Fort Scott Airport Receives Grant For Safety and Security

Fort Scott Airport.

Fort Scott Airport is the recipient of a Kansas Department of Transportation managed grant to help safeguard and secure the airport.

Thirty-six projects were selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding for the purpose of planning, constructing or rehabilitating public-use general aviation airports, according to a Kansas Department of Transportation press release. Fort Scott was one.

Seth Simpson, Fort Scott City Airport Manager.

“The grant will be to replace a gate and install an electric keypad,” Seth Simpson, airport manager, said. “This is the east side gate, near the fuel tanks.”

“The benefit to the public is less potential for loss, due to damage or theft or wildlife damage,” Simpson said. “The benefit to the airport is security and safety.”

Taken from airnav.com

On the horizon for the airport is runway resurfacing.

“On April 1, we will be applying for the grant to resurface,” Simpson said. “The FDA already officially, unofficially approved it.”

“Every so many years you have to resurface to maintain the runway, just like a highway,” he said.

There are currently two employees at the airport, Simpson and Bryan Matkin, a maintenance technician, he said.

Twenty-one airplanes are housed at the airport whose owners are from Fort Scott and surrounding areas.

The City of Fort Scott owns the airport, which is located four miles from the city. The phone number is 620-223-5490.

Taken from airnav.com

About KAIP

KAIP receives $5 million annually through the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, known as IKE, and requires airport sponsors to share in the project costs by paying between 5% and 50% of the total project. The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation, which manages the program, considered 145 project applications this year with a combined total project value of over $78 million.

“The aviation industry brings $20.6 billion in total economic impact to the State of Kansas,” said KDOT Director of Aviation Bob Brock. “The KAIP program helps this important industry remain a vital part of the Kansas economy. That translates into jobs and quality of life for the residents of Kansas.”

The selection board identified $4,968,161 in projects to address the most impactful airport improvements across the state.  Please direct any questions to [email protected].

National Humanities Alliance Adds The Gordon Parks Museum

Gordon Parks Museum’s “The Learning Tree Film Scene and Sign Trail” selected to the NEH for ALL Website Profile

Fort Scott, KS- The Gordon Parks Museum is pleased to announce The Learning Tree Film Trail is now part of the National Humanities Alliance Foundation’s initiative, NEH for All, profile website https://nehforall.org/projects/gordon-parks-fort-scott.
The film trail is a series of signs located at the different locations where the filming of The Learning Tree took place. The signs will also include QR codes along with a virtual tour of the identified scene locations of the film. This project received funding by Humanities Kansas that was received from NEH.
“We are very honored, thankful, and thrilled that the National Humanities Alliance Foundation selected our Learning Tree Film Scene and Sign Trail as one of the spotlight projects across the nation,” says Kirk Sharp, Director of The Gordon Parks Museum. “This is an excellent opportunity to help further our outreach of this project nationwide and to keep the legacy of The Learning Tree film and Gordon Parks alive.”
The National Humanities Alliance Foundation’s initiative, NEH for All, spotlights more than 260 exemplary projects funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through its website NEHforAll.org. Established in 1965, the NEH recognizes the unique role the humanities play in fostering the wisdom, vision, and knowledge required to participate in a thriving democracy. To this day, the NEH supports excellence in humanities research, teaching, and lifelong learning opportunities that provide millions of Americans the knowledge of our history and culture essential for engaged citizenship. NEHforAll.org highlights that excellence.
The National Humanities Alliance Foundation advances the humanities by conducting and supporting research on the humanities and communicating the value of the humanities to a range of audiences including elected officials and the general public. The grant projects featured on the website are a sampling from across the country and represent the significant investments the NEH is making in our communities. The NEH for All website highlights many valuable investments in an easily searchable form, showing the incredible impact access to the humanities has on people of all ages and walks of life. NEH for All features National Endowment for the Humanities grantees, as well as grantees of the state and jurisdictional councils, across
all 50 states and shows the impact of each project, drawing the connection from the initial funding of a grant to the end result.
Featured projects, funded with large and small grants alike, demonstrate excellence in humanities work. From preserving American heritage, to providing resources and training for educators, fostering community conversations, and developing award-winning exhibitions, their efforts have long-lasting impacts on their communities and on the American public.
Cumulatively, the projects highlight the galvanizing effect of NEH funding in rural and urban communities. For those who use the site, NEH for All is an opportunity to learn about the kinds of humanities work that goes on in their communities and across the United States. Visitors can search projects by state or organizational type and explore the tangible benefits the grants have on specific impact areas, including preserving cultural heritage; ensuring rural access to high-quality programming; enriching K–12 education; providing lifelong learning opportunities for diverse audiences; facilitating community dialogue; supporting cutting-edge research; fostering local tourism; supporting veterans; promoting civic education; and collecting and curating local histories.
NEH for All is an initiative of the National Humanities Alliance Foundation. Visit the website at http://nehforall.org/.
On the set of the filming of the Learning Tree, 1968.
Photo courtesy of the Special Collections & University Archives, Axe Library, Pittsburg State University.
Grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Learning Tree Film Scene and Sign Trail at the Annual Gordon Parks Celebration, Oct 7, 2021.
###

