U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter


Hello,

Happy Mother’s Day!
I want to wish a very happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who play a special and irreplaceable role in our lives. I also want to say happy Mother’s Day to my wife, Robba, and to our daughters, Kelsey and Alex.

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Security & Humanitarian Crisis at the Southern Border
On May 11, Title 42 expired. Officials at U.S. Customs and Border Protection anticipate as many as 10,000 to 13,000 migrants to cross the southern border each day – almost double the daily average in March. We already have a record number of migrants at our southern border and the Biden administration’s decision to end Title 42 without a robust plan of action is only going to make the crisis worse. We must secure the border, enforce the law and reverse the policies President Biden put in place that have fueled this crisis.

Hearing from DEA & FBI on End of Title 42

As ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, I held a hearing this week with FBI Director Christopher Wray and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram. During the hearing, we discussed the consequences of allowing Title 42 to end. I expressed to them my concerns about the threats posed to our national security with the end of this policy. I also questioned DEA Administrator Milgram about China supplying fentanyl precursor chemicals to Mexico and asked her about what the DEA is doing to work with China and Mexico in regard to this issue.

You can watch my remarks here.

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Supporting Efforts to Address the Border Crisis
I have met with DEA, FBI and Border Patrol agents at the southern border multiple times and seen the national security and humanitarian crisis firsthand. Despite the challenges they face, our law enforcement officers at the border are doing an incredible job. They remain positive and are proud to serve our country and to protect our nation and communities. I want to recognize and thank each of them for their service.

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Drug cartels and criminal organizations are exploiting our broken border and immigration system – trafficking children, smuggling dangerous narcotics into our communities, threatening public safety and violating human rights. Without action, these problems will only get worse.

President Biden must act to ensure a stricter enforcement of our immigration laws, reinstate the construction of a wall or fencing in areas that are largely unprotected, and the administration must send a message loud and clear that our border is closed to unlawful entrants.

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Leading Legislation to Reform Classification System, Prevent Mishandling of Classified Documents
On Wednesday, I joined Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) – fellow members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence – in introducing two bills to address how the federal government declassifies information and how classified information is handled. These bills would reform the security classification system in order to reduce over classification, prevent mishandling of classified information, promote better use of intelligence and enhance public trust.

In the digital age, our classification system is absorbing a flood of new, critical information. When it comes to declassifying documents, our current declassification process costs $18 billion a year and is about as effective as using an eye dropper to drain a flood. These deficiencies undermine our national security, and a backlog of unnecessary classified material is harming our ability to protect what should be secret from our enemies. We are long overdue for an overhaul that begins with an up-to-date declassification system in order to better secure our national secrets, and it begins with the two bills introduced this week.

I have worked on this issue of declassification for several years, introducing legislation with Sen. Wyden. The support for the bills introduced this week signifies the growing importance of this issue. Improving our broken classification system will reduce costs and create a more efficient system. This is necessary to protect information from bad actors, and I look forward to advancing these bills.

You can watch the press conference announcing the legislation here.

You can read more from The Kansas City Star here.

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Trade is Vital to the U.S. Economy and National Security
This week, I spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of trade to our nation’s prosperity and relationships around the world. This is particularly true in the Indo-Pacific region, which will soon be home to 50 percent of the world’s economic output. Trade agreements that provide market access are critical to Kansas producers, and I called on President Biden to enter into – and Congress to ratify – the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership.

In competing with China in the coming decades, it is essential to build cooperation with these countries by offering a positive vision that attracts them to America. Little in geopolitics is a win-win, but trade is the rare area that advances our interests and those of our partners.

You can watch my full floor speech here.

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Selected as New Co-Chair of Senate Travel & Tourism Caucus
This week, the U.S. Travel Association officially announced that I will be co-chair of the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus with Sen. Amy Klobuchar. This bipartisan group of 23 senators champions efforts to increase and support travel to and within the United States.

My appointment was announced during the 40th anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week, celebrating a vital industry that generated $2.6 trillion in economic output last year. Travel is an essential driver of our economy and workforce and plays a crucial role in fueling other industries such as manufacturing, health care and education.

It’s always a joy to share the beauty of a sunset in the Flint Hills or the boyhood home and library of President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Abilene, and as co-chair of this caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues to promote policies that reduce barriers to travel, bolster the travel industry and support the safety and access of travelers across America.

Melissa Dixon, president, Travel Industry Association of Kansas:

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Holly Lofton, president-elect, Travel Industry Association of Kansas:

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Julie Roller Weeks, former president, Travel Industry Association of Kansas:

Image K-State Selected for National Science Foundation Award
On Thursday, Kansas State University was awarded $1 million from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines program. It was a pleasure to call K-State President Richard Linton to inform him. K-State’s project, 1 of only 44 to be selected, will focus on advancing biosecurity, biodefense and biomanufacturing, with applications in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, renewable energy and advanced materials. These Development Awards will help organizations create connections and develop their local innovation ecosystem within two years to prepare a strong proposal for becoming a future NSF Engine, where they will have the opportunity to receive up to $160 million.

I supported the CHIPS and Science Act in part because of the opportunities created for Kansas institutions like K-State to create lasting economic growth in ground-breaking, innovative fields. Congratulations to K-State University and their team for winning this award and building on the many new significant research and development projects in the Manhattan region. K-State has demonstrated that participation in this new program will create jobs, strengthen our nation’s global competitiveness and encourage innovation.

You can read more from WIBW here.

Speaking with Agri-Pulse on NBAF, Farm Bill and Debt Limit
This week, I joined Agri-Pulse to discuss the grand opening of NBAF, the upcoming Farm Bill and the ongoing debate on the debt limit. Farmers and ranchers in Kansas and across the country have much at stake in the current debt ceiling debate. Our farmers are the victims of inflation. We have seen the impacts of rising prices on fertilizer prices, input costs for fuel, diesel and natural gas and other components of farm equipment. The new Farm Bill needs to be based on the increasing costs of inputs in order to best support our farmers and ranchers.

You can watch my full interview here.

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NOTAM Improvement Act Passes the Senate
On Tuesday, the Senate unanimously passed my NOTAM Improvement Act, introduced with Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V), which helps prevent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) system outages. This act requires FAA 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. FAA has a responsibility to make certain air travel in our country is as safe and efficient as possible. I am pleased by the Senate’s swift passage of this legislation and urge the House of Representatives to quickly pass this bill to send to the President’s desk.

You can read more from WIBW here.

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Delivering Keynote Address at Rotary Club of Wichita
On Monday, I delivered the keynote address at the Rotary Club of Wichita – one of the oldest and most active rotary clubs in the nation. Communities across our state are strengthened by those who participate in civic organizations, and I appreciated the opportunity to spend time with leaders dedicated to growing the region. We spoke about my priority to help bring new opportunities to the businesses that already call Wichita home, attract new partnerships and contracts to the region and make certain the area has a trained workforce to ensure future success.

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In the past years, senior government and business leaders have visited the area at my invitation to see all that Kansas has to offer. These visits have resulted in new contracts, business and growth for the Wichita region and the state as a whole. Two main industries I have worked to bring to Wichita are aerospace and defense – sectors that are seeing rapid growth in the area as local suppliers and manufacturers gain new business and contracts with top industry leaders.

I want to thank Dr. Elizabeth King, CEO of Wichita State University (WSU) Foundation, for the kind introduction at this event. Special thanks as well to Greater Wichita Partnership President Jeff Fluhr, Wichita State University Senior Vice President for Industry and Defense Programs Dr. John Tomblin and WSU Tech President Dr. Sheree Utash for joining as my guests. I also appreciate Kansas Global for sponsoring the luncheon. The momentum in Wichita is palpable, and it was great to spend time with leaders who are dedicated to growing the region. I will continue to work alongside these men and women to expand opportunities for all those who call Wichita and south-central Kansas home.

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ATF Launches National Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Excellence at WSU
On Monday before returning to Washington, D.C., I was also at Wichita State University (WSU) for the grand opening of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Excellence on WSU’s Innovation Campus. This facility will analyze and correlate the ballistic evidence recovered from crime scenes, helping local law enforcement develop investigative leads and giving them the tools to get violent robbers, drug dealers and murderers off the streets. ATF estimates more than 300 jobs will be created as part of the center.

Notably, we returned to WSU’s Innovation Campus just two months after announcing a $75 million investment in a world-class forensics laboratory on campus. This lab will bring an additional 100 new good-paying, high-quality jobs to the region. All of this means that Kansas is in an ideal position to support ATF’s efforts to solve crimes and provide comprehensive and advanced technology support to federal, state and local agencies not only in Kansas but across the nation.

As the top Republican on the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to helping local law enforcement members protect our communities, and I am pleased that the Wichita region plays a vital role in this mission. Now, wherever a crime is committed and a criminal needs to be apprehended, the message can be: “We’ve got to get this evidence to Wichita so we can solve this crime.”

I want to thank ATF Director Steve Dettelbach for his leadership at the federal level. Special thanks to WSU President Richard Muma and Vice President John Tomblin for their role in assisting in this mission.

You can read more from KSN here.

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Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing with Top Department of Defense Officials
Last week, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley regarding the FY2024 Department of Defense (DoD) budget. Despite the U.S. facing one of the most challenging national security situations of my lifetime, this administration’s request significantly underfunds our military. When adjusted for inflation, President Biden’s budget request reflects a decline in resources for our military when compared to last year’s.

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During the hearing, I questioned DoD leadership on efforts to combat low recruitment levels across all military branches, which places continued strain on our servicemen and women. I also expressed concern regarding the rank disparity for the Vice Chief of the National Guard compared to their counterparts in the sister services. The National Guard constitutes 20% of the Joint Force and is entrusted with various critical and unique missions. However, the National Guard is the only service in which the Vice Chief is a three-star, automatically disadvantaging National Guard personnel nationwide.

Lastly, I reminded Secretary Austin of the importance of caring for servicemembers and their families impacted by the recent water contamination around the Red Hill Bulk Storage facility in Hawaii. I highlighted a bill I introduced with Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), which would require longitudinal health studies for those impacted by this contamination to allow for the best possible care to the families serving our nation.

You can watch my full remarks here.

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Honoring the Life of Gary Doane
I spoke on the U.S. Senate floor this week to pay tribute to the life of Gary Doane – Downs native, member of the Kansas Farm Bureau and former Chair of the Board of Directors for the Kansas Agricultural and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program.

Gary touched the lives of all who knew him, and he left the world – and our state – a better place. I know I speak for many others when I say we will all miss his wisdom and his kindness. Gary did what we all hope to do. He lived a life with purpose, and he loved to invest in the next generation of Kansans. He often spoke of how he wanted to help raise new leaders to preserve the same opportunities he enjoyed living and raising his family in north central Kansas. We all look for examples, and Gary’s life is an example of the difference one person can make. I know his legacy will live on in the community and in the state he loved. Robba and I are praying for his wife Glennys and his three children, Amy, Vic and Edie, and the entire Downs community.

You can watch my full remarks here.

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Speaking to General Aviation Manufacturing Association Board
On Wednesday morning, I spoke to the General Aviation Manufacturing Association (GAMA) Board of Directors regarding my efforts to help craft this year’s FAA Reauthorization. GAMA represents various aviation and avionics manufacturers including companies in Kansas, such as Garmin, Textron, Airbus, Honeywell, GE Aviation and others. As Ranking Member of the Commerce Aviation Subcommittee, it is my priority to make certain Kansas interests – across all aviation sectors – are considered and included in the final bill. During my remarks, I discussed the outlook of the bill, and several pieces of legislation I have introduced and am working to introduce for inclusion in FAA Reauthorization. It is vital we pass a long-term FAA Reauthorization bill, and I appreciated the conversation with a large group of stakeholders with a significant role in this process.

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Meeting with Textron eAviation President
It was great to meet with Textron eAviation President Rob Scholl this week. Headquartered in Wichita, Textron eAviation is a sector of Textron solely focused on sustainable flying and leveraging innovative product design, certification and manufacturing. The company’s acquisition of Pipistrel – an international leader in electric aircraft – coupled with Textron’s existing businesses assists the important work being done by eAviation. I appreciated receiving an update on various Textron eAviation efforts and how the company is working to lead in the new entrants ecosystem. Kansas is the Air Capital of the World, and it is exciting to hear from our Wichita-based companies on how our state continues to bolster and contribute to the aviation industry.

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Subcommittee Hearing on Universal Broadband Service
On Thursday, the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Media and Broadband held a hearing on the current state of universal broadband service in our country and discussed federal broadband deployment programs, including the Universal Service Fund (USF). Managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the USF promotes access to telecommunications services for all Americans through four distinct programs: High Cost, E-Rate, Rural Health Care and Lifeline. These programs are funded through a fee on certain services, like long-distance landline voice calls. As Americans’ usage of telecommunications services have shifted with technological growth, this funding mechanism has become increasingly volatile and expensive for those using legacy services. To address this issue, I introduced the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act with Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Thune (R-S.D.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). This bill would require the FCC to stabilize the USF’s funding mechanism. Witnesses before this hearing agreed that this funding mechanism is unsustainable and needs to be addressed.

Before the hearing on Thursday, I joined a bipartisan working group to address this issue and other challenges facing universal broadband service. A recent study found Kansas ranked last amongst the states in terms of download speed and ranked poorly in other broadband quality metrics. This underlines the importance of making certain current federal broadband deployment programs are implemented in an effective and efficient manner. In addition to the USF funding mechanism, I also asked witnesses about the importance of federal coordination of broadband programs and the future of the FCC’s High Cost programs. I will continue my work to make certain every Kansan, no matter where they live, has access to the benefits of quality broadband service.

You can watch my full remarks here.

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Introducing Bill to Deter Criminals from Targeting Law Enforcement
This week, I joined 38 of my Republican Senate colleagues in introducing the Back the Blue Act, legislation to increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and to provide new tools for officers to protect themselves. Each day, federal law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to defend our nation’s security. We must make certain that criminals who take the lives, or threaten to take the lives, of these public servants face tougher penalties.

This legislation strengthens laws to protect law enforcement officers by creating new federal laws for assaulting, killing and attempting or conspiring to kill federal law enforcement officers and federal judges. In addition, the Back the Blue Act would allow law enforcement officer to carry their firearms into federal facilities and other jurisdictions where possession of a firearm is currently prohibited.

Receiving Department of the Army Emblem
This week, I was presented with the Department of the Army Emblem. This symbol represents the dedication, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. Army. From the Revolutionary War to today, the Army has been at the forefront of defending our freedoms and safeguarding our nation. The emblem represents the countless soldiers who have dedicated their lives to selflessly serving their country.

I will continue to use my role as the Senate Army Caucus co-chair, a member of the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations and the Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to make certain soldiers and their families are supported during and after their service to our nation.

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Visiting KidsTLC in Olathe
Before returning to Washington, D.C. earlier this week, I stopped by KidsTLC in Olathe to see firsthand the work done here to care for young children and their families through a variety of services. This non-profit organization was founded in 1972 to fulfill an unmet need for an emergency shelter for abused and neglected children. Since then, the initial mission has transformed into the current goal of providing inpatient and outpatient care for children experiencing mental and behavioral health challenges, developmental trauma and autism. I want to thank Dr. Erin Dugan, President & CEO, Tim Dannenberg, KidsTLC Board Chair and Shannon Wickliffe, Chief Development Officer, for hosting me.

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Kansas Community Visits
Waverly
It was great to be in Waverly to visit with local residents during my stops at Waverly Cooperative, First National Bank of Kansas, Waverly Medical Clinic and City Hall. Thanks to everyone who took the time to speak with me.

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Ottawa
I met with local Ottawa leaders for a conversation about current happenings in the community and to hear from them about the issues impacting the area. Maintaining strong communities across our state is vitally important. I want to thank Major Eric Crowley, Mayor Pro-Tem Mike Skidmore and City Manager Brian Silcott for hosting this important discussion.

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Stafford County
On Friday, it was great to spend time in Stafford County speaking with local residents in the area. I stopped in St. John and met with the Stafford County Economic Development team and other community leaders.

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Pictured below: Kathleen Norman, current Executive Director of Stafford County Economic Development; Ryan Russell, incoming Executive Director of Stafford County Economic Development; and Carolyn Dunn, former Executive Director of Stafford County Economic Development.

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Attending Kansas Soybean Social
On Thursday evening, I stopped by the Kansas Soybean Association office to visit with the team there and other industry stakeholders. I enjoyed visiting with attendees and learning more about their organizations which play such an important role in our state. Thank you to Kansas Soybean CEO Kaleb Little for the invitation.

All Schools Day Parade
I enjoyed joining the All Schools Day Parade in McPherson on Friday. The All Schools Day Parade is one of my favorite events of the year, and I appreciate the residents who show up each year. Special thanks to Nic Winsky for driving my vehicle in the parade this year!

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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
Manhattan
1800 Kimball Avenue,
Suite 270
Manhattan, KS 66052
Phone: (785) 539-8973
Fax: (785) 587-0789
Olathe
23600 College Blvd.,
Suite 201
P.O. Box 1154
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: (913) 393-0711
Fax: (913) 768-1366
Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Room 521
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6521
Fax: (202) 228-6966
Wichita
100 North Broadway,
Suite 210
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 269-9257
Fax: (316) 269-9259

Garden City
1511 East Fulton Terrace, Suite 1511-2
Garden City, KS 67846
Phone: (620) 260-3025

Pittsburg
306 N. Broadway, Suite 125 (rear entrance of bank)
P.O. Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 232-2286
Fax: (620) 232-2284

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Governor Signs Budget

Governor Kelly Signs Omnibus Budget, Increases Funding for Higher Education, Infrastructure, Student Mental Health Programs


TOPEKA
– Governor Laura Kelly today signed Senate Bill 25, the Omnibus Budget, which passed with bipartisan support. The budget increases funding for higher education, invests in local infrastructure, expands mental health resources for students, and provides a pay increase for the state workforce.

“I am proud of this bipartisan, fiscally responsible budget that will bolster our state’s workforce, improve roads and expand high-speed internet, and provide essential mental health resources for our students,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding will support my administration’s efforts to continue growing the economy and making every Kansas community an attractive place to live and raise a family.”

The budget:

Increases pay for state employees:  These salary increases improve pay rates for state employees who are earning below the market rate for similar jobs in the Kansas private sector. This increased pay will help recruit, retain, and recognize the work of employees who deliver public safety, infrastructure projects, mental health resources, education, and services to businesses and families across the state.

Promotes STEM workforce training opportunities: These investments expand opportunities for students training in emerging technologies, science, engineering, math, science, and technical trades. These programs are instrumental in attracting students to Kansas and preparing them to participate in our expanding economy and workforce.

Supports local infrastructure projects: The Build Kansas Matching Grant Fund will provide a mechanism to provide state matching dollars to Kansas communities for projects approved under the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation (BIL). These funds will enable Kansas communities to move forward with infrastructure projects, including improvements to water, transportation, energy, cybersecurity, and high-speed internet. A portion of these dollars will also be used by the Kansas Infrastructure Hub to provide resources and technical assistance to communities seeking to access BIL funding.

Expands mental health resources for students: $13.5 million will be invested in the Mental Health Intervention Pilot to further expand access to behavioral health services for students. With this funding, the Kelly administration has invested over $46 million in this pilot, resulting in the program reaching 5,000 students and nearly 70 school districts annually.

Invests in services for elderly and disabled Kansans: The budget includes funding for services for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including funding for an early childhood program for children with blindness or visual impairments. It also increases funding for Senior Nutrition (Meals on Wheels) and expands the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly to additional counties.

Governor Kelly also line-item vetoed certain aspects of the bill. Find more information and her veto messages here.

Enter the Good Ol’Days Parade

Good Ol’ Days Parade!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is NOW taking entries for he GOOD OL’ DAYS PARADE that will take place in Fort Scott on Friday, June 2nd at 6pm.
We encourage you to get your business, organization, friends, or family together and enter a float, walking unit, golf cart, car/truck, tractor, horse entry, or other! It is FREE to enter the parade and cash prizes will be awarded in each category.
Click here to print the parade entry form, or you can click “Register” on this link to enter online!
The deadline is May 31st.
For more information about the Good Ol’ Days festival, click here!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Obituary of Marguerite Edwards

Marguerite Anna Edwards, age 91, a former resident of Bronson, Kansas and more recently of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away Sunday, May 14, 2023, at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.

She was born February 25, 1932, in Harriman, Tennessee, the daughter of Amos George Stuehser and Katherine May Hope Stuehser.  Marguerite married Homer Lee Edwards on December 30, 1960, in Folkston, Georgia.

They lived the first several years of their marriage in Nashville, Tennessee until they relocated to California in 1969.  While in California, Marguerite was employed as a secretary for the English Department of California State University at Los Angeles.

Following the death of her husband Homer on September 6, 2000, Marguerite moved to Connecticut to live with her son.  They eventually moved to Bronson, Kansas before settling in Kansas City.

 

Survivors include her son, Huey Edwards and wife, Martha of Kansas City, Missouri and five grandchildren, Christopher, Ambor, Wendy, Billie Joe and Mike.

In addition to her husband, Marguerite was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Dave Edwards and a brother Alvis Stuehser.

 

Private burial will take place in the Bronson Cemetery at Bronson, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the Epilepsy Foundation and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Bo 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com

Amended Agenda for the Bo Co Commission Meeting in Fulton at 5:30 p.m.

 

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Fulton Community Center

408 W. Osage

Fulton, KS 66738

 

May 15, 2023, 5:30 PM

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute and Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 5/8/2023
  1. Department Updates
    1. Eric Bailey, Public Works Director
  2. Susan Bancroft, CFO-Budget Timeline and Audit Agreement
  3. SEK Multi-County Health Department Board Vacancy
  • County Clerk-Fence View Request
  • Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  1. Public Comments
  2. Commission Comments
  3. Meeting Adjourn

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to 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 discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body 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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

Caryn Tyson

 

May 12, 2023

 

Governor’s Active Veto Pen The Kansas Governor, a former New Yorker, demonstrated by her actions she is not ‘middle of the road’.  Her veto of CCR 8 prioritized county and municipality lobbyists veto request above helping seniors and disabled veterans struggling to pay property taxes and other provisions.  These lobby groups were against one provision in CCR 8 that would level the playing field against governments operating a business that directly competes with a private business.  Disappointingly, these taxpayer funded lobbyists put their angst against leveling the playing field over bi-partisan legislation that would have helped many Kansans.

 

CCR 8 had several provisions as do most tax and budget legislation.  The Governor said NO to CCR 8 that would have: expanded property tax relief for seniors in need and disabled veterans; reduced penalties on personal property tax late-filings; modified proposed property tax increase mailed out notices;  provided reimbursement to local governments for these notices;  provided two prior years’ values on your annual property valuation notices; allowed certified residential property appraisal when appealing   property taxes on homes; allowed paying under protest regardless of a valuation appeal; codified adverse influences in valuation of agriculture land; clarified agriculture agritourism property classification; provided a property tax exemption for businesses directly competing against a government business; decreased penalties for late withholding taxes; provided a carryforward for net-operating losses for specific years; allowed a subtraction modification for the federal work opportunity tax credit (WOTC); increased adoption tax credits; removed the sunset of tax credits for disabled employment; clarified an option for State And Local Tax (SALT) – it saved Kansans over $130 million on federal taxes without costing the state a dime; established a tax credit for donations to pregnancy centers; and exempted sales tax on manufacturer coupons.  All of these items were lost this year as a result of the Governor’s veto.  There will not be an attempt to override as the last day of session was a couple of weeks ago.

 

Kansans could have benefited from CCR 8 and CCR 169.  Remember CCR 169 that was vetoed earlier?  It included property tax relief for homeowners, state sales tax on groceries removed in 2024 instead of 2025, and income tax cuts including exempting Social Security and increasing standard deductions.  It is apparent the Governor’s actions and claims she is ‘in the middle of the road’ are contradictory as  she vetoes tax cuts and continues to grow government at a record pace.

 

Vetoes and veto overrides were a record high this year.  The legislature didn’t attempt to override all of the vetoes, but of the ones they did, 12 were overridden.  The successful veto overrides include:  HB 2313 Born-Alive Infant Protection, HB 2264 Women’s Right to Know about Abortion Drug Reversal, HB 2350 Making Human Smuggling a Crime, HB 2138 Requiring Separate Accommodations by Biological Sex on Overnight School Trips, HB 2094 Work or Training Requirement for Able Bodied Adults to Receive Food Benefits, SB 228 Modernizing County Jail Statutes (reimbursement for mental health detainees), and SB 180 Women’s Bill of Rights.  Bills that failed to secure 2/3 majority for an override: HB 2344 Loosening Overly Burdensome Daycare Regulations, HB 2236 Parents Bill of Rights, SB 169 Tax Reductions, SB 206  Ballots Due by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, and SB 26 Child Mutilation Prevention Act.  There will not be an override attempt on the bills she vetoed last week, including CCR 8, because the 2023 session has ended.  I have already began efforts to pass this legislation next year as I keep fighting the good fight.

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

Caryn

Obituary of Eva Irene Lowry

Heaven welcomed its newest Angel…..

Eva Irene Lowry, on Friday May 12th, 2023 at 8:25 am.

Many knew her as “Toby”, lovingly nicknamed by her big brother.

She was joyfully welcomed into the world by her parents Roy Charles Jewell and Bessie Mae Bybee Jewell on July 27th, 1934.

Toby was preceded in death by her father, mother, brother William Jewell, her sister Jaunita Jewell Lloyd and her husband Richard E Lowry.

 

She attended grade school through high school in Ft Scott, where she met her best and  lifelong friend Helen Rosalee Coyan Rager, who married Darrell Rager, her husband Richard’s,  best friend. What  fun it was to raise their kids across the street from one another.

 

At the tender age of 11, Toby saw a  young man downtown, and said, “Mom, I love his looks, I’m going to marry him!” Five years later on March 30th, 1951 she married him! The love of her life, Richard E Lowry.

 

After a brief time of living in Wichita and Kansas City, Ks. They settled in Ft Scott. Richard went to work for Beltone. A year later, in 1959 He and Toby started their own hearing aid bBusiness called Lowry Hearing Aid Service. Toby and Richard became hearing aid specialists, helping people to hear better in southeast Kansas. They both were well loved by their clients.

 

To sound more businesslike Toby began using   “Irene” after promising her beloved husband to take good care of his people upon his untimely passing on July 8th, 1983. Irene took over the business by herself, and had a faithful, devoted attitude and work ethic in her business  and personal life.

She loved to give whatever she did 100% whether it was serving on the local school board, the Kansas Hearing Aid Society Board, the school PTA, her church board at the 1st Church of The Nazarene where she was a member. Over the years  she served as Sunday School Teacher, church secretary, church treasurer, choir member, and VBS Director for nearly 20 years.

 

Irene loved to feed people! She received great joy by cooking for anyone hungry! For years she along with her husband Richard would make all the chili for the annual Eugene Ware Elementary Chili Feed Fundraiser. The husband/wife duo were the creators of the tastiest Chili in Ft. Scott, Ks.

 

Irene was also voted as Ft Scott’s Business Woman of The Year. She faithfully drove to her Pittsburg Ks office four days a week come rain, sleet, snow or shine, until her retirement at 82, in 2017. Leaving her people in the capable hands of her son, Brian Lowry.

 

Their marriage was blessed with four children, who she is survived by,

Debra J Ediger of Topeka Ks.

Cathy A More of Olathe Ks.

Brian K Lowry of Ft Scott Ks.

And Brent D Lowry of Yukon Ok.

 

She was also the proud Nannie of 8 grandchildren who loved her to the moon and back!

Michelle Ediger Glaze

Brooke Ediger Larson

Caleb Bachman

Careah Bachman Pruter

Ryan Lowry

Amanda Lowry Sellers

Brayden Lowry

And Bryce Lowry.

 

Plus 10 great-grandchildren who thought she hung the moon!

Peyton and Rhyan Glaze

Blakely and Taygen Larson

Dawson and Landry Bachman

Noble, Willing, and Haven Pruter and Adeline Sellers.

All are angels, of course!

 

All of her accomplishments aside, Irene became a totally devoted follower of Jesus Christ in 1962. If she was here, she would give each of you what she gave to each of us…..JESUS! She was the worlds  greatest daughter, sister, aunt, mother and wife.

 

When asked, if she would do anything over differently she said that she would have married Daddy at 11, because Daddy died so young. Although she had to wait five years to marry him, Daddy waited 40 years for her to join him in Heaven!

 

We are so happy shes no longer in pain, and we have no doubt that she is dancing on streets of gold with Jesus and Daddy.

At the end, without opening her eyes, Mama lifted up her head and smiled the most  precious smile ever seen and said, “It’s So Beautiful! My Homecoming is So Beautiful! Yes, Jesus! Yes, I Love You!”

 

WELL DONE! Eva Irene Lowry, My Good and Faithful Servant!

Truly Joy does come in the morning, It came on May 12, 2023 at 8:25 am and escorted our precious Mother from pain to peace into the eternal rest of our Loving Father, God.

We will love you forever Mama and can’t wait to see You again! We will follow you all the way home to Heaven!

 

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

 

Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, May 18th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene Youth Department 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.

 

Be Prepared for Tornadoes: Sign Up for Code Red

Brian Allen. Submitted photo.

Tornado possibilities are a part of Kansas weather.

The towns in Bourbon County that have tornado shelters provided for their citizens  are Bronson, Garland, