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 We're Working On It!
This site is transitioning to a new server. Most of the text is in, but the links and
photos are taking more time. Stick with us, OK?
If you need something quickly, please contact Kate Watson, katewatson7@yahoo.com
WELCOME to
"Kansas of Olde." We hope this site serves as a virtual coffee shop
where those of us who own properties listed on the State or National
Historic Registers can congregate and collaborate. Please feel free to
drop by any time...and often. 
Kansas 150 Kansas commemorates 150 years of statehood on January 29, 2011 and will celebrate all year long!
Happy Birthday, Kansas!
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| For those of us who preserve and restore historic properties, this site will feature: Photos, Issues News, Info on legislation- Preservation Education NEW PAGE!
- Era-authentic Gardens, etc NEW PAGE!
Resources, special offers ! Alerts and advance notice for subscribers
Do you want to be one of the first notified of alers, updates, special offers, time-sensitive notices, etc.? Click here to SUBSCRIBE! It's free. The more subscribers we have, the more helpful we can be. Do you know others who own properties listed on the registers? Send them to this site or have them contact subscriberservices@kansasofolde.com
 Little Bluestem, the official grass of KS Going Native, Little Bluestem HB 2649 Last week the H B2649 was
debated on the House Floor. The amendments to substitute other grasses
were defeated and the bill passed by a significant majority. Background:
Owners of historic properties often express interest in legacy gardens,
era-authentic landscaping, plants with low-care and low-water
requirements. Recommendations from experts invariably include using
native plants. One endeavor to promote native plants in Kansas is to
have the Little Bluestem named the official state grass.
The Kansas Native Plant Society (KNPS) has been helping with this
initiative started in 2006 by a high school class to have The Little
Bluegrass named the official state grass. HB 2649, if passed, would do
just that.
Promoters of the bill stress that Kansas is primarily a prairie state
dominated by native grasses. The Little Bluegrass is found in every
county in Kansas, unlike buffalo grass or other native plants. As an
icon, it would accentuate the image of Kansas as the state is promoted
to potential tourists. Naming it the state grass would also help teach
the school children of Kansas, citizens, and visitors about the prairie
ecosystem and the role native grasses play in the state's economy and
the preservation of our diminishing native prairies.
Nancy Goulden and Jeff Hanson, as co-chairs for the KNPS subcommittee,
invite anyone interested in supporting this endeavor to attend the
Federal and State Affairs committee hearing on HB 2649 on February 24,
1:30 p.m. in room 346S (Old Supreme Court Room) at the Capitol in
Topeka.
Plan in Winter for Spring & Fall Flowers   
Plants for Historic Authenticity Historic
properties honor their history inside and out. Check back often and
watch this topic bloom...If you would like to contribute expertise,
contact newseditor@kansasofolde.com If
your property was built early in our state’s history, it is likely that
much of its informal landscape and gardens were a result of artfully
placed native plants watered by methods described in this article.
Authenticity begins with Mother Nature’s own selections. For research,
go to the Kansas Native Plant Society http://www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org by Angela Beavers As
Spring approaches, the urge to get out and plant flowers, grass, trees
and shrubs seems to come to mind more often than seed catalogues show up
in your mailbox. When making the decision about what to plant and where
to plant it, why not try including native plants in your landscape. Native plants have adapted to survive the hot, often dry summers of Kansas and will thrive with very little pampering. Species such as (more) Three Quick Tips for Legacy Gardens By June Schnittker 1)
Think about the "structure" of the garden first. What are the
important elements that I need to include to not only have an historic
garden but also a functional one? 2) Use "age appropriate" plant materials. The newest varieties aren't necessarily the best for your historic home. 3) Research building materials also. (An aged brick will feel better on your patio than a new multicolored paver.) June Scnittker owns Master Landscape Inc Manhattan, Ks.
Her office is in an historic home built in 1890. See also Landscape Preservation Seminar: Topeka, May 19-20 Last Week To Register! on our Education Preservation page.
