Category Archives: Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Weekly Newsletter


Recognizing National Police Week, Honoring Fallen Kansas Law Enforcement
I spoke on the Senate floor this week to recognize National Police Week and to remember Kansas law enforcement who passed away in 2022. National Police Week was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, and this year runs from May 14 – May 20.

We honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s fallen law enforcement officers, remember those who have departed and acknowledge and express our gratitude for the sacrifices all law enforcement officers make every day they wear the badge. During this week, and every other week of the year, we should honor those we have lost and remember the families they left behind. May God bless our police officers.

In my remarks, I recognized the four Kansas police officers who passed away in 2022:

Deputy Sheriff Sidnee Carter with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office

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Sheriff Robert Craft with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office

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Officer David Ingle with the Iola Police Department

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Sergeant Stacy Murrow with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office

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You can watch my full speech here.

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Our Country Does Not Have Operational Control of the Border
This week, I spoke on the Senate floor regarding the security and humanitarian crisis at our southern border and the consequences of eliminating Title 42. Repealing Title 42 without a robust plan of action has left our law enforcement agents with a disastrous situation at the border. Border Patrol Agents are being asked to be caretakers, law enforcement, medical professionals and so much more. The fact of the matter is that our country does not have operational control of the border, and it will continue to fail to do so if we stay on the current path.

President Biden must act to ensure strict enforcement of our immigration laws, reinstate the construction of a wall or fencing in areas that are largely unprotected, and the administration must send the message that our border is closed to unlawful entrants.

Securing our southern border isn’t a Republican and Democrat issue. It isn’t Texas or Arizona’s issue. Under the current policy, every state is a border state – including Kansas.

If we truly want to help migrants, then we need to create a fair and humane asylum process, and we need to stop the illegal crossings at the southern border that undermine our laws and jeopardize our national security. Americans are tired of paying the cost of the Biden administration’s inaction and failure to make any serious policy changes at the southern border.

You can watch my full speech here.

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Welcoming Artemis II Astronauts to Capitol Hill
This week, as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, I welcomed NASA’s Artemis II crew, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Canadian Space Agency President Lisa Campbell to Capitol Hill. This is the first crewed mission of the Artemis program that will orbit the Moon and pave the way for future lunar surface missions. Artemis II represents the next step in cementing America’s leadership in space exploration, while inspiring the next generation of astronauts, engineers and scientists. The Artemis missions will further scientific discovery, create new economic benefits and deepen our alliances across the globe.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), my counterpart on the subcommittee, and I were honored to host the Artemis crew. I know they will represent our country well and inspire future generations.

You can read more from WIBW here.

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Facilitating Partnerships with Leaders in Space
On Tuesday evening, I hosted an event as co-chair of the Senate Aerospace Caucus to welcome Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) executives and military leaders, as well as NASA Administrator Bill Nelson to the Capitol to celebrate the value of these critical partnerships. As space continues to be an emerging frontier, our national security is dependent on strong coordination between these entities. Each year, I prioritize gathering these representatives across various sectors to discuss the ways America can succeed in the space domain.

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The next morning, I participated in a roundtable discussion with member-company executives from the AIA for a conversation on the status of the debt limit negotiations, my FAA Reauthorization efforts, research and development, as well as ways to support our aviation and aerospace industry workforce. I appreciated the opportunity to hear and take questions from these leaders.

During this event, I was presented with “The Wright Stuff Award” for contributions to the aerospace industry and national security. Previous recipients of this award have included Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) and Senator James Inhofe (R-Iowa). For over a century, Kansas has played an outsized role in the aviation industry, and since my time in Congress, I have worked to support policies that will propel the industry further. I am grateful to AIA President Eric Fanning and AIA Chair of the Board Tom Gentile of Wichita for the award.

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Schwan’s Tony’s Pizza Plant in Salina is Now Open
It was great to join Schwan’s, local leaders and state officials on Friday to celebrate the grand opening of the Tony’s Pizza manufacturing facility expansion in Salina – the world’s largest pizza plant. I have had the opportunity to watch this project progress over the past three years and was pleased to help secure a federal grant through the Economic Development Administration to support this project. This expansion project, which will add hundreds of jobs and stability to the local economy, was successful because of the continued commitment and investment in Salina by Schwan’s and the unified support of the local community.

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Thank you to Dimitrios Smyrnios for inviting me to the grand opening event, and to Representative Tracey Mann and Lieutenant Governor David Toland for joining me in celebrating this great day for Salina and Kansas.

You can read more from KSN here and the Salina Post here.

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Appropriations Committee Hearing with Defense, State & Commerce Secretaries
This week, the Senate Appropriations Committee held a hearing with the Secretaries of Defense, State and Commerce on U.S. investment into security and competitiveness with China. I used my time during the hearing to highlight the importance of aviation and aerospace to U.S. economic and national security.

China is closing the gap to the United States in military, commercial and general aviation categories, so I asked Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin about what they are doing to ensure the U.S. maintains leadership in aviation and aerospace manufacturing and innovation. Secretary Raimondo highlighted the potential for aviation and aerospace in her Department’s Tech Hubs program, which was authorized in the CHIPS and Science Act and will boost specific existing areas of excellence around the country to tap into the full extent of U.S. innovation and talent. China is the our nation’s foremost challenge, and we must make certain this administration’s budget invests in a whole-of-nation effort across all facets of the aviation and aerospace environment. As the Vice Chair of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, and a member of the Appropriations subcommittees responsible for the Defense and State Departments, I will continue to work to be certain the strengths and talents of our state continue to play a vital role in our nation’s ongoing strategic competition with China.

You can watch my remarks here.

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Leading Bill to Improve the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network
This week, I introduced legislation to help break up the monopoly contract currently held by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) to manage the nation’s Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). I was joined in introducing this bill by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

From damaged organs to discriminatory organ donation policies, it is clear UNOS should no longer be the sole contractor for the organ donation system. I have worked for years to shed light on the mismanagement of the organ donation system and have consistently called for the contract to be divided. The Securing U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Act removes barriers in OPTN contracting and gives the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) statutory authority to improve management of the organ transplant system, allowing a more transparent and competitive process for an OPTN contract. Every organ counts, and this legislation will help overhaul the system and save lives.

You can read more from the Kansas Reflector here and WIBW here.

Introducing Legislation to Strengthen Childhood Cancer Research
Along with my colleagues Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), I introduced the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 to provide an additional source of funding for pediatric cancer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The legislation would redirect penalties collected from pharmaceutical, cosmetic, supplement and medical device companies that break the law to NIH pediatric and childhood cancer research. The bill is named in honor of Gabriella Miller, a Leesburg, Virginia, resident who died from a rare form of brain cancer at the age of 10. Gabriella was an activist and worked to raise support for research into childhood diseases like cancer until her death in October of 2013.

While cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children past infancy, childhood cancer and other rare pediatric diseases remain poorly understood. According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 9,910 children under the age of 14 will be diagnosed with cancer and about 1,040 will die of the disease in the United States in 2023. By directing additional resources to NIH to research cures and treatments for cancer in children, we can help save lives and honor the memory of Gabriella Miller.

