USD 234 Press Release

NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, March 1, 2021

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, March 1, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – February 19, 2021 – $1,478,744.66

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity Fund accounts

 

Robin Webb, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, led students in a Ready! Set! Read!

presentation.

Reports were given by the following:

 

·       Brenda Hill, KNEA President

·       Dalaina Smith, Academic Director

·       Ted Hessong, Superintendent

·       Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk

 

Board members approved the following:

 

·       Addition of high school courses for the 2021-22 school year

·       Addition of a high school physical education teacher for the 2021-22 school year

·       Addition of a middle school teacher/course for the 2021-22 school year

·       Resolution 20-09 – Intent to nonrenew the contract of an administrator with two or more years employment as administrator in the district

·       Purchase of two buses

 

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.

The board approved the following employment matters:

 

A.    Resignation of Amanda Johnson, Winfield Scott music teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

B.    Resignation of Dane Cummings, high school vocational agriculture teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

C.    Resignation of Brad Cowen, Winfield Scott custodian, effective March 9, 2021

D.    Resignation of Sara Schnichels, preschool paraprofessional, effective March 5, 2021

E.     Transfer of Angie Kemmerer, high school/Eugene Ware gifted teacher, to middle school seventh grade social science teacher for the 2021-22 school year

F.     Transfer of Kayla Pulliam, Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher, to Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher for the 2021-22 school year

G.    Transfer of Elizabeth Rose, middle school paraprofessional, to preschool paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

H.    Transfer of Susan Weddle, Eugene Ware teacher aide, to Winfield Scott teacher aide for the 2021-22 school year

I.      Leave of absence for Jeff Armstrong, high school math teacher, for the 2021-22 school year

J.      Leave of absence for Dixie Jackson, high school paraprofessional

K.    Leave of absence for Joie Moore, high school ticket clerk

L.     Adjustment in the work agreement for Angela Mix, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, from 4 hours per day to 7.5 hours per day for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

M.   Employment of Sydney Cullison as a high school agriculture teacher for the 2021-22 school year

N.    Employment of Jessica Steury as a middle school 8th grade math teacher for the 2021-22 school year

O.    Employment of Laura Howard as a middle school 7th/8th  grade English/Language Arts teacher for the 2021-22 school year

P.     Employment of Tara Wilbert as a middle school 7th grade English/Language Arts teacher for the 2021-22 school year

Q.    Employment of Stephanie Flanner as an elementary behavior specialist for the 2021-22 school year

R.    Employment of Emily Giffin as a Winfield Scott special education teacher for the 2021-22 school year

S.     Employment of Sydney Griffetts as a Eugene Ware third grade teacher for the 2021-22 school year

T.     Employment of Annyssa Davenport as a high school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

U.    Employment of Dillon Duffy as a four-hour middle school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

V.    Employment of Sabrina Cady as a regular route van driver for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

W.  Employment of Kennedy Meyer and Dane Cummings as high school assistant softball coaches for the 2020-21 school year

 

The board adjourned.

CHC/SEK: COVID-19 Vaccines Will Increase

Krista Postai. Submitted photo.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas was one of 250 health centers, out of 1,400 health centers in America, that was selected to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine directly from the federal government, according to Krista Postai, President and CEO of CHC/SEK said.

 

“They have a million doses to distribute weekly, so we expect to receive – for the whole 10-county region we serve  – up to 4,000 doses per week,” she said “Which means – I am excited to say – that we should have enough vaccine – along with what the counties are receiving —  to take care of everyone in southeast Kansas over the next few months. We are required to still follow state guidelines on priority groups, but counties do have some flexibility.”

 

CHC staff spent last week building the infrastructure needed to set up a toll-free phone line and appointment schedule.

 

“We have already started calling our patients ( more than 7,500 people) who are 65 and older and getting them an appointment as early as Thursday,” Postai said.

 

“Companies who have been notified by the State of Kansas that their employees are now eligible to be vaccinated should email Dawn McNay at [email protected] with their contact information, employee count and a copy of the letter. She will be working with our outreach teams to take the vaccine to the companies,” Postai said.

 

 

K-State Extension Agent Needed For Southwind District: Crop, Forage Management

K-State Extension has a Crop, and Forage Management career opportunity in Southwind District.

The primary office location is negotiable between Iola, Erie, Fort Scott and Yates Center.

See https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/jobs/current_openings/index.html   for responsibilities, qualifications and application procedure.

The application deadline is March 17, 2021.

K-State Research Extension is an EOE of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

A background check is required.