How to Build a Twig Trellis
By: Karen Bussolini, This Old House magazine Ever
since colonial-era homesteaders wove wattle garden structures from
unbranched shoots of willow or hazel and set their peas to clamber over
rows of tiny-twigged birch limbs, countless generations have used sticks
to prop up their plants. Today, homeowners who want to combine beauty
and utility can do the same..... Read it here: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20296527,00.html?xid=ygnewsletter-100311-twig-trellis
 FIVE FIRE PREVENTION ESSENTIALS Increase the radius of lawn, preferably fescue, around your home
Clear out any cedar trees nearby Mow tall grass and keep branches and debris cleaned up Help your neighbors with controlled burns. Read John Henry's article, below.
ALERT. . . Fire Season: Yes,
'tis the season for grassfires, range burning, CRP controlled burns,
etc. Historic properties, especially those in rural areas, face unique
challenges when it comes to fire prevention, water storage, and access.
Please share your tips by emailing them to newseditor@kansasofolde.com. Site for seeing where the fires are:
One Community Celebrates Fire Season with a Prairie Fire Festival
Fire Prevention and Precautions (Excerpted from PRESCRIBED BURNING VS. RURAL DEVELOPMENT) By John W. Henry Why do ranchers burn? Understanding the history of the area is essential to understanding why. Most grasslands have developed with fire being the major determining factor in plant community. Fires favor grasslands and grasslands favor fire. It is believed that all major grasslands burned frequently. Burning along with grazing by herbivores shaped the grassland community. Lightning was likely the primary cause of fires prior to mans occupation. Primitive man set fires for different reasons. One was (click here to read more)
| | ALERT! and CALL to ACTION!Editor's Note: Speaking up works! Congratulations to our Subscribers and other friends of preservation. Keep it up.
Update 3/28/2012 from Christy Davis
The Conference Committee on Tax Issues is working House
Substitute for SB 177 and Senate Substitute for HB 2117. In their current
form, both bills protect the historic tax credit program. However, the
committee could make changes to the tax credit provisions. The committee's
report could go to the full House/Senate for an up or down vote as early as
Friday. As procedure prevents an opportunity to amend the report on the floor,
we will need to be prepared to respond in the event that the report proposes
detrimental changes to the program. Please stay tuned for updates and, if
necessary, a call for action. Christy Davis
Davis Preservation
LLC
909 1/2 Kansas Ave, Suite 7
Topeka, Kansas 66612
785-234-5053
cdavis@davispreservation.com
Editor's
Note: Read now and contact your state representative today. This
change in allowable historic rehabilitation credits would affect most
especially individually-owned properties. It would not eliminate those
allowed to corporations. The following phrase has been inserted several
times into the proposed tax law: For
tax year 2013 and all tax years thereafter, the income tax credit
provided by this section shall only be available to taxpayers subject to
the income tax on corporations imposed pursuant to subsection (c) of
K.S.A. 79-32,110, and amendments thereto, and shall be applied only
against such taxpayer's corporate income tax liability.
UPdate 3/20,2012
by Christy Davis
We are tracking two tax bills today. Senate Substitute for HB 2117. This
bill would greatly reduce individual income tax rates and eliminate altogether
the individual income tax for S Corps and LLCs. Although the bill
protects historic tax credits for corporate tax filers, the proposed changes to
individual income tax would greatly reduce the effectiveness and efficiency of
the historic tax credit program because there would be fewer individuals and
small businesses with the tax liability to take advantage of the credits. The
bill will be debated on the floor of the Senate
TODAY. UPDATE, HB 2560, Governor Brownback's
Tax Reform Plan. The bill would amend the historic tax credit program to allow
the credits to be used only against corporate income tax. The bill is "below
the line" on today's House Calendar, meaning it will not be
considered today.