You can read more from WIBW here.

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hearing on VA Budget
As Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I held a hearing this week on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget request for Fiscal Year 2024. VA is asking for $325.1 billion to provide health care and benefits to veterans and their caregivers, dependents and survivors. During the hearing, I asked VA Secretary Denis McDonough and members of the veterans service organizations who testified about how VA is supporting veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins during military service, how VA is spending supplemental funds provided during the pandemic and how VA is improving health care access and outcomes for veteran patients. I will continue to work to provide VA the funding it needs to deliver timely and high-quality support to the military and veteran community, and I am committed to making certain that every dime of taxpayer resources that VA receives is put to good use for the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our nation.

You can watch my remarks here.

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Meeting with Paralyzed Veterans of America
I met with Carl Blake, Executive Director of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), to discuss the unique needs of veterans who live with spinal cord injury and disease. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the nation’s most comprehensive system of care for spinal cord injury and disease, and PVA conducts regular site inspections to make certain veterans are getting the best care possible. Despite the robust system of care VA provides, it still faces challenges in fully staffing spinal cord care centers due to shortages in the health care workforce.

During our meeting, Carl described the importance of home and community-based care options for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disease. These veterans overcame the challenges of their injuries, and in many cases, rely on caregivers to maintain a level of independence outside of institutional settings. I introduced the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act to provide veterans with more resources and options to receive the assistance they need in order to live independently in their homes. I appreciate PVA’s support for this bill as we work to make certain veterans receive the right care at the right time in the setting that will allow them to live a fulfilled, meaningful life.

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Meeting with Kansans
Association of American Cancer Institutes
This week, I met with Dr. Roy Jensen, Director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center, Darren McLaughlin, a former KU Cancer Center patient and Chief of Police in Merriam, and his wife Melinda. We discussed Darren and Melinda’s positive experiences seeking treatment at the KU Cancer Center. Because of the investments made at KU Cancer Center and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) into cancer research and treatments, Chief McLaughlin was able to share his impactful story with me.

As a member of the Senate Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee and senator from a state that is home to many universities and organizations conducting leading cancer research, I remain committed to supporting efforts bolstering these programs and to advancing this critical, lifesaving research. I want to thank Dr. Jensen, Chief McLaughlin and Melinda for meeting with me to advocate for this important issue.

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Washburn Library
On Thursday, I was pleased to meet with Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, Washburn University’s newly appointed president. During the meeting, we discussed Washburn’s initiatives to assist low-income students as they work to earn degrees in higher education. We also spoke about the variety of expansions happening at the university to help our state combat the workforce shortage occuring across the nation. Thank you to President Mazachek for taking the time to visit with me and share her vision for training Kansas students.

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Wichita Area TARC Team – American Rocket Challenge
It was great to meet with the Kansas American Rocket Challenge team from Wichita that qualified as the top 100 out of 900 teams to participate in the Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) National Finals in Virginia this past weekend. TARC is the world’s largest student rocket contest, with nearly 5,000 students from across the nation competing each year. I was pleased to speak with the bright, young Kansan representing the group about his aspirations to pursue a career in STEM. I also enjoyed learning about the history of TARC from Team Wichita’s sponsor, Bill Lindsay.

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City of Olathe
This week, I was pleased to meet with Olathe Mayor John Bacon, Council Members Kevin Gilmore and Robyn Essex, Chamber CEO Tim McKee and Tim Danneberg with the City of Olathe. During this meeting, we discussed current and future projects in the works for the city of Olathe. It was also great to speak with them about the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup which will be hosted in the Kansas City area. I appreciated the chance to hear from this group about everything happening in the community.

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Improve the Dream
This week, I visited with students from Improve the Dream, a youth-led organization that advocates for comprehensive immigration reform. I appreciated the chance to speak with these students as they shared about their backgrounds and collective experiences of coming to the United States at young ages. Now, they are all pursuing sophisticated degree programs and making plans for how to give back to their communities one day.

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Receiving ESOP Association Award
On Wednesday, I appreciated receiving the award for ESOP Champion of the Year from the ESOP Association. A special thank you to Gary Shorman, my friend and Hays neighbor, for presenting me with the award. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) have been proven to boost company longevity and resilience, increase growth and create wealth. Giving employees a stake in the company they work for gives them real economic benefit for their hard work. That is why I supported the WORK Act which passed last Congress. Devoting resources and grants from the Department of Labor will help smaller businesses across the country explore employee ownership. Simply put, these firms are more productive, more profitable, but most importantly – they become better work environments when employees are invested in the company they work for.

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Welcoming Afghan Refugees Resettling in Manhattan
On Saturday, I stopped at a community block party to celebrate and integrate new Afghan refugees now living in Manhattan. The messages I heard during my conversations carried a common theme: gratefulness. It was a reminder that we are fortunate to live in a country with so much opportunity. The way Manhattan residents have embraced these families was extremely moving.

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During the hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, my office received and worked emergency evacuation cases for roughly over 1,000 Afghan nationals who either had a U.S. visa, had applied for a visa but not yet obtained it, or were under severe fatal threat from the Taliban, including Christians and Hazara ethnic minorities. I remain committed to making certain America keeps its promises made during times of war. In addition to helping pass legislation that created the Afghanistan War Commission to investigate the two-decade period and disastrous withdrawal, I am also a supporter of the Afghan Adjustment Act. This bill will provide greater certainty to tens of thousands of Afghans now living in the U.S., whose temporary two-year legal status will expire later this year. This legislation has the support of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Veterans for Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Veterans for American Ideals, With Honor Action and the Association of Wartime Allies.

The block party was organized and hosted in collaboration between the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) and the Manhattan Area Resettlement Team (MART). MART is a volunteer organization comprised of mostly veterans who want to do something to help their friends and allies that fought with alongside them on the battlefields in Afghanistan. I thank KLC and MART for their invite and the good work they are doing to make certain Kansas remains a great place to call home.

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Participating in Groundbreaking of K-State Agronomy Research & Innovation Center
On Monday, I participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for Kansas State University’s Agronomy Research and Innovation Center on campus in Manhattan. This project is the first realized step in a multi-year effort by K-State to raise public and private funds to completely remodel their agricultural research infrastructure on campus. Once completed, the Agronomy Research and Innovation Center will conduct cutting-edge research to help farmers feed millions of people facing hunger worldwide and attract the best agronomic students and researchers in the world to K-State. This project would not have been possible without the investment of Kansas commodity groups, farm organizations and private donors. Thank you to President Richard Linton and Dean Ernie Minton for allowing me to join them for this event.

You can read more from the Junction City Post here.

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Visiting Geiger Ready Mix
On Monday, before returning to Washington, D.C., I stopped at Geiger Ready Mix in Kansas City to tour this facility. Geiger Ready Mix is the largest ready-mix concrete delivery company in the Kansas City area, with locations in Kansas City, Leavenworth and Olathe, as well as locations in Missouri. This company is more than 130 years old and first opened as a small construction contracting business. I appreciate President Todd Geiger for hosting me for this informative tour.