From the website:

The Southwind District is comprised of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties in southeast Kansas.  There are 2,314 farms and more than 112 million acres of pasture and crops growing primarily soybeans, corn, wheat, and a diverse selection of native and introduced forages.  The population of the district is 46,048. The district is home to Neosho County Community College, Allen Community College, and Fort Scott Community College, as well as ten public school systems. Southwind staff are housed in four office locations and include eight agents, four specialized office professionals, and one 4-H program assistant.

Extension agents are community-based faculty of Kansas State University who make a difference by connecting community needs with university resources. Agents are administratively responsible to the local extension director and the local extension board.

This position will provide primary leadership for the development and implementation of research-based educational programs related to production, management, and marketing issues involved in crop production, especially forages.  Programs will include but are not limited to tillage, planting, and variety selection; irrigation; weed, disease, and pest control; soil testing and fertilization; harvesting and post-harvest handling.

Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are administratively responsible to the Director of K-State Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

  • Provide primary leadership for the development and implementation of research-based educational programs related to production, management and marketing issues involved in crop production, especially forages.  Programs will include but are not limited to tillage, planting, and variety selection; irrigation; weed, disease, and pest control; soil testing and fertilization; harvesting and post-harvest handling.
  • Share responsibility for seasonal county fair management.
  • Programming will include these steps:
    • Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State Research and Extension’s five Grand Challenges (water, community vitality, health, developing tomorrow’s leaders and global food systems) by engaging with program development committees and other community organizations and professionals.
    • Design appropriate educational strategies to engage clientele. These strategies might include delivering educational programming in a community-based setting, coordinating events and activities that provide experiential learning opportunities, using innovative technologies, providing individual educational consultations and facilitating groups seeking similar educational outcomes. Some overnight travel and evening and weekend work will be required.
    • Develop and implement strategies to expand the reach of educational programming to under-served audiences and to make certain K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider of educational programming.
    • Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
    • Develop specialized knowledge and skills by engaging as a member of the Crop Production Program Focus Team.
  • Secure external funding such as grants, gifts and cost recovery to supplement local tax revenue to support and expand educational programming.
  • Serve as a member of the Southwind District team cooperating in the planning and delivery of district-wide programming and related events.
What You’ll Need to Succeed: Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Academic coursework and/or professional employment related to the position responsibilities
  • Evidence of strong academic and/or professional performance as documented by college transcripts, acceptance into a graduate program or documented success in increasingly responsible professional positions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups and through mass media.
  • Leadership skills as evidenced by working with individuals, groups and co-workers.
  • Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree
  • Experience working with adults and youth from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Commitment to personal professional development.
  • Ability to utilize electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
  • Self-motivation and ability to work with a minimum of supervision, balancing multiple projects.
  • Ability to design, promote, implement and evaluate educational programs.
  • Skills in group facilitation.
  • Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
  • Experience in seeking and administering external grant funding.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish learners

Other Requirements:

  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment
Salary, Benefits, and Professional Development:
  • Salary commensurate with professional experience and available funding as negotiated by the regional extension director, the local extension board and the applicant. The base starting salary is $41,500 for a BS degree with no professional experience and $45,500 for a MS degree with no professional experience.
  • Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan, health and life insurance and vacation and sick leave. Depending on the date of hire there is a minimum of 30-day waiting period for health insurance. For a complete list of benefits see: http://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits/overview/
  • Reimbursement for travel related to achieving program objectives.
  • New agents are provided approximately 15 days of new agent professional development on the K-State campus or online during the first six to nine months. These 15 days are spread out in four different weeks. In addition, new agents spend at least three weeks with a mentor agent during the first year.
How to Apply: Please submit the following documents:

  • Cover Letter (detailing experiences related to responsibilities and qualifications)
  • Resume
  • Contact Information and Email addresses for three (3) professional references (include on application). References will be requested upon submission of application.
  • Copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received. (For applicants still in college, a list of courses from the college/university website is acceptable.
Screening of Applications Begins: Applications will be accepted until March 17, 2021
Equal Employment Opportunity: Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and actively seeks diversity among its employees.
Background Screening Statement: In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.

Jayhawk Wind Sold to WEC Energy Group

Apex Sells Jayhawk Wind, with Facebook PPA, to WEC Energy Group and Invenergy

Contact: Cat Strumlauf | Director, Corporate Communications
office: 434-227-4196 | email: [email protected]

 

PPA for Full Capacity Represents Facebook’s Fourth Power Purchase from Apex

 

Apex Clean Energy today announced that WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC) and Invenergy purchased the Jayhawk Wind project, including a renewable power purchase agreement with Facebook. The more than 190 MW project, located in Crawford and Bourbon Counties, Kansas, will help support the tech company’s operations in the region.

