She thought that Dave and I were sneaking into the nicer section at a minor league baseball game in Iowa, taking the more expensive seats that were rightfully hers.
She was right.
But it wasn’t completely our fault. Our son coaches for the team, so he left us two passes for our tickets. We were there last year and knew that family seats were behind home plate. As we headed that direction, Dave looked at our tickets. The word “Bleacher” was stamped on the side. Surely there was a mistake. The bleachers are not regular seats. They are cheap, crowded, aluminum platforms in the outfield.
We nabbed two empty seats in the handicapped section just before the rightful occupants asked us to move. I texted Andy’s wife. The same had happened to her, she said, and we were to “find the usher with the long hair” behind home plate; he would get us seats. He advised that we sit a couple of seats away from the scouts in that section. However, this night was “fireworks’ night, so it’s a sold-out crowd, so you might have to keep moving around.”
So not good!
Andy texted from the dugout that someone from upper management was in the scouts’ section and was excited to see Dave who had coached him years ago. Soon they were engrossed in conversation. I found an empty seat and prayed that I would not be publicly embarrassed by being told to move again.
Silly me. No sooner did a family boot Dave from his seat than he joined me, and we had the same fate… not once, not twice, but three times.
For a little background, I get sick to my stomach when I inconvenience someone. If an item doesn’t ring up at the checkout stand and people behind me are waiting. If I’m two minutes late. If I don’t press on the gas the second the light changes to green. So, the thought of people having to deal with me taking their seats puts me in orbit.
Crowds are always sympathetic to the rightful seat occupants who have to kick out some freeloaders—us!—who are too cheap to pay for the better seats.
I wanted to scream, “My son is a hitting coach for this team, and there’s been a mistake,” but I knew that Dave would head for the parking lot if I did. So, we slinked out of the seats with some feeble apology.
By now, the aluminum seats were crammed, so we tried the indoor restaurant. That took a special ticket. Maybe we could get a hotdog and stand by the dumpster and watch the game.
Bad idea. The food line was 50-60 fans long. We headed to the parking lot.
Andy met us after the game. “Dad,” he started, “because of your years in baseball, don’t you have a card that gives you VIP status at any ballpark in the country?” Dave’s answer stunned me. “I left it at home.” SAY WHAT?
All this time, we could have had the best seats in the house—perhaps even a suite—and Dave forgot to bring his benefit’s card? Dave had earned that perk but didn’t use it. The spiritual application should not go unnoticed.
In John 10:10b, Jesus promises something extraordinary: I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Life to the full offers every awesome thing imaginable: joy, forgiveness, restoration, peace, healing–whatever we need.
If we are Christians, we are card-carrying members of God’s elite club. No one can kick us out. So, why don’t we understand what has been offered us? Why don’t we claim what is rightfully ours?
God has offered us a suite. Think about that the next time you are tempted to settle for the bleachers.
MANHATTAN, Kansas — Do you know someone in your community who has made an outstanding contribution to agriculture this year? Nominate them to be recognized as one of the 2022 Kansas Ag Heroes at this summer’s Ag Growth Summit!
Each year, the Kansas Department of Agriculture honors remarkable Kansans and share the stories of their outstanding service from across the Kansas agriculture community. Kansas Ag Heroes was established as a way to recognize those in the agriculture industry who went above and beyond to serve others and better their community.
KDA encourages you to nominate any individual, family, or business in Kansas agriculture which you feel provided a notable contribution to the agriculture industry or their community as a whole this year. Nominations will be accepted through August 12. The nomination instructions can be found at www.agriculture.ks.gov/AgHeroes.
KDA leadership will review each nomination and will recognize a select number of agriculture heroes during the Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth in Manhattan on August 18.
For questions about the Kansas Agricultural Heroes nomination process, please contact Brittney Grother at 785-564-6797 or [email protected].
Left to Right: Emily Diebolt, Tayton Majors, Suzette Torres
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc (BC REDI) staff is growing. The organization has added three new positions in the last few weeks. New employees include the following.
