COVID-19, Government, Kansas

COVID-19 Travel Quarantine List Amended

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Office of the Secretary LetterheadFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 6, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to add Colorado and the countries of Cabo Verde, India, Maldives and Seychelles.  Several locations are removed from the list effective today, including New Jersey and New York, as well as the countries of Andorra, Aruba, Bermuda, Curacao, France, Hungary, Poland and Serbia.

A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine includes visitors and Kansans who have:

  • Traveled on or after May 6 to Colorado or the countries of Cabo Verde, India, Maldives and Seychelles.
  • Traveled on or after April 22 to Minnesota or the countries of Argentina, Bahrain, Croatia, Cyprus, Sweden and Turkey.
  • Traveled on or after April 8 to Pennsylvania or the country of Uruguay.
  • Traveled on or after March 26 to Delaware, Michigan or Rhode Island.
  • Traveled on or after March 12 to the country of State of Palestine.
  • Traveled between April 22 and May 6 to Aruba or France.
  • Traveled between April 8 and May 6 to Andorra, Bermuda, Curacao, Poland or Serbia.
  • Traveled between March 26 and May 6 to Hungary.
  • Traveled between March 12 and May 6 to New Jersey or New York.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

The travel quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.

For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine)
  • Are within 6 months following receipt of the last dose in the series
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
  • Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.
Government, Health Care, Kansas

Preventing Stillbirth

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KDHE partners with parents and providers to improve birth outcomes

TOPEKA – This Mother’s Day, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Bureau of Family Health is partnering with Count the Kicks, an evidence-based stillbirth prevention campaign. The goal of Count the Kicks is to improve birth outcomes by educating expectant parents and providers about the importance of tracking fetal movement in the third trimester of pregnancy. According to Kansas Vital Statistics, one out of every 179 pregnancies* ends in stillbirth.[1] That equates to approximately 210 babies born still each year.[2]

“The Bureau of Family Health is committed to working closely with partners and organizations to support the healthiest outcomes for mothers and infants,” said Rachel Sisson, Director of the Bureau of Family Health at KDHE.  “We are proud to support evidence-based prevention programs such as Count the Kicks, and we have heard from Kansas moms that this campaign has made a difference in their lives.”

Maternal health providers, birthing hospitals, social services agencies, childbirth educators and other providers across our state can order FREE Count the Kicks educational materials available at www.countthekicks.org to guide them through the kick-counting conversation with expectant parents.

Count the Kicks also has a free app available in the iOS and Google Play app stores, giving expectant moms a simple, non-invasive way to monitor their baby’s well-being every day. The Count the Kicks app is available in 12 languages, including English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole. Features include kick-counting history, daily reminders and option to count for twins. Nearly 2,100 Kansas moms have downloaded the app.

Count the Kicks teaches the method for, and importance of, tracking fetal movement during the third trimester of pregnancy. Research shows the benefits of expectant moms tracking their baby’s movements daily and learning how long it normally takes their baby to get to 10 movements. After a few days, moms will begin to see a pattern, a normal amount of time it takes their baby to get to 10 movements. If their baby’s “normal” changes during the third trimester, this could be a sign of potential problems and an indication that a call should be made to the health care provider.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, expectant moms have reported changes to their regularly scheduled prenatal visits and an increase in telehealth visits. Now is an especially important time for moms to track their baby’s movements every day in the third trimester. By doing so, moms will have the peace of mind to know when things are okay and when things have changed.

In Iowa, where Count the Kicks began, the state’s stillbirth rate dropped by nearly 32 percent in the first 10 years of the campaign (2008-2018). Iowa’s stillbirth rate was one of the highest in the country and is now one of the lowest. KDHE is hoping to bring the same success that Iowa has seen to Kansas which would save approximately 58 babies each year.[3]

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About Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Family Health

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s mission is to protect and improve the health and environment of all Kansans. The Bureau of Family Health within the Division of Public Health provides leadership to enhance the health of Kansas women, men, children, and families through partnerships with providers and communities. The Bureau administers the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) programming for Kansas, which includes improving maternal and infant health. Find more information about KDHE and the Bureau of Family Health at: www.kdheks.gov/bfh/index.html.