 

“Establishing and growing strong relationships with the nation’s pre-eminent clean energy investors and power purchasers is fundamental to Apex’s core mission and to our ability to bring best-in-class renewable energy assets like Jayhawk Wind to life,” said Mark Goodwin, Apex Clean Energy president and CEO. “Because of these agreements with Facebook—a valued Apex customer—and new partners WEC Energy Group and Invenergy, Jayhawk Wind will advance the new energy economy in Kansas and generate significant long-term economic benefits for the local community.”

 

The deal marks Apex’s fourth renewable transaction with Facebook, following a 61.6 MW PPA with Altavista Solar; a 200 MW PPA with Aviator Wind East, part of the largest single-phase, single-site wind project in the United States; and, most recently, a 175 MW PPA with Lincoln Land Wind in Illinois.

 

“We are excited to help bring this new wind project—our first in Kansas—to the grid in support of our operations in the region,” said Urvi Parekh, head of renewable energy at Facebook. “At Facebook, we are committed to supporting our global operations with 100% renewable energy and helping accelerate the transition to renewable energy around the world.”

 

Jayhawk Wind will help Facebook meet its goal to support its operations in the region with 100% renewable energy and reach net-zero carbon emissions. The tech company stepped in as the project’s offtaker after a previous power purchase agreement was mutually dissolved.

 

The purchase of the Jayhawk Wind project is part of WEC Energy Group’s $16 billion ESG Progress Plan—the largest five-year capital plan in the company’s history.

 

“Our commitment to the Jayhawk project is the next step forward in our comprehensive plan to build a bright, sustainable future, serve strong vibrant customers, and continue to grow earnings from our portfolio of renewable energy assets,” said Gale Klappa, WEC Energy Group executive chairman.

 

The Jayhawk facility, which breaks ground this week and is expected to be operational later this year, will consist of 70 GE wind turbines totaling an installed capacity of more than 190 MW. The project will provide significant economic benefits for the local and state economies—including the creation of more than 115 construction jobs and 7 long-term operations positions—and will generate over $20 million in landowner payments and $27.2 million in tax revenue.

 

 


About Apex Clean Energy
Apex Clean Energy develops, constructs, and operates utility-scale wind and solar power facilities across North America. Our mission-driven team of more than 200 renewable energy experts uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information on how Apex is leading the transition to a clean energy future, visit apexcleanenergy.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.About WEC Energy Group
WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC), based in Milwaukee, is one of the nation’s premier energy companies, serving 4.6 million customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota.The company’s principal utilities are We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, Michigan Gas Utilities, Minnesota Energy Resources and Upper Michigan Energy Resources. Another major subsidiary, We Power, designs, builds and owns electric generating plants. In addition, WEC Infrastructure LLC owns a growing fleet of renewable generation facilities in the Midwest.

WEC Energy Group is a Fortune 500 company and a component of the S&P 500. The company has approximately 42,000 stockholders of record, 7,300 employees and $37 billion of assets.

 

FS Commission Updated Agenda For March 2 Meeting

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL

CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
MARCH 2, 2021
6:00 P.M.

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)

  2. Approval of Agenda:

  3. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  4. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 16th, 2021 and special meeting minutes of February 12th, 2021 and February 23rd, 2021.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1283-A totaling $335,76

  1. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc – $6,455.27 – River Intake Project

  1. Request to Pay – Bourbon County Clerk – $8,047.48 – Charter Ordinance No. 31 Election costs

  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. City Manager Reports and Comments

  1. Director Reports

  1. Old Business: None

  1. Appearances: None

  1. New Business:

  1. Resolution No. 5-2021 – Resolution in reference to the levying of a 1% Countywide Sales Tax allocation

  2. Consideration of Bids – Brush Blasting & Pool Repainting – Aquatic Center

  3. Consideration of move of Dispatch Center to 207 S. Judson (old Correctional facility)

  4. Consideration to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc – $616.00 – January invoice

  5. Discussion of electric scooter company, Bird, establishing services in Fort Scott

  6. Discussion of Potential Cost Sharing Joint Venture between the City and Bourbon County for the joint purchase of materials and equipment

XII. Reports and Comments:

A. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

B. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

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

XIV. Adjournment:

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter March 1

 

 

 

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Resources

To find further resources on how to protect you and your family, visit
coronavirus.gov or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website here.