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Visiting Great Plains/Kubota in Salina
This week, I stopped by Great Plains Manufacturing in Salina to visit with CEO David Disberger and tour the Kubota Construction Equipment Division Facility. Since becoming a Kubota Company in 2016, Great Plains has expanded its manufacturing operations in Salina and the neighboring communities. Further expansions are planned, but, as David and I discussed during this visit, the most needed resource for these expansions is a permanent workforce supply. To meet this need, Great Plains has worked to help develop housing initiatives within the communities where it has an employment footprint and with K-State Salina and area technical schools to create work-study programs to prepare students for joining the workforce while they are still in school. Communities in Kansas continue to thrive because of investments from companies like Kubota and Great Plains. Thank you to CEO David Disberger for visiting with me and giving me a tour of the plant.

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Now Accepting 2023 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2028. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, September 1, 2023. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.

Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.

Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.

Very truly yours,
Jerry

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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Manhattan
1800 Kimball Avenue,
Suite 270
Manhattan, KS 66052
Phone: (785) 539-8973
Fax: (785) 587-0789
Olathe
23600 College Blvd.,
Suite 201
P.O. Box 1154
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: (913) 393-0711
Fax: (913) 768-1366
Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Room 521
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6521
Fax: (202) 228-6966
Wichita
100 North Broadway,
Suite 210
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 269-9257
Fax: (316) 269-9259Garden City
1511 East Fulton Terrace, Suite 1511-2
Garden City, KS 67846
Phone: (620) 260-3025
Pittsburg
306 N. Broadway, Suite 125 (rear entrance of bank)
P.O. Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 232-2286
Fax: (620) 232-2284

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Kansas DCF named to National Child Welfare Workforce Institute Collaborative

 

The 16-month series will focus on the recruitment and retention of the child welfare workforce

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) recently joined the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute’s Breakthrough Series Collaborative. The 16-month program launched in April and will focus on the recruitment and retention of the child welfare workforce and building cultures that value justice, equity, diversity and belonging.

The Breakthrough Series Collaborative brings together multidisciplinary teams to engage in a dynamic learning process that cultivates a healthy, equitable, sustainable workforce. Other states named to the collaborative include Illinois, New Mexico, Washington state and Westchester County (NY).

“We aren’t simply looking at the issues from the top down,” shared Laura Howard, Secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families. “Our teams, which are comprised of community partners, educational institutions, and DCF staff and leaders will learn up as we experiment with small and large approaches to recruiting and retaining child welfare workers.”

Kansas is represented with two teams focusing on the Northwest and Northeast regions of the state, which includes 41 Kansas counties and the cities of Colby, Hays, Salina, Manhattan, Hiawatha and Topeka. The teams include new and veteran DCF staff in leadership, child protection and human resource roles, and partners such as Saint Francis Ministries and Fort Hays State University.

“Staff at all levels want to be part of the solution to improve workforce recruitment and retention,” said Deanne Dinkel, DCF’s director of safety and thriving families and performance improvement. “This Breakthrough Series will provide this opportunity for staff to engage, learn, and be a part of the solution.”

The Collaborative requires the teams to meet monthly to discuss the test strategies they have and are planning to implement, while collecting data to track progress and share with other states and counties involved in the program.

The teams are focused on five domains in the Collaborative’s Change Framework. They are Mattering at Work, Opportunity for Growth, Community & Connection, Protection from Harm, and Work-Life Harmony. The Kansas teams are first looking at Protection from Harm and believes that progress made in this domain will impact the Work-Life Harmony domain.

“One approach we are taking in Protection from Harm is expanding our emergency contacts list,” shared Caroline Hastings, Northeast Kansas regional director and Northeast team manager. “We will begin to offer family members/emergency contacts of our child protection employees with supervisor’s work contact information.

“So, if a worker is late, their family member has someone to contact if they cannot reach their loved one,” she continued.

Other areas of exploration within Protection from Harm involves engagement with Fort Hays State University and Saint Francis Ministries in a more holistic approach to preparing students and staff for the work.

“We have begun educating our staff on secondary traumatic stress and tactics to deal with this,” explained Pamela Beach, Northwest Kansas regional director and Northwest team manager. “Although our agency has improved immensely in areas of communication, transparency, and being culturally responsive, we continue search for effective ways to support staff and buffer burnout as well as provide immediate in-house supports for trauma and therapeutic processes.”

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Minutes of the Bo Co Commission on May 8

May 8, 2023                                                                                                                         Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Shirley Richard Locke, Deb McCoy, Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Teri Hulsey, Trace Evans, Don George with KDWP, Michael Hoyt, and Rachel Walker 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.

 

Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from last week, approval of payroll totaling $210.758.69, and approval of accounts payable totaling $321,662.17. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the Commissioners with a Request for Quote for the overpass feasibility study. Eric stated the request will be published in the newspaper this Saturday. Jim clarified that the request has already been approved and Eric was just giving a copy to the Commissioners for review before publication. Nelson asked when the last overpass study was completed and it was discussed at least eleven years ago, and that location was for 23rd Street, which would not work out now due to the expansion of local businesses. Jim stated Jayhawk Road is not a locked in as the location, and that after the feasibility study, a better area might be suggested. Nelson questioned if we had to have the feasibility study before we applied for grants, and Jim replied yes. Jim explained it seems like a lot of money, but sales tax money can be used since it is a hard surface road. Eric updated the Commissioners that the house at 201 Crawford has been torn down, and they will finish hauling it off tomorrow. Eric thanked the Commissioners for giving him permission to purchase a truck for the landfill if one came available and gave details on the truck that was purchased. A 2018 Mack Pinnacle CXU613 with 156,000 miles and 505 horsepower was purchased for $74,000 delivered. Eric said the truck currently at the landfill will be moved to road and bridge to haul gravel with a belly dump trailer. Eric said the laydown machine is having motor issues again and they are waiting on a part to fix it, and they are looking at the later of the part of the week having it back. Eric said he wants to start the asphalt program right away as the oil prices are low right now. Eric said they are going to start at 245th and Valley and work east to the state line. Eric said the culvert crew replaced some culverts last week to be ready when they are able to start asphalting. Eric said the culvert crew is working down their list of culverts that need to be installed and the bridge crew is cutting trees and clearing decks.

 

At 5:45 the public hearing for the 5-Year Solid Waste Plan opened. Jim explained that per statute this plan has to be updated which generally includes updating the committee to reflect any new commissioners. Eric stated the other changes are we are now a composting facility at the landfill due to accepting soybean hulls and waste and adding sawdust to them to make compost. Jim opened the hearing to public comments and Clint Walker stated he think it’s wonderful that Bourbon County is doing composting. Clint questioned if the compost can be used for cover for the construction and demolition area, and Eric said yes. Michael Hoyt questioned where the soybean waste product was going before Bourbon County started accepting it, and Eric stated Arcadia. Michael voiced his concerns about the issues the city is having at the wastewater treatment plant and doesn’t want to move the problem from one location to another. Jim stated he was not sure what type of material the city was accepting but explained that the county is accepting hulls which can be fed to livestock, so it is pretty safe. Eric said that a sample of the soybean material was sent to K-State and the results came back good with it only being high in nitrogen and was told what to mix in to make it lower. Clifton made a motion to close the public hearing. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to adopt the 5-Year Solid Waste Plan and resolution 11-23. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds, handed out a map showing the location of a portion of road that has been requested to be closed. The road closure will be placed on the agenda again in a few weeks once the Commissioners and Public Works Director have a chance to look at the road.