About Count the Kicks

Healthy Birth Day, Inc. is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that created the Count the Kicks public health campaign. Count the Kicks has been featured on Good Morning America, Inside Edition and in O Magazine. Count the Kicks has more than 75 baby-save stories from moms in 24 states around the country who have written in to share how they used Count the Kicks to help save their baby’s life. B-Roll of the Count the Kicks app in use is available upon request. For media interviews or to learn more about the Count the Kicks campaign, please contact Kimberly Isburg at 515-494-5115 or at [email protected].

 

[1] Number based on dividing 1,000 by the 5-year average stillbirth rate. Stillbirth data from KDHE Bureau of Epidemiology & Public Health Informatics. Stillbirths do not include abortions.

[2] Number based on the 5-year average stillbirth numbers, total stillbirth data from KDHE Bureau of Epidemiology & Public Health Informatics. Stillbirths do not include abortions.

[3] Number based on 5-year average stillbirth rate, multiplied by the 32% reduction seen in Iowa. Stillbirth data is from Kansas Vital Statistics. Note stillbirth rate is calculated by: Fetal Deaths/(Total of Live Births + Fetal Deaths)*1,000.

*Pregnancies does not include abortions, only live births, and stillbirths.

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Business

Evergy’s Plan: Public Comments Sought

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KCC invites public comments on Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has opened a public comment period beginning today through July 7 to allow Evergy customers the opportunity to weigh in on the company’s proposed Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP). The plan, approved by Evergy’s Board of Directors in August, is designed to cut operating and maintenance expenses while increasing capital expenditures.

To protect the interest of Kansas ratepayers, the Commission opened a General Investigation on August 27 to provide KCC staff, stakeholders, and Evergy an opportunity to discuss and evaluate the plan.

As part of the investigation, a series of workshops were scheduled and broadcast for the public on the KCC’s YouTube channel.  The final workshop is scheduled for May 24 at 10 a.m. At that time, Evergy will present an updated STP plan incorporating feedback from earlier workshops and answer questions from intervenors and Commissioners.

Recordings of the three previous workshops are available on YouTube for anyone who missed them. Topics covered include grid modernization investments and related benefits, operational efficiencies, and enhanced customer experience.

Additional information is available in Docket No. 21-EKME-088-GIE on the KCC’s website .  The Commission has requested all participants in the docket file background information explaining the proceeding and their respective positions.

Public comments can be submitted online via the KCC website, through email ([email protected]) or in a letter to the agency’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 1500 SW Arrowhead, Topeka, KS 66614. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on July 7 and will be included in the case record.

Area News, Bourbon County

Evergy Announces 2021 First Quarter Results

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  • GAAP EPS of $0.84; Adjusted EPS (Non-GAAP) of $0.55
  • Declares quarterly dividend of $0.535
  • Raises 2021 GAAP earnings guidance; affirms 2021 adjusted earnings guidance

 

Kansas City, Mo., May 6, 2021 – Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) today announced first quarter 2021 earnings of $192 million, or $0.84 per share, compared with earnings of $69 million, or $0.31 per share, for the first quarter of 2020.

 

Evergy’s adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) were $125 million and $0.55, respectively, in the first quarter of 2021 compared with $94 million and $0.41, respectively, in the first quarter of 2020. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) are reconciled to GAAP earnings in the financial table included in this release.

 

First quarter earnings per share were driven higher primarily by favorable power marketing margins gained during the February winter weather event, which also favorably impacted retail sales compared to the prior year.  Adjusted earnings exclude power marketing margins gained during the February winter weather event, as well as executive transition, severance, and advisor expenses.

 

“We are off to a solid start in 2021,” said David Campbell, Evergy president and chief executive officer. “Our team continues to execute – delivering strong financial results in the first quarter and advancing several key regulatory and legislative objectives.”