Vaccines in Kansas

Visit kansasvaccine.gov for information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations in Kansas, including availability and FAQs.

To find providers offering COVID-19 vaccinations, use KDHE’s Find My Vaccine map tool. Enter your zip code or address to find the providers nearest you.

Assistance

If you are a Kansas resident and you or your family needs assistance with matters related to COVID-19, please click here.

If your employment situation has been impacted by COVID-19, including reduced work hours, please refer to these resources from the Kansas Department of Labor:

Response Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Unemployment Insurance Application

Helpful videos

Federal Informational Resources

Coronavirus.gov

Situation Summary

Prevention & Treatment

High-Risk Populations

Pregnant Women Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas Informational Resources

Please visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment here.

U.S. Small Business Administration Resources

For information regarding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), including second draw loans, please visit the U.S. Small Business Administration’s website by clicking here.

For information regarding Economic Injury Disaster loans, please click here.

Veteran Resources

For information on veteran and VA related topics, resources and contact information, please click here.

———–

Phone Calls to Kansans

Hon. Pat Proctor, Kansas House of Representatives, Leavenworth

Riley Scott, Scott Consulting, Lawrence

David Kensinger, Kensinger and Associates, Topeka

Stephonn Alcorn of Gardner

Jeff Seibel, Edward Jones, Hays

Mayor Peggy Dunn of Leawood

Russell and Cleo Fischer of Dodge City

Bill Hybl, The Garden City Company, Garden City

Hon. Mike and Susan Pompeo, Wichita

Deanna Munson, Munson Prime, Junction City

President Dr. Amy Carey, Friends University, Wichita

Bette Lessen, City Clerk, Arma

Lee Tafanelli, Kansas Electric Coops, Topeka

Hon. Chip Westfall, Harvey County Commissioner, Newton

Bill Cochran, Chief of Staff, City of Topeka

Brian Wheeles, Chief of Police, Topeka

Jared Suhn, Game Changer Strategies, Shawnee Mission

Gordon Ramsey, Chief of Police, Wichita

 

 

 

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Hello,

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.

 

COVID-19 Vaccination Centers and Resources in Kansas

As Kansas continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, please use my COVID- 19 Resources and Vaccine Information on my website for guidance.

Right now, we must focus on vaccines—it’s the most important objective we can undertake. More shots in more arms is the best thing that can happen for our country’s well-being, both from a health perspective and for our economy.

I encourage all Kansans to continue to take precautions to keep yourself and your families safe, including wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and frequently washing your hands. To get the most up-to-date recommendations from the federal government, please visit coronavirus.gov.

 

Calling on Governor Kelly to Improve Response Times to Kansans Filing for Unemployment

We are approaching nearly a year since COVID-19 arrived, but Kansans are still facing extreme difficulties receiving their unemployment benefits from the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL). My office is fielding urgent pleas for assistance from constituents who, through no fault of their own, are finding themselves without the means to pay their bills. It is unacceptable to make Kansans wait weeks or months before finally receiving their unemployment benefits from the state. On Friday, I led the Kansas Republican Congressional Delegation along with Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson and Kansas Speaker Ron Ryckman in calling on Governor Kelly to utilize available resources already provided by Congress to improve KDOL’s response times to Kansans filing for unemployment insurance.

Governor Kelly continues to place the blame on Congress for lack of funding to assist in updating KDOL’s outdated technology. However, according to a House Oversight Committee report released on February 12, Kansas’ Executive Office still has $218 million unspent from the coronavirus relief packages passed last year, showing Kansas is not in imminent need of resources. It is not a solution to continue throwing money in a direction where the process is the problem. The fact of the matter is Kansans’ livelihoods have been put on the line during the upheaval caused by the department’s four different leaders over the past year, the false narrative that additional federal funding will solve the current issues, and playing politics rather than problem-solving. When Kansans are getting evicted from their homes or are unable to purchase groceries and are calling for help but receiving none, it is evident something must change immediately.

Read the full letter here.

 

Overseeing VA’s Vaccination Distribution Efforts

Pressing the Biden Administration to Prioritize Veteran Vaccinations
This week, I spoke with leaders from the Biden administration as the lead republican on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) to press them to prioritize veterans as the COVID-19 vaccine is distributed. Dr. David Kessler and General Gustave Perna, the two officials leading the administration’s vaccine rollout, provided valuable information to Sen. Tester and me regarding the vaccine distribution process. The efficient and effective distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine remains one of my top priorities, especially for high-risk veterans, and I will continue working with federal, state and local officials to streamline this process.