KDOT announces aviation projects selected for funding

 
Topeka – Thirty-six projects have been selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding for the purpose of planning, constructing or rehabilitating public use general aviation airports.

KAIP receives $5 million annually through the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, known as IKE, and requires airport sponsors to share in the project costs by paying between 5% and 50% of the total project. The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation, which manages the program, considered 145 project applications this year with a combined total project value of over $78 million.

“The aviation industry brings $20.6 billion in total economic impact to the State of Kansas,” said KDOT Director of Aviation Bob Brock. “The KAIP program helps this important industry remain a vital part of the Kansas economy. That translates into jobs and quality of life for the residents of Kansas.”

The selection board identified $4,968,161 in projects to address the most impactful airport improvements across the state.  Please direct any questions to [email protected].

Communities selected for funding, project and amount awarded include:

Anthony                                 Replace airport beacon and install AWOS – $252,450

Atchison                                Construction on new runway 9-27 – $89,396

Atchison                                Design of primary apron expansion – $38,000

Atchison                                Construction of primary apron expansion – $328,500

Atwood/Rawlins Co.            Replace airport beacon – $72,000

Augusta                                 FOD sweeper unit – $3,998

Augusta                                 Fuel farm equipment safety and environmental improvements – $10,058

Augusta                                 Small crack sealant melter/applicator unit with a pallet of rubber crack filler material –                                                    $2,820

Beloit                                     Replace outdated (2008) AWOS system – $180,000

Benton                                   AWOS upgrade and service – $ 7,920

Colby                                     Construction of D32 taxiway to new business hangar – $108,000

Dodge City                            Replace airfield generator – $72,000

Ellsworth                               Replace lightning damaged and aging AWOS system – $242,550

Emporia                                 Paving materials to extend runway length to no less than 5,002 feet – $75,000

Fort Scott                              Install electronic gate/keypad for security access & wildlife control – $21,250

Goodland                              Pavement preservation on runway 12-30, replace joint seal on 50% of concrete                                                               pavement, repaint runway 12-30 and portion of GA apron – $409,050

Herrington                            Replace airport beacon – $18,000

Hutchinson                            Design hangar improvements to accommodate water bomber storage – $9,500

Hutchinson                            Construct hangar improvements to accommodate water bomber storage – $85,850

Iola/Allen Co.                      Pavement preservation of runway 1-19 and remarking – $477,000

Leoti                                       Install turnaround lights on ends of runway 17/35 – $72,000

Olathe/IXD                          Pavement maintenance materials – $ 14,400

Olathe/OJC                         Consolidate airfield electrical service equipment in one electrical vault – $378,000

Olathe/OJC                         Pavement maintenance materials – $14,400

Phillipsburg                           Replace aging existing AWOS – $207,900

Rose Hill                                Runway/taxiway repair and pavement preservation entire airfield – $87,120

Smith Center                        Design installation of an AWOS with P/T – $ 47,500

Smith Center                         Construct installation of an AWOS with P/T – $306,000

Stockton/Rooks Co.           Design replacement of AWOS A/V with AWOS III-P/T – $47,500

Stockton/Rooks Co.           Construct replacement of AWOS A/V with AWOS III-P/T – $256,500

Sublette                                 Crack sealing and runway marking of runway 17-35 – $ 27,000

Syracuse/Hamilton Co.      Design pavement preservation and marking for runway 13-31 and apron – $38,000

Syracuse/Hamilton Co.      Construct pavement preservation/marking for runway 13-31 and apron – $180,000

Winfield                                Replace aging existing generator that feeds airfield lighting and navaids – $270,000

Ulysses/Grant Co.              Design 100LL replacement/installation of new Jet-A self-serve fuel facility – $80,750       

Ulysses/Grant Co.              Replace 100LL and install Jet-A self-serve fuel facility – $437,750

 

Kansas Common Sense by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran

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.

