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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
FAA Reauthorization Update
It is Time to Vote on FAA Reauthorization
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Friday, June 30 marked the single busiest day in history at U.S. airports, with TSA screening nearly 3 million passengers alone. While airports, airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) all predicted the demand, passengers were still left stranded and sleeping on airport floors instead of celebrating Independence Day with family due to the delays, cancellations and chaos that ensued.
A Department of Transportation Inspector General (DOT IG) report released the week prior highlighted air traffic controller staffing challenges the FAA currently faces, stating the levels present a “risk to the continuity of air traffic operations” – only meeting 54% of its staffing target in the New York area. The risks detailed in this report were validated this last weekend.
As the lead Republican of the Commerce Aviation Subcommittee, I helped craft the FAA Reauthorization legislation. It is critical that we provide certainty and a long-term reauthorization to the FAA to meet the current demands. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) stalled a markup of the Senate’s bipartisan FAA Reauthorization product last month, and I urge Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) to have the committee vote on this critical legislation as soon as possible.
FAA Safety Starts at the Top
The FAA is responsible for the safety of travelers and is vital to our nation’s economy, which is why it is also deeply concerning that the FAA has not had a permanent, Senate-approved leader – the FAA Administrator – for more than 450 days. Leaving this post vacant is having a ripple effect not just in aviation but on multiple sectors and industries. Even with new resources and modernized authorities, these are just words on paper if we don’t have an FAA administrator. The FAA is too critical to be guided by interim leaders.
While Congress can help ensure resources, craft authorizing language and provide the FAA with most of the tools it needs to succeed, the agency must have a leader with a steady hand at the helm.
The White House must act to nominate an individual with extensive experience in transportation and aviation, an understanding of the role the FAA plays in consumer safety and knowledge of the business models by which aviation works in the U.S. and around the world.
I urge the president to put forward an experienced nominee so the FAA can reduce disruptions for air travelers, ensure the safety of our skies and guide us into the next era of aviation.
You can read my full op-ed in Aviation Week here.
The Bo Co Commission Minutes of July 3
July 3, 2023 Monday, 9:00 a.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioner Jim Harris and the County Clerk present in person and Commissioner Nelson Blythe attending via phone for a special meeting.
Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Deb McCoy, and Michael Hoyt were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting at 9:00 with the flag salute.
Jim explained the CARES Act grant was money received in 2020 from the federal government and was deposited into the EMS fund to help with COVID related costs. Due to turnover the reporting requirements were never completed, so therefore we must repay the federal grant to avoid additional fees. Nelson said if we do not repay the funds, we will not qualify in the future to receive grants. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, notified the Commissioners that as of today’s date the total Bourbon County must repay is $39,752.80.
Jim made a motion to repay the money we received from the CARES grant totaling $39,752.80 from the general fund. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Michael Hoyt expressed his frustration over the meetings not being aired on YouTube. Jim said he would discuss the matter when Justin Meeks, County Counselor, was present. Michael said he was extremely irritated from the prior budget session meeting when the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging and the Meals on Wheels program couldn’t agree on what services they provide. Michael said he came prepared to speak, but will talk another time.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:07. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Approved 7-10-2023
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
_______________, Approved Date
The Bo Co Commission Minutes of June 28
June 28, 2023 Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Clifton Beth and the County Clerk present for a fence viewing at 1023 115th Street.
Gary Hall, landowner requesting the fence viewing, was also present for the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting at 10:00 to view the fence in question located between Jayhawk Road and Kansas Road on 120th Street.
After viewing the fence Clifton Beth made a motion that both fences meet the Bourbon County resolution and state statute as legal fences so therefore it is the recommended by the Board of County Commissioners that the landowners follow state statute. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:06. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.
Approved 7-10-2023
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
_______________, Approved Date
Bo Co Commission Minutes of June 26
June 26, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present at the Redfield Community Center.
Jason Silvers, Heather Ethridge, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Ryan Linn, Don Pemberton, Mary Pemberton and the following representatives of the Bourbon County Conservation District: Jared Pollock, Mandy Shoemaker, Preston Reeder, Deb Lust, and Ron Brown were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes the approval of minutes from the 6-19-2023 meeting. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Dustin Hall, Assistant Public Works Director, told the Commissioners they have asphalted on 245th Street from Valley Road to the curve at Soldier Road and they plan to continue to 235th Street then pave the other side of the road back to Valley Road. Dustin said they are using a different 64-22 oil this year that is working very well. Nelson asked if there was any update on dust control and Dustin said he has a list of residents who have applied and will spray in between asphalting projects.