 

Net-Zero Carbon Goal

 

Evergy recently announced its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which outlines and accelerates the company’s carbon reduction timeline.  Evergy plans to add 3,200 megawatts of renewable generation and retire nearly 1,200 megawatts of coal-based generation in the next 10 years. The plan balances sustainability, reliability, and affordability, and outlines Evergy’s goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045, enabled by a combination of supportive energy policies and ongoing technology developments.  As part of the plan, Evergy also announced an interim target to reduce its carbon emissions 70 percent by 2030, relative to 2005 levels.

 

“Our net-zero carbon emission goal establishes a vision of accelerating our transition toward cleaner energy, benefitting our customers, communities and stakeholders,” said Campbell.  “Reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy benefits our customers by reducing operating costs and by making our operations more environmentally sustainable.  The growth of renewable energy will bring economic benefits to our region through cost-competitive generation and investment in rural communities.  Our plan will also assist our customers in meeting their own sustainability goals.”

 

 

 

Earnings Guidance

 

Evergy has raised its 2021 GAAP EPS guidance range to $3.43 to $3.63, from $3.14 to $3.34 primarily due to the impact of favorable power marketing margins gained during the February winter weather event, which the Company has excluded from its adjusted earnings.  The Company has affirmed its 2021 adjusted EPS guidance range of $3.20 to $3.40 and long-term adjusted EPS annual growth target of 6% to 8% from 2019 through 2024.

 

Dividend Declaration

 

The Board of Directors declared a dividend on the Company’s common stock of $0.535 per share

payable on June 21, 2021. The dividends are payable to shareholders of record as of May 21, 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

This earnings announcement, a package of detailed first-quarter financial information, theCompany’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2021 and other filings theCompany has made with the Securities and Exchange Commission are available on the Company’s

website at http://investors.evergy.com.

 

 

Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP) and Adjusted Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP)

 

Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) exclude the income or costs resulting from non-regulated energy marketing margins from the February 2021 winter weather event, and costs resulting from executive transition, severance, and advisor expenses. This information is intended to enhance an investor’s overall understanding of results. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) are used internally to measure performance against budget and in reports for management and the Evergy Board of Directors. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other companies’ presentations or more useful than the GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report.

 

The following tables provide a reconciliation between net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. and diluted earnings per common share as determined in accordance with GAAP and adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP).

 

Evergy, Inc

Consolidated Earnings and Diluted Earnings Per Share

(Unaudited)

 

Earnings (Loss)

  

Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share

  

Earnings (Loss)

  

Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share
Three Months Ended March 31

2021

  

2020
 

(millions, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. $

191.6

  $

0.84

  $

69.4

  $

0.31

Non-GAAP reconciling items:              
Non-regulated energy marketing margin related to winter weather event, pre-tax(a)

(96.5)

 

(0.42)

 

—

 

—

Non-regulated energy marketing costs related to winter weather event, pre-tax(b)

2.0

 

0.01

 

—

 

—

Executive transition costs, pre-tax(c)

5.5

 

0.02

 

—

 

—

Severance costs, pre-tax(d)

1.6

 

0.01

 

27.0

 

0.12

Advisor expenses, pre-tax(e)

1.5

 

0.01

 

6.6

 

0.02

Income tax expense (benefit)(f)

19.7

 

0.08

 

(8.8)

 

(0.04)

Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) $

125.4

  $

0.55

  $

94.2

  $

0.41

  1. Reflects non-regulated energy marketing margins related to the winter weather event in February 2021 and are included in operating revenues on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  2. Reflects non-regulated energy marketing incentive compensation costs related to the winter weather event in February 2021 and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  3. Reflects costs associated with executive transition including inducement bonuses, severance agreements and other transition expenses and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  4. Reflects severance costs incurred associated with certain voluntary severance programs at the Evergy Companies and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  5. Reflects advisor expenses incurred associated with strategic planning and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  6. Reflects an income tax effect calculated at a statutory rate of approximately 22% in 2021 and 26% in 2020, with the exception of certain non-deductible items.

GAAP to Non-GAAP Earnings Guidance

Earnings per
Diluted Share

Guidance
2021 Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc.