 

Condemning Putin’s Unprovoked Invasion of Ukraine

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an avoidable tragedy for which Vladimir Putin is solely responsible. I condemn this unprovoked attack, and I am praying for the people of Ukraine. The United States must stand united with Ukraine and firmly on the side of freedom.

President Biden and our allies must impose punishing sanctions on Russia’s vital economic sectors and provide humanitarian support to Ukrainian victims of Moscow’s aggression. It is also imperative that all NATO allies remain unified against the Russian threat and ensure the security of the alliance’s eastern-most members. While this moment underscores the need for our allies to contribute more to NATO’s defense, the United States’ commitment to our NATO obligations cannot be in doubt.

I am grateful for our military servicemembers stationed in Europe—and those who have recently deployed there—for demonstrating to our NATO allies in Europe and around the world that the United States can be relied upon. I also thank our intelligence professionals, who have consistently and accurately anticipated Russia’s moves. Our country is safer because of these unsung patriots.

 

Watch my interview with Fox 4 Kansas City here or below.

 

Image

 

Urging the U.S. Senate to Immediately Consider a Bipartisan Russia Sanctions Package
As the Senate convenes this week, Russia’s invasion must be met with severe and unified consequences. Following Russia’s invasion late Wednesday night, I urged Senate Majority Leader Schumer to suspend all planned Senate activity and immediately move to consider sanctions legislation once it is prepared. Our friends and foes will take note of our ability—or inability—to act without delay.

Read the full letter here.

 

We Must Prioritize American Energy Independence

Russia invades Ukraine, the Biden administration must realize the need to maximize home-grown energy and not diminish America’s energy independence at a time when gas and oil prices reach all-time highs. Prior to the invasion, Russia has been America’s third largest supplier of oil. Each day, the U.S. and our European allies was sending hundreds of millions of dollars to Russia for its energy resources. We can no longer subsidize Russian aggression.

I believe in 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 role. Washington must promote sensible solutions that boost jobs at home and keeps money out of the pockets of our adversaries.

Listen to my remarks on RFD-TV here.

Visiting with Ft. Riley’s Commanding General Douglas Sims
I am thinking of the First Infantry Division soldiers stationed in Europe as their deployment is extended. Their mission has taken them far from their families as they assist partner nations during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

I had the opportunity to speak twice this week with Major General Sims, the Commanding General at Ft. Riley. I expressed my appreciation for his leadership and gratitude to our soldiers and their families.

The Big Red One stands ready as a key deterrent to our adversaries, and I appreciate their dedicated service. Read more about the deployment extension here in Fox News.

 

Junction City Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Breakfast

On Thursday, I spoke at the Junction City Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Breakfast. With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, I made clear my condemnation of Vladimir Putin’s aggression and the need for the United States to be united in our support for our military community and our servicemembers, as well as in our commitment to NATO and our allies.

The Junction City Military Affairs Council plays a vital role in the Fort Riley Community to support our Big Red One soldiers and their families, and I was able to recognize Ryan Kules and Christine Benne, tireless advocates for servicemembers and veterans, and two individuals who have made significant contributions to the lives of disabled veterans. A few years ago, I worked with Christine and her late husband, Paul, a Spring Hill native, to help them receive a Specially Adaptive Housing grant from VA after Paul retired from the Army. After working through this process with them, I was introduced to Ryan, who also utilized the SAH grant to adapt his home to fit his disabilities.

Although the SAH grant was helpful, it was not nearly as flexible and extensive as it should have been. We then worked together and with the Wounded Warrior Project to expand this benefit through legislation. The bill, which we named the Ryan Kules and Paul Benne Specially Adaptive Housing Improvement Act, was signed into law in 2020. It significantly improves this grant program for disabled veterans. Although we lost Paul in 2019, his legacy lives on through every veteran who is able to make their home more accessible due to his and Ryan’s advocacy.

Thank you to Craig Bender, Military Affairs Council Director of the Junction City Chamber, for the kind invitation and to Major General Douglas Sims, 1st Infantry Division Commanding General, for the conversation. Thank you also to Ryan Kules and Christine Benne. I know this community and our state will continue to support Ft. Riley soldiers.

 

Image

 

 

Increasing Broadband Funding Transparency

Last week, I joined my Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee colleagues in sponsoring the Broadband Buildout Accountability Act, a bill that would increase transparency for the funds the National Technology Information Administration (NTIA) received in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The broadband grant program being administered under NTIA is currently exempted from requirements under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), decreasing transparency into how those funds are used and making it harder to ensure taxpayer dollars are not misused.