Don George, with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, met to get an update on the status of the Elm Creek dam project. Jim said he has been working with Frank Young but they have not been able to get contractors who are interested in just looking at the project to give quotes. Clifton said he has spoken to two contractors and in his opinion, there is not enough clay and he has concerns on how to fix the dam correctly. Don stated when Bourbon County first applied there was clay in the rock quarries that could be used. Clifton said the scope of the project was smaller then. Jim said the county currently doesn’t have the money to fix the dam properly. Don asked if any other grant opportunities have been investigated. Jim and Nelson agreed to let Clifton check into the availability of other grants.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented five fireworks permits to be signed by Chairman Harris. The following locations have applied for permits this year: Jake’s Fireworks at 2221 S. Main and the corner of Wall Street and Goodlander, Jurassic Fireworks at 4500 Campbell Drive, Cathy Ramirez Fireworks at 840 Main Street in Mapleton, and Hale Fireworks at 2409 S. Main. Clifton made a motion to approve the permits that will expire on July 5th and to allow the Chairman to sign them. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim said he had been contacted by Gary Hall who asked that the fence viewing he requested be held at 10:00 a.m. on June 28. Clifton made a motion to meet at 1023 115th Street on June 28th at 10:00 for a fence viewing with the possibility of all three commissioners being present. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Jennifer presented an invoice for the National Association of Counties and asked if the Commissioners wanted to participate this year. Clifton said they didn’t last year and Jim said he wouldn’t support paying it.
Sheriff Bill Martin and Bobby Reed were in attendance to ask the Commissioners if they had any questions relating to the 2024 budget requests that they submitted via email. Jim questioned the requested increase of $184,000 and Bill stated that he requested new cars and the records management system is increasing but he is currently working with the County Attorney to split the cost of that. Jim stated there was a $134,000 increase in Sheriff’s Office wages and another $47,000 for Correctional Center wages. Bobby stated they haven’t added anybody. Jim asked Susan Bancroft, CFO, if that could be with 2023 increases and Susan said yes. Clifton said there was a total increase of $337,000. Jim asked if the $40,000 in capital outlay is for a new vehicle and Bobby replied yes, they currently have one vehicle with 108,000 miles and another with 135,000 miles. Bill said in 2-3 years all law enforcement radios will have to be encrypted. Bill said this is to protect personal information and would include the Sheriff’s Department, EMS, and fire personnel radios. Nelson said he thinks that is a good thing. Bill agreed but stated another Kansas county similar to our size reported it will be approximately $100,00 to switch over and wanted Commissioners to keep this in mind. The loan documents for Union State Bank that were previously submitted during the meeting at Uniontown were signed by the Chairman. The Commissioners had previously approved the loan but the bank had suggested not signing until the vehicles were ready to be picked up. Bill said he had an employee who resigned as full-time and moved to part-time who will now be a full-time employee again. Bill said he is requesting the employee be given 60 hours of vacation instead of 120 hours that employees receive at the beginning of the year. Jim asked why Bill would follow this policy when not following others. Bill questioned what other policies were not being followed. Susan said the employee oath of office. Bill said when he hears oath of office, he thinks of a Law Enforcement Officer or somebody professional like a doctor or nurse not Bourbon County employees. Bill said he reached out to other Sheriffs who said they had never heard of it. Bill said if something is questioned, he seeks legal advice. Nelson questioned if he missed something and asked why is this a big deal. Susan said the oath is required by state statute and is a basic oath that has been done for years. Bill said if somebody drives a road grader, they have to take an oath and he didn’t know it was a statute and not a Bourbon County policy. Clifton said he has never agreed with our vacation policy but in his opinion, you lose service when you quit as a full-time employee. Clifton asked Susan what a new employee gets for vacation time. Susan said new hires start accruing vacation at 7 months of service. Clifton said in his opinion it is a negotiation tactic with future employees and do what you can to hire them.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow the Bourbon County Conservation District to speak before the public comments sections. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Jared Pollock introduced the members in attendance and said they are a five-member volunteer board to educate and advocate. Jared said they work with Kansas Conservation Partnership, the Forrest Service, KDWP, and other non-government organizations such as Ducks Unlimited. Mandy Shoemaker is their main educator who works with schools and fairs for conservation day to try to make kids aware. Jared presented their budget and said there is a sheet that shows what surrounding counties budgets are. Jared said they are trying to do what they can but may have to cut back on services. Deb Lust said she has been spending a lot of time with local operators to help with new things such as cover crops to protect the soil base. Ron Brown said the general public thinks they just work with farms but they do urban drainage and soil samples even in city limits. Jim thanked them all for doing a good job.