The Governor Brownback's Tax Reform bill will be read in Monday (March 18, 2012) and could be considered on the House floor as
early as Tuesday. The bill would amend the historic tax credit program to allow
the credits to be used only against corporate income tax (see more detailed
summary below). In its current form, the historic tax credit program allows for
credits against income, privilege and premiums taxes. As proposed in House Bill
2560, the historic tax credits could be used only against corporate income tax. Because the vast majority of the end users
of historic tax credits are not corporations, the Governor’s plan would reduce
the efficiency and effectiveness of the credits for most projects. For instance,
many state historic credits are purchased by syndicators who pass them on to
non-corporate taxpayers. Limiting to corporate filers would not only drive down
the demand and price for credits, but also would affect the market for smaller
projects which are often too small to interest corporate investors. In its
current form, the historic tax credit program is a great tool for attracting
capital to our state and creating much-needed jobs. The Governor’s plan would
place these labor-intensive projects in jeopardy. Christy Davis
Davis Preservation
LLC
909 1/2 Kansas Ave, Suite 7
Topeka, Kansas 66612
785-234-5053
cdavis@davispreservation.com
-- Editor's note: Read bill herex
You, the 90%, and the Nitty Gritty Facts
Excerpted from the report by Steven J. Anderson, CPA, MBA Director of the Budget, submitted to the House Committee on Taxation in accordance with KSA 75-3715a SUBJECT: Fiscal Note for HB 2560
.
. . The Kansas Historical Society indicates that the bill would no
longer allow the Historical Preservation Tax Credit to be claimed by
individual income taxpayers. The Historical Society is responsible for
administering this tax credit program and indicates that if the tax
credit would only be able to be claimed by corporate taxpayers, then the
demand for this program would be greatly reduced. The agency indicates
that there were 119 approved projects in FY 2011 and estimates that
applications for new projects would be reduced by approximately 90.0 percent
under the provisions of this bill. The agency indicates that expenses
for administering this program are paid through application fees. With
the anticipated reduction in fee revenues, the agency indicates it would
either reduce the number of positions that are used to administer this
program from 2.00 FTE positions to 1.00 FTE position or raise its
application fees to make up the anticipated shortfall of $29,050. The
Department of Commerce is responsible for managing a number of
individual income tax credits which would be eliminated under the bill. .
. .
Tax Credits
. . . Additional sections would repeal tax credits currently
allowed to individuals (but not to corporations) for food sales
tax rebates; abandoned well plugging; adoption expenses;
agritourism; alternative fuel equipment expenditures; assistive
technology; child and dependent care expenses; child day
care expenses; disabled access expenditures; environmental
compliance expenditures; individual development account
contributions; law enforcement training center contributions;
historic preservation expenditures; angel investor
contributions; community service contributions; small
employer health benefit plan contributions; swine facility
improvement expenditures; port authority contributions; small
employer health benefit plan contributions; swine facility
improvement expenditures; telecommunications property tax
payments; venture capital contributions; and certain
temporary assistance to family contributors.
Some Good Newsfrom Christy Davis The
Senate Taxation Committee worked SB 339, the Governor's Tax Reform
Plan, this morning. The bill was amended to protect the historic tax
credits in their current form and passed out of committee. It will now
move on to the full Senate. Another step in the right direction. To
thank the committee members, click on the link, below, for contact info. http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2011_12/committees/ctte_s_assess_tax_1/.
Lobbyist Hired
--- Submitted by Christy Davis
(Topeka, Ks 1/09/12) The 2012 Kansas Legislative Session begins
TODAY and Friends of Historic Preservation, a coalition of
preservation professionals and supporters, has been tracking tax
revision proposals that could affect the historic tax credit program. The
Governor appointed a tax-reform task force to help develop his plan, to be
announced at the state-of-the-state address on January 11 (Wednesday). Other
plans are being discussed in the Kansas House and Senate. Senate President Steve
Morris has appointed a bipartisan committee, which is scheduled to meet January
13, to respond to the Governor's plan.
Although we will not have details on the Governor's
plan until this week, our research indicates that the administration's and
legislature's plans could include efforts to eliminate state income tax and/or
all tax incentives. Because of the possible implications for the historic tax
credit program, Friends of Historic Preservation has hired Terry Humphrey
of TERRY HUMPHREY Public Affairs Group to represent us at the Statehouse. (You can
contribute by sending a check to "Friends of Historic Preservation" to me at the
address below.) We will keep contributors posted on all developments in detail.
