The logo of Acton Children’s Business Fair from its website.
Several young children who are learning how to create their own business will have their wares on display and for sale at the Fort Scott Farmers Market this Saturday, June 3 from 8 a.m. to noon.
The event will be at Third and Main Street, behind the First United Methodist Church in that parking lot.
Children who attended a young entrepreneurs fair in the last year will be selling their wares and encouraging other children to start their own businesses
“Saturday is to get the word out and let other children see a small sample of inspiration for what they can be a part of,” Maria Whitson, one of the parent organizers said. “It will also allow the children who have created businesses a chance to sell their products.”
“We will have opportunities for kids to take their ideas and learn about how to turn it into a business,” she said. “Then we will give them an opportunity to launch and sell their products at the kid’s business fair later this year. More information will be available at the kid’s booths at the farmers market this weekend.”
Camren Lamb is an young businessman, selling his artwork and music. Submitted photo.Chloe Couchman will be selling her handmade potholders. Submitted photo.
“This weekend kids will be having their booths to inspire others to be entrepreneurs,” she said. “Kids who already have set up their own business to inspire others.”
Asher Whitson will be selling his framed artwork. From Facebook.
In addition, there will be handouts for a class in September that the youth can participate in, Whitson said.
Malachi Whitson will be selling jewery at the farmers market. From Facebook.Grace Jackson along with her sisters will be selling produce. Submitted photos.Trinity Jackson. Submitted photo.The Jackson sisters will be selling produce, this is Evie. Submitted photos.
The farmers market has changed spaces this Saturday only, to accommodate the Good Ol’ Days annual celebration in downtown Fort Scott.
American Society for Radiation Oncology
Melisa Boersma, MD of Prairie Village
Saint Francis Ministries
Karen Soderstrom of Wichita
Dale Soderstrom of Wichita
Col. William Clark of Salina
Equipment Leasing and Finance Association
Joe Franco of Lawrence
Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health
Nancy Holland of Leawood
American Academy of Family Physicians
Chris Vering of Kansas City
Kathy Shepard of Independence
Lori Bishop of Manhattan
NAMA
Jason Creed of Salina
American College of Physicians
Benjamin Quick, MD of Leawood
Isaac Opole, MD of Leawood
Donna Sweet, MD of Wichita
Aastha Bharwad, MD of Wichita
Jerrica Werner, MD of Overland Park
Hassan Farhoud, MD of Wichita
Dr. Ky Stoltzfus, MD of Kansas City
Rebecca Opole, MD of Kansas City
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Honoring Those Who Have Sacrificed This Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, we pause as a nation to remember, honor and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. I recently had the honor to present an American flag to World War II Kansas veteran Kenneth Miller and thank him for his service, while surrounded by his family and friends. I want to thank Gary Hicks and Roger Morris for helping to pay tribute to one of our nation’s heroes.
Speaking to World War II veterans, I am reminded of the heroic sacrifices thousands from the Greatest Generation and throughout our nation’s history made to protect the world from tyranny. Decades come and go, but we will always remember the service of the men and women who fought and died in far off places like Germany, Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan – to defend our freedoms and our way of life.
We also recognize that military service is family service, and no one knows better the true cost of freedom than those who have lost a loved one as a result of their military service. This Memorial Day, I want to take time to honor our fallen servicemembers. To those brave Americans who gave their lives in defense of this nation, and to their families: we respect you; we thank you for your service; and we love you.
Protecting Survivor Benefits for Gold Star Spouses As we reflect on the sacrifices of our nation’s fallen servicemembers each Memorial Day, we also remember their families and loved ones. As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I recently introduced legislation which would allow spouses of deceased servicemembers to retain certain survivor benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense, if they remarry before the age of 55.
You can read my op-ed in the Washington Examiner here.
Speaking at Ottawa County Veterans Memorial Dedication Over Memorial Day weekend, I had the privilege of speaking at the dedication of the Veterans Memorial for Ottawa County in Minneapolis. The creation of the Veterans Memorial for Ottawa County was a grassroots community effort led by Tom Schur and Leland Johnson. This dedication was only possible with buy-in and investment from the Ottawa County community. I am grateful to the community for the opportunity to participate in this meaningful ceremony and to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers who sacrificed to defend our nation. Special thanks to State Senator Elaine Bowers for joining as well.