Emily Diebolt – Grants Manager, has a 20-year background in not-for-profit administration. She researches funding opportunities and writes grants to improve existing local assets and finds funding for new opportunities in Bourbon County on behalf of BC REDI.
Suzette Torres – Projects and Marketing Assistant, worked in hotel administration in Hawaii, before joining the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce as Communications & Events Coordinator (exchanging her “alohas” for “howdies”). She also has municipal administrative assistance experience with the City of Fort Scott. Suzette will be working on economic development and tourism marketing as well as administrative support.
Tayton Majors – Special Projects and Marketing Intern, is assisting REDI in building a new website and social media platforms to better communicate the organization’s mission to the public and with potential community investors.
Also on the Bourbon County Regional Economic Development staff is Mark McCoy, Small Business Development Director, who has a lifetime of business building experience and organizational management. Mark will work with new prospective businesses to discover potential opportunities and incentives for local entrepreneurs.
Jackson Tough, who works for the City of Fort Scott as Public Relations and Tourism Director also shares the office space to work closely with the economic development staff. Tough has been in business and organizational management for over 30 years and brings a vast knowledge of marketing as well.
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc Director Robert Harrington said, “Because of growth and the need to expand our efforts in so many areas we welcome these new members to our team. Emily Diebolt is focused on finding more funding for Bourbon County through federal, state, and local grants. Tayton Majors will be with BC REDI through the summer then he will attend Lead for America in Washington, DC before returning to Kansas to work in Economic and Tourism Development. We recently brought Suzette Torres aboard to assist Jackson, Mark, and me in our marketing efforts as well as special projects. We look forward to the contributions these team members will make in our mission to increase economic development and tourism in Bourbon County.”
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to attracting and creating investment, wealth, and economic opportunity in Bourbon County, Kansas.
Allen Schellack stands in front of a wall of fans to give those who need them.
Allen Schellack has a problem.
He has a wall of fans to give away and needs to get the word out that they are free to those who need them.
Evergy Inc. and the Salvation Army funnel items through this ministry to those in need.
Schellack is the director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries and fans are just one of the outreaches of the ministry.
“We have given out 21 so far this year,” he said.
These fans are intended for the elderly, disabled and those who do not have a fan or air conditioning in their home, and can’t afford to buy one. To help the most people, each household is eligible for one fan. Applicants can contact Schellack at 620.223.212 to set up an appointment to get the fan. An identification card and proof of address are required.
The ministry is located at 26 N. Main, on the second floor of the Senior Citizens Center.
Some of the hygienic products offered through the ministry: adult diapers.
In addition to the fans, the ministry has teamed up with CarePortal, an online connection tool that provides needs that local child welfare workers see for foster families and families in crisis; helps with a homeless outreach service; provides soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste along with other hygienic products; provides durable medical supplies and diabetic supplies.
Walkers are available for free through the ministry.
In partnership with the Fort Scott Ministerial Alliance, the ministry provides physical assistance to transients who need help to reach their destination. This fund is distributed by the Fort Scott Police Department under the FSMA guidelines.
In addition to fans in the summer, the ministry can provide heaters and blankets in the winter, along with bedding and towels.
At the beginning of school, free school supplies are available for middle and high school students, through the ministry.
Additional services are through partnerships with job search assistance needs, and help groups such as Celebrate Recovery, Financial Peace University, Pathways and Next Steps.
FSCM is a designated disaster relief and services extension unit for the Salvation Army which includes rental and utility assistance, prescriptions (no narcotics), temporary lodging, gasoline for work and doctor visits, help buying eyeglasses and other unspecified needs on a case by case basis.
Baby diapers are also available.
Volunteers are welcome.
Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main. That organization allows the Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries to house their office on the second floor.
This is part of a series featuring local VBS’s in the county. Please send information and a photo to help tell the story of your event.
Uniontown Baptist Church is located on Hwy. 3 on the town’s west side.
The First Missionary Uniontown Baptist Church invites community children to their Vacation Bible School from Monday July 19 to Friday July 22 with the closing program on Sunday July 24 at the 10 a.m. church service.