Earlier in February, I held an oversight hearing as the lead Republican on the Appropriations subcommittee that funds NTIA to ensure that this once-in-a-generation investment is spent wisely and to make certain that currently unconnected Kansans are connected by the end of these programs. I will continue to work with my subcommittee and committee colleagues to ensure that the funds allocated to broadband deployment are transparently deployed in line with Congress’ intent.

 

Meeting with Civic Clubs

Council Grove
On Wednesday, I visited with members of the Council Grove Rotary Club. Our discussion centered around the importance of rural schools, hospitals and businesses, as well as my work to expand broadband coverage for all Kansans and the situation in Ukraine. We also discussed the importance of food production and promoting policies that help Kansas’ producers secure future of Kansas agriculture and their livelihoods, including opposing fertilizer tariffs as farmers and ranchers input costs continue to rise.

Thank you to Rotary President Aron Dody and to all rotary members I spoke with today. As the world feels unpredictable, the work you do to create strong community ties and lift up your fellow neighbors and friends is more important than ever.

 

Image

 

 

Atwood
On Thursday, I was in Atwood to speak with Rotary members. We discussed agricultural profitability, strengthening mental health resources in rural America and reducing wait times for people experiencing mental health crises and in need of immediate care. I spoke to the challenges of getting providers to rural Kansas, and I shared my commitment to working to improve quality mental health care for all Kansans.

As the situation in Ukraine unfolds, those in attendance spoke with me about their concerns regarding the Biden administration’s energy policies and the need for a strong and independent fossil fuel industry to provide stable oil and gas prices for American families. Thank you to Rotary President Deb Minkler, District President Jeff Horlacker, City Councilman Dakota Dunker and Superintendent Eric Stoddard, and to all those who spoke with me yesterday.

 

Image

 

 

Visiting Hospitals in Northwest Kansas

Decatur Health
On Thursday, I visited Decatur Health as leadership and staff continue to provide care to the Oberlin community. Our discussion touched on the implementation of the MISSION Act, my legislation that gives veterans the option to receive care in their community and closer to home, and how to improve the way veterans are able to receive that community care. We also discussed the challenges Decatur Heath faced in 2021, as the hospital experienced its busiest year, and pandemic relief funding distributed by the state.

I am grateful for the opportunity to hear firsthand the experiences of Kansas health care professionals so our state is better prepared to provide rural health care. Thank you to Chad Meyer, Decatur’s CFO, as well as Mayor Garret McDougal, City Manager Halley Roberson and Oberlin’s Chamber Director Shayla Williby for speaking with me.

 

Image

 

 

Logan County Hospital
On Friday, I visited Logan County Hospital to receive an update from its CEO Mel Snow. I was able to see the facility’s new patient rehab wing and speak with hospital leaders about their efforts to build a new facility. Our conversation also touched on Sequestration 340B and how Logan County Hospital retained its staff throughout the pandemic.

I appreciated speaking with Mel, and I thank hospital and community leaders, including COO Aimee Zimmerman, CFO Rechelle Horinek, CIO and City Council Ross Kahle, City Manager Brock Sloan, Hospital Board Member Ron Clark and Rehab Coordinator Gerry Baalmann for taking time to speak with me. I am committed to bolstering Kansas’ rural health care capabilities.

 

Image

 

 

Visiting Kansas Schools

Colby Community College
I toured Colby Community College on Thursday to learn more about the college’s current initiatives, including expanding its agriculture and vet tech program, vital programs to bolster the Colby community, as well as ensure more women and men are able to receive a quality ag education. I was also able to tour CCC’s impressive new athletic facilities, including their indoor baseball and softball training facility, indoor tennis and pickleball courts, and its basketball facility.

Colby Community College’s growing student body is a testament to the college’s focus on preparing students for success down the road in whatever field or career they choose to pursue. Thank you to Colby Community College President Dr. Seth Carter for hosting me yesterday, and for his dedicated efforts on behalf of Colby Community College.

 

Image

 

 

Junction City High School
It was great to visit Junction City High School and visit with staff and students in their new facilities on Monday. Students are provided a wide variety of opportunities for participation in interscholastic athletics and activities, and JCHS also offers industry-based certifications in many programs, including automotive, welding, ServSafe, EMT, CNA and more.