Joining American Legion Riders Memorial Day Service On Memorial Day, I joined the American Legion for the Legion Riders Memorial Day Service at the cemetery in Abilene. I am always inspired by those who volunteer their time and efforts to honor our nation’s heroes.
Paying Respects to President Eisenhower While in Abilene for Memorial Day, I visited the Place of Meditation at the Eisenhower Presidential Library to pay my respects to General Eisenhower. May we always remember and honor those who served our country.
Grand Opening of NBAF in Manhattan
This week, I joined USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and several Kansas leaders, including Senator Pat Roberts, Senator Roger Marshall, Governor Laura Kelly, and many local leaders and partners for the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan. This facility has been in the making for more than two decades, and it would not have been possible without a team of leaders who were dedicated to seeing the project come to completion.
After the 9/11 Commission, the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Agriculture were directed to develop a plan to provide “safe, secure, and state-of-the-art” agriculture biocontainment capabilities for research and diagnostics. DHS considered nearly 30 sites across the country as potential candidates for NBAF before landing on Manhattan. I have no doubt that Kansas was the right choice for this facility – in the heart of the nation, surrounded by farm country and next to a premiere agriculture university. With NBAF, Americans can have confidence that our nation stands ready to combat outbreaks of dangerous diseases that threaten the nation’s livestock, agriculture and public health.
For Kansas, NBAF also represents more opportunities for students in STEM and agriculture to remain here in Kansas while contributing to our national security and cutting-edge research. The future is brighter because of the research that happening at this facility. It will be the epicenter of the nation’s Animal Health Corridor – the area from Manhattan to Columbia, Mo.
I want to say thank you and congratulations to the federal, state and local leaders whose more than 20 years of collaboration brought this project to fruition. I want to recognize Sen. Pat Roberts and Governors Laura Kelly, Sam Brownback and Kathleen Sebelius. Thanks as well to NBAF Director Dr. Alfonso Clavijo, Program Manager Tim Barr and Director of Operations of the Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI) Dr. Marty Vanier.
NBAF Welcome Reception at K-State
On Tuesday evening, before the grand opening of NBAF, I hosted an event at K-State to recognize the Manhattan community for their years of work to make NBAF a reality. I want to thank K-State President Dr. Richard Linton, K-State Athletic Director Gene Taylor, and Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Jason Smith for hosting and speaking at the event. I am also grateful to the more than 250 people who attended and recognized the importance that NBAF will have on the community and university.
Supreme Court Ruling Protects from Agency Overregulation The Supreme Court’s ruling to narrowly define Waters of the United States (WOTUS) will help protect farmers and ranchers from overregulation of the rivers and creeks on their land. The previous rule on WOTUS intruded into the lives of everyday Americans by allowing the EPA to regulate even the smallest marshes, ponds and streams – also impacting landowners and businesses. This ruling upholds crucial, private property rights for all Kansas landowners.
Asking Commerce Secretary to Address Broadband Issues in Kansas
A recent broadband quality study found Kansas is the state ranked last in terms of average download speed and ranks only modestly better in other key broadband quality metrics, including latency. Other recent data collected by the University of Kansas found that up to 1 million Kansans, living primarily in rural areas, lack access to high-speed broadband service. Broadband access is correlated with more jobs and greater economic growth, better health care outcomes, and increased educational performance.
On Friday, following her April visit to Kansas at my invitation, I wrote to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo about the state of broadband in Kansas and emphasized key characteristics the broadband deployment programs at the Department of Commerce must have to be effective. To work for Kansas, the programs must provide each state its fair share of funding; must not waste taxpayer dollars by competing with other federal programs and building over existing networks; and should minimize regulatory burdens to increase the number of broadband providers who participate in the program. Collectively, these steps will help to make certain the programs are successful in bridging the digital divide. I will continue to work with the secretary to ensure Kansans have every opportunity to realize the full benefits of quality broadband service.
You can read my full letter to Secretary Raimondo here.
