Donna Bea Nabus, age 74, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at her home. She was born October 30, 1948, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Maurice Tharp and Jane Dunlap Tharp. Donna lived the majority of her life in the Topeka area where she worked as a certified nurse’s aide at area nursing homes.
Survivors include her son, Robert Thornsberry of Aliso Viejo, California and her two granddaughters, Madison and Sydney Thornsberry. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and two sisters.
Private burial will take place in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
My Mom left a legacy for being one of the best country cooks in Cedar County. No brag, just fact. Hospitality was one of her gifts and she truly enjoyed loving and blessing people through her cooking and baking. One Thanksgiving, in particular, stands out in my memory. Along with everything else, Mom’s dressing was made from scratch so she had placed a huge bowl full of torn pieces of bread, biscuits, and cornbread on the kitchen counter. Shortly afterwards she exited the kitchen and, within minutes, Dad came in from doing the chores. With his hawk-eyed attention to detail, he spotted the bowl and promptly took it outside and fed it to the bird dogs. It looked like scraps to him!
My brother’s favorite holiday was Thanksgiving because it’s more of a quiet day to reflect and express thanks for the goodness of God. I admit there are days when life’s not all it’s cracked up to be and the climb gets hard. But even in those times, believers are to be thankful. Why? Because in your loneliest hour of life, God is there with you. “…be content with what you have, for He has said, ’I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5 ESV). This promise gives us a reason to be thankful when life gets tough.
When families and friends gather for the Thanksgiving meal, you can be sure no one will be hungry when they push away from the table. Likewise, Jesus’ kitchen is never closed, it’s always fully stocked and all partakers are satisfied. There’s no reason to look elsewhere because the best feast is at Christ‘s table. Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. Come every day to Me and you will never be hungry. Believe in Me and you will never be thirsty“ (John 6:35 TPT). This promise is a reason to rejoice and be thankful.
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT). Some believers seem to search for God’s will all their lives, but this one plain and simple verse lays down the basics of His will. Christians are to be marked by love and thanksgiving. Being thankful is the opposite of being critical. A negative attitude and mindset causes a person to only notice what’s wrong. We’re instructed to give thanks to God no matter what happens in our lives. God is still God and worthy of our praise. We are to be thankful “in” all circumstances, not “for” all circumstances. Giving thanks to God keeps our minds in a joy-filled perspective and proper focus. Because of Jesus, there is saving blood that will never lose its power and we can be eternally grateful and thankful for that!
In 2019, my late husband and I were dining in Pittsburg with a couple of our dear friends. During the meal, Linda kindly spoke to Jimmy and said, “I understand you have some health issues.” I wondered how he would respond and then he softly replied, “God’s been good to me.“ Remembering that truthful answer deeply touched my heart as I thought about writing this column. Instead of talking on and on about the diagnosis and prognosis, my husband spoke of the goodness and faithfulness of His loving heavenly Father.
While chained in a Roman prison, Paul wrote a strong message for all Christians: “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead…” (Ephesians 1:19,20 NLT). If our problems are no bigger than raising Christ from the dead, God will take care of them. Therefore, we can live in victory, joy, and thanksgiving.
The Key: Because of the great faithfulness of God, believers should be thankful 24-7.
Sandra E. Barlow, age 76, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, November 24, 2022, at her home.
She was born December 2, 1945, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Raymond L. “Jack” Barlow and Ardeline R. Milford Barlow.
Sandy graduated from the Ft. Scott High School in with the Class of 1963. She went on to complete business college in Kansas City. Sandy remained in the city where she worked for Merrill Lynch for nine years and as a legal secretary and office administrator for a law firm for twenty-three years.
Following retirement, Sandy returned to Ft. Scott to be near her mother. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.
Sandy liked to read, tend to her flowers and do photography. She also enjoyed traveling, especially taking trips to visit her family in the Chicago area for the holidays.
After several years, Sandy was once again reunited with her parents and brother on Thanksgiving Day.
Sandy is survived by her sister-in-law, Donna Barlow; and two nieces, Carrie Lubomski (Neil) and their daughters, Madilyn and Sophia and Lindsey Good (Tim) and their children, Haley and Logan.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Barlow, her mother and stepfather, Ardie and Chet Ober and her brother, Ron Barlow.
Rev. Ken Ansell will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, December 3rd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Uniontown Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist 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.
Louise G. Hall, age 91, resident of Uniontown, KS, more recently of Arma, KS, died Friday, November 25, 2022, at the Girard Medical Center, Girard, KS.
She was born March 10, 1931, in Girard, the daughter of Anton and Anna Hober Gobl.