I am concerned that rural and underserved veterans will be left behind, so I received commitments from Dr. Kessler and General Perna to work with me to support rural veteran vaccine distribution.

Conducting a Hearing Evaluating VA’s Ongoing Vaccination Efforts
On Wednesday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee conducted an oversight hearing for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ ongoing efforts to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to America’s veterans. Following my call with the Biden administration’s COVID-19 Response Team on Tuesday urging them to prioritize our nation’s heroes in the vaccination process, VA officials announced at the hearing several thousand extra doses will be distributed to veterans and the frontline staff who provide their care starting today.

Even with this announcement, I will continue to make certain that the VA is doing its best work at taking care of veterans and seeing that this vaccination rollout is working in the most efficient and expeditious manner possible. We ought to have smooth processes that make certain the most vulnerable veterans are able to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Currently, veterans who have existing health risks or are over 75 years of age, and some eligible caregivers, are able to receive the vaccine. The VA is reaching out to those individuals personally to notify them of their eligibility and coordinate their vaccines. If you are a veteran, you can click here for more information about the VA’s COVID-19 testing and treatment resources. You can also sign up for updates about vaccine availability here.

As the lead republican on the Senate VA Committee, I remain committed to making certain the VA provides the highest level of care and service to those who served in uniform. My work in Congress will continue to make certain that veterans, regardless of where they live, are able to access these vaccines.

 

 

Speaking with Veterans Receiving their COVID-19 Vaccine at Topeka’s VA Vaccine Clinic
This week, I visited the Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center vaccine clinic in Topeka. I appreciated hearing more about how VA facilities receive and distribute vaccinations as they continue to adapt to the rollout program and the opportunity to hear from Kansas veterans receiving their COVID-19 vaccine shot. The veterans I spoke with were happy to be receiving the vaccine and described their desire to be able to visit their family and loved ones again. I was encouraged that they were able to get the vaccine, however, we have a long way to go, and I will work to make certain that veterans in Kansas who want to be vaccinated get that opportunity.

I want to extend my thanks to Director Rudy Klopfer, Chief Nurse Shelby Bowen and Associate Chief Pharmacist TJ McCombs for the informative visit.

 

 

VA Announces Mobile Vet Center Deployments to Help Vaccinate Kansas Veterans
Last week, the VA announced it would be sending Mobile Vet Centers across Kansas to hold mass vaccination events. As part of the VA’s vaccination efforts, it is using the Mobile Vet Centers to extend its vaccination reach beyond brick and mortar VA facilities to provide additional vaccination capacity to Kansas veterans and VA employees. Beginning this week and running until March 27th, the VA will utilize Mobile Vet Centers at 13 mass vaccination events in locations like Hays, Salina, Dodge City, Ft. Leavenworth and Olathe—just to name a few. Due to the limited vaccine supply, local VA facilities will be reaching out to veterans to confirm eligibility and appointments for all Mobile Vet Center vaccination events. Sign up for updates about vaccine availability here.

 

Empowering Student Athletes While Maintaining College Sports Integrity

This week, I introduced the Amateur Athletes Protection and Compensation Act of 2021, to create a consistent, federal standard to allow student athletes greater control of their name, image and likeness (NIL). Over the years, college athletics have grown into an increasingly profitable, billion dollar industry, however the rules surrounding athlete compensation have not been modernized. In an attempt to fix this issue, nearly 30 states have introduced legislation on athlete compensation, which could lead to a confusing system of inconsistent state laws that would be cumbersome for schools and athletes to navigate. My legislation would create a national standard of guidelines to make certain student athletes can benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness without hurting their eligibility to compete as a student athlete while at the same time protecting the existing model of college athletics that has afforded so many young athletes an opportunity to pursue an education.

Athletics teach young men and women many valuable skills that serve them throughout their life, and Kansas has an unparalleled history of college athletics that includes several premier programs attracting student athletes from all over the nation and the world. I will continue to work with my congressional colleagues to ensure this NIL legislation strikes the appropriate balance of empowering amateur athletes while maintaining the integrity of college sports that we all know and love.

Read more about my legislation here in ESPN.

 

 

 

Welcoming Novacoast to Wichita

This week, I was pleased to announce that Novacoast, a national leader in cybersecurity development, has decided to make Wichita the location of its new Security Operations Center. This is an exciting move for many of the region’s leaders in cybersecurity technology research and development, including Wichita State University, Friends University, Butler Community College, and the 177th Information Aggressor Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base. Kansas is becoming an important leader in this field, and Wichita is now a pipeline for some of our nation’s most talented cybersecurity professionals. Novacoast’s presence in Wichita will create many rewarding partnerships, along with several well-paying technology industry jobs for our community.

