Clift – Nelson Quarries, Base Rock for County Roads in Jayhawk Windfarm Area
County Counselor 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.
KCC warns consumers to beware of utility assistance scam
TOPEKA — The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has received reports that an individual, claiming to work for the KCC, is calling Kansans asking if they need assistance paying their natural gas bills. Not much information is currently available about these calls. However, the KCC wants to alert the public that any unsolicited call from a person claiming to be a KCC employee offering utility payment assistance is not legitimate. If you receive a call like this, please do not share any personal or financial information.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces One Million Doses Administered in Kansas; Launches “Roll Up Your Sleeve” Campaign
~ Over 23% of Kansans vaccinated with first dose of COVID-19 vaccine as the State of Kansas launches campaign to encourage additional vaccinations ~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas has administered over one million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and launched the “Roll Up Your Sleeves” campaign to share the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. This news comes on the heels of Governor Kelly’s announcement that the state will move into Phase 3 and Phase 4 today, March 22, 2021.
“We administered over one million doses and we’ll keep getting vaccines into arms so our kids can get back in the classrooms, Kansans can get back to work, and life can get back to normal” Governor Kelly said. “With the increased vaccine supply coming to Kansas, we are working to make sure every Kansan gets vaccinated. This vaccine campaign is designed to show every Kansas what the science has proven – that vaccines are safe and will protect all of us from COVID-19.”
The “Roll Up Your Sleeves” campaign will feature broadcast, cable, digital and radio ads. The ads, created by Topeka-based company MB Piland, feature local Kansans who are committed to their community. The campaign will run through the end of June. Ads will also be aired in Spanish.
Reminder: Starting today, Kansans in Phase 3 & 4 of the Vaccine Prioritization Plan are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Kansans will not be required to bring medical records or “proof” of their health condition. Instead, they will be asked to abide by the honor system and self-attest that they fall in Phase 3 & 4 based on the following:
Those aged 16 through 64 with serious medical conditions that increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including:
Cancer;
Down Syndrome;
Certain heart conditions;
Type 2 diabetes;
Other serious illnesses;
And pregnant women.
Those aged 16 through 64 with other medical conditions that increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19, such as:
Asthma;
Cystic fibrosis;
Liver disease;
Type 1 diabetes;
Neurologic conditions like dementia;
And other medical risks.
And other non-health care workers in critical infrastructure who cannot work remotely, including:
Agricultural and food workers not included in previous phases;
Workers performing in-person activities indoors;
Utility workers;
Social service and government workers not included in previous phases;
Logistics workers, such as truck transportation workers and couriers;
Water and wastewater workers;
Shelter, housing, and finance workers;
And information technology and communication workers.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccines in Kansas and to find a local provider with vaccines available, please visit www.KansasVaccine.gov.
Chamber Coffee to be hosted by Nevada Regional Medical Center
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that this week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Chamber member Nevada Regional Medical Center. The event will be held at 8am in the Loading Dock area of Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall St.
Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win special drawing from NRMC.
Attendees are strongly encouraged wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
Governor Laura Kelly Signs Advantage Kansas Executive Order to Improve Kansas’s Workforce
~Executive order establishes a coordinating council to establish cooperation and coordination between education and business communities~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order 21-08 to establish the Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council (AKCC) to improve Kansas’s workforce. Comprised of education and business leaders across the state, the AKCC will align education with state agencies and business needs to develop, retain, and attract talented Kansans into the workforce.
“As we recover from the pandemic, we must rebuild a stronger, healthier workforce that can meet the demands of our growing economy,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “The Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council will empower education and industry leaders to collaborate on long-term solutions, develop the most skilled workforce in the Midwestern region, and recruit new businesses to our state.”
“A well-trained workforce that meets the current and future needs of the state’s many industries is one of the top challenges the Kansas business community faces,” Alan Cobb, President and CEO of the Kansas Chamber said. “Creating “Advantage Kansas” is a significant step forward to addressing these hiring needs, but perhaps more importantly, this effort will provide more economic and professional opportunities for Kansas students graduating from Kansas high-schools, community colleges, technical colleges, four-year institutions or anyone attaining professional certifications. This public-private partnership will be key in ensuring our state’s education system is in sync with the future growth of our state’s economy, the workforce needs of employers, and our collective desire to keep Kansas students in Kansas.”
As outlined in E.O. #21.08, the AKCC will consist of members from the Governor’s office, State Board of Education, Kansas Department of Education, Kansas Board of Regents, Kansas Chamber, and others to create synergy between education, economic systems, and the Framework for Growth.
“This collaboration is strategically aimed at ensuring our state is future-focused, and future-ready,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Through efforts to align our workforce development efforts more closely with industry demand—and also our ability to support entrepreneurs and build a strong ecosystem for innovative companies to succeed in our state—we can make sure the future is built right here in Kansas.”
Goals outlined for the AKCC include:
Preparing workers for high-wage, high-demand, high skilled, critical need occupations;
Expanding public-private partnerships and strategies focused on access and equity to dual and concurrent enrollment;
Expanding industry driven youth and registered apprenticeship opportunities;
Conducting a comprehensive assessment of, and recommend targeted improvements in, the use of state and federal resources tied to workforce development, education, and training.
At the sound of the Fort Scott Fire Truck horn, children and parents in the pre-school division take off on the Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt in 2018.
An annual part of the ritual of spring is the Easter egg hunt.
This Saturday, March 27 at 10 a.m. that ritual in Fort Scott will be at Gunn Park, as in years past. Ages for children who can participate are toddler through grade 5.
Parents can look for signs at the entrance of the park that will direct traffic to shelter house no. 2, which is located between the first and second lake.
The hunt is facilitated each year by the Fort Scott Kiwanis and support from the community.
“This event to me is our most fun event of the year,” Ralph Carlson, spokesman for Kiwanis, said. “To see the excitement and joy on the faces of our children hunting Easter eggs and visiting with our Easter bunny is amazing.”
“I have been in the Kiwanis Club since 1969 and this Easter Egg Hunt was started before I became a member of the club,” Carlson said. ” Last year the hunt was at a later time of day so parents should pay attention to this earlier time of 10 a.m.”
“One might ask why we do this every year,” Carlson said. “I am reminded of the 30 years or so the Fort Scott High School performed Handel’s Messiah at Easter time. We had a 500 voice choir, directed by Carl Clinesmith. The choir was so large that we performed from the elevated seating and the audience sat on the main floor facing the elevated seating.”
This, too, was an annual ritual for over 30 years, Carlson said.
“It’s a spring wake-up,” he said.
The Easter bunny,(aka Scott Flater) with friend Dan Meara in the 2009 egg hunt. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott Kiwanis has 27 members.
“The Kiwanis Club has help from our supporters, Big Sugar Lumber, Heidrick’s True Value, R and R equipment Inc., Don Spirits, Diehl Banwart and Bolton, Merle Humphrey, Fort Scott Cinema, Marsha’s Deli, McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, Papa Don’s, and Citizens Bank.”
Sponsors will be recognized at the egg hunt, he said.
“We could not do it without the dedicated and sustaining help from our friends,” Carlson said.
In 2018, the Easter bunny, portrayed by Carmen Flater, gets a little help from her husband, Scott, before appearing to the children.