She liked working with the family’s Hereford cattle. Louise graduated from Uniontown High School.
She married Marvin Hall on May 24, 1952, in Ft. Scott, KS. He preceded her in death on May 9, 2011.
She worked for Western Insurance Company in Ft. Scott before beginning with Citizens National Bank where she worked for many years.
Louise enjoyed traveling with Marvin to horse pulls and horse trades. She also enjoyed vegetable gardening and going to family activities and ballgames. She liked watching baseball games (especially the Royals) and golf on television. She also liked attending dances just to watch others having a good time.
Survivors include her 3 children, Gary Hall (Jackie), Redfield, KS, Brenda Gleason (Kevin) Uniontown, KS, and Linda Essary (Marty), Marshfield, MO; 5 grandchildren, Tarin Essary, Caleb Essary (Stephanie), Tyler Hall (Heather), Reed Gleason (Kenzie), and Chase Gleason (Aubrey); 12 great grandchildren, Abigail Chilson, Raydn Chilson, Avery Chilson, Gracie Essary, Gunner Essary, Kiersten Akers, Maggie Akers, Derek Akers, Landry Gleason, Wade Hall, Bristyl Hall, and Jessa Hall; and one more on the way; and a sister-in-law Joyce Gobl
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Tony Gobl, and her parents.
Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct funeral services at 2:30 PM Friday, December 2nd
Burial will follow in the Mt. Orum Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until service time Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Mr. Orum 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.
Mary Alice Adamson, age 80, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2022, at the Presbyterian Village.
She was born July 31, 1942, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Ernest Daniel Henderson and Margaret Eugenia Johnson Henderson.
Mary graduated from Blue Mound High School. She married Jack Adamson on January 11, 1964 in Miami, Oklahoma.
She loved to attend garage sales, crochet and visit with friends and family on the telephone. Mary was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Mary is survived by her children, Doug Adamson and wife Carol, of Fort Scott, Melissa Davis and husband Ron, of Butler, Missouri; grandchildren, Joshua Adamson and wife Stacey, of Wichita, Kansas, Ashley Adamson (Carl) of Fort Scott, Kansas, Ethan Clark and wife Amanda, of Paola, Kansas; step-grandchildren, Terri Manley, Cody Davis, Ronna Davis; great-grandchildren, Kasen and Atley Clark.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jack, and a sister Judy Long.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 29th 2022 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery
The family will receive friends from 1:00 until service time at the Chapel on Tuesday.
Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Agenda Bourbon County Commission Room 1stFloor, County Courthouse 210 S. National Avenue Fort Scott, KS 66701 Date:November29, 2022 1stDistrict–Nelson BlytheMinutes:Approved:_______________ 2ndDistrict–JimHarrisCorrected: _______________________ 3rdDistrict–Clifton BethAdjourned at: _______________ County Clerk–Ashley Shelton MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOMBEGINNINGat 9:00AM. Call to Order •Flag Salute •Approval of Minutes from previous meeting •Eric Bailey–Road &Bridge Report •Ashley Shelton–Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy •Approval of Accounts Payable •Susan Bancroft–Chief Financial Officer •Justin Meeks–County Counselor Comment •Shane Walker–Chief Information Officer Comment •Public Comment •CommissionComment Justifications for Executive Session: KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters ofindividualnonelected personnelto protect their privacy KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discussmatters relating toemployer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of thebody or agency KSA 75–4319(b)(4)To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Robert Harvey Belknap, age 81, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO.
He was born September 14, 1941, in Tulsa, OK, the son of James H. Belknap, Sr. and Thelma F. Warwick Belknap. Bob attended school in Chetopa, KS from 1st grade through mid-term 11th grade. He and his mother moved to Denver, CO where he graduated from West Denver High School in 1959. While working for Ceebuzz Supermarket, he was encouraged by his employer to join the Marines.
Bob joined the Marines in 1960 and served for 4 years, 2 months, 10 days, and 4 hours, which he repeated numerous times to his family. While stationed in Hawaii he was a radar tech, a sharpshooter, as well as a lifeguard and played basketball.
Upon his return to Fort Scott to join his mother in 1964, he enrolled at FSCC. He became manager for the football team.
Bob worked in sales for many years for various companies. In 1974, he and his brother Jim purchased the Bronson Locker and owned it for 10 years. He worked for O’Reilly Auto Parts for a couple of years until taking a job with the Post Office. He worked for the Post Office for 12 years until retirement.