Below is a summary of some of the successes of the historic tax credit
program. The
Kansas Historic Tax Credit program (HTC) is a cost-effective tool proven to
create jobs, promote economic expansion in urban and rural communities, and
incentivize redevelopment throughout
Kansas: - Prior to
2001, there was very little redevelopment activity in Kansas.
- Since
2001, the tax credit program has created 15,000 new jobs and generated
more than $700 million in gross state product.
- Each $1
of public investment leverages at least $3 of private
investment."
Christy Davis
Davis Preservation
LLC
909 1/2 Kansas Ave, Suite 7
Topeka, Kansas 66612
785-234-5053
cdavis@davispreservation.com
Editor's note. The connection between Historic Preservation and H.R.3534,
the Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources Act, (CLEAR Act)
is that the Historic Preservation Fund receives revenues from Outer
Continental Shelf oil and gas leases. The Historic Preservation Fund
hasn’t received full funding since its inception in 1974. National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) Asks Voters to Contact Congress Passage of HR 3534 could fully fund the NTHP. The vote is expected by Friday (1/30/2010). Read notice from NTHP on our News Page UPDATE (7/31/2010) Passed the House 209-193 on Friday, 7/30/2010, at 6:23p.m. Kansas representativs: Moore voted yes. Jenkins voted no. Moran and Thiahrt did not vote. See http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2010/roll513.xml The bill will move on to the Senate. UPDATE (8/5/2010) NTHP asks supporters to: 1) Thank their Representatives for their support of the CLEAR Act,if they voted in favor of it, and let them know how their support of the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) will help their community and their organization. And
2) Work
the Senate: The Senate is in session for one more week, during which
time, they may vote on their version of an energy bill that
unfortunately does not include full funding for the HPF. Let Senators
know how the HPF benefits their State and ask that the HPF be included
in the Senate energy bill. As always, providing case studies and
examples of how this will benefit your community can help make the case
more compelling.
UPDATE (8/6/2010) The Senate has decided to postpone consideration of this Act until September. Further updates: http://www.preservationnation.org/resources/newsletters/public-policy-weekly-bulletin/Public-Policy-Weekly-Bulletin-2-1-1-2-1-1-1.html.
At Your Request Visit our
"Library and Shop" page for books, CDs, DVDs, software, and other items
chosen by and for our subscribers. (Click button at left.)
While US Lawmakers Make Sausage, Kansas Lawmakers Quietly Make Quiche! The 2010 Kansas Legislative Session, Thus far… Kansas
of Olde has been following bills of interest and great importance to
our subscribers. Much more detailed information is located on our (See background on issues.) Here’s a brief update: HB 2083, which would eliminate the Environs Review process, fortunately did not advance out of committee from last year’s session. SB 430,
which included wording from HB 2496, eliminates the unintended
consequences of the cap placed on rehabilitation tax credits in last
year’s session: PASSED and SIGNED by the Governor HB 2445
maintains local control of descisions regarding land use and properties
near military installations: PASSED and SIGNED by the Governor HB 2649 designates Little Bluestem as the official state grass: PASSED and SIGNED by the Governor Kansas
of Olde emails E-Alerts to subscribers depending on the importance and
urgency of the info. If you are not a subscriber, click here to sign up. It's free.
Major New Report Just Out! Rutgers University Study Illustrates Federal Historic Tax Credits' Ability to Create Jobs, and Stimulate the Economy
Washington, D.C. (March 3, 2010) –
A comprehensive new report conducted by Rutgers, the State University
of New Jersey, analyzes the economic impact of the federal Historic Tax
Credit since its inception in 1976 and concludes that the Historic Tax
Credit is a highly efficient job creator—accounting for the creation of
1.8 million new jobs over the life of the program. The report
Emporia Ks Main Street Study This study, done by Casey Woods,Executive Director of Emporia Main Street, documents growth of jobs and economic development resulting from historic properties using tax credits. From data gleaned from several data-rich Main Streets around Kansas, the study found: On average, following a historic tax credit project, building rehabs and new construction in a downtown soared 24% Dollars spent on reheb and new construction in downtowns increased 157% following a historic tax credit project. Despite job losses nationwide, downtowns studied realized a net job gain of 31% in the past two years.