It is presented from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 through fifth grade at the church. The church is located at the intersection of Hwy. 3 and Maple Road (Fifth Street in Uniontown.)
The Armor of God is the theme this year.
There will be Bible stories, fun games, yummy snacks and great songs.
A drawing for five Silver Dollar City Tickets will happen at the closing program.
For more information or to register, call Elaine Ledford at 620-756-4924, text at 620-215-6963 or email [email protected]
Martha Ann Meinsen Scott, age 75, a resident of Fort Scott, passed away on July 5, 2022, after a short and devastating battle with Cancer.
She was born on December 5, 1946, to Erwin William Meinsen and Dorothy Caldwell Meinsen in Kansas City, Missouri.
Martha graduated from Raytown High School in 1964 and enjoyed working as a young woman in Kansas City.
In November 1969, she went on a blind date that turned into a lifelong commitment lasting 52 years. During that first date, Jim and Martha danced the night away and bonded over their shared love of a very specific brand of cigarettes (Benson Hedges Menthol) and their favorite Beatle (George Harrison). Jim showed up the next day at Crown Drugstore where Martha worked and asked for a second date. Martha decided to host Jim and cooked him an unbelievable meal. He proposed and within 2 weeks of meeting, they were married. They eloped at City Hall in Kansas City, Missouri on November 26, 1969. They chose Thanksgiving weekend because they would have 4 days off and it would be a convenient way to meet the family.
Jim and Martha lived in Kansas City and moved to Nevada, Missouri in 1972. Martha began a 27 year career as a Personnel Officer at the Nevada Habilitation Hospital where she became best friends with Shirley Ann Bastow – a friendship that lasted 50 years. While in Nevada, Martha was active in many organizations including St. Paul Lutheran Church as a Sunday school teacher, organizer of salad and potluck luncheons, and volunteer in the office. She also held various leadership roles with the Jaycee wives at the local and state level. Jim and Martha were very active outdoors people spending their weekends camping, canoeing, and trout fishing. Martha also started another role that she excelled at – as Mom to Sarah born in 1976.
Jim, Martha, and Sarah moved to Fort Scott in 1988. In addition to work, Jim and Martha opened Scotty’s Wine and Spirits on National and operated the establishment for over 15 years winning the Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award for their commitment and impact to the community. Martha continued working at the Nevada Habilitation Center until she retired in 1999. She retired early to fulfill her lifelong dream of being a homemaker for her treasured home (named Linderhof) – cooking, cleaning, gardening, and documenting all of her adventures through her weekly columns in the Fort Scott Tribune and Nevada Daily Mail, as well as other publications and her blog – Lines from Linderhof.
In 2013 and 2015, Martha realized the role she was born for – as Nana to Granddaughters, Lucy, and Piper. As a Nana, she hosted so many tea parties (with pinkies up always and with fancy hats), crafted, baked, played cards and board games and was always ready for just about anything that Lucy and Piper could dream up.
Martha was deeply rooted in the Fort Scott community, and she became incredibly active in so many organizations and activities. She was committed to her church, Trinity Lutheran, serving as head of the kitchen and food committee and organizing events, helping in the office, and volunteering any way to support the church. She loved being a member of the FU Chapter of PEO and also loved her sisters and happily served as President. Martha was an avid reader going through a book a day in retirement which led to her serving on the Board of the Fort Scott Public Library. She loved the history of Fort Scott and was a founding member for the organization Friends of the Fort and was awarded a lifetime membership for her service. She also was President of the Kansas City chapter of to the Daughters of Union Veterans (DUV). She was also a member of the DAR and loved doing historical family research. She was a passionate gardener becoming a Certified Kansas Master Gardener and founding the Garden Club of Fort Scott. Martha was renowned for her cooking and became a founding member of the Cookbook Club and Birthday Club. She was known for baking and decorating thousands of cookies or whipping up cakes or pies in support of many fundraisers. While not a member herself, she also supported husband Jim’s efforts as a Rotarian helping with potato feeds, spaghetti feeds, and doing ALL of the cooking for Oktoberfest for 19 years – arguably, one of the most festive Rotary events. She was a pet parent to many beloved dogs including most recently Doogie and Molly who are now living with her Granddaughters in Minnesota. Her love of animals led her to coordinate, raise funds, and help build the Dog Park now located at Gunn Park. She was a member of many sewing groups and was always working on a needlepoint or sewing project – usually for her beloved Granddaughters – making their annual Christmas Ornaments or custom Halloween Costumes. For all of her commitment to the community, she and husband, Jim together won the Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award which was one of her proudest achievements.