I was pleased to see how this state-of-the-art facility will continue to support the Junction City community as well as Ft. Riley’s strong military presence. Thank you to Science, Engineering and Health Academy Principal Stephen Green, Junction City High School Principal Merrier Tartt, Superintendent Dr. Reginald Eggleston. Career and Technical Education Administrator Becky Coy, JROTC Student Commander Col. Grant Shrader and Fine Arts and Human Services Academy Principal Ruth Stephenson, and students Tim, Zane, Jennifer and Kaya for their time. Read more here from the Junction City Post.

 

Image

 

 

Wallace County High School
While in western Kansas this week, I was pleased to visit with students and faculty at Wallace County High School in Sharon Springs. I appreciate all that our educators have done over the last year to ensure students can come to class and learn side-by-side with their peers. Decisions about education are best made close to home, and I appreciate the time Kansas’ educators take out of their schedules to speak with me – thanks also to students Maddie and Brookley for the tour.

 

Image

 

 

Honoring FHSU’s Dr. Arris Johnson

On Friday, I visited Dr. Arris Johnson, his wife, Virginia and his grandson, Chris McGowne and his wife Sarah, to present Dr. Johnson with framed remarks I entered into the Congressional Record in his honor. Dr. Johnson, a Decatur County-native, lifelong Kansan and Hays resident, celebrated his 100th birthday this past November, a rare and impressive milestone.

Six weeks before his graduation from Fort Hays State University, he was called to serve our nation in the U.S. Army during World War II. Following his service, he returned to Kansas to continue his education, and upon completing his bachelor’s degree at FHSU and master’s degree at Kansas State University, he again returned to FHSU where he taught in the Department of Education for nearly three decades before retiring in 1985. As a beloved husband, father, grandfather and veteran, Arris is a tribute to our Greatest Generation, and a grateful nation and our state thank him for his service. I thank Dr. Johnson for his service and his friendship, and I congratulate him on a century of a life well-lived.

 

Image

 

 

Attending the Goodland Tech and Northwest Kansas Technical College Economic Development Announcement

On Friday, I joined representatives from Goodland Tech, the Northwest Kansas Technical College (NWKTC) and the Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center (NWKEIC) to announce a new partnership that will provide Northwest Kansas with many well-paying jobs. Goodland Tech and NWKTC, with support from NWKEIC, are partnering to provide students work experience at Goodland Tech while they are educated at NWKTC. After students complete the program, they will have the opportunity to continue at Goodland Tech with a paid apprenticeship.

This partnership provides a mutually-beneficial situation where the students gain the experience and knowledge necessary to be exemplary employees, while providing a pipeline of students trained and equipped to fill open positions at a time when tech jobs are in very high demand. I look forward to remaining engaged with Goodland Tech, NWTC, NWKEIC, and the community of Goodland to ensure this community continues to attract cutting-edge opportunities like this one.

Thank you to President Ben Shears, Richard Sparrow, Ben Coumerilh, and Scott Sproul for inviting me to speak at the announcement event, and for their work on this project and dedication to the community of Goodland and people of Northwest Kansas. See more from my visit by clicking here or below.

 

Image

 

National FFA Week

Last week was National FFA Week. Thank you to Kansas FFA Association’s commitment to the success of our state’s next generation of farmers and the contributions its students make to ensure Kansas’ strong agriculture leadership.

 

Image

 

 

America’s Ongoing Blood Shortage

America continues to face a critical blood shortage, with Kansas’ blood supply standing at a 1-2 day inventory. COVID-19 has added extra volatility to the blood supply, and this shortage continues to strain hospitals and patient care throughout Kansas.

I’ve heard from medical professionals in Kansas about the tough decisions rural Kansas doctors and health care providers are having to make – including cancelling surgeries and blood transfusions, and possibly not delivering babies because bleeding complications may require blood that these facilities do not have. This shortage is severe, and it is affecting Kansas health care providers and their ability to care for patients. Kansans pull together in times of need, and I encourage you to donate.

Donation centers provide specific guidance on the blood donation process and safety measures taken within their centers. Locations for blood donation can be found at the following organization websites below.

Save A Life NowAmerica’s Blood Centers and American Red Cross.

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

To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click here.

image

image

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

Caryn Tyson

 

February 25, 2022

 

Turn around is the halfway point for session.  It’s the day when a bill dies if it was not ‘blessed’, which means that it had not been in an exempt committee or that it did not pass the originating chamber (either the House or the Senate).  The three exempt committees in the Senate are: Taxation, Federal and State Affairs, and Ways and Means. There were 18 bills in the House that died and 0 in the Senate so far.