The Greater Wichita Partnership announced this move on Thursday, and I offered remarks to express my support for the future of Novacoast and my eagerness to assist in their important mission of providing cybersecurity for American companies. Paul Anderson, CEO of Novacoast, announced that they will soon be advertising jobs on Kansas Works and the Wichita location would begin operations three or four months from now. He mentioned that he chose Wichita because it is a place where people would be happy to make a home, and I wholeheartedly agree.

 

 

Holding Big Tech Accountable

Social media platforms that promise to be free and open marketplaces of ideas should abide by these assurances. This week, I introduced the Promoting Responsibility Over Moderation In the Social Media Environment (PROMISE) Act with Senators Mike Lee and Mike Braun. This legislation would ensure social media companies are consistently following their own public statements and policies on censorship and hold them responsible when they display political bias that contradicts their own standards.

Unfortunately, we have seen recent examples of these social media companies exhibiting political bias when moderating content, making our bill more urgent than ever. Twitter, Facebook and other social media websites have permanently banned President Trump, while allowing despotic leaders like Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei to remain on their platforms and post violent and hateful rhetoric, despite having terms of service against such speech. Pro-life voices have also been restricted by Big Tech, while pro-abortion groups are allowed to continue to advertise their views. For example, Facebook has prohibited advertising from pro-life groups such as Life of America, Live Action and Choose Life Marketing from advertising on their platform. In addition, Twitter has prohibited Live Action from advertising as well. Simultaneously, Planned Parenthood is permitted by both companies to advertise on their websites.

I urge my colleagues to work with Senator Lee, Senator Braun and I to ensure that social media companies are being held accountable when they act on political bias that runs contrary to their public statements and policies.

 

 

 

Questioning HHS Nominee Attorney General Xavier Becerra

During my first Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee hearing this week, I questioned President Biden’s U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary nominee, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, on several topics. First and foremost, I spoke to Attorney General Becerra about the current issues facing the 340B Drug Pricing program as certain drug manufacturers are refusing to live up to their end of the bargain. 340B has been an issue for as long as I have been in the Senate, but these recent developments are creating particularly dire circumstances for Kansas’ community health centers who are losing significant revenue due to the 340B program’s issues.

As the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted gaps in our health care infrastructure, telehealth has proved to be a powerful source of care. The recent coronavirus relief packages passed by Congress included provisions to reduce the regulations around telehealth, allowing it to be a more reliable, accessible source of care for both rural and urban Kansans. As I told Attorney General Becerra, creating permanent extensions of the emergency telehealth provisions should be a high priority moving forward.

Finally, I encouraged Attorney General Becerra, if he is confirmed, to look into the policies surrounding organ transplants. We live in a nation with the world’s leading transplant surgeons and hospitals, but thousands die every year because of scarcity of donated organs. HHS ought to be implementing policies to increase the number of kidney transplants nationwide and consequently, save hundreds of lives each year.

 

 

Keeping Skies Safe With The CONTRACT Act

This week, I introduced the Continuity for Operators with Necessary Training Required for ATC Contract Towers (CONTRACT) Act with a number of my Senate colleagues. Regional economies across Kansas rely on the aviation industry and our state’s eight contract towers, which play an important role in making certain air travel is safe. This legislation removes unnecessary hiring barriers and financial disincentive for air traffic controllers who have retired from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), providing a simple and sensible solution to ensuring we have highly-skilled and experienced controllers working at federal contract towers and keeping skies safe across the country.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, with jurisdiction over the FAA, I will advocate for contract towers in the state of Kansas and work to advance this legislation.

 

 

 

Securing Benefits for Combat-Wounded Veterans

This week, I introduced the Major Richard Star Act along with Chairman Jon Tester and Senator Mike Crapo. This bipartisan legislation will allow combat-injured veterans to receive the full benefits they deserve and will eliminate what is known as a Concurrent Receipt.

Under current law, only military veterans who retire with a full 20 years of service and who receive at least a 50 percent combat-related disability from the VA receive their full payments of both retirement pay and disability benefits from the DoD and VA. All other combat-injured retirees receive a single payment in which their retirement payments are offset from their disability compensation, which results in a lower average payment. The Major Richard Star Act would remedy this problem and make certain that veterans whose military careers ended due to combat injury receive the full benefits that they have earned. It would impact 42,000 veterans throughout the United States, including many who reside in Kansas.