NOTAM Improvement Act Heads to the President This week, my legislation designed to help prevent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) system outages passed the U.S. House of Representatives and headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The NOTAM Improvement Act would require the FAA to establish a task force to strengthen the resiliency and cybersecurity of the NOTAM system, which alerts pilots of safety and location hazards on flight routes. This bill follows a recent NOTAM system outage in January that grounded flights nationwide and stranded millions of Americans. The FAA has a responsibility to make certain air travel in our country is as safe and efficient as possible. Passing this legislation is an important step to help meet the demands of 21st-century travel and prevent a similar failure in the future.
Recognizing 50th Homecoming of U.S. Prisoners of War from Vietnam
As the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I introduced a resolution to honor the extraordinary sacrifice and service of the approximately 766 members of the Armed Forces held captive during the Vietnam War. In 1973, 591 of those prisoners were released by the North Vietnamese. On May 24, 1973, President and Mrs. Nixon hosted the largest dinner in White House history – then and now – in honor of the released Vietnam POWs. On May 24, 2023, exactly 50 years later, nearly 200 of those POWs dined in the Nixon Library’s White House East Room replica and recreated that dinner, down to the menu items and centerpieces.
Our veterans deserve our gratitude and respect when they return home. As a teenager, I watched how Vietnam veterans were treated, and I committed to do everything I could to make certain our Vietnam Veterans were given the honor they are due. This resolution commemorating the homecoming of American prisoners of war represents our nation’s commitment to honor those who served in Vietnam and to say we are grateful for your service; we love you; and welcome home.
You can read more from Sunflower State Radio here.
Delivering Annual Cost-of-Living Increase for Veterans
Legislation that I introduced with Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Act of 2023, unanimously passed the U. S. House of Representatives and is now headed to the President’s desk for signature. The Senate passed this legislation in March.
As we enter another year of high inflation, passage of this legislation is imperative to make certain that VA compensation benefits, which Kansas veterans and millions of veterans and their survivors rely on nationwide, keep pace with rising costs. These benefits include disability and dependent compensation, clothing allowances and certain benefits for surviving military spouses and children. This adjustment will go into effect on December 1, 2023, after the new rates are released by the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration bases their annual COLA adjustment on the Consumer Price Index, as determined each December by the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
I appreciate the swift and unanimous passage by my colleagues in the House of Representatives, so that the President can sign this bill into law and make certain there is no uncertainty or delays in adjustments to these veterans’ benefits at the end of the year.
Introducing Legislation to Address Affordable Housing Shortage
Along with Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), I introduced the Housing Supply Expansion Act, legislation that would increase the supply of affordable housing options by making targeted reforms to requirements under the Davis-Bacon Act, a 1930s-era labor law. These reforms would reduce labor costs and administrative burdens on residential construction contractors, which would free up capital that could be redirected toward building additional affordable housing.
Purchasing a home is a part of the American dream that is currently out of reach for many families. Reducing the burden of federal regulations will help homebuilders meet the demand for new homes, making homeownership a reality for more Kansans.
Kansas Community Visits City of Larned
I visited the Larned Fire Department to announce a federal investment for the City of Larned to replace two fire engines and improve emergency communications capabilities. Last year, a wildfire burned thousands of acres and threatened homes, livelihoods and communities in Pawnee County. Members of the Larned Fire Department left their day jobs to extinguish the fire and protect lives and property.
The fire severely damaged two fire engines and forced the evacuation of Pawnee County’s 911 dispatch center. It proved difficult to source parts for these aging fire trucks, and the community identified a need for a mobile communications vehicle to make certain emergency messages would reach first responders and members of the community in future emergencies. This funding from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development will replace the two engines and provide the opportunity for upgrades to the county’s communications equipment.
Thank you to Fire Chief Leonard Herrman, Assistant Fire Chief Kyle Beckwith, 911 Dispatcher Jane Bleakney, Sheriff Scott King, Undersheriff Larry Atteberry, Mayor William Nusser, City Counselor Ken Barnes and all who attended to share in the good news, including USDA Rural Development State Director Christy Davis. Special thank you to all of the men and women in communities across our state who make tremendous sacrifices to protect others.
You can read more from the Great Bend Tribune here and the Great Bend Post here.
Larned High School
While in Larned, I also visited Larned High School to speak with students and faculty there. As the spring semester comes to an end, it was great to hear from these students about all they had learned and their plans for the summer. Thank you to Principal Dustin Wilson for hosting me for this visit.