Bob was a former President of the FSCC Booster Club, former member of the Amateur Baseball Association, Baseball Umpires Association, Mirza Shrine, Bronson Ruritan, V.F.W., and was a 32-degree Mason
He was a member of the Bronson United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife Pam of the home; a son, Brett Roufs and wife Michelle, Newton, KS; a daughter, Melanie Elliott and husband Justin, Paola, KS; a brother, James H. Belknap, Jr., Fort Scott; 7 grandchildren, Morgan, Olivia, Lance, Noah, Manny, Maiya, and Dawson; 1 great grandchild Ryan; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle Weaver; a grandson, Jacob R. Welch; a sister Thelma Sue Dement; and his parents.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Friday, December 2nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 until service time at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to either Wreaths Across America or FSCC Endowment Fund 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.
A splash pad is coming to town, thanks to some leaders who took the initiative.
“This idea has been in strategic plans and will add to the revitalization of downtown Fort Scott,” said Bailey Lyons, who along with Josh Jones and Kelly Barr have spearheaded the drive for funds.
Last week at the Fort Scott City Commission meeting, Lyons announced that with the help of two big donors, they are within reach of the project.
“We plan to break ground in the Spring and open by Summer 2023,” Lyons said. “We thought it would be a wonderful addition to our community. It will be a wonderful outdoor recreational amenity that offers a fun play option for all. It will be a gathering place accessible to people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds. We saw other communities like ours installing splash pads with great success, and wanted to bring one to Fort Scott.”
For those who might not know, a splash pad is a recreational outdoor play area with sprinklers, fountains, nozzles and other devices that spray water. Also known as a spray pool, there is little to no standing water in the space.
It will be placed at the west end of Skubitz Plaza, off of North National Avenue.
The site was picked because of accessibility, parking, and infrastructure and also is at the north end of the historic downtown area with dining, shopping and other attractions.
Fort Scott Parks and Recreation Department will provide maintenance, with the city also providing water and electricity.
So far, about $180,000 has been raised for the space, with $20,000 more to fund raise.
Two of the biggest donors have been a Timken Foundation Grant of $75,000 and a Walmart Foundation Grant of $40,000.
From Facebook.
Chicken Mary’s, a well known restaurant north of Pittsburg, is the latest to help with fundraising.
On Wednesday, Dec. 7, one can pick up a chicken dinner or supper in Fort Scott that must be pre-ordered by Dec. 4. The meal is $10 per plate and tickets must be ordered by calling 620.224.7795.
“We also have the comedy show, and we are about to roll out a fundraiser to raffle off an ATV,” Lyons said. ‘We will be pushing out regular donation giving levels…that will allow people to donate to get us to the finish line.”
Every year at Thanksgiving I write an article about how I’m going to be more thankful, an area in which I am frequently tested.
This past week, for example, I was at the Immigration Office here in Mazatlán, 40 minutes from where we live, handing in paperwork that I had started at the Embassy in Kansas City and needed to finalize here. It was my third trip because I just didn’t “have things completed correctly” the first two times, as didn’t several other people waiting to have their numbers called. Trying to be thankful. Trying to be thankful.
This trip, I had only two hours allotted because of a hair appointment (important!), but I figured I could at least hand in my latest version of paperwork and again be told what I had done wrong. Signing in, I was given the #18 card (not good), but when the lady called out “#15,” I knew I had a chance. And I would have, had two, selfish people not walked in the door and gone straight up to the window without being given a number. Not thankful.
I began grumbling. Not exactly to myself. Which is where things got interesting. You see, I had taken along my Bible to catch up on my assigned reading for my upcoming Zoom study on Proverbs. For an hour, I underlined key phrases (most of them, actually) that would make me a better person…verses like Proverbs 12:25: Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. I was not glad. Or thankful. And that’s when I heard my name.
“Patty”? I turned around to find Teresa, a friend of a friend, right behind me, smiling. She was there to help an elderly woman figure out the paperwork nightmare, as she had for several other people in the past. They had waited for a couple of hours, only to be sent to “the Coca-Cola lady” (called that because she also sells Coke products) down the street to have some copies made, one which had to be filled out in blue ink. (Mine was in black ink.) “Blue ink? Where does it say ‘blue ink’?” I groaned. Of course, it didn’t. Less thankful by the minute.
About that time, an elderly couple entered and struck up a conversation with Teresa. (Even though holding a Bible, I looked as approachable as a cattle prod.) Poor things had bussed to Mazatlán from Phoenix, but when they crossed the border, no one stamped their passports. They had asked the bus driver about it, but he said that it wasn’t necessary. He was wrong.
