Two local students were named to university deans’ lists.
Justin Duffy is on Southern New Hampshire University’s fall 2024 dean’s list. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 to 3.699 are included.
Reilley Moore is on the dean’s list at Missouri State University. Criteria include enrollment in at least 12 credit hours during the fall semester and at least a 3.5 grade point average.
County to offer property tax rebate program for seniors, disabled veterans
Douglas County will offer low-income seniors and disabled veterans a one-year property tax rebate for up to $300.
Douglas County’s program is similar to one the City Commission has discussed. The program is for either disabled veterans or those 65 and older. Beneficiaries must own and occupy a home that is not used as a short-term rental and has an appraised value of $350,000 or less.
The beneficiary’s household income must be at or below U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s very low-income limits. For a one-person household, the maximum income limit is $35,700, and for two, it is $40,800.
Applications for the county program are on the county website. Rebate funding comes from $500,000 in the county’s general fund reserves. Johnson County is the only other Kansas county that offers a similar program, according to a Douglas County news release.
Natural and cultural heritage grants available
Over $200,000 in grants are available as part of a new natural and cultural heritage grant program in Douglas County.
The Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council is accepting applications for grants ranging from $5,000 to $75,000 to support projects centered around cultural heritage, natural heritage or historic preservation in the next two years.
According to a Douglas County news release, council members will be looking for a few traits when deciding grant funding, including seeking out projects from underrepresented communities and projects that focus on the conservation and restoration of native ecosystems.
The application deadline is March 6 and interested applicants are required to discuss their project with Heritage Conservation Coordinator Kaitlyn Ammerlaan by Feb. 21, before they apply.
The council will make recommendations for funding to the County Commission in April.