Ellinwood District Hospital
On Monday, I visited Ellinwood District Hospital, a Critical Access Hospital that provides important health care services to the Ellinwood community and surrounding areas. During the visit, I learned more about the services provided to the community by the hospital and the focus on the health care needs of Ellinwood. The input and experiences from Kansas hospitals, their administrators and their staff are important to me as I work to support the health care industry in Kansas and across the nation.
Thank you to Jill Ritchie, Director of Nursing; Justin Lear, Secretary/Treasurer of Board of Trustees & CEO of Eagle Mutual & Eagle Insurance; Summer Zink, hospital CFO; Joyce Schulte, President of Board of Trustees Kile Magner, hospital CEO and Kristy Rupe, Foundation & Community Education Director.
Morning in Kansas
It was a beautiful weekend morning in Kansas on Sunday.
Now Accepting Fall 2023 Internship Applications My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am glad to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today, where I have interns working year-round with my staff to serve Kansans.
Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the fall 2023 session are due on Sunday, July 16. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence. Click here for more information and to apply.
Now Accepting Fall 2023 Page Program Applications
Senate pages play an important role in day-to-day operations of the United States Senate. High school students who are selected for and participate in the Senate Page Program are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process while maintaining their regular coursework. The Senate Page Program is administered by the Sergeant-at-Arms, the Secretary of the Senate and the party secretaries.
During the fall session, Senate pages attend school in the morning and work while the Senate is in session. Fall page eligibility is limited to juniors in high school who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. The deadline to apply for the Fall 2023 Page Program is Sunday, June 25. Click here for more information and to apply.
Now Accepting 2023 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2028. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, September 1, 2023. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Chamber Coffee hosted The Fort Scott Good Ol’ Day’s Committee
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days Committee, Thursday, June 1st at 8 a.m. on Skubitz Plaza, Downtown Fort Scott.
Shawn O’Brien, Chairman, and the Good Ol’ Days committee are excited to celebrate the 42nd Annual Good Ol’ Days festival with the theme of Back to the Bricks.
Tickets are on sale at the Chamber of Commerce for the Good Ol’ Chicken Dinner to be held Friday, June 2nd. The Chamber is also taking entries for the Good Ol’ Days Parade planned for 6pm Friday, June 2nd. The full schedule of events may be found on the festival website fortscottgoodoldays.com.
Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served along with door prizes.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
TOPEKA –The State Library of Kansas is proud to announce the 2023 Kansas Notable Books list. This year’s list of Kansas Notable Books continues the tradition of celebrating the rich stories and vibrant spirit of the state.
“The authors of the 2023 Kansas Notable Books not only help us gain a deeper understanding of our world, but also encourage empathy for others and reflection on our own life experiences,” State Librarian Ray C. Walling said. “Written by Kansans or about Kansas and Kansans, these fifteen books explore wanderlust, transformative collaboration, hidden struggles, inspiring resilience, and the power of love.”
Authors will be recognized and awarded medals by the State Librarian at the Kansas Book Festival on September 16 at Washburn University. The Book Festival is a free event that is open to the public. For more information on the event, visit kansasbookfestival.com.
The selection process for the Kansas Notable Books involved a rigorous evaluation by a selection committee made up of librarians, educators, and literary professionals. Their task was to identify books that exemplify quality writing, compelling storytelling, and significant contributions to the literary landscape. This year’s list features a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s literature, ensuring there is something for every reader.
A program of the Kansas Center for the Book, an affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book, Kansas Notable Books works to foster a love for reading by promoting these exceptional works across the state. Public libraries, schools, and bookstores feature the Kansas Notable Books prominently and organize events that engage readers and highlight the authors’ accomplishments. An annual grant program administrated by the State Library supports Kansas public libraries adding Notable Books titles to their collections in formats best suited to their patrons. Applications will be released mid-June.
For more information about the Kansas Notable Books program, visit kslib.info/notablebooks or contact the State Library of Kansas at 785-296-3296 or email [email protected].
