Commission Chair Samuel Tran asked that the clerk’s office include invoices with the checks he’s required to sign. Susan Walker, County Clerk, agreed to change her office’s procedures to fulfill his request.
Citizens Comments
Kevin Allen about the landfill
Allen thanked the commission for taking his calls. He said his company hauls a lot of garbage to the county transfer station. He asked that the commission consider keeping the it open on minor holidays.
His business used to haul trash out of county, but about 10 years ago, they switched back to Bourbon County, “to help support the community,” even though it cost more than hauling it out of county.
“We’re just trying to get in and give you more money,” he concluded.
Clayton Miller about the landfill
Miller said that the county transfer station has only recently started closing on minor holidays such as President’s Day. It makes it hard for trash haulers to do their jobs.
Commissioner Joe Allen said that in his past he worked hauling trash and he agrees that it is difficult to haul trash when the transfer station is closed.
Old Business
CIC — Tran
Tran asked to add Laura Crom to the CIC (the county’s accounting software) to give her access so she can do her job. Currently, two elected officials have access.
“Even if it’s read-only she needs access to there because she’s generating reports for people,” he said.
Commissioner Mika Milburn-Kee said that in the past Sheriff Bill Martin has asked for access as well.
Tran said he’s been getting push-back on granting access to Crom.
There was a heated discussion about the reports that Tran said Crom had asked for. Tran saying she asked for them on Feb. 9, and County Clerk Susan Walker denying that she ever received the request.
Crom had asked Walker to do the payroll audit.
“Regardless, I’m going to ask you to give Laura Crom access to CIC,” said Tran.
“She will not have the information that she needs to create the work comp report because you have payroll in both systems,” said Walker. She created the report with the Payentry group by tweaking the report to include all wages.
“The work comp report is actually in the system,” said Walker. She went on to point out the problems with communication that are continuing between the commission’s administrative assistant and her office.
“There’s been a bottleneck of information since I’ve been here,” said Tran. “Either you work with us or you don’t work with us.”
The commission voted unanimously to give read-only access to Crom.
Auction
Allen and Commissioner David Beerbower talked about the process for getting rid of unneeded items in the county’s inventory. They plan to contact all the departments and have them mark the items in the courthouse basement they still want, contact an auctioneer, and proceed to get rid of the unneeded items.
Noise Resolution
Milburn-Kee said that she has concerns about the resolution, particularly the complaint form. She wants to go over it with the county attorney and lay out the process from start to finish.
“To make sure that it’s going to work,” said Milburn.
She is concerned about enforceability. “We’ve learned that we can’t complete the process on our own,” she said, referring to sanitation codes the county has.
Beerbower agreed with her efforts. The resolution was tabled until the next meeting.
New Business
Payentry — Joe Allen
Allen said he has taken some calls about issues that county employees are having with Payentry.
Undersheriff Davidson was invited to speak. He went into detail about the problems the new system is causing his department.
Sheriff Bill Martin asked if he and his department heads could have a conversation with Payentry to learn about how to make the system work for them and how other public safety departments use the system.
Martin said they are also having problems with vacation time not showing up. Other department heads agreed.
Milburn said she would send the contact information to him.
Tran thanked the department heads for being willing to work with the commission on this issue. The county is going through growing pains as they adjust to the Payentry system.
He suggested developing a different procedure for the sheriff’s office and the EMS department than the rest of the county employees.
Beerbower offered to facilitate the meeting with Payentry that the sheriff had requested.
Cemetery & Township Financial Reports
Commissioner Gregg Motley pointed out that some of the cemeteries are running on razor thin budgets.
Milburn said that the reports have been signed by people in various offices. Walker said there are no legal ramifications if the signatures are improper.
The commission approved the reports.
Unclaimed Property — Allen
Allen brought to the commission’s attention a list by the Kansas State Treasurer’s office of unclaimed property belonging to Bourbon County. Walker said she would ask the County Treasurer to look into it.
Commission Comments
Allen: “I just want to say that it seems like some of these meetings get a little tense…We all have the same goal…to make our community better.”