Survivors include: her husband, Jim Scott and 1 daughter and her family: Sarah and Andrew Punch and their daughters Lucy and Piper of Excelsior, Minnesota. Additional survivors include Martha’s brother, David Meinsen (Lee’s Summit, MO) and his 3 daughters. Jennifer and Todd Rains and their daughter Alexandra (Sarasota, FL), Stacy and Brian Hitchcock and their daughter Kayleigh (Pleasant Hill, MO), Crystal and David Blackburn and their son Dawson (Pleasant Hill, MO).
A memorial service will be held at 9:30 AM Monday, July 11th at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at Fort Scott National Cemetery.
The family will receive family and friends at a visitation Sunday, July 10th from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, please support an organization important to Martha. Her family suggests either Friends of the Fort or Trinity Lutheran Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Academy of Medical Surgical Notes
Monica van der Zee of Lenexa
Capitol Tour
Ryan Austin of Wichita
Peter Austin of Wichita
Rebecca Austin of Wichita
Tena Brucken of Soldier
Christie Britt of White City
Ryan Clements of Olathe
Abbie Clements of Olathe
Brooke Clements of Olathe
Madelyn Clements of Olathe
Emily Clements of Olathe
Sarah Hoefgen of Augusta
Emmie Johnston of Augusta
Peter Knutson of Prairie Village
Julie Knutson of Prairie Village
William Knutson of Prairie Village
Caroline Knutson of Prairie Village
Henry Knutson of Prairie Village
Lucy Knutson of Prairie Village
Dave Lien of Louisburg
Karen Lien of Louisburg
Erik Lien of Louisburg
Matthew Lien of Louisburg
John Migliazzo of Leawood
Linda Migliazzo of Leawood
Patrick Migliazzo of Leawood
Isabella Migliazzo of Leawood
Ramya Muvva of Wichita
Kayden Nield-Broadhead of Augusta
Rebecca Schmidt of Overland Park
Sara Schmidt of Overland Park
Nathan Smith of Overland Park
Lisa Smith of Overland Park
Stephanie Webb of Leawood
Braden Webb of Leawood
John Wells of Sedan
Marlene Wells of Sedan
Dr. Sean Wheeler of Olathe
Susan Wheeler of Olathe
Christopher Wheeler of Olathe
Lauren Wheeler of Olathe
Ben Wheeler of Olathe
Margaret Wheeler of Olathe
Sammy Wheeler of Manhattan
Virginia Wirtz of Overland Park
Tom Wirtz of Wichita
James Madison Foundation
Sonja Czarnecki of Lawrence
Sarah Hoff of Dodge City
Bryan Little of McPherson
Micah Corps – Great Plains United Methodist Church
Madelyn Johnson of Wichita
Emily Smith of Andover
NTCA
Brian Boisvert of Wilson
Rock Regional Hospital
Barry Bens of Derby
Landon Fulmer of Buhler
Tim Hand of Wichita
Celebrating Independence Day
Happy Independence Day! I hope each of you were able to spend the holiday with your friends, family and loved ones, celebrating our nation’s founding and freedom. I also hope each of us took the time to express gratitude to our veterans and service members who have sacrificed to preserve our liberties and our American way of life. Without them, we would not experience the freedom and blessings we enjoy today.