$3.43 – $3.63
Non-GAAP reconciling items:

Non-regulated energy marketing margin related to winter weather event(a)

(0.42)
Non-regulated energy marketing costs related to winter weather event(b)

0.03
Executive transition costs(c)

0.03
Severance costs(d)

0.01
Advisor expenses(e)

0.05
Income tax expense (benefit)(f)

0.07
2021 Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP)

$3.20 – $3.40

  1. Reflects non-regulated energy marketing margins related to the winter weather event in February 2021 and are included in operating revenues on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  2. Reflects non-regulated energy marketing incentive compensation costs related to the winter weather event in February 2021 and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  3.  Reflects costs associated with executive transition including inducement bonuses, severance agreements and other transition expenses and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  4.  Reflects severance costs incurred associated with certain voluntary severance programs at the Evergy Companies and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  5. Reflects advisor expenses incurred associated with strategic planning and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  6.  Reflects an income tax effect calculated at a statutory rate of approximately 22% in 2021, with the exception of certain non-deductible items.

About Evergy

Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG), provides clean, safe and reliable energy to 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri. The 2018 combination of KCP&L and Westar Energy to form Evergy created a leading energy company that provides value to shareholders and a stronger company for customers.

Evergy’s mission is to empower a better future. Today, half the power supplied to homes and businesses by Evergy comes from emission-free sources, creating more reliable energy with less impact to the environment. We will continue to innovate and adopt new technologies that give our customers better ways to manage their energy use.

For more information about Evergy, visit us at http://investors.evergy.com.

 

Forward Looking Statements

Statements made in this release that are not based on historical facts are forward-looking, may involve risks and uncertainties, and are intended to be as of the date when made. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our strategic plan, including, without limitation, those related to earnings per share, dividend, operating and maintenance expense and capital investment goals; the outcome of legislative efforts and regulatory and legal proceedings; future energy demand; future power prices; plans with respect to existing and potential future generation resources; the availability and cost of generation resources and energy storage; target emissions reductions; and other matters relating to expected financial performance or affecting future operations. Forward-looking statements are often accompanied by forward-looking words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “seeks,” “intends,” “proposed,” “projects,” “planned,” “target,” “outlook,” “remain confident,” “goal,” “will” or other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information.

In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Evergy, Inc., Evergy Kansas Central, Inc. and Evergy Metro, Inc. (collectively, the Evergy Companies) are providing a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking information. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to: economic and weather conditions and any impact on sales, prices and costs; changes in business strategy or operations; the impact of federal, state and local political, legislative, judicial and regulatory actions or developments, including deregulation, re-regulation, securitization and restructuring of the electric utility industry; decisions of regulators regarding, among other things, customer rates and the prudency of operational decisions such as capital expenditures and asset retirements; changes in applicable laws, regulations, rules, principles or practices, or the interpretations thereof, governing tax, accounting and environmental matters, including air and water quality and waste management and disposal; the impact of climate change, including increased frequency and severity of significant weather events and the extent to which counterparties are willing to do business with, finance the operations of or purchase energy from the Evergy Companies due to the fact that the Evergy Companies operate coal-fired generation; prices and availability of electricity in wholesale markets; market perception of the energy industry and the Evergy Companies; the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on, among other things, sales, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows, and also on operational issues, such as the availability and ability of our employees and suppliers to perform the functions that are necessary to operate the Evergy Companies; changes in the energy trading markets in which the Evergy Companies participate, including retroactive repricing of transactions by regional transmission organizations (RTO) and independent system operators; financial market conditions and performance, including changes in interest rates and credit spreads and in availability and cost of capital and the effects on derivatives and hedges, nuclear decommissioning trust and pension plan assets and costs; impairments of long-lived assets or goodwill; credit ratings; inflation rates; the transition to a replacement for the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) benchmark interest rate; effectiveness of risk management policies and procedures and the ability of counterparties to satisfy their contractual commitments; impact of physical and cybersecurity breaches, criminal activity, terrorist attacks and other disruptions to the Evergy Companies’ facilities or information technology infrastructure or the facilities and infrastructure of third-party service providers on which the Evergy Companies rely; ability to carry out marketing and sales plans; cost, availability, quality and timely provision of equipment, supplies, labor and fuel; ability to achieve generation goals and the occurrence and duration of planned and unplanned generation outages; delays and cost increases of generation, transmission, distribution or other projects; the Evergy Companies’ ability to manage their transmission and distribution development plans and transmission joint ventures; the inherent risks associated with the ownership and operation of a nuclear facility, including environmental, health, safety, regulatory and financial risks; workforce risks, including those related to the Evergy Companies’ ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, maintain satisfactory relationships with their labor unions and manage costs of, or changes in, retirement, health care and other benefits; disruption, costs and uncertainties caused by or related to the actions of individuals or entities, such as activist shareholders or special interest groups, that seek to influence Evergy’s strategic plan, financial results or operations; the possibility that strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, and long-term financial plans, may not create the value that they are expected to achieve in a timely manner or at all; difficulties in maintaining relationships with customers, employees, regulators or suppliers; and other risks and uncertainties.

