Monthly Archives: March 2022
Obituary of Michelle Hunt
Michelle Bolinn “Shelly” Hunt, age 45, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, March 13, 2022, at her home following an eight year battle with cancer. She was born October 14, 1976, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of James Louis Wehar and Stella May Holt Durossette
. Shelly graduated from the Ft. Scott High School. She married Lawrence E. “Trey” Hunt III on June 27, 1998, at the Clayton Christian Church in Eve, Missouri.
Shelly had worked in medical claims at several area insurance companies. She had last worked in claims for Care 4 All Home Medical Equipment. Shelly had a strong devotion to her family and her faith. She was a member of the Community of Christ Church. She will be remembered for her contagious smile, her adventurous spirit and her strong will. She loved everybody and never met a stranger.
Survivors include her husband, Trey and their daughter, Sam. Also surviving are three sisters, Sue, Bobby Ann and Button and three sisters-in-law, Kim, Tami, and Melinda as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, June Marie and a nephew.
There was cremation.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, March 19th at the Community of Christ Church
. Private burial will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Community of Christ Youth Ministry and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Free Grant Writing Training Offered April 19 In Pittsburg
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is offering a grant writing training workshop to SEK area non-profits which include 501 3c organizations as well as government, religious and educational institutions.
The training event will take place on Tuesday, April 19 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at The Foundry meeting room, located in Block 22, 402 N. Broadway in Pittsburg.
CFSEK is partnering with The Center of Community Supports at Greenbush Education Service Center to offer this workshop at no cost to the SEK community, according to a press release from the community foundation.
“Grant writing is one of the services of our foundation,” Sherri Stephens, CFSEK Program Coordinator, said. “We hope this training of writing a grant proposal will make it easier.”
Monica Murnan, Greenbush Director of Community Support Services, will share information on organizational readiness, proposal development, needs assessments, budgeting, and managing funded projects.
Murnan has a 25-year history of successful grant writing and management in the areas of community-based services, health care access, collaborative early childhood projects, and education-based programs for kids and families, according to the press release.
CFSEK staff will share some CFSEK grant-specific information as well.
Learn some “must do” and “please don’t” strategies along with some organizational tips for gaining funds for your organization/entity’s work, according to the press release.
Email [email protected] with any questions.
Uniontown City Council Draft Minutes of March 8
The governing body of the City of Uniontown will be in attendance at the March 22, 2022 county commission meeting but will not be conducting city business, submitted by Sally Johnson, UniontownCity Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk.
The Regular Council Meeting on March 8, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:05), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Rachel Carpenter, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Raymond “Skeet” George, Uniontown Ruritan, Arlie Bess, Mauriel Whisenhunt, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Rachel Carpenter, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, gave an explanation of the Placemaking Pathway. Adding outdoor exercise equipment, public restrooms, pickleball court, etc would be projects that could be partially funded with a pathway grant; however, in order to qualify for a grant a pledge would have to be signed.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 3-2 (Esslinger, Stewart) to sign the Pathways to a Healthy Community Pledge Placemaking Package with Sally Johnson as contact person and submit to Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
CITIZENS REQUEST
Raymond “Skeet” George, Ruritan – asked about the Ruritan funding a public bathroom in or near the park. He presented a sketch and ideas were discussed. He asked that the City apply for a REDI grant for the project. He will work with an engineer to get some cost estimates.
Arlie Bess – had questions about the discussion the Council has been having on storage containers. He has two and wanted to know if he would have to get rid of them. Discussions are preliminary but if an ordinance was passed, his containers would be grandfathered in.
Mauriel Whisenhunt – had questions about the discussion the Council has been having on citywide trash service. She has a house and a business, would she have to pay for two trash service fees? Discussions are preliminary, but that is a good question and will be considered in future discussions.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the February Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $361,861.00, Receipts $50,364.54, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $60,806.42, Checking Account Closing Balance $338,643.12. Bank Statement Balance $353,490.41, including Checking Account Interest of $27.26, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $14,847.29, Reconciled Balance $338,643.12. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,063.99, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,566.16, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,346.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $415,619.39. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $55.71, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $130.55. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. February Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; and from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500, Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of February $23,217.88, Year-to-Date Net Income $14,899.62. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $17,272.29 (16.4%), Expenditures $18,274.04 (14.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,470.50 (15.3%), Expenditures $8,504.42 (20.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $29,400.22 (21.1%), Expenditures $19,466.90 (7.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $38,577.30 (30.0%), Expenditures $22,785.51 (13.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,784.86 (26.1%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%). The March 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $22,828.49 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of February 8, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent Rich asked for permission to get a dumpster to remove the storage building at 112 Second St and to clean up those two lots.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to allow Bobby Rich to get what is needed to remove the storage building and clean up the lots at 112 Second St
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was absent so discussion on shipping/storage containers, accessory/storage buildings, fences regulations and citywide solid waste was tabled until next month.