50th Annual Sundown Salute Parade It was great to be in Junction City yesterday for the 50th annual Sundown Salute Parade. This is a community of military men and women, veterans and people who care about them and their families. Military service is family service, and I was grateful for the opportunity to thank them as we celebrate our Independence Day.
Visiting Community Colleges
Groundbreaking Ceremony at Garden City Community College Last Monday, I was at Garden City Community College (GCCC) to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for a new STEM building. The new facility will help the college expand its technical outreach and education programs, including programs on crop production, robotics and cyber security. The expansion of STEM education will also aid in expanding technical infrastructure, improve the quality of life in rural Kansas and help recruit new residents to our state.
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was also able to help secure a federal investment for GCCC to bolster technological infrastructure and increase rural high school participation in dual credit courses. Thank you to GCCC President, Dr. Ryan Ruda, for inviting me to join this celebration. Most importantly, thank you to GCCC for ensuring that the next generation of Kansans will be STEM professionals dedicated to fostering technological advancements in the heartland.
Seward County Community College While I was in Liberal this week, I had the opportunity to tour Seward County Community College (SCCC). SCCC’s talented staff and competitive education programs draw students from the community and across Kansas. From its Nursing program, to its Agriculture, Bio Diesel, and Commercial Vehicle Operation programs, SCCC is educating young professionals to meet the workface demands our country is facing. SCCC is also helping train and equip individuals who have immigrated to the U.S. by implementing language education alongside their technical programs.
I appreciate President Brad Bennett, Dr. Amber Jones and Trustees Kay Burtzloff and John Engel for inviting me to spend part of my morning at SCCC. Furthermore, I appreciate the hard work of SCCC to make certain that their educational programs are translated into real-world job opportunities.
Touring Kansas Hospitals Morton County Health System
Earlier this week, I visited the Morton County Health System in Elkhart for a tour of their facilities and to learn more about their valuable role providing care to the surrounding community. As a result of legislation passed by Congress in December 2020, the facility is working towards a new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) hospital designation that is designed to provide rural hospitals with a higher reimbursement rate. It was great to see the dedicated work of the hospital firsthand, and I remain committed to investing in rural Kansas hospitals by supporting their efforts to ensure access to quality care for the surrounding community.
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was able to secure a federal investment for the Morton County Health System to renovate and consolidate outdated wings of the building so they can continue providing care for rural Kansans. Supporting access to quality health care in our rural communities is a critically important effort, and I am honored to be part of this vital initiative. Thank you to Brian Mitchell, Patrick Custer, Bill Light, Jim Tucker, Dr. Todd Johnson, JW Finn and Mayor Tim Hardy for their warm welcome and for their insight into the challenges facing their community.
Stevens County Hospital
I also visited the Stevens County Hospital in Hugoton where they gave me a full tour of their facilities and provided me with an update on the work they are doing to provide access to quality care in southwest Kansas. I want to thank Linda Stalcup, CEO of the Stevens County Hospital, for hosting me on this tour and for speaking at length with me about the unique challenges they face as they attempt to attract health care workers to the area, despite current staffing shortages.
We also discussed the benefits they have experienced from the flexibility provided by Nurse Aid, a key part of recent COVID legislation passed by Congress. Our health care providers are the cornerstone of our Kansas communities, and the work they do is an invaluable investment in a healthy future for our state. I remain committed to supporting these efforts of our health care providers, and I am always grateful to those who take the time to provide insight into the challenges they are facing. I also want to thank Stevens County Hospital Board Members Seth Gillespie, Johnnie Denton and Shannon Crawford for their warm welcome during my visit.
Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital
While in western Kansas, I visited Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital which is operated in Ulysses by Centura Health. During my tour, I was able to see firsthand the wide variety of services their facility offers to the surrounding area. It was great to meet the many talented health care professionals who work on a daily basis to serve rural Kansas and to make certain rural communities have access to quality health care. Our rural hospital systems provide vital support to our Kansas communities, and it is important that we support the training of medical professionals who choose to practice in this region. Thank you to Shawna Deal, Rodney and Ashley Johnson, Nora Elizadle, Sarah Wilmore, Bob Dale, Marietta Hauser and all of the dedicated staff at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital for their time and insight during my visit.