This list of factors is not all-inclusive because it is not possible to predict all factors. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed from time to time in current, quarterly and annual reports filed by the Evergy Companies with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Reports filed by the Evergy Companies with the SEC should also be read for more information regarding risk factors. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. The Evergy Companies undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Investor Contact:

Cody VandeVelde

Director, Investor Relations

Phone: 785-575-8227

[email protected]

 ­

Media Contact:

Gina Penzig

Manager, External Communications

Phone: 785-508-2410

[email protected]        

Media line: 888-613-0003

Continue reading Evergy Announces 2021 First Quarter Results →

Business, Fort Scott

Star Emporium Closes in Downtown Fort Scott

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Bill Michaud. Submitted photo.

Star Emporium Downtown General Store owner Bill Michaud announced the closing of the store after four months on a May 5 post on its Facebook page.

The store is located at 17 S. Main and featured grocery store items and a deli.

 

The Star Emporium’ was formerly the Kress Store in Downtown Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

 

Starting today all items in the store will be 20 percent off, then Friday and Saturday-40 % off, then Monday-60 % off.

 

“It’s an awful feeling for something that I had such high hopes to make a difference in the elevation of the retail climate downtown to be shut down so quickly,” Michaud told fortscott.biz.   “The perishable inventory and low sales level pushed us to this.”

 

Michaud is working on a new chapter of the storefront in downtown Fort Scott, though.

 

 

 

 

“We certainly hope that Fort Scott comes out and helps us liquidate our inventory this Friday and Saturday,” Michaud said.  “We will be closed on Mother’s Day and most of what’s left will be offered for sale at 60% off on Monday.”
  “We are very hopeful that all perishable and frozen items are purchased so that we can shut down the refrigeration equipment,” he said. “IF our sale is successful, Monday will be our last day open.”
 “We will open the deli and sell sandwiches on Monday to utilize as much deli meat and cheese as possible but the salad bar will not be open.”

 

“We will keep our regular hours during the sale – 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.,” he said.
What is on the horizon for you at this storefront?
“Since its inception, this project has been about aiding the growth of our downtown, addressing the limited food access in this part of the community, and giving local producers a place to sell products,” Michaud said.  ” We’ve done all those things, but we have unfortunately learned that our business model was not financially sustainable.”
  “Because this project was funded in large part by the SPARK grant (A COVID-19 relief grant) funding that we received, we have always viewed this as investment in the community, so we have an obligation to figure out a different business model that is sustainable and still helps us with the objectives set forth by that grant program.”
Food Producers Co-Op
“The new model we are working to put together will be more of a producer’s co-op type format,” he said.   “We are looking for people who produce products of all types in our region that are looking for a marketplace.”
  “We will begin hosting producer meetings soon and form a co-op model together to create that marketplace at the store,” Michaud said.  ” There are still more questions than answers on how this will come together but we will navigate the questions together with the producers to create a model that the group feels will be sustainable and beneficial for all involved.”
“We’re getting more community involvement in hopes that we can attract more broad-based support and offer more products that people will go out of their way to buy than was offered in the previous grocery store model.”
Licensed Commercial Kitchen
“Our current deli will become available as a licensed commercial kitchen in which space may be reserved for co-op members, as well as others, to rent in order to produce products that are able to be sold to retailers.”
 “Currently there is no licensed commercial kitchen available for use in our community for small quantity producers or that can be used as a food-based business incubator,” Michaud said.  “This opportunity will allow someone to start small and develop a base business prior to expanding into a larger space such as a restaurant, bakery, or other food production facility.”
 “With great resources in our community such as the Center for Economic Growth on the second floor of the (Star Emporium) store and the Chamber of Commerce E-Community loan program,  we hope to continue to pursue the economic impact goal that was one of the purposes of the SPARK program.”
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Gordon Parks Museum Fundraiser Event: Feature Contemporary Jazz and R&B Violinist, Dominique Hammons