“I think we’re on the right road, for the most part,” he said.
Tran: Agreed with Allen’s statement. He said he wants to help the county government members do their jobs.
FSCC Rodeo Building
(small building to the south of
Arnold Arena by the cattle pens)
2108 Horton St.
We hope to see you there!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, February 26th at 8am, hosted by Fort Scott Community College’s Rodeo & Ag Departments. The coffee will take place in the Rodeo Building, which is the small building to the south of Arnold Arena, next to the cattle pens, on FSCCs campus, 2108 Horton St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.
The Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) Rodeo Team continues its tradition of excellence in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s Central Plains Region, with 15 Men’s Team Championships and alumni competing professionally. The team trains in the Arnold Indoor Arena, focusing on skill development, teamwork, and leadership.
The 47th Annual FSCC Spring College Rodeo will be Friday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 14 at 1:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m
Sunday, March 15 at 1:00 p.m.
at the Arnold Indoor Arena, showcasing top collegiate rodeo competition.
FSCC’s Agriculture Department offers competitive Livestock and Meat Judging teams, giving students hands-on experience evaluating animals, meat quality, and presenting oral reasons—preparing them for careers in agriculture.
Following the rodeo, Aggie Days will be held
March 28, 2025, welcoming FFA and 4‑H members for contests in livestock, public speaking, and judging events—highlighting FSCC’s commitment to student development and agricultural education.
For more information, please contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar on fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.
Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.
Calling on USDA to Support Farmers & Ranchers Impacted by Wildfires
Beginning last Tuesday, wildfires spread up from Oklahoma and across western Kansas, forcing many to evacuate their homes, businesses and communities. Firefighters across the state, including many volunteers, have worked around the clock to put out these prairie fires and protect the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers. I’m grateful to these firefighters, the other first responders and the Kansas emergency departments that are currently working to keep Kansans safe.
Our agriculture community in Kansas knows too well the devastation that can occur from natural disasters. After fires ravaged Kansas in 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) strengthened its disaster programs to better assist farmers, ranchers and producers impacted by natural disasters. To make certain these programs are utilized, I led my colleagues, Sen. Roger Marshall (Kan.) and U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01), in urging U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to take immediate action to support those affected by the wildfires. You can learn more here.
For more information on these recovery resources and others, visit my website here, as well as the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) website here.
USDA Announces Farmer Bridge Payments Enrollment Period
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the opening of enrollment for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program to provide $11 billion in one-time payments to row crop producers. The enrollment period will run from February 23 through April 17, 2026. Producers with eligible commodities who filed their 2025 crop acreage report can access their pre-filled FBA application utilizing their Login.gov account or may request a pre-filled application from their FSA county office. For more information regarding the FBA program, you can visit the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) website here or visit your local FSA office with any additional questions you might have.
Briefing from U.S. European Command & Visiting Kansas Sailors on USS Bulkeley
It was an honor to meet and personally thank the sailors serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the Destroyer USS Bulkeley – including two Kansans, Navy Chaplain Joshua Keatts of Olathe, and Kendal Bebb of Mound Valley. The USS Bulkeley is currently deployed to conduct maritime security and support our NATO partnerships, deterring aggression from Russia, Iran, and other adversaries in the region. Prior to visiting the USS Bulkeley, I was briefed by Four-Star General Grynkewich, the Commanding General of U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe. He briefed us on current activity on the European continent and on our NATO allies’ efforts to meet their defense spending commitments, which contribute to this critical alliance. We also discussed the interconnectivity of the European theater and our nation’s other threats, including Iran. EUCOM has and continues to provide critical security in support of troops, partners, and allies in the European and surrounding theaters. I am grateful to our men and women in uniform for their service to our country and their commitment to protecting freedom.
Applauding Kansas Federal Judicial Nominations
This week, President Trump announced the appointments of Jeffrey Kuhlman, Tony Mattivi and Anthony Powell, dedicated public servants whom I was pleased to recommend to the United States District Court for the District of Kansas. After a lengthy process where I had the opportunity to meet with many qualified candidates who expressed interest in serving on the bench, these individuals stood out for their deep commitment to serving Kansas and our country, pursuing justice and upholding the rule of law. I am grateful for the President’s confidence in these candidates, and I look forward to their confirmation process in the Senate.
