Mayor to visit elementary school as part of reading project

Mayor Tyrone Garner is scheduled to visit Grant Elementary School on Wednesday morning, April 20, to read to students.

The Breakfast and Books program aims to provide an opportunity for kindergarten through second grade students to engage with positive role models in the community, from all types of career fields.

The adults may build positive relationships with students over breakfast while serving as role models who believe reading is fun and engaging.

Moses Wyatt Jr., who is active with the Breakfast and Books program with the Jegna Klub, stated that they want to be the change they wish to see in the community. Children do what they see adults doing confidently, he added. Wyatt, founder of the Jegna Klub, has many years of experience as a teacher and coach.

Some UG offices affected by cybersecurity attack

Some Unified Government offices have been affected by a cybersecurity attack last weekend, according to an updated post on the UG’s website.

Among those affected were district court, the appraiser’s office, the district attorney’s office, motor vehicle department and sheriff’s office, according to the information from the UG.

The Wyandotte County District Court was not accepting e-filings because of the cybersecurity attack, according to the updated announcement on Tuesday. Those who need to file documents were asked to come to the Wyandotte County Courthouse at 710 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas, or fax their documents to specific offices. The fax numbers are at https://www.wycokck.org/Engage-With-Us/News-articles/UG-Cybersecurity-Attack.

Those who submitted an appeal of their 2022 appraisal may have had their appointment rescheduled, according to the UG information online. Those who might be affected may call the appraiser’s office at 913-573-8400.

The district attorney’s office may have some services delayed, according to the UG’s website, and the office may be contacted by phone for more information.

According to the UG’s website, the state of Kansas has suspended all motor vehicle services with the UG, and the UG will update this situation in the future.

For those who have bids in process at the procurement office, the bids are delayed. Those who are affected may call 913-573-5440.

Booking confirmations are not available online from the Sheriff’s office, according to the announcement. For more information, call 913-573-2861.

According to the UG website, a comprehensive assessment is underway of the cybersecurity attack’s effects on systems and services.

The UG has been working with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and the Mid-America Regional Council cybersecurity task force to determine if any data has been compromised.

Kansas begins mortgage relief program

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation has launched the Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund, providing mortgage and utility assistance to Kansas households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve provided more than $190 million in assistance to keep Kansans stably housed and connected to vital services,” said Ryan Vincent, executive director of Kansas Housing. “We’re so pleased to extend that support to homeowners with KHAF. We know that the economic impact of the pandemic is far from over, and these dollars will be vital in ensuring Kansans can remain in their homes.”

The KHAF program, supported through funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered by KHRC, will help qualifying Kansans get current on their mortgages and property taxes and avoid foreclosure.

The KHAF program provides:

• Mortgage payments
• Property taxes and charges
• Utility, internet, and broadband fees
• and more

To qualify for assistance, applicants must:

• Own their primary residence in Kansas;
• Provide valid proof of identification;
• Meet income guidelines;
• Be at risk of losing their home; and
• Experience a documented financial hardship during the COVID pandemic.

Households earning up to 150 percent of their area’s median income are eligible to apply. For example, a family of four living in Lyon County could earn up to $97,650 to qualify for assistance. Eligible hardship must include a reduction in income or increase in living expenses associated with the pandemic.

Applications are accepted online, and assistance is paid directly to the lender or service provider. Eligible homeowners may receive up to $35,000 in mortgage assistance and up to $10,000 in property charge and utility assistance.

The KHAF program was developed in consultation with housing stakeholders and community members through a public feedback process. The program will operate until the state’s $56.6 million KHAF allocation is fully expended. Homeowners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure that they receive assistance in a timely manner. Applicants may check the status of their application at any time by logging in to the KHAF portal.

To learn more and apply, visit kshousingcorp.org.