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Fort Scott-The Gordon Parks Museum Fundraiser event, will feature Jazz & RB Violinist, Dominique Hammons in a music performance at 8:00 p.m. at the Liberty Theater in Fort Scott, KS on Friday, June 18, 2021. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

This event is supported in part by Liberty Theater, Bourbon County Arts Council, and Briggs-Fort Scott.

“We are very excited and thrilled that we are able to bring the sensational multi-talented Dominique Hammons to Fort Scott. This is a performance you won’t want to miss” said Kirk Sharp, Gordon Parks Museum Director.

Dominique Hammons is a young, energetic, Contemporary/Jazz and R&B Violinist from Houston, TX and started playing classical violin at the age of eight.

Hammons attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston and was a member of the school orchestra program for four years. After high school, Dominique attended the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma, and graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Performance with an emphasis in Jazz.

During the early part of middle and high school years, Hammons performed for four years with the Houston Youth Symphony Orchestra, receiving high accolades for excellence. Dominique also performed with other orchestra and chamber groups such as Virtuosi of Houston and TMEA All-State Orchestra. He was also chosen to study and perform with the Diaz Music Institute’s Youth Latin Jazz group, “Caliente”.

According from his biography, his ‘God given’ talent has been recognized with many awards and among them, the Houston Symphony’s “Young Artist Competition”, where he won the opportunity to play a solo on stage with the Houston Symphony. He also competed and won medals and recognitions while participating in NAACP “Actso” competitions.

Since graduation, Dominique has gravitated to teaching classical violin lessons to the youth who desire to follow in his footsteps; and continues to perform in Houston and surrounding cities as a solo artist. His popularity has risen in high demand to perform at many venues and performs various genres of music such as classical, pop, gospel, jazz, hip hop, and R&B. His unique blend of music and style has granted him to perform across the nation such as Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, and Washington State.*(2020)

Hammon’s Musical career has led him to perform at the following events:

 Selected to play the National Anthem during the pre-game show at the Houston Rockets game in
November of 2018.
 He was selected to audition for the ‘2019 America’s Got Talent’ competition.
 Opening act for Johnathan Butler at the 2018 Martini Blue Jazz Festival. (Which Dominique received
a standing ovation of a crowd of 3,000.)
 Headliner for City of College Park & 7Flavors of Smooth Jazz Festival, Atlanta, GA.
Tickets are $30 each or $35 at the door. Tickets will be available at the Gordon Parks Museum located on the
campus at Fort Scott Community College or over the phone (620)-223-2700 ext. 5850.
For more information about the Fundraiser Performance Event, contact us by phone (620) – 223-2700, ext.
5850 or by email [email protected].
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Fort Scott, Government

FS Planning Commission Meets May 10

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The Fort Scott Planning Commission will meet on Monday, May 10th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to consider a change of zoning from R-1 (Residential) to C-1 (Commercial) for the property at 124 S. Judson Street; a change of zoning from A-G (Agricultural) to M-U (Mixed Use) for the property at 2127 Jayhawk Road; and a change of zoning from R-1 (Residential) to I-1 (Industrial) for the property at 310 N. National Avenue.

This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will be made available via the City’s youtube channel at City of Fort Scott.

Government, Kansas

Veterans: Explore Creative Arts Career

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Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission to hold webinar series for military artists

TOPEKA – The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) will present a virtual Artist INC Express workshop for military servicemembers, veterans and their family/caregivers living in Kansas who want to explore career options in creative arts industries.