Hodgeman County Health Center I also visited Hodgeman County Health Center for a tour of their services and to hear from hospital leadership about the current challenges they face as they work to ensure access to quality care for surrounding Kansas communities. Thank you to Hodgeman County Health Center CEO David-Paul Cavazos for the tour and former State Representative John Ewy for joining us. We discussed the challenges they are facing as they battle the impacts of inflation on the day-to-day operations of the hospital, from the cost of fuel to rising prices for medical equipment. They also updated me on the future opportunities they see as they look ahead to responsibly expand services for surrounding regions. We also discussed their efforts to attract new physicians to their facility in spite of current workforce challenges.
Speaking to the Montezuma Lions Club
This week, I had the opportunity to speak with the Montezuma Lions Club. It was great to discuss the importance of preserving Kansas values and our special way of life here in the heartland. Through their commitment to service, civic organizations, such as the Lions Club, play a vital role in ensuring the success of our communities, and I am grateful to these members for their dedication to their communities.
I want to thank President Al Olinger for his warm welcome to the club meeting. I also appreciate Garrett Love, Greg Love, Daniel Berg, Tom Jones and Ryan Reed for hosting me and for their input on how to help our rural Kansas communities succeed.
Touring Arrowhead West in Dodge City On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to visit Arrowhead West in Dodge City. It was inspiring to learn about the good work Arrowhead West does to ensure that people with developmental disabilities are empowered to lead healthy, productive and meaningful lives. Clients of Arrowhead West are employed in vital functions at businesses around Ford County including a partnership with Flame Engineering.
Thank you to Mike Stein, who is the incoming president, for the opportunity to visit this morning. And a special thank you to Lori Pendergast who is retiring after 40 years in the industry including over 20 years at Arrowhead West.
Visiting with Veterans at the Kansas Soldiers’ Home in Fort Dodge It was great to visit with veterans at the Kansas Soldiers’ Home in Fort Dodge. There is no group of Americans who I respect and admire more than our country’s veterans, and it is always a privilege to spend time visiting with them about their views on current happenings in our state and country. This facility in Fort Dodge, located on the grounds of a former military post which was active from 1865 to 1882, has been serving veterans for over 130 years. Today, the Fort Dodge Kansas Soldiers’ Home offers a wide range of quality health care services for veterans, including restorative care, physical and occupational therapy and psychological services. As the lead Republican on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations Committee, I worked to secure federal resources to improve and renovate the kitchen at the Kansas Soldiers’ Home. Improving the quality of life for veterans across the country is a top priority for me, including the nearly 200,000 veterans living in Kansas. It is critical that our veterans receive the quality services, dignified care, and access to benefits they have earned in a timely fashion. I appreciate Superintendent Dave Smith for hosting me during my visit. I also want to express my gratitude to Alan Williams, Roy Taylor, Elmer Sparke, Gary Stowe, Jesse Rogers, Ben Black, Jerry Phelps, George Anderson, Bob Guern and Manford Koehn for their selfless service to our country and for taking the time to offer their perspectives on the unique set of challenges our veterans face.
Visiting the Ness City Rotary Club While in Ness City, I had lunch with members of the local Rotary Club at More Than Coffee in Ness City. I enjoyed the opportunity to visit with community leaders from Ness City, as well as the chance to make new acquaintances and learn their perspectives on current issues. Our conversation focused on a variety of topics, including the importance of preserving our Kansas values, the burden of inflation on daily life, the consequences of the Biden administration’s energy policies and the considerable role civic organizations, such as the Rotary Club, play in serving communities across Kansas. Thank you to those who hosted me at this event, including Club President Nathella Humburg, District Magistrate Judge Hon. R. Scott Barrows, Richard McCleon, Boyd Beutler and Joel Fitzgerald II.