You can read more about these three nominees from The Topeka Capital-Journal here.
Securing Federal Resources for Kansas Hospitals
As a senior appropriator, I worked to secure federal resources for Kansas hospitals, including $20 million for The University of Kansas Health System (TUKHS). TUKHS will use these resources to purchase equipment for the new KU Cancer Center building to help fight and cure cancer and help support the expansion of the psychiatric-safe emergency department at the main hospital campus, making upgrades to provide life-saving resources and care for patients in Kansas and the region. You can read more about this investment from the Lawrence Journal-World here.
I also worked to secure more than $7 million in federal support for rural Kansas hospitals and community centers. Rural hospitals and health care providers play a critical role in sustaining communities across our state, with access to quality medical care often being the deciding factor for families determining whether they can remain in the rural communities they call home. These resources will help providers improve patient outcomes, invest in new medical capabilities and strengthen access to care in some of our state’s smallest communities. You can read more about this investment from KSN here.
These investments build on the nearly $222 million that Kansas received this year through the Rural Health Transformation Program, which I worked to establish during the reconciliation process last year. Together, these efforts will make certain hospitals across our state remain strong and able to serve Kansans for years to come.
Supporting Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced this week that it would no longer report veterans who are appointed a fiduciary by VA to help manage their financial decisions and VA benefits to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Previously, when VA appointed a fiduciary to a veteran who needed assistance managing their finances and VA benefits, VA reported that veteran to the FBI’s NICS list, effectively stripping them of their Second Amendment right to legally purchase and own a firearm, without any findings by a court of law that the veteran may be a danger to themselves or others.
Since 2024, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and I have worked to secure language in annual appropriations legislation to provide temporary due process protections for veterans and, last year, we introduced legislation to permanently end this wrongful practice. No veteran should be penalized or stripped of their right to legally purchase and own a firearm without due process simply because they sought assistance from VA regarding their finances or earned benefits. I applaud VA for correcting this practice, as it will allow veterans in Kansas and across the country to obtain the necessary and critical help they need to manage their benefits, without jeopardizing their constitutional rights, and I will continue to work toward passage of the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act to make certain this breach of due process cannot occur again under any administration.
Commending Retiring Adjutant General of Kansas National Guard
This week, following more than three decades of distinguished service, Major General Michael Venerdi announced his retirement as Adjutant General of the Kansas National Guard. Major General Venerdi has served Kansas, the men and women of the Kansas National Guard and our entire country well during his time as Adjutant General of the Kansas National Guard. Our state has benefited from his steady leadership, integrity and commitment to bolstering readiness and supporting the mission of our Guard members. I’m grateful to Major General Venerdi for his service in our work together on behalf of Kansans, and I congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement. I look forward to working with Brigadier General Paul Schneider as he assumes the role of Adjutant General for Kansas.
Sen. Moran with Major General Venerdi at Kansas National Guard’s new Joint Force Headquarters Ribbon Cutting in May 2025
Supporting Aerospace Innovation
I recently introduced legislation with Sens. Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) to bolster emerging aviation technologies and American leadership in aerospace innovation. The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update and streamline the type certification process for new aviation technologies – including Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft – to make certain that the process is transparent and reliable.
This legislation will build on my bill that was signed into law in 2022, the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, which directed the Department of Transportation to establish an AAM interagency working group to plan and coordinate efforts necessary to improving the AAM ecosystem and integrating AAM into the airspace.
Supporting Small Businesses Using AI Rural small businesses face limited resources and workforce shortages, and artificial intelligence (AI) has tremendous potential to fill in the gaps. I introduced legislation with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) that would support small businesses seeking to use AI to meet their needs, expand and innovate. The Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training Act would authorize the Department of Commerce to work with the Small Business Administration to create and distribute AI training resources and tools to help small businesses leverage AI in their operations. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation.