The Artist INC Express workshop will introduce Kansas military members and veterans to career options in the creative arts sector. These highly interactive sessions will provide resources and an understanding of numerous career pathways in arts professions. Workshop sections include writing about your work, building a personal brand, goal setting and more.

“KCAIC specializes in high-quality professional development programs, and this particular workshop will provide an incredible opportunity for our military and veteran community in Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Their experiences and perspectives are welcome and needed in creating meaningful, expressive art that enriches communities and lives. I strongly urge military servicemembers, veterans and their families to participate in this valuable and interesting workshop to discover and explore ways to engage in the arts industry.”

Artist INC Express is sponsored by KCAIC in partnership with the Arts Council of Johnson County and the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs at Kansas State University.

“The Artist INC program has a proven track record of connecting creatives in all disciplines to the resources and networks necessary to build a successful practice,” KCAIC Director Peter Jasso said. “This workshop will provide critical skills to members of the military community who wish to pursue a career in the creative sector, build professional relationships, and continue service to their community through personal experience and creative expression.”

The workshops will be facilitated by experienced Artist INC peer professionals Erin McGrane, Chris Dahlquist and Erica Iman. Participants will have access to networking opportunities in discussions and activities with the artists and facilitators.

Dates and times:

  • Friday, May 21, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To register for the workshop, click here.

This 3-day workshop is for veterans, military servicemembers and their family/caregivers living in Kansas. Registration is required, however, admission to the workshop is free. All participants must be at least 18 years old and attend all three days. Seats are limited to 20.

Priority registration ends at midnight on Sunday, May 16.

The workshop will be delivered via Zoom and will be highly interactive. Registrants must have a microphone and camera-enabled computer or iPad/smart tablet or smart phone, along with a strong internet connection.

For additional questions, please contact Kathy Liao at [email protected]

To learn more about the KCAIC webinar for military artists, click here.

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.

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Coalition Minutes of May 5

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

May 5, 2021

  1. Welcome: Twelve members representing twelve agencies joined the Zoom meeting. Billie Jo Drake shared that the Coalition Board was able to approve 31 applications for the family swim pass program. She also shared that the Coalition Board had received a $6,000 donation from the Key Charitable Trust to be used for the swim pass program and rent/utility assistance. The number of requests for rent/utility assistance has been down the past few months, no doubt, due to the government programs for Covid.
  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Holly, Healthy Home Start: There will be a drive-through community baby shower on May 12 beginning a 10:00 a.m. at the health department, 524 S. Lowman. Holly can be reached at 417-661-0308 for additional information.
  • Elizabeth, Feeding Families: This program continues to serve meals to approximately 300 people each Wednesday evening.
  • Sandy, RSVP: She has enrolled several volunteers from the High Rise; she is in need of service projects. She does have Hallmark bags available.
  • Nancy, American Red Cross: Red Cross needs volunteers. Information and sign-up options can be found on the Red Cross website.
  • Allen, Compassionate Ministries: He has been able to help a number of people, including two Covid cases, with housing. He has also received a large donation of queen-sized bedding that needs to be disbursed to those who are in need.
  • Mandy, Healthy Families: They have programs for children aged 3 months to five years; she will be starting a parent support group later this month.
  • John, Thrive Allen County: Signs are all ready for the Prairie Spirit Trail – the safest way to bike from Fort Scott to Iola. He will be working to place signs soon.
  • Dena, DCCCA: DCCCA will be offering a summer youth conference for middle and high school students June 1-15; sessions will be student-led. May 9-15 is Substance Abuse Awareness week. This month’s Third Thursday Prevention topic will be “Marijuana and updated Legislation.”
  • Christine, Southeast Kansas Works: The Pittsburg office is now open with access by way of a doorbell. They are closed from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. for lunch. Christine is also continuing to be in Fort Scott at the BWERC building one day each week. She will be here Friday this week and then begin coming on Mondays.
  • Cinda, Red Cross: The recent blood drive in Fort Scott was not as large as usual; Red Cross now requires appointments to be made online, and calling only comes from the office in Wichita. The next drive in Fort Scott will be held in June.
  • Alice, SEKCAP Head Start: The home-based program works with children from prenatal through five; there is currently no waiting list.
  1. Program (no programs for Zoom meetings)
  1. Open Forum: Following discussion, the consensus was that the June 2 meeting will be a hybrid meeting. We will provide the Zoom link; in addition, we will meet in person at the community room at the High Rise, 315 Scott Avenue.