 

Introducing The Kelsey Smith Act

This week, I introduced the Kelsey Smith Act to require wireless communication providers to provide call location information to law enforcement officials when responding to a call for emergency service or in an emergency situation that involves the risk of death or serious physical harm.

This legislation is named after Kelsey Smith, who was abducted in broad daylight from an Overland Park department store and murdered on June 2, 2007. The abduction was captured on the store’s security camera, leaving little doubt of the emergency nature of the circumstance. Four days after she disappeared, authorities were able to locate Kelsey’s body after her wireless provider released the “ping” or “call location” information from her cell phone.

Kelsey Smith’s tragic abduction sent shockwaves through the Overland Park community and the country, and this bill is named in her honor. Providing this information as fast as possible is critical to ensure law enforcement officials can rescue victims in imminent danger of death or serious harm when every second counts.

In honor of their daughter and to aid law enforcement in rescuing kidnap victims, Greg and Missey Smith have fought to successfully pass this legislation in 27 states and are continuing to work to make it federal law. This legislation will make certain first responders have the tools they need to quickly locate people who have been abducted, and I urge my colleagues to support this sensible bill to help save lives. I will continue to work with the Smith family and my Senate colleagues to ensure this critical legislation is passed into law.

 

 

 

Advancing Greater Job Opportunity for Women in the Trucking Industry

Over the past year, we have relied on the essential service of the trucking industry as it transports critical resources to Kansas and across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the trucking industry continues to face a driver shortage, we must find new ways to recruit and retain drivers, including supporting women pursuing careers in trucking.

This week, I introduced the Promoting Women in Trucking Workforce Act to support women pursuing trucking careers. The legislation would establish a Women of Trucking Advisory Board that would be responsible for working with organizations and companies to coordinate formal education and training programs and help identify and establish training and mentorship programs for women in the industry. This sensible and bipartisan legislation will lead to new job opportunities for women, combat the shortage of workers in the trucking industry, and promote equality for those who are currently working in the trucking industry.

 

 

 

Confirming Secretary Vilsack for the Department of Agriculture

On Tuesday, I voted to confirm Tom Vilsack to be the Secretary of Agriculture. Prior to his nomination vote, I met with Secretary Vilsack to discuss issues important to Kansas farmers and rural America. I believe the Secretary of Agriculture must be a voice for farmers, ranchers and rural communities both within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as well as across the entire administration. When I met with Secretary Vilsack, I invited him to Kansas to see progress on the construction of the National Bio Agro-defense Facility in Manhattan. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for USDA, I look forward to working with Secretary Vilsack to support Kansas farmers and ranchers and to defend and protect our way of life in rural communities across the state.

 

Receiving the Sonny Montgomery Student Veteran Champion Award

This weekend, I received the Student Veterans of America’s Sonny Montgomery Student Veteran Champion Award during their annual national conference. I was joined by my colleague, Chairman Jon Tester in receiving the award for the bipartisan work we were able to accomplish last year to make certain student veterans and their education were protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Receiving this award, which was so aptly named after Sonny Montgomery, was an additional privilege due to Sonny’s work on behalf of our nation’s veterans. Sonny dedicated his life to this nation, both in and out of uniform, and pushed for a better GI Bill for veterans in his years in Congress.

Kansas is home to many student veterans and members of Student Veterans of America, so I want to extend my thanks to the Student Veterans of America for their tireless dedication to advocating and improving the lives of our nation’s student veterans and their families, and for honoring me with this

 

Meeting with Members of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association

This week, I met with members of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association (KARA) to hear about issues that agriculture producers, retailers and rural communities are facing. We discussed agriculture’s role in climate discussions, including the importance of developing policies that are incentive based rather than harmful regulations. We also spoke about the strain recent extreme weather events have caused on our nation’s energy supply and concerns about consumer utility bills. I appreciate hearing from agriculture retailers from Kansas and across the country, and I look forward to working with them to advocate on behalf of the agriculture community in the future.

 

Accepting NWAG’s Wheat Leader of the Year Award

I joined the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) for their annual board meeting this week where I was presented the 2020 Wheat Leader of the Year award, the highest award given each year by NAWG. I appreciate NAWG President Dave Milligan and NAWG Board Member and Kansan Kyler Millershaski for presenting me with this honor. I also had the opportunity to speak with farmers from across the country about the importance of wheat to Kansas and the country. I look forward to continuing to work with NAWG to be a strong advocate for America’s wheat producers in Congress.

 

Protecting the Right to Life

I met virtually with Peter Northcott of Kansans for Life and Douglas Johnson of National Right to Life to discuss the Equal Rights Amendment this week. The amendment, if ratified, could adversely impact laws protecting the unborn from abortion. Passed in 1972, a year before Roe v. Wade was decided, Congress set a deadline of 1979 to secure the approval of the three-fourths of states required to add a new amendment to the Constitution. That deadline passed without adoption, but there is an effort to do away with the deadline and accept states that subsequently ratified the amendment. The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Legal Counsel last year issued an opinion saying that Congress cannot revive the amendment after the deadline, and the process must begin anew. The late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg held a similar position. As the ranking member of the Appropriations subcommittee for the DOJ, I asked Attorney General Nominee Merrick Garland about his approach to this matter, and I intend to make sure the law, as it was written in 1972, is upheld.

 

Federal Resources to Assist Kansas

EDA to Invest $2.6 Million in Southeast Kansas
I was pleased to announce the U.S. Economic Development Administration is investing in the people and economy of southeast Kansas with a $2.6 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant, creating hundreds of jobs, improving telehealth services and providing important resources for workforce training.

Thank you to the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center for leading the charge on this initiative and the many health care providers and local businesses willing to work in partnership to bring this project to a reality. As the lead republican on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, I will continue to support the ongoing and critical mission of the Economic Development Administration to assist the economic activity of our communities, especially during this pandemic.

 

 

 

Morton County Receives Resources to Bolster Area Telemedicine
I was also pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded Morton County Health System with a Rural Development grant to assist in the further development of telemedicine in the area, serving the greater southwest Kansas region. Access to health care is a challenge in many rural communities and the COVID-19 pandemic has made that access even more limited. This grant will invest in new technology and resources to bring telemedicine to Morton county and the surrounding areas to help folks in rural communities receive the health care they need to make them feel secure and safe.

Newton City-County Airport Funds Received
In 2019, I announced that the Newton City-County Airport was awarded an Airport Improvement Program grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. This week, I received word that the survey and bid process has been completed and the $6.1 million needed to complete the project will be awarded. As I said upon its original announcement, this grant will allow for much-needed infrastructure improvements, enabling the airport to support the area’s aviation needs for years to come.

 

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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Spring Break Kid’s Camp At Uniontown Methodist Church March 15-19

The Uniontown and Hiattville United Methodist Churches are hosting a Spring Break Kid’s Camp “Mystery of the Messiah,” Monday, March 15 through Friday, March 19, 12 noon – 2:30 p.m. The camp starts with a free noon lunch, transportation will be provided if needed.

Children, in preschool through 6th grade, are invited to join us for a fun-filled mystery-themed week of games, crafts or science projects, music, and more. All this takes place at the Uniontown Methodist Church, 505 Sherman  Street, Uniontown.
Early registration is appreciated. Registration will be limited to 30 children. For more information contact Pastor Carl Ellis at the church phone 620-547-2469 or email [email protected]

FSCC Aggie Day is March 26

The Fort Scott Community College Agriculture Department will host the 44th Annual Aggie Day contest on Friday, March 26th.

“We are excited to host the event,” said Sara Sutton, FSCC Agriculture Instructor. “It is one of the largest contests of its type in the four state area, so we are expecting a large turnout of high school agricultural students and 4-H club members.”

 

This year will look different than years past, as we will be hosting 5 contests instead of the typical 12. Students will have the opportunity to compete in the following areas of agriculture which include; food science, livestock judging, meat evaluation, speech, and veterinary science.

 

Aggie Day is sponsored by ReproLogix of Fort Scott, Kansas. This event is the longest-running interscholastic competition in the region. “We are excited to have ReproLogix as our sponsor once again and look forward to exposing agriculture students to the embryology side of their industry. ReproLogix provides up-to-date technology and services on animal reproduction which is an area many of our students are interested in. It has been a great partnership and together we hope to inspire students that participate in the contest to look at animal reproduction as a possible career choice,” said Blake Davis, FSCC Agriculture Instructor.

 

Teams should pre-register online at http://www.fortscott.edu/AggieDay/registration by Friday, March 19th at 5:00 pm. Registration for the event will begin at 7:30 am-8:30 am on March 26that Arnold Arena, 2108 S. Horton St. Fort Scott, Kan. For more information, please contact Sara Sutton at 620-223-2700, ext. 3280 or Blake Davis at 620-223-2700, ext. 3290

To view the basic information regarding Aggie Days, please follow this link http://www.fortscott.edu/AggieDay

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