2023 Kansas Notable Books
Cabby Potts, Duchess of Dirt by Kathleen Wilford, Blue Bronco Books
Easy Beauty: A Memoir by Chloe Cooper Jones, Simon & Schuster
Hell’s Half-Acre: The Untold Story of the Benders by Susan Jonusas, Viking
Justa’s Escape: A Journey from WWII Ukraine by Justina Neufeld with Russell Binkley, Wipf and Stock
Kansas Speaks Out: Poems in the Age of Me, Too edited by Dennis Etzel, Jr and Jericho Hockett, An Actual Kansas Press
Letters to Martin: Meditations on Democracy by Randal Maurice Jelks, Lawrence Hill Books
The Monster’s Bones: The Discovery of T. Rex and How It Shook Our World by David K. Randall, W. W. Norton & Company
Native American Stories for Kids: 12 Traditional Stories from Indigenous Tribes Across North America by Tom Pecore Weso, Rockridge Press
A New Guide to Kansas Mushrooms by Sherry Kay, Benjamin Sikes, and Caleb Morse, University Press of Kansas
Nothing but the Dirt: Stories from an American Farm Town by Kate Benz, University Press of Kansas
One Boy Watching by Grant Snider, Chronicle Books
River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile by Candice Millard, Doubleday
The Undead Truth of Us by Britney S. Lewis, Hyperion
The Vagabond’s Way: 366 Meditations on Wanderlust, Discovery, and the Art of Travel by Rolf Potts, Random House
Winfield’s Walnut Valley Festival by Seth Bate, The History Press
MANHATTAN, Kansas — As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to an end, the Kansas Department of Agriculture reminds all those in the Kansas agriculture community that mental health needs to be a priority all year round. As farmers and ranchers face unavoidable pressure from the daily challenges that are part of agriculture, from unpredictable weather to fluctuations in commodity market prices, added stress can be difficult to manage.
Several years ago, the Kansas Department of Agriculture, along with several Kansas ag partners, developed a website to provide resources and support to those dealing with ag-related stress. The website can be found at KansasAgStress.org.
The website serves as a resource for those struggling with issues ranging from mental health, anxiety and suicide to substance abuse and food insecurity. Visitors will also find information regarding financial counseling, legal assistance, disaster recovery, and much more. As more tools are developed and become available, this website continues to be updated and serves as a hub of current information and resources. For example, KDA collaborated with Kansas Corn to add a section of mental health providers with agriculture-specific experience, called Ag Aware.
KansasAgStress.org features resources and support for every member of the family, from teens to aging adults. Unique resources are also available to assist our farmer veterans, who face the issues that come with farming, along with the possible challenges of being a military veteran.
“The purpose of this website is to help care for and assist Kansas farmers and ranchers in their well-being,” Beam said. “We encourage all Kansans to care for themselves and their neighbors in difficult times, and this site provides information about the resources available in communities across the state.”
The Kansas Department of Agriculture and the State of Kansas is committed to serving Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and the customers they serve. Together with our partners, we have made it a priority to provide support and assistance to Kansans battling ag-related stress and mental health struggles.
Kansas Water Authority Regional Advisory Committee Membership Drive
Citizen advisors have been an important voice supporting water resource planning efforts in Kansas for decades. To support continued grassroots engagement in Kansas water policy and planning, the Kansas Water Office is currently accepting applications from individuals with an interest in serving as a member of one of the 14 Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) which are established by the Kansas Water Authority (KWA).
These committees play a key role in advising the KWA on implementation of each region’s water resource priorities as part of the state water planning process in Kansas. In conjunction with this process, RAC members provide input and advice to the KWA on identified regional and statewide water resource-related goals and action plans developed in support of state water plan implementation.
In addition, members help identify and provide input on other emerging water issues and concerns. They serve as important local links to the public in their regions through interactions with various groups and individuals, as well as communicate information on concerns and issues in their respective regions. The KWA, through the committee selection process, works to establish RACs which represent diverse groups of water users and interests throughout the state.
Kansans can have a lasting impact on the future of water resources through RAC membership.Interested individuals can apply at kwo.ks.gov/about-the-kwo/regional-advisory-committees. The application deadline is June 30, 2023.
If accommodations are needed for a person with disabilities, please notify the Kansas Water Office at 900 SW Jackson Street, Suite 404, Topeka, KS 66611-1249 or call (785) 296-3185.