Susan Bancroft presented a spreadsheet outlining the health insurance increase that will take place on July 1st. Susan said in the past rates have been given to the Board of Commissioners and there hasn’t been a vote but said there should be a vote. Susan asked if the employee of employer is going to cover the $10,000 increase. Nelson suggested the county cover the costs. Clifton said this is something the public should know and said the best plan we offer is $2301.94 per month for a family plan. Clifton made a motion to have Bourbon County pay the 2023 insurance increase. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clint Walker thanked the public works department for doing an outstanding job and thank the Commissioners for giving them the equipment to do the job.
Mary Pemberton asked how many years do we have to listen to the Commission say we hate our vacation or health insurance before it gets changed? Jim said Susan has been working with department heads to fix the handbook.
Ryan Linn asked if the road closing on 260th Street south of Deer Road was going to move forward. Jim said the applicant decided to drop their request. There was discussion of designating the road as a low maintenance road. Justin Meeks said the county has not designated roads as low maintenance in the past. Clifton said if we fix this road, we have to fix all roads.
Justin Meeks said the county is having a tax sale and will be selling 42 Hidden Valley Lake parcels this Thursday at 10:00 in the courthouse lobby.
Dustin Hall told the Commissioners he was notified yesterday the new belly dump trailer was ready.
Nelson said the $10,000 the county is covering as employers shows one of many examples where we could spend in house instead of handing out. Clifton said it was mentioned the county hasn’t done anything with health insurance and said a broker/agent is working with the county to look at other options. Jim asked Clifton to work with Susan and a committee of department heads and elected officials to work on different handbook options.
Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:09. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Approved 7-10-2023
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
, Approved Date
Obituary of Harvalee Waltmire
Harvalee Waltmire, 86, of Fulton, Kansas, passed away Monday, July 10, 2023 surrounded by family.
Born in Fort Scott, Kansas on March 29, 1937, to the late Hollis and Alice Waltmire. Hollis passed before Harvalee’s birth, and he was lovingly raised by Alice and the only father Harv ever knew, Bill Fisher.
Harvalee met the love of his life Janice Good at Mound City High School in 1955 and the two were married on June 22, 1958. Harvalee found joy in simple pleasures, spending time in nature, hunting, fishing, gardening, and riding motorcycles with his family. He appreciated his work as a meat cutter for nearly 40 years, known for his skill and taking the time to share a smile and a story.
An avid handyman and craftsman, Harv spent many hours woodworking. There wasn’t a request, repair, or project he wouldn’t take on. Above all else, Harvalee will be remembered by family, friends, and neighbors for his loving kindness and generosity in all forms.
He is survived by his loving wife, Janice; children: Vera (Jeff) Heller of Houston, TX, Brian (Gina) Waltmire of Overland Park, KS; grandchildren: Rachel, Brooke, Samantha, Max; seven great-grandchildren; brother: Bill Fisher of Pensacola, FL.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services Friday, July 14, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at the Fulton United Methodist Church, Fulton, KS.
Burial will follow in the Osage Cemetery.
Memorial are suggested to the Fulton United Methodist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Special Hunting Access this Fall Through Free Draw
KDWP to Offer Special Hunting Access this Fall Through Free Draw
PRATT – Exclusive access to land not normally open to hunting and above average success rates… Sound like an expensive hunting lease? Well, it’s not. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ Special Hunts program provides hundreds of such hunts each fall and winter, and what’s even better? There’s no charge – all you have to do is apply and be selected.
KDWP’s Special Hunts program offers hunting opportunities with limited access to public and private lands, including select refuge areas, for deer, upland game, waterfowl, doves, turkey and furbearers.
Applications must be made online here, https://programs.ksoutdoors.
This fall and winter, KDWP is offering more than 350 individual “Special Hunt” opportunities.