Ribbon Cutting for South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad in Cherryvale On Thursday, I attended the ribbon cutting for the South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad, celebrating the beginning of construction on a $27 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant. Through the “Accelerating Economic Prosperity in the Heartland” project, I was honored to secure a federal investment in this crucial effort. This grant will provide valuable improvements to this rail system that runs through several rural communities in Kansas. Throughout the years, the South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad has played a key role in ensuring our commodities make it to market, strengthening Kansas’s role as a significant food source for our country and beyond. Without efficient and varied transportation options, our agricultural community here in Kansas is at a disadvantage. Modernizations to the South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad will improve safety and efficiency while allowing heavier shipments to travel across the region providing new economic opportunities to our farmers and manufacturers in rural Kansas. I want to thank Watco CEO Dan Smith and SKOL Manager Jerry Waun for their work in this effort, as well as members of Bartlett Grain for attending this ceremony. I look forward to seeing the benefits of this project come to fruition.
Meeting with Seaboard Corporation
This week, I was able to meet with executives of the Seaboard Corporation at their headquarters in Shawnee Mission. During our meeting, we discussed the current issues impacting their industry, as well as their day-to-day operations of food production, processing and shipping. I want to thank President and CEO Bob Steer, Vice President and CFO David Rankin, Vice President and General Counsel David Becker and Seaboard Foods President and CEO Peter Brown for hosting me during my visit.
Tour of Kubota Tractor Corporation Midwest Division On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to tour the Midwest Division of the Kubota Tractor Corporation in Edgerton. During my visit, I was able to get an in-depth look at the state-of-the-art logistics facility that Kubota has built here in Kansas. I appreciate Kubota’s decision to plant roots in our state, as this business is one that actively supports the agricultural interests of our Kansas communities. The Kubota branch in Edgerton not only benefits our farming community, but also plays a key role in strengthening our state’s manufacturing abilities and creating new jobs for Kansans. I appreciate Corey Sowers, Kathi Dailey, Donald Orum, Ashlin O’Brien, Justin McGarry and Jerry Burau for their warm welcome and informative tour.
Visiting Baldwin City I also had the chance to stop in Baldwin City to visit local businesses and organizations and to spend time speaking with several city leaders about the issues facing their local community. I always appreciate the valuable insight I receive from Kansans during these conversations. During my time in Baldwin City, I was able to visit City Hall, the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce, Clear Wave Fiber, Baldwin State Bank, Farm Bureau Financial, Edward Jones and Baker University. I want to express special thanks to Dr. Lynne Murray, President of Baker University, for taking the time to meet with me and for updating me on the important work they are doing to train tomorrow’s workforce.
Meeting with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace I had the opportunity to meet with Kansans from Wichita representing the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace during their recent visit to my Washington D.C. office. These individuals embody the heart of the aerospace industry, and it was great to hear their perspectives and concerns about the issues facing this crucial industry. I look forward to future discussions with this group, and to continuing to work alongside them as we find ways in which my office can be helpful in supporting this important field on the federal level.
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.
Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to start work Monday, July 11, on a project to replace a bridge on K-39 in Bourbon County. The bridge spans Flat Rock Creek and is approximately 3 miles east of the Neosho-Bourbon county line.
K-39 traffic will be placed on a state route detour around the work zone. Eastbound traffic will detour north on U.S. 59 to U.S. 54, then east to K-3 and south to K-39. Westbound K-39 traffic should follow the same route in the opposite direction. KDOT uses state highways for official detour routes for safety, weight and maintenance concerns.
KDOT awarded the $722,897 construction contract to Killough Construction Inc., Ottawa, Kansas. Weather permitting, the project should be completed by the end of November. Persons with questions may contact Iola Area Engineer Troy Howard, (620) 901-6557, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details.
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to close a section of K-31 in Bourbon County to replace crossroad pipes on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 12-13. The work will take place between reference points 128-133, from the east junction with K-7 east to the community of Fulton.
The closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. each day. Traffic should use alternate routes. Persons with questions may call KDOT Area Superintendent Derrick Shannon (620) 901-6550 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