Note to Editor: The Americans with Disabilities Act, (42 U.S.C. 12101) requires the Kansas Water Office to print the reasonable accommodations messages.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Broadband Development is developing a comprehensive strategic plan to expand broadband infrastructure statewide and ensure every Kansan has access to reliable high-speed internet. To assist in this and provide accurate data for the plan, the department is calling on residents to participate in an important online speed test and survey.
The data collected ultimately will help guide the allocation of state and federal resources to areas in need.
“Accurate, comprehensive data is critical to our state’s efforts to bridge the digital divide across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By engaging directly with Kansans to learn about their broadband capacity, we aim to secure significant funding to connect underserved areas and establish Kansas as one of the best states in the nation for high-speed internet access.”
The speed test will measure internet speed, general location and IP address, while maintaining the privacy of personal information. Participants also will be asked to complete an optional survey that provides vital insights into connectivity patterns, necessary training requirements and affordability of internet services.
“We understand that this is a busy time of the year, especially with the transition from school to summer,” Kansas Broadband Development Director Jade Piros de Carvalho said. “We genuinely appreciate the cooperation and assistance of all participants in completing these tests, which will enable us to identify opportunities for better connectivity and reach our goal of #ConnectingAllKansans.”
While this is not the first initiative of its kind, it is undeniably significant, and greater participation from residents will allow more accurate results. Participants will be asked to take five to seven tests at different times of day or days of the week.
To ensure accurate results, participants are advised to conduct the speed test while connected to Wi-Fi from their home or business networks. It is important to confirm the presence of the Wi-Fi symbol and verify that a cellular network is not being used for the test. If possible, the test should be done in the late afternoon or early evening, as this is when service is typically the slowest.
To participate, residents should visit the official website of the initiative, broadbandks.com, where they can complete a quick and simple online speed test. This test, which only takes a few minutes, will provide valuable data on internet connectivity throughout the state.
Individuals without internet access at their homes or businesses can a call or text 1 (913) 349-9555 to share their address where service is unavailable.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the Kansas Office of Broadband Development:
The Kansas Office of Broadband Development is committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet for all Kansans. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, the office aims to expand broadband infrastructure, promote digital literacy and foster economic growth across the state. For further information or any inquiries, please visit the official initiative website at broadbandks.com. For direct communication, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development can be reached at (785) 480-8555.
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST KANSAS ANNOUNCES MATTHEW BUCK AS NEW MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is excited to announce the hiring of Matthew Buck as its new Marketing and Communications Coordinator, effective May 15, 2023.
Matthew comes to CFSEK and its affiliates, the Columbus Area Community Foundation, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, and Girard Area Community Foundation, with a unique skill set that will provide more community awareness through increased marketing and public relations.
“We are excited to welcome Matthew to the team,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “He will be a tremendous asset in increasing communication with our nonprofit partners, donors, and the entire Southeast Kansas region. His passion and dedication will help CFSEK strengthen our message and share more of our remarkable stories. ”
As a southeast Kansas native, Matthew earned a bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University in Communications, with a minor in Marketing. Although this opportunity is Matthew’s first professional experience in the world of nonprofit work, he is no stranger to supporting his community and helping people.
Matthew has been engaged with the SEK community for many years. As a Pittsburg High School graduate, he participated in several annual food drives and community outreach programs. As a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity at Wichita State, Matthew served as a chapter Vice President for two years and helped coordinate several community cleanup projects. Matthew currently serves on the Pittsburg Community Theatre board of directors as the Media Director. You can usually find Matthew on stage with PCT or cheering on the Gorillas at Pitt State football games.
When asked about his new position, Matthew said, “I am so excited to be joining the CFSEK team. CFSEK has a storied history of helping our community in a variety of ways, from grants to scholarships, one of which I received to help me pay for college. I really feel like I’ve come full-circle, and I can’t wait to continue serving the community I care for so deeply!”
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is a local public charitable foundation that awarded over $2 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2022 and has facilitated over $20 million in grants since its inception in 2001. The Community Foundation serves the region by providing donors with a wide variety of charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.