They would not be able to return home without that stamp. Starting off at Mazatlán’s U.S Embassy, they were informed to come to Immigration for help. Teresa told them to walk up to the window and ask. “Proverbs” had kicked in, I guess, because even I didn’t object. There they were advised to return to the border (11 hours away) and get their stamps. Not even the Coca-Cola lady could help this couple. “Oh well,” the elderly man said, “I guess we’ll see a lot more of Mexico.”
He was finding something to be thankful for? And here I was, Bible in hand, fretting over making my hair appointment. What is wrong with you? I asked myself. By the time #17 was called, I had to leave. The next day, I was back, 45 minutes early. Waiting outside, one of the workers—who must have recognized me—asked to see my papers. Soooo thankful.
She took them inside and quickly returned to explain that my passport has a small space between La and Roche, and when I typed it into my documents, I didn’t add the space. (I never do.) I needed to “have things completed correctly” and return. Soooo unthankful.
That’s when someone nearby told me to go see the Coca-Cola lady down the street who (for a fee) corrected my paperwork. Returning to Immigration, I was #10 in line, and six hours later, I had the document I needed. Sort of thankful.
But not really. I guess I’ll just have to work on this thankfulness thing next year.
If you turn on the radio, you may hear that “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” But the holiday season can bring with it many stressors, from trying to have flawless decorations to making the perfect holiday meal and more. In addition to preventing you from living in the moment and enjoying time with family and friends, this stress can also affect the body and present as physical pain (such as a headache). One practice which can help you live in the present moment this holiday season is mindfulness.
If you find yourself facing stress this holiday season, remember to STOP: Slow down; Take a breath; Observe bodily feelings, thoughts, and possibilities; and Proceed, considering multiple possibilities. This mnemonic device can help you remember an easy way to practice being mindful this holiday season.
Other beginning mindfulness exercises include mindful relaxation and mindful breathing. To achieve mindful relaxation, consider setting aside a specific amount of time each day to practice a mindful meditation. This could be as little as five minutes. During this time, find a quiet place and a comfortable body position. Focus on your breathing. Deep breathing can slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.
To learn more about incorporating mindfulness into your everyday life and practicing mindfulness this holiday season, consider attending an “Everyday Mindfulness” educational program offered by the Southwind Extension District! This free program will be offered twice in December, including an in-person offering at the Iola Public Library on December 13th at 1 PM and a virtual offering via Zoom on December 15th at 5:30 PM. To register for the Zoom link, visit bit.ly/SouthwindMindfulness. Attend the offering which best fits your schedule!
For more information, please contact Clara Wicoff, Nutrition, Food and Health Extension Agent, at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.
Congratulating Kansas Suppliers for Historic Launch of NASA’s Artemis I Early Wednesday morning, NASA’s Artemis I launched from the Kennedy Space Center. I want to congratulate NASA and the suppliers across Kansas that helped make this mission a success. As the top appropriator for NASA, I have spent the last several years traveling to NASA suppliers across Kansas and the nation that have spent years working to advance the Artemis Mission. I also had the opportunity to host then-NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in Kansas in 2018 and 2019. Earlier this summer, I hosted NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in Kansas. To see the successful launch from the Kennedy Space Center was humbling knowing the dedication and talent that was years in the making to reach this accomplishment. Sixteen suppliers across Kansas helped make this mission a success and many more will be involved in the years to come.
This week marked a new era for our nation’s space program. I look forward to continuing to support this important mission and to see firsthand the benefits that will stem from this new exciting era of space exploration.
For the full list of Kansas suppliers that contributed to the Artemis I mission, click here.
Meeting with Harvesters
On Thursday, I met with Karen Siebert, an advocacy and public policy advisor for Harvesters–The Community Food Network and Association of Kansas Food Banks. We discussed the increased need for food assistance as many individuals in our communities are facing food insecurity. As inflation continues to climb higher, the rising cost of food creates an increased burden on many Kansas families. As co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus and a member of the Senate Subcommittee on Agriculture Appropriations, I have supported investments in federal nutrition programs such as the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to provide food and basic commodities to help those in need.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to thank those who are volunteering or donating items to a local food bank. If you are able, I encourage Kansans to donate food to help those in need this Thanksgiving. To find a local food bank in Kansas, click here.
Veterans’ Affairs Hearing on PACT Act Implementation
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held an oversight hearing with witnesses from the Department of Veterans Affairs on the implementation of the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act. The PACT Act is the largest expansion of veterans’ health care and benefits in the VA’s history. As the VA works to fulfill this legislation’s promise to deliver long-overdue care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans, from those exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam to those exposed to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is essential that Congress makes certain the VA is following the law and connecting the right veterans with the right care and benefits at the right time.