Do you care about historic preservation? Our politicians are not mind readers. If you don't say it, they won't know it !
A State Budget Cut that Would Benefit Ecological Resources in Kansas ---- Audubon of Kansas ...This is
a great time to eliminate excessive -- often ecologically destructive
-- mowing along state highways and the Kansas Turnpike, and to adopt the
limited mowing practices recommended by a broad base of conservation
organizations.
Filter This First Through Your Historic Guidelines, Then Save Some Big Bucks
The Household Weatherization Program has additional money available for
the current 2009-2010 program year. Eligibility for the Weatherization
Program is based solely on income; however, the maximum income limits have been increased. To view the new income limits or to read more about the program, click here. For a pdf downloadable application, click here.
More info about the program and contact info for all areas of Kansas: Weatherization/wxbrochure09.pdf
Historic Buildings Would be Eligible for a 20% Boost in Energy-saving Awards
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) has asked citizens
to contact their legislators by to ask for their support of the
"American Clean Energy and Security Act." (HR 2454, See below.) On
Friday, the House narrowly passed the legislation 219-212. Before it can
become law it must make it through the Senate where it is expected to
meet even stronger opposition.
In its press release, the NTHP praised the passage of the legislation
in the House, especially because homeowners and businesses would be
provided financial incentives for weatherization under a new Retrofit for Energy and Environmental Performance (REEP) (more) Kansas Members of Congress voted: Rep Jerry Moran (R-Ks 1st Dist) NO
Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-Ks 2nd Dist) NO
Rep. Dennis Moore (D-K. 3rd Dist) YES
Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-K. 4th Dist) NO
Roadside Photo Courtesy of Kathy Tidwell UPDATE (1/09/11): KDOT's New Improved Approach to Roadside Management The Kansas Departmet Of Transportation's decade report is at http://www.ksdot.org/PDF_Files/FINALKDOTREPORT.PDF Note
that the new approach to roadside management is featured on PDF page 22
(when you open the PDF, enter page 22 to go directly there. )The Kansas
Natove Plant Society Roadside Management Team provided guidance in this
revised management approach. --- Update submitted by Karen Hummel Counties Can Cut Costs While Improving Roadsides with Wildflowers and Grasses Submitted by Kathy Tidwell It’s almost time to mow again and time to rethink where and how often we mow.
The
Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) began a new policy in 2008
that saves time, saves money, makes roadsides interesting again,
improves wildlife habitat, and is great for the environment. Perhaps
those who have turned roadside ditches in rural areas of Kansas
counties into extensions of their yards would like to do the same with
some rethinking and encouragement. Who of us wouldn’t like to save time
and money, especially since all we have to do is stop mowing.
Beautiful
and unique grasses and native flowers of our Flinthills area would be
allowed to show off. People visit the Flinthills especially to see our
native wildflowers, grasses, wildlife and birds. Let’s encourage that
by letting the sunflowers, goldenrod, pitchers sage, gayfeathers, and
especially the butterfly milkweed show off their blooms.
Butterflies,
birds, and bees would all be more plentiful. And we do need to assist
those pollinators or none of us will be eating.
The grasses act
as snow fences so we would see less drifted over in places. KDOT is
hopeful that less snow on roads may increase safety, visibility, and
lower maintenance costs.
KDOT is mowing roadways less to save
money in tight budget times and to increase habitat for wildlife. In
the past, roadsides were mowed from pavement to fence. Now only
shoulders and intersections are mowed. The policy does not extend to
counties, so let county commissioners know how to save money and improve
habitat at the same time.
Other states plant flowers along
roadsides; Kansas has unique grasses and beautiful native plants
(remember buttercups, compass plants?). Give plants a chance. We have
everything to gain and nothing to lose.
Kathy
Tidwell and her husband are retired educators (ESU). They live on the
Cottonwood River between Emporia and Neosho Rapids where they have
planted many trees, bushes, and restored acres to native grasses and
forbes. They have also established a 109 acre wetlands near Colony,
Ks.
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