 

Don George, with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, came to discuss other possible revenue sources to help with the repair of Elm Creek Lake dam. Don said the first step is to have a meeting to get the best estimate for repairs that we can. Jim asked if it would be good to get some contractors to come out and give estimates for the repair and asked Eric to meet with them. Eric said that would be a good idea to get an idea of how much it would cost so that we can make an educated decision. Don commented about the $165,000 estimate the engineer had previously submitted, but Eric said that was only to fix the initial problem and doesn’t include the valve or the areas to the west by where the drain is. Eric said when we tear into the dam, we need to fix it completely, not just put a Band-Aid on it. Clifton said he feels at least three contractors need to look at the dam to get their opinions. Clifton said there are several contractors in the area with the equipment and expertise to fix the dam. Eric asked if Jim would like to be involved with the contractors since he was here previously with repairs. Jim said he would if Eric would like him to be, and Clifton and Nelson both said that would be ok. Don said he had mentioned an opportunity to apply for an additional $40,000 grant and spoke of a new special account for lake renovations that just started this year. Mr. George said he wants to help Bourbon County but really needs to get solid numbers within the next three weeks. Don said he would like to be kept informed and the sooner the better.

 

Mark McCoy had submitted his letter of resignation for the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department Board to the Clerk. Clifton Beth and Anne Dare are also Bourbon County representatives for the board. The Commissioners discussed the board and were unable to come up with an individual to appoint to the board. Clifton suggested putting a notice of the vacancy on the county website and Facebook asking for interested individuals to submit an application.

 

Lora Holdridge said she met with the City of Fort Scott and they brought her plat maps so that she could research the interior roads at the Fort Scott Lake. Lora said the maps the city brought were not signed, so she went through the maps in her closet and found signed maps that showed the only roads that are Bourbon County’s are 190th Street and 195th Street. Lora stated all interior roads and the common area belong to the City of Fort Scott. Jim asked what the process would be if the city wanted to give the county the roads and Lora stated they would have to do a Deed of Dedication. Beth Nuss thanked Jim for bringing the matter forward so the residents could know what is going on moving forward. Beth said it sounds like they need to visit with the City of Fort Scott. Frank Halsey questioned if a precedence was set about 20 years when the county was paving 190th Street and paved the access roads as well. Jim said the City of Fort Scott needs to get involved with this matter and fix the roads or start the process to petition the county to take over the roads.

 

Justin Meeks, on behalf of Susan Bancroft, asked the Commission to set up two days for reviewing department budgets. After discussion the it was determined to set up the budget meetings for June 12th and 13th starting at 8 a.m.

 

Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, and Trace Evans came to follow up on the discussion of purchasing an ambulance. Teri commended Trace for doing the leg work researching and trying to find available ambulances. Teri said they have spoken to Dave Vance at Osage, and they will hold the demo unit for delivery in fall 2024. Jim said he spoke to Susan and said that if it is purchased today, it would have to be paid for this year unless the company is willing to allow us to do a two-year lease purchase and make the first payment this year and pay it off next year. Clifton said there is cash basis law that we have to follow. Trace said he has been reassured that if we need to split payments, we can do that. Clifton asked if there is any reason to keep the old ambulance since we would only receive $10,000 for the trade in. Trace said it could be used as a backup and used as a standby unit for area football games. The Commissioners discussed the benefits of keeping the old unit and decided to keep the old ambulance. Clifton made a motion to accept the demo truck from Osage, keep the old ambulance for a backup, pay the full amount of $306,323.35, and to allow Chairman Harris to sign the purchase agreement. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton said that if we didn’t purchase this demo unit it would be 2026 before we would be able to get a new ambulance. Trace agreed and said he has reached out to other companies and the soonest they could get an ambulance would be spring 2026.

 

Clint Walker suggested reaching out to senators for money, like CHC has done. Clint also thanked the Commissioners for the gravel on Tomahawk Road.

 

Michael Hoyt handed out an article from the Kansas Bar Association outlining the position the Kansas Supreme Court has taken interpreting the Kansas Open Records Act. Mr. Hoyt said a few KORA requests that have been submitted to the Clerk’s Office have been denied for various reasons including identifiable personnel records. Michael said that the Supreme Court ruling says that individuals who submit KORA requests cannot be charged for paper copies if the documents can be submitted electronically.

 

A 5-minute break was taken, and normal session was resumed at 6:30.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 15-minute executive session 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 for possible litigation to include the three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:45. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:45 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session 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 for possible litigation to include the three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:57. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:57 with action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks asked the Commissioners to give the Clerk the ability to schedule some employee training and if there is overtime to approve the overtime as well.

 

Clifton made a motion to allow the Clerk to set up employee training that could potentially result in overtime and to approve that overtime. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Clifton said last week he discussed talking to senators and received approval from the other Commissioners to ask for money. Clifton said as a taxpayer he would like to see everybody who is spending the tax dollars to submit an invoice for those expenditures, and Jim agreed. Jim said the Commissioners are responsible for the budgets, so they are requesting all department heads or elected officials submit invoices for all purchases to the Clerk and accounts payable for payment or it might be questioned if they are paid or not. Jim said he appreciates all Eric is doing for the roads, that he has called him about a few roads, and he has a quick response for our public.

 

Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:01. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

_______________, Approved Date

 

Bo Co Commission Meets at Garland Community Center at 5:30 p.m. on May 22

Payroll Report 5-19-23 AP 1 AP 2Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Attachments:

Payroll Report 5-19-23

AP 1

AP 2

 

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 Garland Community Center

 

May 22, 2023, 5:30 PM

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute and Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 5/15/2023
    2. Approval of Payroll totaling $327,284.67
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable totaling $780,170.75
  1. Matthew Wells, City of Fort Scott-Request for Donation for Fireworks
  2. Department Updates
    1. Eric Bailey, Public Works Director
  3. Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Tim Spehr-Road Closure
  • Jeremiah Hill-Road Closure
  1. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-Discuss Locations of Future Commission Meetings
  2. Public Comments
  3. Commission Comments
  • Meeting Adjourn

 

 

 

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.

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Garland Community Center

 

May 22, 2023, 5:30 PM

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute and Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 5/15/2023
    2. Approval of Payroll totaling $327,284.67
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable totaling $780,170.75
  1. Matthew Wells, City of Fort Scott-Request for Donation for Fireworks
  2. Department Updates
    1. Eric Bailey, Public Works Director
  3. Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Tim Spehr-Road Closure
  • Jeremiah Hill-Road Closure
  1. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-Discuss Locations of Future Commission Meetings
  2. Public Comments
  3. Commission Comments
  • Meeting Adjourn

 

 

 

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.

 

FS City Has Advisory Board Openings

The City of Fort Scott has the following Board openings:

 

 

PARKS ADVISORY BOARD:

 

  • One opening for a three (3) year term that would expire December 10, 2023. This was created by a recent resignation.

The function of the Fort Scott Parks Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding all the parks within the City of Fort Scott.

 

All boards and commissions of Fort Scott serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated.  Currently the Parks Advisory Board meets as City Hall as needed at 4:00PM.

 

If you have a desire to serve on this board, please submit a Letter of Interest to the City Clerk, Lisa Lewis, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 or [email protected].  The names and letters will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission.

 

Please submit your letter of interest by 4:00 PM on June 7, 2023.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________–

 

 

 

STREET ADVISORY BOARD:

 

  • There are TWO (2) openings on the Fort Scott Street Advisory Board. The function of the Board is to provide suggestions to the City Commission regarding road improvement projects throughout the City of Fort Scott.

 

All Boards and Commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. Currently the Street Advisory Board meets at City Hall on the second Thursday of each month at 4:00PM.

 

If you have a desire to serve on this board, please submit a Letter of Interest to the City Clerk, Lisa Lewis, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 or [email protected].  The names and letters will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission.

 

Please submit your letter of interest by 4:00 PM on June 14, 2023.

 

Phone: 620.223.0550

Web: www.fscity.org

Email: [email protected]

123 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

 

Two Economic Development Projects Moving Forward: Pork Processing Plant, Sports Complex

The Fort Scott City Commissioners, from the May 17 Special Meeting on Youtube. From lower left, clockwise: City Attorney Bob Farmer, Commissioner Edwin Woellhof, Commissioner Tim VanHoecke, Mayor Matthew Wells, Commissioner Josh Jones and City Manager Brad Matkin. Not present: Commissioner Kathryn Harrington,

A meat processing plant is back in the works for Bourbon County.

“I have been working to bring about the meat processing plant, a pork processing plant,” Fort Scott Mayor Matthew Wells said in an interview.

Billy Madison is the owner of the business, S.H. Pork Processing.

“This plant will provide farmers with an outlet for their pork processing,” Madison said. “And provide 15-30 new jobs.”

This is an artists rendition of the S.H. Processing Plant that Madison will build. Submitted.

To view a prior 2021 story on Madison’s pork processing plant coming to Fort Scott:

https://fortscott.biz/news/48890

2023 plans have changed location

In 2021, the project was to be just south of the LaRoche Baseball Complex, but that was changed to a location agreed to by Madison and the City of Fort Scott.

“At this juncture I am not at liberty to say the location,” Wells said.

Wells noted that nothing has been signed, nor no one committed to this yet.

“The city approved to send out letters to respective parties involved (at a special Fort Scott city meeting on May 17) and (will) survey the property to define the boundaries and move forward in the process of securing the land,” Wells said.

Following completion of this preliminary work, the Fort Scott Planning Commission will get involved, Wells said in the May 17 special city meeting.

In the 2021, the pork processing plant site was to be located on 47 acres south of the Kansas Department of Transportation facility on Hwy. 69 south of the LaRoche Ball Park.

“That place didn’t have an entrance and we spent eight months getting an entrance to get on the property to do the engineering of the property,” Billy Madison, owner of the proposed meat plant said in a fortscott.biz interview on May 17.

Madison said that in March 2023, he “received an order to cease and desist in the (pork processing plant) plans from Rob Harrington (Director of the Regional Economic Development Inc.), “because they are going to build a sports complex there,” he said.

Sports Complex

At the May 16 regular Fort Scott City Commission meeting, Rob Harrington asked the city to authorize establishing STAR Bond and TIF District financing tools as part of the sports complex planning.

Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds are a financing tool that allows Kansas municipalities to issue bonds to finance the development of major commercial, entertainment and tourism projects, according to https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/star-bonds/. The bonds are paid off through the sales tax revenue generated by the development. The intent is to increase regional and national visitation to Kansas.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a real estate redevelopment tool applicable to industrial, commercial, intermodal transportation area and residential projects, https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/taxes-and-financing/tif/. TIF uses the increases in real estate tax revenues and local sales tax revenues to retire the bonds sold to finance eligible redevelopment project costs (K.S.A. 12-1770 et seq.) or to reimburse the developer on a pay-as-you-go basis.

This project will require many steps because they will be working with the developer, the county, the state and the city council.

At the city meeting on May 16, Fort Scott City Attorney Bob Farmer told the Fort Scott City Council that they will have to partner with the Bourbon County Commission, because some of the proposed land is theirs.

The sports complex developer, along with the Kansas Department of Commerce,  will look at a list of  the developer’s ideas, then the state has to see if it is eligible, Farmer told the city council.

 

Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on May 9

The Regular Council Meeting on May 9, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Amber Kelly.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Loren Korte, Personal Service Insurance planned to be here to present the City with a dividend check from EMC, but was unable to make it due to the weather.

 

Don George, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism planned to be here to pick up grant application but wasn’t able to come.  Clerk Johnson asked council what percentage of match for this application, 56% was used for phase I.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to submit CFAP Grant Application with a 56% match.

 

Clerk Johnson will email application to Don George tomorrow.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the April 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $345,407.78, Receipts $33,990.09, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $20,937.77, Checking Account Closing Balance $355,428.10. Bank Statement Balance $357,610.00, including Checking Account Interest of $74.34, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $2,181.90, Reconciled Balance $355,428.10.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,223.90, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,841.76, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,499.83, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $441,993.59. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $302.32, and Utility CDs $164.51 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $466.83.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of April 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  April Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of April $10,026.32, Year-to-Date Net Income $11,876.13.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $38,134.93 (31.2%), Expenditures $38,690.75 (24.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $11,987.81 (32.5%), Expenditures $10,443.41 (25.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $74,395.57 (47.5%), Expenditures $42,133.87 (18.7%); General Fund YTD Revenue $58,008.36 (38.7%), Expenditures $60,617.60 (32.7%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,937.49 (52.8%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The May 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $37,906.04 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of April 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that nuisance/debris letters were sent.  Mayor Jurgensen requested that he be notified when and to whom letters are sent.  There was an apparent breakdown in communications which caused an issue with a letter recipient.  Clerk Johnson will send a letter to that recipient apologizing for the communication breakdown.  Coyan will next target unmowed properties.

404 Washington St was discussed.  Coyan and Johnson will review the dangerous structure ordinance(s) and discuss with the council again next month.

Codes Enforcement Officer Binford has issued 14 citations for failure to register dogs/cats.  As of today, five have been taken resolved.  Court is scheduled for May 15, 2023 for the remainder.

 

Clerk Johnson informed the council a letter of financial commitment was received from Bandera Stone for the Mural Grant as part of the grant application.  Grant application was submitted 4/17/2023.

 

She asked City’s insurance agent if Old Settlers Committee was required to have event insurance or would the City’s policy cover the event.  He said the Old Settlers Committee needs to have their own event policy.  This was passed on to the committee.  Johnson will inquire about cost of a policy for the committee.

 

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – wanted to know if the ball association is allowed to use the lights for practices.  After discussion Johnson will send message to President and Vice-President of association the lights can be used for organization practices, only when needed and last coach of the day is responsible for making sure they are shut off.

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – wanted to make sure we have enough chemical for mosquitos.  Yes, we do.

Councilman Stewart – absent

Mayor Jurgensen – hired Cindy Mumbower as the new custodian/water sampler.  She started last week.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to provide rock for the culvert extension at Chaffin and the alley west of Franklin

 

He also found someone to haul off the big rock at the railroad right-of-way and north of the pond.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking Project – Committee met on May 3 and doesn’t recommend outdoor exercise equipment.  Doesn’t feel it is cost effective.  They said yes to the pickleball court, possibly a community garden was discussed.  Healthy Bourbon County Action Team will be here for the June meeting to discuss the key findings from the community perception survey and have a “Community Conversation” for the project.

 

Motion by Danea, Second by Hartman , Approved 4-0, to solicit quotes for a 30’X60’X6” concrete slab with fiberglass rebar and light broom finish for the pickleball court

 

American Rescue Plan Act update –Annual Project and Expenditure report was submitted on 4/17/2023.  Mayor Jurgensen suggested capping the scales instead of removing and building ramp over cap on south side of warehouse before skinning and installing new rollup doors.

 

KMGA/MMGA Prepay project – have not received anything yet from KMGA.

 

Street repairs/resurfacing – Three bids were received for the project and opened (bid tabulation attached).

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to award base bid plus alternate bid to Bettis Asphalt for the total amount of $175,597.19

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 9:15PM

U234 Special Meeting at 8 a.m. on May 19

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION SPECIAL MEETING

MAY 19, 2023 – 8:00 A.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                  Danny Brown, President

 

2.0       Flag Salute

 

3..0      Other Business – Personnel Matters

3.1       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

3.2       Exit Executive Session

3.3       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

           

4.0       Adjourn Meeting

                        President Brown

AGENDA FOR SPECIAL OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION on May 17

 

 NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL              

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

May 17, 2023 – 8:00 A.M.

 

  1.  Roll Call:
  2.      Jones     T. VanHoecke     E. Woellhof     K. Harrington     M. Wells
  3.   Flag Salute:

III.   Approval of Agenda:

 

  1. Public Comment:

Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5)      minutes per person, at Commission discretion.

  1. Old Business: 

 

  1. Consideration of Acquisition of Land for Economic Development and Construction of a Manufacturing Plant – M. Wells
  2. Consideration of Approval of Boundary Survey for 37+/- Acre Parcel and Certificate of Survey of a 20-Acre Parcel Split out from boundary for the Acquisition of Land for Economic Development and Construction of a Manufacturing Plant to be completed by Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. $5,000.00 – M. Wells

 

  1. New Business:

 

 

 

 

XIII.      Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for   Executive Sessions)

 

XIV.        Adjournment:

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter


Hello,

Happy Mother’s Day!
I want to wish a very happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who play a special and irreplaceable role in our lives. I also want to say happy Mother’s Day to my wife, Robba, and to our daughters, Kelsey and Alex.

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Security & Humanitarian Crisis at the Southern Border
On May 11, Title 42 expired. Officials at U.S. Customs and Border Protection anticipate as many as 10,000 to 13,000 migrants to cross the southern border each day – almost double the daily average in March. We already have a record number of migrants at our southern border and the Biden administration’s decision to end Title 42 without a robust plan of action is only going to make the crisis worse. We must secure the border, enforce the law and reverse the policies President Biden put in place that have fueled this crisis.

Hearing from DEA & FBI on End of Title 42

As ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, I held a hearing this week with FBI Director Christopher Wray and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram. During the hearing, we discussed the consequences of allowing Title 42 to end. I expressed to them my concerns about the threats posed to our national security with the end of this policy. I also questioned DEA Administrator Milgram about China supplying fentanyl precursor chemicals to Mexico and asked her about what the DEA is doing to work with China and Mexico in regard to this issue.

You can watch my remarks here.

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Supporting Efforts to Address the Border Crisis
I have met with DEA, FBI and Border Patrol agents at the southern border multiple times and seen the national security and humanitarian crisis firsthand. Despite the challenges they face, our law enforcement officers at the border are doing an incredible job. They remain positive and are proud to serve our country and to protect our nation and communities. I want to recognize and thank each of them for their service.

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Drug cartels and criminal organizations are exploiting our broken border and immigration system – trafficking children, smuggling dangerous narcotics into our communities, threatening public safety and violating human rights. Without action, these problems will only get worse.

President Biden must act to ensure a stricter enforcement of our immigration laws, reinstate the construction of a wall or fencing in areas that are largely unprotected, and the administration must send a message loud and clear that our border is closed to unlawful entrants.

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Leading Legislation to Reform Classification System, Prevent Mishandling of Classified Documents
On Wednesday, I joined Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) – fellow members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence – in introducing two bills to address how the federal government declassifies information and how classified information is handled. These bills would reform the security classification system in order to reduce over classification, prevent mishandling of classified information, promote better use of intelligence and enhance public trust.

In the digital age, our classification system is absorbing a flood of new, critical information. When it comes to declassifying documents, our current declassification process costs $18 billion a year and is about as effective as using an eye dropper to drain a flood. These deficiencies undermine our national security, and a backlog of unnecessary classified material is harming our ability to protect what should be secret from our enemies. We are long overdue for an overhaul that begins with an up-to-date declassification system in order to better secure our national secrets, and it begins with the two bills introduced this week.

I have worked on this issue of declassification for several years, introducing legislation with Sen. Wyden. The support for the bills introduced this week signifies the growing importance of this issue. Improving our broken classification system will reduce costs and create a more efficient system. This is necessary to protect information from bad actors, and I look forward to advancing these bills.

You can watch the press conference announcing the legislation here.

You can read more from The Kansas City Star here.

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Trade is Vital to the U.S. Economy and National Security
This week, I spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of trade to our nation’s prosperity and relationships around the world. This is particularly true in the Indo-Pacific region, which will soon be home to 50 percent of the world’s economic output. Trade agreements that provide market access are critical to Kansas producers, and I called on President Biden to enter into – and Congress to ratify – the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership.

In competing with China in the coming decades, it is essential to build cooperation with these countries by offering a positive vision that attracts them to America. Little in geopolitics is a win-win, but trade is the rare area that advances our interests and those of our partners.

You can watch my full floor speech here.

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Selected as New Co-Chair of Senate Travel & Tourism Caucus
This week, the U.S. Travel Association officially announced that I will be co-chair of the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus with Sen. Amy Klobuchar. This bipartisan group of 23 senators champions efforts to increase and support travel to and within the United States.

My appointment was announced during the 40th anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week, celebrating a vital industry that generated $2.6 trillion in economic output last year. Travel is an essential driver of our economy and workforce and plays a crucial role in fueling other industries such as manufacturing, health care and education.

It’s always a joy to share the beauty of a sunset in the Flint Hills or the boyhood home and library of President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Abilene, and as co-chair of this caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues to promote policies that reduce barriers to travel, bolster the travel industry and support the safety and access of travelers across America.

Melissa Dixon, president, Travel Industry Association of Kansas:

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Holly Lofton, president-elect, Travel Industry Association of Kansas:

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Julie Roller Weeks, former president, Travel Industry Association of Kansas:

Image K-State Selected for National Science Foundation Award
On Thursday, Kansas State University was awarded $1 million from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines program. It was a pleasure to call K-State President Richard Linton to inform him. K-State’s project, 1 of only 44 to be selected, will focus on advancing biosecurity, biodefense and biomanufacturing, with applications in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, renewable energy and advanced materials. These Development Awards will help organizations create connections and develop their local innovation ecosystem within two years to prepare a strong proposal for becoming a future NSF Engine, where they will have the opportunity to receive up to $160 million.

I supported the CHIPS and Science Act in part because of the opportunities created for Kansas institutions like K-State to create lasting economic growth in ground-breaking, innovative fields. Congratulations to K-State University and their team for winning this award and building on the many new significant research and development projects in the Manhattan region. K-State has demonstrated that participation in this new program will create jobs, strengthen our nation’s global competitiveness and encourage innovation.

You can read more from WIBW here.

Speaking with Agri-Pulse on NBAF, Farm Bill and Debt Limit
This week, I joined Agri-Pulse to discuss the grand opening of NBAF, the upcoming Farm Bill and the ongoing debate on the debt limit. Farmers and ranchers in Kansas and across the country have much at stake in the current debt ceiling debate. Our farmers are the victims of inflation. We have seen the impacts of rising prices on fertilizer prices, input costs for fuel, diesel and natural gas and other components of farm equipment. The new Farm Bill needs to be based on the increasing costs of inputs in order to best support our farmers and ranchers.

You can watch my full interview here.

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NOTAM Improvement Act Passes the Senate
On Tuesday, the Senate unanimously passed my NOTAM Improvement Act, introduced with Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V), which helps prevent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) system outages. This act requires FAA to strengthen the resiliency and cybersecurity of the NOTAM system, which alerts pilots of safety and location hazards on flight routes. This bill follows a recent NOTAM system outage in January that grounded flights nationwide. FAA has a responsibility to make certain air travel in our country is as safe and efficient as possible. I am pleased by the Senate’s swift passage of this legislation and urge the House of Representatives to quickly pass this bill to send to the President’s desk.

You can read more from WIBW here.

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Delivering Keynote Address at Rotary Club of Wichita
On Monday, I delivered the keynote address at the Rotary Club of Wichita – one of the oldest and most active rotary clubs in the nation. Communities across our state are strengthened by those who participate in civic organizations, and I appreciated the opportunity to spend time with leaders dedicated to growing the region. We spoke about my priority to help bring new opportunities to the businesses that already call Wichita home, attract new partnerships and contracts to the region and make certain the area has a trained workforce to ensure future success.

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In the past years, senior government and business leaders have visited the area at my invitation to see all that Kansas has to offer. These visits have resulted in new contracts, business and growth for the Wichita region and the state as a whole. Two main industries I have worked to bring to Wichita are aerospace and defense – sectors that are seeing rapid growth in the area as local suppliers and manufacturers gain new business and contracts with top industry leaders.

I want to thank Dr. Elizabeth King, CEO of Wichita State University (WSU) Foundation, for the kind introduction at this event. Special thanks as well to Greater Wichita Partnership President Jeff Fluhr, Wichita State University Senior Vice President for Industry and Defense Programs Dr. John Tomblin and WSU Tech President Dr. Sheree Utash for joining as my guests. I also appreciate Kansas Global for sponsoring the luncheon. The momentum in Wichita is palpable, and it was great to spend time with leaders who are dedicated to growing the region. I will continue to work alongside these men and women to expand opportunities for all those who call Wichita and south-central Kansas home.

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ATF Launches National Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Excellence at WSU
On Monday before returning to Washington, D.C., I was also at Wichita State University (WSU) for the grand opening of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Excellence on WSU’s Innovation Campus. This facility will analyze and correlate the ballistic evidence recovered from crime scenes, helping local law enforcement develop investigative leads and giving them the tools to get violent robbers, drug dealers and murderers off the streets. ATF estimates more than 300 jobs will be created as part of the center.

Notably, we returned to WSU’s Innovation Campus just two months after announcing a $75 million investment in a world-class forensics laboratory on campus. This lab will bring an additional 100 new good-paying, high-quality jobs to the region. All of this means that Kansas is in an ideal position to support ATF’s efforts to solve crimes and provide comprehensive and advanced technology support to federal, state and local agencies not only in Kansas but across the nation.

As the top Republican on the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to helping local law enforcement members protect our communities, and I am pleased that the Wichita region plays a vital role in this mission. Now, wherever a crime is committed and a criminal needs to be apprehended, the message can be: “We’ve got to get this evidence to Wichita so we can solve this crime.”

I want to thank ATF Director Steve Dettelbach for his leadership at the federal level. Special thanks to WSU President Richard Muma and Vice President John Tomblin for their role in assisting in this mission.

You can read more from KSN here.

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Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing with Top Department of Defense Officials
Last week, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley regarding the FY2024 Department of Defense (DoD) budget. Despite the U.S. facing one of the most challenging national security situations of my lifetime, this administration’s request significantly underfunds our military. When adjusted for inflation, President Biden’s budget request reflects a decline in resources for our military when compared to last year’s.

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During the hearing, I questioned DoD leadership on efforts to combat low recruitment levels across all military branches, which places continued strain on our servicemen and women. I also expressed concern regarding the rank disparity for the Vice Chief of the National Guard compared to their counterparts in the sister services. The National Guard constitutes 20% of the Joint Force and is entrusted with various critical and unique missions. However, the National Guard is the only service in which the Vice Chief is a three-star, automatically disadvantaging National Guard personnel nationwide.

Lastly, I reminded Secretary Austin of the importance of caring for servicemembers and their families impacted by the recent water contamination around the Red Hill Bulk Storage facility in Hawaii. I highlighted a bill I introduced with Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), which would require longitudinal health studies for those impacted by this contamination to allow for the best possible care to the families serving our nation.

You can watch my full remarks here.

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Honoring the Life of Gary Doane
I spoke on the U.S. Senate floor this week to pay tribute to the life of Gary Doane – Downs native, member of the Kansas Farm Bureau and former Chair of the Board of Directors for the Kansas Agricultural and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program.

Gary touched the lives of all who knew him, and he left the world – and our state – a better place. I know I speak for many others when I say we will all miss his wisdom and his kindness. Gary did what we all hope to do. He lived a life with purpose, and he loved to invest in the next generation of Kansans. He often spoke of how he wanted to help raise new leaders to preserve the same opportunities he enjoyed living and raising his family in north central Kansas. We all look for examples, and Gary’s life is an example of the difference one person can make. I know his legacy will live on in the community and in the state he loved. Robba and I are praying for his wife Glennys and his three children, Amy, Vic and Edie, and the entire Downs community.

You can watch my full remarks here.

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Speaking to General Aviation Manufacturing Association Board
On Wednesday morning, I spoke to the General Aviation Manufacturing Association (GAMA) Board of Directors regarding my efforts to help craft this year’s FAA Reauthorization. GAMA represents various aviation and avionics manufacturers including companies in Kansas, such as Garmin, Textron, Airbus, Honeywell, GE Aviation and others. As Ranking Member of the Commerce Aviation Subcommittee, it is my priority to make certain Kansas interests – across all aviation sectors – are considered and included in the final bill. During my remarks, I discussed the outlook of the bill, and several pieces of legislation I have introduced and am working to introduce for inclusion in FAA Reauthorization. It is vital we pass a long-term FAA Reauthorization bill, and I appreciated the conversation with a large group of stakeholders with a significant role in this process.

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Meeting with Textron eAviation President
It was great to meet with Textron eAviation President Rob Scholl this week. Headquartered in Wichita, Textron eAviation is a sector of Textron solely focused on sustainable flying and leveraging innovative product design, certification and manufacturing. The company’s acquisition of Pipistrel – an international leader in electric aircraft – coupled with Textron’s existing businesses assists the important work being done by eAviation. I appreciated receiving an update on various Textron eAviation efforts and how the company is working to lead in the new entrants ecosystem. Kansas is the Air Capital of the World, and it is exciting to hear from our Wichita-based companies on how our state continues to bolster and contribute to the aviation industry.

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Subcommittee Hearing on Universal Broadband Service
On Thursday, the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Media and Broadband held a hearing on the current state of universal broadband service in our country and discussed federal broadband deployment programs, including the Universal Service Fund (USF). Managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the USF promotes access to telecommunications services for all Americans through four distinct programs: High Cost, E-Rate, Rural Health Care and Lifeline. These programs are funded through a fee on certain services, like long-distance landline voice calls. As Americans’ usage of telecommunications services have shifted with technological growth, this funding mechanism has become increasingly volatile and expensive for those using legacy services. To address this issue, I introduced the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act with Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Thune (R-S.D.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). This bill would require the FCC to stabilize the USF’s funding mechanism. Witnesses before this hearing agreed that this funding mechanism is unsustainable and needs to be addressed.

Before the hearing on Thursday, I joined a bipartisan working group to address this issue and other challenges facing universal broadband service. A recent study found Kansas ranked last amongst the states in terms of download speed and ranked poorly in other broadband quality metrics. This underlines the importance of making certain current federal broadband deployment programs are implemented in an effective and efficient manner. In addition to the USF funding mechanism, I also asked witnesses about the importance of federal coordination of broadband programs and the future of the FCC’s High Cost programs. I will continue my work to make certain every Kansan, no matter where they live, has access to the benefits of quality broadband service.

You can watch my full remarks here.

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Introducing Bill to Deter Criminals from Targeting Law Enforcement
This week, I joined 38 of my Republican Senate colleagues in introducing the Back the Blue Act, legislation to increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and to provide new tools for officers to protect themselves. Each day, federal law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to defend our nation’s security. We must make certain that criminals who take the lives, or threaten to take the lives, of these public servants face tougher penalties.

This legislation strengthens laws to protect law enforcement officers by creating new federal laws for assaulting, killing and attempting or conspiring to kill federal law enforcement officers and federal judges. In addition, the Back the Blue Act would allow law enforcement officer to carry their firearms into federal facilities and other jurisdictions where possession of a firearm is currently prohibited.

Receiving Department of the Army Emblem
This week, I was presented with the Department of the Army Emblem. This symbol represents the dedication, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. Army. From the Revolutionary War to today, the Army has been at the forefront of defending our freedoms and safeguarding our nation. The emblem represents the countless soldiers who have dedicated their lives to selflessly serving their country.

I will continue to use my role as the Senate Army Caucus co-chair, a member of the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations and the Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to make certain soldiers and their families are supported during and after their service to our nation.

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Visiting KidsTLC in Olathe
Before returning to Washington, D.C. earlier this week, I stopped by KidsTLC in Olathe to see firsthand the work done here to care for young children and their families through a variety of services. This non-profit organization was founded in 1972 to fulfill an unmet need for an emergency shelter for abused and neglected children. Since then, the initial mission has transformed into the current goal of providing inpatient and outpatient care for children experiencing mental and behavioral health challenges, developmental trauma and autism. I want to thank Dr. Erin Dugan, President & CEO, Tim Dannenberg, KidsTLC Board Chair and Shannon Wickliffe, Chief Development Officer, for hosting me.

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Kansas Community Visits
Waverly
It was great to be in Waverly to visit with local residents during my stops at Waverly Cooperative, First National Bank of Kansas, Waverly Medical Clinic and City Hall. Thanks to everyone who took the time to speak with me.

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Ottawa
I met with local Ottawa leaders for a conversation about current happenings in the community and to hear from them about the issues impacting the area. Maintaining strong communities across our state is vitally important. I want to thank Major Eric Crowley, Mayor Pro-Tem Mike Skidmore and City Manager Brian Silcott for hosting this important discussion.

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Stafford County
On Friday, it was great to spend time in Stafford County speaking with local residents in the area. I stopped in St. John and met with the Stafford County Economic Development team and other community leaders.

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Pictured below: Kathleen Norman, current Executive Director of Stafford County Economic Development; Ryan Russell, incoming Executive Director of Stafford County Economic Development; and Carolyn Dunn, former Executive Director of Stafford County Economic Development.

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Attending Kansas Soybean Social
On Thursday evening, I stopped by the Kansas Soybean Association office to visit with the team there and other industry stakeholders. I enjoyed visiting with attendees and learning more about their organizations which play such an important role in our state. Thank you to Kansas Soybean CEO Kaleb Little for the invitation.

All Schools Day Parade
I enjoyed joining the All Schools Day Parade in McPherson on Friday. The All Schools Day Parade is one of my favorite events of the year, and I appreciate the residents who show up each year. Special thanks to Nic Winsky for driving my vehicle in the parade this year!

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Now Accepting 2023 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2028. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, September 1, 2023. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.

Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.

Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.

Very truly yours,
Jerry

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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Manhattan
1800 Kimball Avenue,
Suite 270
Manhattan, KS 66052
Phone: (785) 539-8973
Fax: (785) 587-0789
Olathe
23600 College Blvd.,
Suite 201
P.O. Box 1154
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: (913) 393-0711
Fax: (913) 768-1366
Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Room 521
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6521
Fax: (202) 228-6966
Wichita
100 North Broadway,
Suite 210
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 269-9257
Fax: (316) 269-9259

Garden City
1511 East Fulton Terrace, Suite 1511-2
Garden City, KS 67846
Phone: (620) 260-3025

Pittsburg
306 N. Broadway, Suite 125 (rear entrance of bank)
P.O. Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 232-2286
Fax: (620) 232-2284

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