You can read more about this legislation from KCLY here.
Newman University & GCCC Announce Diagnostic Medical Sonography Degree This week, Newman University and Garden City Community College (GCCC) announced a joint partnership to offer a new bachelor’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This announcement builds on the strong partnership between Newman University and GCCC, while helping address the critical need for health care professionals in rural Kansas. With the addition of this new program, students in southwest Kansas will have the opportunity to learn the high-demand skills needed to provide quality care to their local communities. Just as importantly, this effort will help to retain Kansas talent and make certain that young students who want to pursue careers in health care can achieve that success right here at home. I look forward to seeing the positive results this program will provide Kansas students when it launches this fall.
You can read more about this announcement from Newman University here.
Remembering Verlin Pfannenstiel I was saddened to hear of the recent passing of my longtime friend Verlin Pfannenstiel. Verlin was a staple in Ellis County who made a difference in the lives of many. From his childhood roots in Munjor to his career as owner of Heartland Building Centers in Hays, Russell and Stockton, Verlin dedicated his life to serving his local communities. He graciously supported his alma mater, Fort Hays University, and served on numerous boards including those of the FHSU Endowment Association, Hays Community Assistance Center and St. Francis Catholic Church of Munjor. Verlin also organized the annual City Wide Festival of Faith and, along with his wife, Elaine, was instrumental in the construction of the new Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas office in Hays.
Verlin’s strong faith, devotion to his family and belief in the good of others were central to his life. I was grateful to call him a friend and for the impact he made on so many lives. He will be deeply missed. My prayers are with Elaine, their children, Christi, Cindy, Russ and Ryan, and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
You can learn more about Verlin’s life from the Hays Post here.
Information for Kansans Traveling in Mexico
Due to cartel violence in parts of Mexico, Kansans in the impacted regions should follow travel guidance from the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico which can be found here and enroll in the State Department’s Smart Travel Enrollment Program which can be found here.
Kansans in Mexico who are in need of assistance can also reach out to my office by calling 202-224-6521 or emailing [email protected].
Now Accepting Summer 2026 Internship Applications
My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am glad to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today, where I have interns year-round working closely with my staff to serve Kansans.
Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the Summer 2026 session are due Sunday, March 8. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence.
Now Accepting Summer 2026 Page Applications
Applications are now open for the Summer 2026 Senate Page Program. High school students are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process. Summer Page eligibility is limited to students who have completed their sophomore year of high school and who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 22. You can learn more about the Senate Page program here.
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
Fort Scott, KS – The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees met February 16 to review program updates, approve key initiatives, and outline next steps for institutional growth and workforce development.
Board members received a comprehensive update on the college’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program, which has been reestablished in Bourbon County. The six-week program operates under the federally required Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) model and reports strong enrollment momentum, with new cohorts cycling approximately every six weeks.
The program highlighted high job placement outcomes and growing industry demand, citing a significant nationwide truck driver shortage. Trustees discussed pursuing state recertification that would allow the college to administer final CDL exams in-house, creating additional revenue opportunities and streamlining student completion.
The Board formally accepted a warranty deed tied to a $528,000 frame grant that will fund the construction of duplex housing units. The project will support the college’s construction trades program, providing hands-on learning opportunities for students in all phases of the build, from foundation to finishing work. Plans call for constructing four total living units, with two completed per year. The strategy includes building one duplex immediately and partially enclosing a second structure to allow for an expedited build in Fall 2026. An RFP for a general contractor was approved to move the project forward.
The Board was introduced to several new coaches across multiple sports programs, including soccer, softball, and track and field. Officials reported roster growth and projected that new and expanding athletic programs could bring an additional 120–130 students to campus. The softball team has already opened its season with a 2-0 record, and the newly established track and field program is rapidly building participation numbers.
During the meeting, trustees approved scholarship proposals as recommended by the scholarship committee, authorized the presentation of an honorary associate degree to Jack Gilmore, accepted the warranty deed for the frame grant site, and approved the contractor RFP for the project.
The meeting also included the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, and roll call, with trustees Bailey, Brown, Cosens, Hoyt, McKinnis, and Ropp recorded as present.
The February meeting reflected continued momentum for FSCC in workforce training, athletics expansion, and infrastructure development as the college advances strategic growth initiatives across its campuses.
In Mark chapter 6, Jesus sends His disciples straight into a storm. He knew it was coming. While they were out on the sea straining at the oars, He was up on the mountain praying for them. He saw them. He wasn’t surprised by the wind, and at the right time, He came to them.
That’s leadership. A real leader doesn’t stand on the shoreline pointing out what everyone is doing wrong. When people are grinding and the wind is in their face, a leader sees it. He steps in. He guides. He helps steady the boat.
In Good to Great, Jim Collins talks about Level 5 leaders, men and women who combine strong resolve with real humility. They’re tough-minded, but they’re not self-centered. They make hard decisions, but they don’t beat their chest about it. When things go wrong, they own it. When things go right, they pass the credit. That’s the kind of leadership that lasts.
Accountability matters. Standards matter. Results matter, but there’s a difference between coaching someone up and constantly pointing fingers. Most good employees want to do well. Sometimes they just need clarity. Sometimes they need development. Sometimes they need someone willing to stand in the gap long enough to help them grow.
Strong leaders don’t just endure storms. They pray for others in their storms. Leadership is not a solo act. If an organization is going to move forward, everybody has to buy into the mission. We won’t agree on every detail. Every idea won’t be exactly how I would draw it up, or how you would. That’s fine. That’s collaboration, but once we set direction, we pull together. When talented people line up behind a shared purpose and support the plan, even if it wasn’t their first choice, progress speeds up. When everyone pulls the same way, success isn’t luck. It’s the outcome.
I like to say we can hang on the rope together and hold each other up. When we communicate honestly and accept coaching, the climb is hard but manageable, but if someone insists on climbing alone, rejecting feedback and pushing back on accountability, the weight gets too heavy. Eventually, they fall by themselves. Guiding good employees can make them great, but if someone refuses direction, accountability rests on their shoulders.
Leadership isn’t about shouting from the shore. It’s about seeing clearly, guiding patiently, and stepping into the storm with your team. Real strength isn’t loud. Real strength kneels.
Thought for the Week:
“Stepping into the storm with your team is far more powerful than leading from the shore.” Jack Welch
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
Fort Scott, KS – Naloxone saves lives. In 2024, 559 Kansans tragically died from drug overdoses—many related to opioid misuse. In response to this ongoing crisis, the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, in partnership with Emily’s Hope, is delivering Naloxone dispensers to colleges and universities across the state, including one to Fort Scott Community College.
The Naloxone dispenser at FSCC provides access to a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Making Naloxone readily available on campus is part of a broader statewide effort to reduce overdose deaths, increase awareness, and provide immediate tools to help in emergency situations.
College officials encourage students, employees, and community members to be aware of this resource. Naloxone is safe to use and can be administered in an emergency while waiting for first responders to arrive.
“If this could help you, your family, or your neighbors, please remember it’s here,” college representatives shared. “Access to Naloxone is about protecting lives and supporting the well-being of our community.”
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, confidential help is available by calling 866-645-8216.
Fort Scott, KS – The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College has voted to extend President Jack Welch’s contract through 2028. The decision was made following an executive session held in accordance with Kansas statute at the Board meeting on Monday, February 16.
Board members expressed continued confidence in President Welch’s leadership and commitment to advancing the college’s mission of serving students and the broader community.
“I want to sincerely thank the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees for their confidence in me and for extending my contract to continue serving as President,” said Welch. “I am grateful for their trust and for the opportunity to keep building on the progress we are making. Stabilizing and strengthening this institution is a process, and I appreciate a Board that understands the importance of steady, focused leadership. Together, with an outstanding faculty and staff, we are committed to serving our students and community with integrity and purpose. I look forward to continuing this important work on behalf of Fort Scott Community College.”
The contract extension ensures continuity in leadership as the college continues efforts to strengthen academic programs, expand workforce development opportunities, and support strategic growth initiatives across its campuses.