Nancy mentioned that the Good ‘Ole Days celebration will be held this year in Fort Scott.

  1. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be June 2, 2021.
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At The Nu Grille May 6

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Join us for this weeks Chamber Coffee hosted by
Nu Grille Restaurant
24 N. National Ave.
8 am
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE!
In May 2021, Nu Grille Restaurant is celebrating its 15-year anniversary at the downtown Fort Scott location under the ownership of John & Cindy Bowman.
And, 75 years of business
for the restaurant overall!
Come join us for coffee, biscuits & gravy,
cinnamon rolls and a door prize drawing!
Chamber Members & Guests are welcome
to make any announcement for $1 to the Chamber about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or any other specials!
You may wear a mask at your own discretion.
Social distancing is encouraged.
Upcoming Chamber Coffee Schedule:
5/13 ~ Billiard, Hammer, Hartman Insurance Agency
5/20 ~ KOMB FM 103.9 & 98.3
5/27 ~ FSHS Strength & Performance Program
6/3 ~ Good Ol Days -Celebrating 40th Year!
6/10 ~ Sharky’s Pub & Grub ~ Celebrating 10 Years!
6/17 ~ The Lavender Patch Farm
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

New Bourbon County Eco Devo Director: Rob Harrington

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Robert Harrington. Submitted photo.

On Monday, May 10, Rob Harrington will begin as the newly created position of Bourbon County Economic Director.

 

 

Harrington, 40,  has 13 years of experience in economic development and civil investment.

 

 

Currently living in Houston, MO, Harrington is the economic director there. He has a wife and four children.

 

The Harrington family. Submitted photo.From left: Ostin, his wife Kathryn, Rob, Braley, Hunter, and Avery.

 

 

“His office will be in the Landmark building,” Gregg Motley, chairman of Bourbon County Economic Development Council, said.  “That may be temporary, but we would like him to take ownership of a final domicile.”

 

 

Harrington has a bachelor’s of science degree from the University of Phoenix in business and has been a retail company business manager and in politics, he said.

 

 

He has a master’s degree in economic development practicum and certification from the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program sponsored by the University of Clemson, Texas Christian U., Southern Mississippi U., and New Mexico U.

 

 

He is currently finishing a master’s degree in public administration from Park University,  based in Parkville, Mo.

 

 

“I am facilitating a rural economic development class in the Kansas City portion, for the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program.”

 

 

For Harrington, the best part of his job is “Knowing if I do my job right, the person with no job, can get a job and provide for their family.”

 

 

Challenges  of Economic Development

 

 

The number of members in a family has decreased, which for this generation means fewer workers,  Harrington said.

 

 

People his parent’s age are retiring, and there are not as many people in the working-age group, he said.

 

 

 

“Also in rural areas, is ‘brain drain’ in the 1990s and early 2000s,”  Harrington said. This is where young people left their rural areas to find higher-level wages.

 

 

That is changing because of quality of life issues like cost of living and crime, and many in urban areas are seeking smaller towns, he said.

 

 

“And in my opinion, the COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the way people look at being in densely populated areas,” he said.

 

 

Work ethic also comes into play.

 

 

There is a work ethic problem when you can stay at home and receive money, he said.

 

 

“There will still be some who would live off the system,” he said.

 

 

 

Harrington has been president of the University of Missouri Extension Board and treasurer for the Houston Community Foundation, along with several other groups in his community, he said.

 

 

“My kids are active in our school, where we live,” he said.

 

 

In his spare time, he likes to hunt and fish and is a Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

 

 

 

Harrington will have a forty-hour workweek, Motley said

 

 

“We are not disclosing salary, as we are a private entity,” Motley said.  “Funding is from a budget from the county (Bourbon County Commission).

 

 

Bourbon County Local News