I remain concerned about the operational impact this legislation could have on the VA and will continue to work with the department, and my colleagues in Congress, to make certain that the VA is making full use of all the tools at its disposal to best serve veterans – both those enrolling for care or applying for benefits for the first time and those already in the system, as well as their survivors.
I encourage veterans and survivors in Kansas who think they may be eligible for care or benefits to call 1-800MyVA411 or visit www.va.gov/PACT to connect with people who can provide assistance in enrolling in VA care or filing a claim for benefits.
Meeting with General Rainey
This week, I met with General Joseph Rainey, the new commander of Army Futures Command. General Rainey was previously the Commanding General of the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, and I appreciated the opportunity to see him again and speak with him about this new role. We discussed his new position at Army Futures Command – a command with the mission of helping the Army modernize and field the Army of 2030. We also spoke about how Kansas can continue to help the Army meet its modernization priorities.
I look forward to working with General Rainey in this mission. I also look forward to him joining me in Kansas to witness firsthand the collaboration that exists between industry, academic and the Department of Defense to highlight the opportunities for innovation and partnership in our great state. Thank you to General Rainey for his work in this important mission.
Making Certain Kansans Have Access to Broadband Services The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a draft of new broadband deployment maps that show where broadband coverage exists in the U.S. and where it does not. This is an important first step to identifying where federal resources are most needed and is the result of years of work between Congress and the FCC. In 2019, I sponsored the Broadband DATA Act, which required the FCC to create accurate maps using data from broadband providers and required the FCC to implement a process by which consumers and other stakeholders could challenge the accuracy of the maps.
Many areas of Kansas still do not have access to basic broadband services, a modern necessity for business, education and health care. Next year, the final version of these maps will be used to allocate broadband deployment funding, so it is critical these maps are accurate. I encourage Kansans to review their home and business locations to ensure accurate information is displayed, to make certain the federal government is efficiently and effectively providing resources to connect people in our state.
Meeting with Kansas Soybean Commission Thank you to members of the Kansas Soybean Commission for meeting with me this week to discuss issues impacting Kansas agriculture and the renewable fuels industry. During our meeting we spoke about the importance of the biodiesel tax credit for the soybean industry as well as the Renewable Fuel Standard and the importance of continuing to support sustainable growth in clean fuels.
I want to thank Kansas Soybean Association CEO Kaleb Little of Topeka, Kansas Soybean Association Director of Field Services Dennis Hupe of Topeka, Dennis Gruenbacher of Andale and Bob Haselwood of Berryton for meeting with me and for their updates regarding this vital industry for our state.
Finland Foreign Affairs Committee Meeting On Thursday, I met with members of the Finland Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss shared concerns regarding European security, focusing on Russian aggression in Ukraine. They were grateful for America’s ongoing support, and I appreciated knowing their belief that Europeans can and should be doing more to contribute to Ukraine’s defense. It is important for our allies to turn that belief into reality. It also is important for Finland to be approved by Hungary and Turkey to join NATO. The Senate voted overwhelmingly this past summer to welcome Finland and Sweden into the alliance. The Finnish people have long been reliable partners to the United States, and bringing them into the NATO alliance will serve to deter further Russian aggression. I want to thank my colleagues Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Senator Jon Tester of Montana for their work to make this conversation possible.
Banking Committee Hearing During a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Tuesday, I questioned the Federal Insurance Deposit Commission (FDIC) Acting Chairman Marty Gruenberg regarding his decision to roll back banks’ supervisory appeals process without public notice or comment. Providing a fair and effective supervisory examination process for banks is essential to maintaining a healthy and transparent financial system. I also questioned him on certain regulatory conditions that hurt community banks’ ability to access funding from Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs), which provide crucial liquidity for the housing market. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, I will continue to work towards the fair supervision of banks and sustaining the liquidity of the FHLBs.
Meeting with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Board Nominees I had the opportunity to meet with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Board nominees Travis Hill and Jonathan McKernan on Thursday. We discussed the current challenges facing our financial system and how federal regulators can best supervise financial institutions. These well-qualified nominees will bring balance to the FDIC board, and I am confident in their ability to lead the FDIC’s mission to maintain stability and public confidence in our nation’s banks.
Meeting with OxyChem
On Thursday, I met with OxyChem President Neil Ackerman to discuss the company’s plans for modernizing its chemical manufacturing facilities in Wichita. I appreciate OxyChem’s continued commitment to investing in the Wichita area. During this meeting, we also discussed working with nearby colleges to provide technical support and training programs to create a pipeline of high-skilled labor and local talent to the industry. I am committed to supporting these investments in the Wichita area’s manufacturing sector, and I look forward to working alongside OxyChem in this goal.
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