 

There are many bills that never make it out of committee.  To give you an idea, this year at turnaround, the Senate still has 382 bills in committee and the House has 510.  The Senate has passed 55 bills and the House has passed 47 – the Senate bills need to pass the House, and the House bills need to pass the Senate before going to the Governor. The Governor can sign them into law, let them go into law without her signature, or veto them. If the Governor vetoes a bill – the legislature can override a veto with a 2/3 majority vote.

 

Turnaround week is very intense. Monday evening, senators received a list of 23 bills that were to be debated on Tuesday.  Tuesday evening, we received a list of 11 bills to be debated Wednesday.  There were too many bills to cover in this update, but you can find all the bills at www.kslegislature.org.

 

Property Rights have been protected since the founding of our country.  We shouldn’t have to pass legislation for those protections, but we do.  Senate Bill (SB) 395 would require a warrant, court order, subpoena, or permission by the landowner for Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) to put any recording device on your property.  Currently the KDWP has the authority to enter your property without your knowledge, set up cameras and monitor those cameras, this is just wrong. No other law enforcement officials have this right.  The bill was watered down in the Judiciary Committee. Working with other legislators, I helped reverse the watered down version on the floor.  The bill passed the Senate 30 to 9.  I voted Yes to protect your property rights.

 

A person burglarized a church and a judge ruled that the person was invited so they couldn’t be charged with burglary.  Let’s get this straight, a person steals from a locked sanctuary and a judge rules the person had a right to burglarize the church because “the person had been invited” into the unlocked area of the church.  It is so ridiculous that a judge would rule that way.  What else makes little sense is that SB 366 was introduced to make clear it is a crime to burglarize a locked building.  Current statute says a “building, manufactured home, mobile home, tent or other structure which is not a dwelling” cannot be burglarized, but the Senate thinks adding “locked building” will help.  It should be that no one can burglarize or steal another person’s property.  If this bill becomes law, will it be interpreted by another judge that a person can burglarize an unlocked building? The bill passed 39 to 1.  I was a No vote to protect property, whether the building is locked or unlocked.

 

Rules and Regulations written by the Administration have the rule of law.  SB 34 would require that all Rules and Regulations be reviewed every five years and establish an alternative revocation procedure.  This bill is long overdue.  I voted Yes.  The bill passed 32 to 7.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

 

Majors Themes Are Produced From Neighborhood Meeting

Strong Together: Building Up Our Neighborhoods Project Update

Fort Scott, KS: Health is Neighborhoods and Environment. The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) addresses one of the social determinants of health by building connections between where a person lives (e.g., housing, neighborhood, and environment) and his or her health and well-being.

HBCAT held the first of three public forums for their Stronger Together: Building Up Our Neighborhoods creative placemaking project. Special thanks to the Fort Scott Fire House Station #2 for allowing HBCAT to host the event there and to Aunt Toadies who catered a breakfast buffet. This event was facilitated by Danny Barrera with Wichita State Engagement Institute, funded by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas Grant, who helped the group define what increased moral, community pride and healthy behaviors look like in 15 years. Participants were even able to discuss potential projects.

The major themes identified were:

    • Pavilion/Amphitheater with Internet Access
    • Public Transportation
    • Parks: Slides and Natural Obstacle Courses
    • Access to Food: Food Boxes, Farmers Market and Food Court

The group voiced the want for more events on the Eastside and blur the lines between the East side/West side. There is $140,000 in grant funds from the Patterson Family Foundation and an additional $10,000 from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas Grant for this creative placemaking project and another Downtown Arch project. HBCAT steering committee will take this information, start drafting real plans and plan for the next public forum to be held in May.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s mission statement drives their work: they aim to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance the quality of life, and encourage economic growth.

Creating quality places will attract a healthier workforce. People are prioritizing where they live instead of where they work. As an economic development support organization, the HBCAT is taking a more holistic approach by focusing on people and healthy places versus industrial parks and attracting large businesses like amazon or google we are. Covid 19 pandemic truly highlighted a shift from picking a location based on a job to picking a location to live based on the quality of life and amenities. The HBCAT is focusing on making the healthy choice the default choice, improving community amenities like our outdoor recreational spaces, and building a healthy workforce. We do this by creating key relationships with community members and cross-sector leaders like the local elected officials, extension agents, school personnel, entrepreneurs, local community members, and the chamber of commerce.

For any East Side residents that want to be more involved in this project please reach out to Rachel Carpenter by phone at 620-215-2562 or by email at [email protected]