The application period opened July 8, 2023, with the application draw dates as follows:
- First Draw Hunts (hunts occurring in September and October) – Aug. 7, 2023
- Second Draw Hunts (hunts occurring in November and December) – Sept. 25, 2023
- Third Draw Hunts (hunts occurring in January and February) – Dec. 11, 2023
Resident or nonresident hunters may apply, though some hunts are restricted to residents only. When applying online, hunters will select hunts by species, date and category, which include “Open,” “Youth,” or “Mentored” hunts. All applicants are eligible to apply for Open Hunts, regardless of age or hunting experience. Youth Hunts require parties to include at least one hunter age 18 or younger, accompanied by an adult age 21 or older (who may not hunt). And Mentored Hunts are open to both youth and novice hunters supervised by a mentor age 21 or older (who may also hunt).
E-mail notifications are sent to both “successful” and “unsuccessful” applicants within two business weeks of the drawing. Successful applicants will also be emailed their hunt permit, as well as area maps and other pertinent information. Hunters are responsible for purchasing necessary licenses and permits required by law.
For more information on KDWP’s Special Hunts Program, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/
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Obituary of James Hite
James Marlyn Hite was born on February 18, 1947, in Moran, Kansas, to John M. Hite and Marianna Koch Hite.
He died peacefully at home on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at the age of 76 with his family surrounding him. He grew up in the Uniontown/Redfield area, attended grade school in Redfield and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1965. He attended Fort Scott Community College after graduation.
Jim and Doris were married on December 26, 1969, at First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown. He later completed his degree in education after he and Doris moved to Wichita.
Jim is preceded in death by both his mother and his father.
He is survived by his wife, Doris Hite, of the home in Wichita, three sons, Christopher J. Hite of Wichita, Joshua D. Hite of Wichita, and Timothy M. Hite (Chantal) of Troy, Missouri, and one sister, Diana Hite Ford of Wichita. He has ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He loved his family dearly and took great pride in them. He never missed a practice or a game when his sons were playing sports. He even changed his work schedule so he could attend the games.
Jim was on staff at the Wichita Baptist Tabernacle and taught in the Baptist Tabernacle School shortly after he and Doris moved to Wichita. He joined American Family Insurance as an insurance underwriter in 1986 and later changed to an insurance claims adjuster. He retired from American Family in 2012.
Jim loved being in the yard, planting flowers and a garden. It was his stress reliever. He loved red canna bulbs and red geraniums. And, of course, when he was in high school, he loved muscle cars, which he and his friends always drove. In fact, on his first date with Doris, he got a ticket for loud pipes. She never let him forget that.
Jim loved the Lord and was so ready to meet Him. He was not afraid of death because he had assurance of his destination.
Services will be held for him at Newspring Church in Wichita, Kansas, at 10:30 Thursday morning, July 13, 2023, with burial in Uniontown Cemetery at 3:00 pm.
Donations in place of flowers may be made to divinenest.com, which is a non-profit organization that supports and trains foster and adoptive families.
It was an important organization to Jim because of the amazing work they do and the heart they have for kids going through traumatic events. His son, Tim, is the Associate Director.
Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Special Meeting Agenda for Bo Co Commission at 4 p.m. Today
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
July 10, 2023 4:00
- Call Meeting to Order
- Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
U234 Job Fair Today
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Obituary of Frankie Shrakes
Frankie Shrakes, Jr., age 74, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, July 7, 2023, at his home. He was born September 5, 1948, in Ft. Scott, the son of Frank Shrakes and Velma “Dolly” McDaniel Shrakes. He married Gail L. Guffey on June 6, 1966, at Ft. Scott.
Frankie worked for twenty-five years at Peerless Products in Ft. Scott. He had a knack for working on engines, and following his retirement from Peerless, he operated his own small engine repair shop.
In his younger days, Frankie enjoyed playing softball and racing go-carts and stock cars. He also enjoyed fishing and occasionally participated in area bass tournaments.
He attended Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene.
Survivors include his daughters, Teresa Shrakes of Ft. Scott, Heidi Dixon (Rob) also of Ft. Scott and DiAnna Dakon (Ronald) of Smithville, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Ricky Ann Vargas (Ariel), Austin Shelden, Alek Shelden (Megan), Ashton Dixon. Jacob Mein, Nickolas Dakon, and Skylar Dakon; three great-grandchildren, Lola, Santiago and Laney Vargas. Also surviving are four brothers, John “Duke” Zabrinas, Donald Shrakes, Ronnie Shrakes, and Larry Shrakes and three sisters, Carol Shrakes, Kathy Shrakes and Janet Shrakes and a special cousin J.R. Stewart (Wendy) of Ft. Scott.
Frankie was preceded in death by his wife, Gail, on October 7, 2022.
Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, July 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.