Clerk Johnson informed the Council that KDHE is soliciting for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects to fund.
The legal bills for the transfer of 105 Third St have been received. She asked for clarification of what was to be billed to the buyer and what was the City’s responsibility. The amount to bill to the buyer is $76.
She reminded the Council that League of Kansas Municipalities’ Governing Body Institute & Mayors Conference is April 29-30 at Manhattan
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – asked about spring citywide cleanup. After discussion
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to schedule a spring citywide cleanup for April 25-29 with dumpsters picked up when filled and the number of dumpsters to be determined by current cost
Councilwoman Kelly – was approached about someone wanting to purchase a corner lot to put an RV on to live in until something could be built. They were encouraged to attend a council meeting to present their request. The City does not allow people to live in RVs.
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – wants another rabies clinic. Clerk Johnson will contact Marmaton Valley Vet Clinic to get one scheduled. If after March 31, those attending will not be charged a late fee for registration.
OLD BUSINESS
Wholesale water supply – Rate ordinances were acquired from City of Fort Scott for 2013 to present. Rate ordinances for the same period were requested from Bourbon County Consolidated Rural Water District #2 but not received yet. Councilman Ervin has worked up some figures but forgot to bring them. The discussion will continue next month.
Pond Improvement Project – USD 235 asked if we were still planning to use the rock piled north of the pond and were told yes. The rest of the project will be completed in the summer. Clerk Johnson was reminded to order fish food.
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – A couple more have paid in full. We may be able to pay an additional $10,000 back in a couple more months.
American Rescue Plan Act update – Clerk Johnson stated that the first report required by Treasury is due April 30, 2022. She is attending webinars on compliance and how to complete required documentation.
Street Repair – Increases in oil prices may increase the cost of asphalt. We may not be able to complete as much as we initially thought. Discussion will continue next month. The Bourbon County Commission will hold their March 22, 2022 commission meeting at Uniontown Community Center. If the councilmembers plan to attend a notice will have to be posted, that they may be there but not to conduct city business. Public Works Director Bailey has contacted Councilmember Kelly to attend the next commission meeting to discuss the resurfacing of Maple Road from Uniontown to Bronson.
NEW BUSINESS
Special Event CMB License-Union Station – they are the weigh-in location for the fishing tournament and would like to be able to allow anglers to consume on premises during the tournament, May 28, from 6AM to 11:59PM.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to approve the Special Event CMB License for Union Station for May 28, 2022, 6AM to 11:59PM
City Sewer at Union Station – they asked if it was a possibility. After discussion, the Council consensus is not at this time.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and applicants of non-elected personnel positions, the open meeting to resume at 8:45
Johnson called in at 8:43, out at 8:44. Meeting resumed at 8:45.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0-1 (Ervin abstain) to hire Ginger Ervin for cleaning/water sampling position, cleaning will be $10/hour, water sampling will be $3/sample
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:49PM
Update to the Fort Scott City Commission Agenda for March 15
Updated Fort Scott City Commission agenda:
Added Item P – Consent Agenda – Consideration to Pay – Olsson Associated – Engineering – Rehabilitation Runway – $16,080.00
Added Item #12 under New Business:
Consideration of Wood Hills Golf Course changes:
- Tournament fee change
- Ord No. 3604 amending the board members from five to seven
- Letters of Interest – Golf Course Advisory Board – Received two: Jayce Simons and Cathy Bishop
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET MARCH 15, 2022 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
P. Allen J. Jones T. Van Hoecke M. Wells K. Allen
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by:
IV. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 1st, 2022.
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1308-A totaling $1,266,495.29.
C. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering, Inc.:
Building Inspection $ 284.00
City Engineer $4,120.00
Fort Scott Dam Improvements-Design $7,500.00
Total $11,904.00
D. Resolution 6-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 208 N. Little Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
E. Resolution 8-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 601 W. 2nd Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
F. Resolution 9-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1409 S. Ransom Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
G. Resolution 10-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 220 S. Judson Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
H. Resolution 11-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 316 S. Heylman Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
I. Resolution 12-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe
and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 731 S.
Heylman Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
J. Resolution 13-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe
and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 604 W. 5th
Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
K. Resolution 14-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe
and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 722 S.
Heylman Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
L. Resolution 15-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe
and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 312 S.
Heylman Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
M. Resolution 16-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe
and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1021 W. 4th
Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
N. Resolution 17-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe
and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 623 Short
Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
O. February financials
P. Request to Pay – Olsson Associates – Airport Engineering – Rehabilitate
Runway Project – $16,080.00
V. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five
(5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
VI. Appearances:
Jesse Hazen – Request to use Riverfront Park – Car & Bike Show for Good Ol’
Days
Kayla Hall – Good Ol’ Days donation
VII. Old Business:
1. Demolition Agreement Changes (newest changes highlighted in blue)
2. Business License Discussion (Matthew Wells)
3. Consideration of Special Street Maintenance Program for the City of Fort
Scott for 2022 (Matthew Wells)
4. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3603 – Changing Parks Advisory Board
from five to seven members
VIII. Public Hearing: None
IX. New Business:
1. Consideration of Temporary Notes – Fort Scott River Intake Project (Bret Shogren – Stifel) – Approval of Resolution No 18-2022 which amends Resolution 46-2018 which authorized Improvements to the City’s public water supply system and provided for the payment of the costs thereof.
Approval of Resolution No. 19-2022 authorizing the sale of General Obligation Temporary Notes
2. Consideration of Letters of Interest – Parks Advisory Board
3. Consideration of Letters of Interest – Lake Advisory Board
4. Consideration of Bids – Wastewater Treatment Plant Ground Lease
5. Consideration of Bid – 17th & Eddy Drainage Project
6. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3591 – Uniform Public Offense Code – Effective 4/1/2022
7. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3592 – Establishment of a Fingerprint Fee for the Fort Scott Municipal Court
8. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3593 – Establishment of a Warrant Fee for the Fort Scott Municipal Court
9. Discussion of Fire Department coverage territory expansion
10. Consideration of Invoice – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – $1,560.00 – February 2022 Port-a-Potties
11. Discussion of National Avenue Project (Jason Dickman)
• Report on Surveying Lake Lots
• Report on Surveying Old City Landfill property
12. Consideration of Woodland Hills Golf Course:
• Tournament fee change
• Ordinance No. 3604 amending the board members from five to seven
• Consideration of Letters of Interest (two openings)
XII. Reports and Comments:
A. City Manager Comments:
B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
IX. Adjournment:
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
March 04, 2022
Senate Bill 282 started out as an Aviation Tax Credit bill. It passed out of the Tax Committee last year and was amended on the Senate floor last week. The bill would provide employers in aviation a tax credit beginning in tax year 2023 for tuition or certain program-specific course-fee reimbursements. There were several amendments that went on the bill: a housing development tax credits for suitable housing in communities that are in need of increased housing; up to $250 tax credit for teachers purchasing classroom supplies out of their own pocket; an income tax credit for any property tax increases for low income seniors and disabled veterans – basically freezing property taxes for qualifying Kansans; and increasing the $20,000 property tax subtraction on the K-12 20 mil to $65,000. The bill had some good and some not so good changes to the tax code, but overall it will help Kansas taxpayers so I voted Yes. It passed on a vote of 33 to 4.
Increased access to health care by expanding access to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). Senate Substitute for House Bill (Sen Sub HB) 2279 removes the requirement that APRNs have to work with a physician and allows them to work independently. APRNs would be required to maintain malpractice insurance, as do doctors. The bill passed 30 to 7. I voted Yes to provide more access to healthcare in our rural communities.
Currently, Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) cannot be removed in Kansas. HB 2594 would allow the VIN plate for antique vehicles to be removed while restoring a vehicle. The bill passed unanimously.
Kansas Employment Retirement System (KPERS) funding has been and is still an issue. In order to pay some of the unfunded liability down, SB 523 would transfer $1 billion from the State General Fund to KPERS over a two year period. I voted Yes. We need to fix KPERS. The bill passed 28 to 12.
Foster care and adoption agencies issues have also plagued Kansas. In an attempt to address some of the problems, the Senate passed HB 2075 that would allow adoption proceedings to take place in a county where Department of Children and Families (DCF) or subcontractor has an office. This should help improve the adoption process and adoption of children in the foster care program. The bill passed 34 to 6. I voted Yes.
County election officers would be able to remove names from the registered voter list if a person has not voted in a four-calendar year period or does not respond to a confirmation notice sent by the county election officer. I vote Yes to clean up voter rolls. SB 439 passed the Senate 33 to 6.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Sen. Jerry Moran Newsletter March 14
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.
Postal Reform Passes the Senate
Throughout my time representing Kansans in Congress, I have advocated for the preservation of rural post offices and sensible reforms that ensure the Postal Service’s stability. This week, the United States Senate passed H.R. 3076, the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 to help improve and sustain the United States Postal Service (USPS).
For rural Kansans and older residents, the Postal Service is the glue that keeps them connected to the rest of the country. Kansans have always detailed to me the adverse impact the declining quality of USPS has on their lives and expressed the need for reforms to improve its efficiency. In 2015, I first introduced the Postal Service Reform Act and again introduced this legislation in 2018 and 2021. The Postal Service is an indispensable piece of infrastructure that can reach nearly every address in America, and I am pleased we are one step closer to getting this critical reform across the finish line. Click here or below to watch my remarks.
To read the Kansas City Star’s report on postal reform passing the Senate, click here.
Putin’s Unjust War with Ukraine
Russia’s war in Ukraine has raged on for nearly three weeks, and Russia’s brutality is on full display. There is evidence of maternity wards at hospitals being bombed, and hundreds of civilians have been killed. I joined my colleagues in introducing a resolution that encourages investigations into war crimes by Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian leaders responsible for these outrages. There are now 2.5 million Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict, with many more who are displaced from their homes within Ukraine. When the war first started, I called for humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians, and Congress passed more than $13 billion in aid to Ukraine, with $6.7 billion going specifically for humanitarian purposes. The United States will continue to support Ukrainians in their fight for freedom.
Responding to President Biden’s Announcement to Ban U.S. Purchase of Russian Oil
On Tuesday, President Biden announced a ban on the U.S. purchase of Russian oil. My colleagues and I made clear the United States cannot continue subsidizing Russia’s aggression by purchasing Russian oil. Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine must be a wake-up call to the Biden administration to maximize home-grown energy and not diminish American energy independence. We need an all-of-the-above approach to energy independence, and it can’t be accomplished without enabling our oil and gas producers to play a larger role.
Banning the purchase of Russian oil is a good first step, but now President Biden must immediately reinstate the Keystone pipeline, allow for new drilling leases on federal lands and waters, and retreat from proposals that would install burdensome regulations and tax increases on domestic oil and gas producers. Until we take these actions to unleash American energy, gas prices will continue to rise and we will remain reliant on our adversaries for energy production.
Ahead of the State of the Union, Sen. Marshall and I teamed up on a letter to President Biden calling for an embargo on Russian energy and introduced legislation that would ban the import of Russian oil. Read the full letter here.
Protecting and Supporting Kansas Law Enforcement
Securing Critical Resources in FY2022 Appropriations Package
This week, Congress passed its FY2022 Appropriations Package. As the lead Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I secured new resources for Kansas law enforcement in the FY2022 Appropriations Package, in addition to increased funding for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program and Community Oriented Policing Service Hiring Program.
At a time in which certain groups are calling to defund the police, in which the work and dedication of men and women in blue is questioned, I have and will continue to be an advocate for our law enforcement officers. After attempts to gut law enforcement programs, my committee was able to protect and increase vital resources for our men and women in blue. This includes new funding to make certain police officers receive the best training, the newest technology and the tools they need to protect our communities and keep our officers safe.
I appreciate the county sheriffs, chiefs of police, state troopers and officers who speak with me frequently about what their departments are facing on a daily basis and inform me of the resources they need to be successful in our communities. I stand with our law enforcement and will continue to do everything I can to support them in the United States Senate. Our police need to know that we care about them; we respect them; and we’ve got their six.
Kansas Congressional Delegation Honors Olathe East High School Heroes
This week, I joined Congresswoman Sharice Davids and members of the Kansas Delegation, including Sen. Marshall and Representatives Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, in recognizing the heroic actions of Olathe East High School School Resource Officer (SRO) Erik Clark and Assistant Principal Kaleb Stoppel on Friday, March 4, 2022.
The heroic actions and quick response of Officer Clark and Dr. Stoppel saved lives at Olathe East High School last Friday. The outpouring of support for the Olathe East community has been inspiring, and this resolution is one more way in which we can honor the actions they took to protect others and thank them for the love, care and sacrifice they showed towards their students and fellow educators. Full text of the resolution can be found here.
Investments to Advance U.S. Space Exploration
As the lead Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS), and Related Agencies, I was pleased to continue my strong support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) within the FY2022 Appropriations Package.
This bill reflects my commitment to accelerate NASA’s missions and cement America’s leadership in space exploration. Since the creation of the Artemis program, I have worked to lay the foundation to return American astronauts to the Moon, and I’m pleased this legislation advances this goal by supporting each key element of the Artemis program.
The legislation also continues to invest in NASA’s STEM education programs, critical science missions and aeronautic research. Thank you to Sen. Shaheen for her strong partnership in crafting a bipartisan bill that includes investments across multiple arenas and prioritizes the important work at NASA and their commercial partners.
Banking Committee Work
Speaking at the American Bankers Association Conference
On Wednesday, I spoke at the American Bankers Association’s annual conference in Washington, D.C. We discussed the consequences of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the disruptions to global financial markets and energy prices. Additionally, we discussed the Enhancing Credit Opportunities for Rural America (ECORA) Act, legislation I introduced to benefit borrowers of agricultural credit and rural home mortgages through lower interest rates and increased access to credit. With increasing inflation significantly affecting farmers and ranchers, Congress needs to do everything we can to help agricultural producers and our rural towns. Thank you to Kansas Bankers Association President Doug Wareham for moderating our conversation and to ABA for inviting me to participate.
Meeting with the Kansas Bankers Association
I also welcomed the Kansas Bankers Association (KBA) leadership team to Washington, D.C. this week. In order to support the credit needs of local families and businesses, community banks need tailored regulations which decrease the cost of credit. We discussed legislative efforts to bolster the competitiveness of rural and agriculture-focused banks and encourage growth. Another key issue we covered is the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (CBLR). In response to the large amount of deposits banks received through pandemic stimulus funds, I introduced legislation to allow small lenders greater regulatory flexibility in meeting the financing needs of their local communities. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, I will continue to advocate for the local lenders which are often the backbone of communities across Kansas.
Announcing Grant for Fort Hays State University to Recruit STEM Educators
This week, I announced a grant to Fort Hays State University to recruit and prepare STEM teachers to work in rural areas with a high need for STEM educators.
Effective and passionate teachers play an important role in inspiring young people to pursue careers in STEM, and these fields are critical to American competitiveness on the global stage. This federal grant will increase the number of science teachers equipped to teach in Kansas’ rural school districts, while also contributing to national research on how to better train STEM educators to serve in rural America. I have a been a longtime supporter of STEM education, and this federal grant will contribute to making certain more of our next generation of engineers, scientists and technology professionals call rural Kansas home.
Good News for Kansas: NAIR-WSU Contract to Benefit Wichita
The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University has been awarded the largest contract award in the school’s history.
Read more about my work to highlight Kansas’ strong aviation capabilities from the Wichita Business Journal here.
Veterans’ Affairs Committee Work
Meeting with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough
This week, I met with Secretary McDonough to discuss our collaborative work over the last year to deliver health care and benefits to veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service. The Senate unanimously approved my Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act last month which would enable Post-9/11, combat-deployed veterans to enroll in the VA health care system. This was the Senate’s first step in a multi-pronged approach to address this issue. The remaining steps we discussed are a bipartisan path forward on creating a framework for the secretary’s quicker decisions on toxic exposure presumptions, as well as establishing actual presumptions of service-connection for certain diseases which can now be linked to military service.
The secretary and I also covered the receipt of nominations from the administration to fill vacancies in the important positions of VA Under Secretary for Health, VA Under Secretary for Benefits and at the Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission. The secretary gave me a rundown on each nomination for these positions, which the Senate received on March 10. I wrote to President Biden last month on the need to fill these long-overdue vacancies so I was pleased the secretary was able to deliver this good news. I’m looking forward to learning more about the nominees during the upcoming confirmation process.
Finally, the secretary and I discussed his recommendations for review by the AIR Commission to be made public on March 14. His recommendations on facility realignments, openings and closures around the country will serve as the AIR Commission’s starting point in an effort that will modernize VA’s infrastructure to ensure veterans have access to world-class medical facilities for decades to come. I will be following this statutorily-mandated process closely, particularly as they impact Kansans.
Annual VSO Hearings
On Tuesday, the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees held our final joint hearing with testimony from the American Legion and several other veteran service organizations (VSOs). These hearings are an important feature of the committee’s work, affording us opportunities each year to hear directly from veteran advocates about their priorities and their work on behalf of their members. We discussed the Emporia American Legion Post’s ATLAS pod I announced last March, which will begin hosting VA clinical appointments by the end of this month. I am pleased that Kansas veterans in the area will now have better access to VA telehealth and I am grateful for the VA, American Legion and Philips partnership to reach veterans where they are with VA care.
As the Ranking Member of the Senate VA Committee, I also discussed the importance of caring for the health needs of toxic-exposed veterans without further delay. My legislation with Sen. Tester, the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act, would get veterans in need of health care into the VA quicker than any other bill in Congress, and I urged my colleagues in the House to send it to the President’s desk for signature. I look forward to continuing to work with the VSO community, as well as across the aisle and across Capitol Hill, to craft the next phase of our approach to fix the system for toxic-exposed veterans.
Remembering Roger Kemp
This week, I spoke on the Senate Floor in memory of Roger Kemp, a passionate member of the Kansas City community and a staunch women’s advocate following the tragic murder of his daughter, Ali.
In 2002, Ali was murdered at the age of 19 while she was working as a pool life guard. Living through every parent’s worst nightmare, Roger channeled his grief into bringing his daughter’s murderer to account for his heinous crime. Roger demanded nothing less than absolute justice for his daughter. He worked tirelessly, including through a billboard advertisement campaign, to find Ali’s killer. This campaign not only worked to bring her killer to justice but led law enforcement—both locally and nationally—to adopt a similar strategy that has been credited with helping apprehend hundreds of other suspected killers.
Over the nearly 20 years since its founding, the Ali Kemp Educational Foundation and its T.A.K.E. Defense programs have trained more than 70,000 girls and women across the country, ranging in age from 12 to 90 – no doubt saving more than one life. He was a loving father and husband, a dedicated member of his community and a man who created good from the devastating loss of his daughter.
My prayers are with Kathy, Tyler and Drew, and all that knew and loved Roger in this time of sorrow. I’m honored to have considered him a friend, and it comforts me to think that he has reunited with Ali once more.
Meeting with Aviation Leaders
I joined Harlow Aerostructures, Spirit AeroSystems and Honeywell this week to discuss their contributions to Sikorsky helicopters that carry out critical missions for our military. We discussed their work on the CH-53K Super Stallion, the Marine Corps’ heavy-lift helicopter, and the UH-60 Blackhawk, the Army’s aviation workhorse. As we look at the crisis in Ukraine and toward potential conflicts with China, we need the most capable and efficient helicopters to defend American assets. I am proud that these Kansas companies are partnering with the military to provide our servicemembers with the best technology that is available. As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to support our suppliers and manufacturers who serve our military men and women.
Meeting with Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas
Executive Director Pat Jones and I met virtually this week to discuss the inspirational work being done by the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation in Wichita. Pat provided an update on the Timbers, a 100-unit, ADA accessible housing community located in northeast Wichita. The Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas understood the need to support independent living options for individuals with disabilities and in response, created the Timbers apartment units. I appreciate the work Pat is doing to renovate the Timbers and look forward to following its success as the project expands.
Remembering George Nettels Jr.
George learned from his father that life is a gift and the length of it was not guaranteed. He took that lesson to heart, making sure that while he was on this Earth, he bettered his hometown of Pittsburg, made countless memories with his family and friends, and was always ready for an adventure.
This week, I spoke on the Senate Floor in memory of George Nettels Jr. Robba and I extend our sympathies to his family and friends, and all those who knew and loved him.
Meeting with Dianne Macheers
It was great to meet with Kansan Dianne Macheers in Washington, D.C. this week. We had the opportunity to discuss the future of assisted living homes as we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dianne serves America’s senior citizens in her position as Vice President of Corporate Communication at the Ridge Senior Living and her expertise was appreciated as I continue working to ensure Kansas’ seniors receive quality care. Over the past year, I have continually advocated to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Provider Relief Fund (PRF) emergency assistance to be directed to assisted living homes. HHS has been focused on sending PRF funding assistance to Medicare and Medicaid facilities, but it is essential to ensure assisted living homes are not left behind.
Visiting with Kansas Collegiate Leaders
Visiting Donnelly College in KCK
Before heading to Washington on Monday morning, I visited Donnelly College to receive and update from President Monsignor Stuart Swetland and tour new buildings on campus. We also took time to discuss issues relevant to my role on the Senate Committee with jurisdiction over educational issues, such as federal Pell Grants, and steps they took to increase access to their nursing program. Training new nurses for the workforce is extremely important to all areas of our state but especially for our rural hospitals.
Special thanks to Monsignor Swetland for the tour and CCO Lisa Stoothoff, CFO Bernard Barry and Donnelly Board Member Maureen Mahoney for joining us.
Meeting with President Ben Schears of Northwest Kansas Technical College
I was pleased to meet virtually with President Ben Schears of Northwest Kansas Technical College (NWKTC) this week. President Schears updated me on the college’s interest in expanding educational offerings to further aid development of the high-skilled workforce Kansas employers and communities desperately need. We also discussed how federal resources can help support the college’s efforts to educate students in high-demand fields and prepare them for quick and successful entry into the workforce. I thank President Schears for his leadership and clear attention to the educational and workforce needs of our state.
Visiting with Members of the Truckers Convoy in Washington, D.C.
This week, I met with Kansans who drove to our nation’s capital with the truckers convoy. Our conversation touched on the concerns with COVID-19 vaccine mandates and the negative impact these mandates have had on a variety of industries, including health care and transportation. We also discussed the need for the Biden administration to increase America’s domestic oil production. Our nation is safer when we are not reliant on volatile regions or hostile nations in order to support our nation’s energy needs. I’m grateful to have met with fellow Kansans who understand the importance of vocal engagement in public policy.
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Take A Break From Gaming
Obituary of Becky Castillo
Becky Diane Castillo, age 64, resident of Marshall, MO, died Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Fitzgibbon Hospital ER in Marshall, MO. She was born July 20, 1957, in Ft. Scott, KS, the daughter of Arthur and Neva Ruth Wolfe Bolden.
She graduated from Fort Scott high school with the class of 1976. Becky married Richard Castillo on October 20, 1979, in Fort Scott. She worked for many years as a floral designer. Becky enjoyed listening to music and dancing. She was a very good cook and baker. She loved her husband, and family, especially her many nieces and nephews. She loved the Lord Jesus, and it was apparent in the way she lived her life.
Survivors include her husband Richard of the home; 4 brothers, Gary Bolden and wife Kristy, Pittsburg, KS, John Bolden and wife Adele, Carl Junction, MO, Dennis Bolden and wife Joyce, Lisbon Falls, NE, and Douglas Bolden, Fort Scott, KS; a brother-in-law, Jerry Poyner, Fort Scott, KS; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Poyner, and her parents.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, March 18th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the American Kidney Foundation and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
New Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture Meets March 23-24
WASHINGTON, March 8, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host the first public meeting of the inaugural Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production on March 23-24, 2022. The public – including urban producers– is encouraged to attend.
“I look forward to working with this new urban agriculture federal advisory committee,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The committee’s valuable insights and expertise will provide critical guidance to help us better serve urban agricultural producers, strengthen local food systems, and increase equity and access to healthy, local food.”
The new federal advisory committee is part of USDA’s efforts to support urban agriculture, creating a network for feedback. Members were announced last month, and include agricultural producers, and representatives from the areas of higher education or extension programs, non-profits, business and economic development, supply chains and financing.
About the Meeting
USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production is coordinating the meeting, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET on March 23 and 24, 2022. To attend, register by March 18, 2022.
At the meeting, committee members will discuss administrative matters and consult on the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Urban, Indoor and Emerging Agriculture grants.
Members of the public who wish to submit comments or questions related to urban agriculture may submit them via www.regulations.gov.
Comments must be submitted by March 18, 2022.
For special accommodations, please contact Leslie Glover at (602) 395-9536 or [email protected].
Additional details are available in the March 8, 2022 Federal Register notice and online at farmers.gov/urban or on the committee’s webpage.
USDA and Urban Agriculture
The Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production is part of a broad USDA investment in urban agriculture. Other efforts include:
- Grants that target areas of food access, education, business and start-up costs for new farmers, and policy development related to zoning and other urban production needs.
- Cooperative agreements that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans.
- Investing $260,000 for risk management training and crop insurance education for historically underserved and urban producers through partnerships between USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) and the University of Maryland, University of Connecticut, and Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.
- Providing technical and financial assistance through conservation programs offered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
- Organizing 11 Farm Service Agency (FSA) urban and suburban county committees. FSA will organize additional committees.
The Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production was established through the 2018 Farm Bill. It is led by NRCS and works in partnership with numerous USDA agencies that support urban agriculture. Its mission is to encourage and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices, including community composting and food waste reduction.
More information is available at farmers.gov/urban and the new Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production website at www.usda.gov/partnerships/advisory-committee-urban-ag-innovative-production.
Additional resources that may be of interest to urban agriculture entities include grants from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture as well as FSA loans.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Obituary of Richard Hedges
Richard (Dick) Daniel Hedges was born August 22, 1938 to Lawrence and Marjorie (Daniel) Hedges in Fort Scott, KS. He grew up on a farm near Blue Mound, attended Blue Mound schools graduating from Blue Mound High School in 1956.
Growing up, he was involved in a number of school activities including sports, music, FFA, annual and school paper staff. His senior year he was invited to participate in the National FFA band playing his clarinet.
After an active athletic career in high school, Dick enrolled at Baker University and made an impact on the football team playing center and nose guard. Weighing in at 170 lbs., he made up for his lack of size by playing with intensity. He lettered all four years and was named to the 1st team All-Kansas Athletic Conference team his junior and senior years. He was inducted into the Baker University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.
Following graduation from Baker, he began a career that would take him from teaching and coaching in several high schools in Kansas to the presidency at Fort Scott Community College and being named to the Kansas Board of Regents. He managed by walking around, making recorded lists, delegating tasks and was very good at “getting things done”.
He married Karen Prather, a co-teacher at Baldwin High School December 27, 1964. They had two sons, Lance and Kyle. Both Karen and Dick were active in their respective schools, church and community. As a family they enjoyed a wide variety of sports, outdoor activities, hunting, fishing and traveling . Karen died unexpectedly in August of 2006.
A Christmas note reconnected Dick to Janice (Jan) Strecker in 2010. Their families had become good friends during the two years Dick worked in Hutchinson, KS. Dick and Jan were married August 14, 2011. After three retirements by each of them, they opened a bookstore, Hedgehog.INK!, in downtown Fort Scott in October of 2018.
Dick has been a member of the Fort Scott United Methodist Church for 54 years, he wrote a weekly column for the Fort Scott Tribune for 52 years. He was a teacher, coach, principal and FSCC president three different times. He had short stints in private industry, Greenbush Educational Center and Johnson County Technical School. He served the community of Fort Scott as a city commissioner – 14 years and mayor 3 years. He served on the Mercy Hospital Board, FSCC Board of Trustees and Endowment committee, Area Community Foundation Board, as well as many other leadership roles. He was instrumental in the building of the Ellis Fine Arts Center and creating the Gordon Parks Museum. He was a member of the Fort Scott Rotary Club.
Dick is preceded in death by an infant brother, his parents, his wife Karen and son Lance.
Survivors include his wife, Jan of the home, son Kyle and wife Tina Keating Hedges, Bolivar, MO, daughter-in-law Stacey Hedges, Garnett, KS, step-sons Scott Strecker Portland, OR and Stuart Strecker Lawrence, KS, one brother Tom Hedges, Kansas City, MO, one sister Donna and husband Wilfred Lehmann, LeRoy, KS. Six grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren with one more to arrive in July. A number of nieces, nephews and friends.
Dick has impacted the lives of more people than he will ever know. His style of teaching, coaching and leadership have inspired those who knew and worked with him to reach higher, to learn more and to pay it forward. He was a true public servant in every sense of the word.
Rev. Christopher Eshleman will conduct funeral services Wednesday, March 16, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church.
Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery Fort Scott, KS.
A visitation will be held at Cheney Witt Chapel Tuesday, March 15 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the Fort Scott Community College Foundation or Fort Scott First United Methodist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Chamber Coffee at Briggs Auto on March 17
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the Chamber Coffee this Thursday, March 17th at 8am. This week’s coffee will be hosted by Briggs of Fort Scott as they celebrate their 6th year anniversary. Located in the Ford Showroom at 1819 S. Main St. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.
At Briggs of Fort Scott their No.1 focus is on building business relationships with their customers. Their goal isn’t to sell you a car, but to listen so they can make your experience fast, easy, and hassle-free. Whether you’re buying a car or are bringing your vehicle in for service, you can count on their team to make the entire process a breeze. Most importantly, you can expect this level of award-winning, VIP customer service consistently at each of their four Briggs of Fort Scott locations. These include Briggs Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM of Fort Scott, Briggs Ford of Fort Scott, Briggs Toyota of Fort Scott and Briggs Chevrolet of Fort Scott. See for yourself just how fast, easy, and fun it is to shop at Briggs of Fort Scott with a visit to any of their locations today!
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
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