Uniontown City Park. The flower garden at the northeast corner of the park is in memory of Doris George by Carol and Hershal George.
Movies/Music in the Park, sponsored by Uniontown Ruritan Club, will provide Uniontown school district residents with some free family fun this summer in the park on the town square.
“At the beginning of this year, we had a brainstorming session to consider various ideas for community service projects for 2023,” Mary Pemberton, one of the committee members, said. “Mauriel Whisenhunt and I suggested something that would highlight and make use of the beautiful city park, bring people together, and provide entertainment for all ages. One of our ideas was Movies in the Park. That idea was well received and expanded to include music. We decided to put on one Movie in the Park event each month and another separate Music in the Park night each month during June-July-August.”
Submitted graphic.
“Our schedule kicks off on June 9th with a Movie in the Park night,” Mary Pemberton, one of the committee members” said. Each movie night starts at 7 p.m. with games and activities such as: sidewalk games, corn hole, spikeball, dodgeball, washer toss, face painting and rock painting. Then at 9 p.m. seating begins for the movie – this is an outdoor movie showing, so bring your own chair or blanket.”
The group has planned music entertainment on alternating evenings this summer.
“Alternating movies and music means the next event, on June 23rd is a music night,” Pemberton said. “Music nights feature food trucks from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Musical performances are from 7-8:30. We have arranged for different genres of music each month – Mike Miller (gospel), Rick Hite (country/folk) and Ridge Runnerz (classic rock/country).”
“On June 23rd and July 14th there will be special performances by a mother/daughter duo who are both world class baton twirlers,” she said. “We enticed them out of ‘retirement’ for these performances and I witnessed part of a practice session when they were refreshing their skills and working out a routine. They are amazingly talented – you won’t want to miss this; baton twirling is an art you don’t see locally at this skill level and Kristi and Lexie are truly awe-inspiring.”
The movies, music, games/activities and entertainment are all FREE and Uniontown school district residents are invited, she said.
“We are also giving away free hot dogs/chip/drink at the first event, a free ice cream social in July, and free popcorn to munch on during each movie,” Pemberton said. “Tips for the musicians and/or free-will donations are accepted, but not required.”
Food trucks will be available on certain dates.
” Food trucks include Los Tres Pollitos on June 23; on July 14 the Ruritan Club is selling pulled pork BBQ sandwiches; and on August 11 the Hot Pink Heifer food truck is here,” Pemberton said. “Additionally, the Sunshine Shak will be here most evenings with sweets, snacks and drinks for sale.”
The complete schedule of events can be found on flyers posted at businesses around Uniontown and on social media.
For more information contact her at 620-224-9654 or stop by 103 3rd Street in Uniontown.
Ruritan Club Music in the Park Committee members are Pemberton, Mauriel Whisenhunt and Randy Rathbun.
“In addition, several Uniontown High School clubs are helping on the event nights,” Pemberton said. “The Uniontown High School FFA is grilling and serving hot dogs on June 9; the UHS Art Club is doing face painting and assisting with rock painting each movie night; UHS Cheerleaders are assisting with games and will perform at each movie night. We also wish to thank Rhonda DeWitt with the First Missionary Baptist Church for allowing us to use their movie screen and popcorn machine.”
“Ruritan is a nationwide service organization and our club performs a variety of services or projects each year that benefit the community and residents in and around Uniontown,” she said. “Last year we financed and built public restrooms which are located across the street from the park.”
The public restrooms are just across from Uniontown’s downtown park.
Fort Scott Kan. – Join a ranger for a walk back in time to the “Good’ Ol’ Days” Saturday, June 3, 2023. Programs and living history activities will be ongoing from 9 am – 4 pm. And meet at the park Visitor Center. All activities are free and open to the public. To find out more, please contact the park at 620-223-0310.
SATURDAY, JUNE 3
9 a.m. – Tallgrass Prairie Walk
10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration
Noon – Flash Flood: Westward Expansion Discussion
1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration
3 p.m. – Democracy Run Wild: Bleeding Kansas Discussion
4 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
Throughout the Day:
What’s in my backpack? A discussion about what a soldier needs on patrol on the prairie.
A discussion around the Underground Railroad.
From April 1-September 30, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation. The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 am – 5 pm Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
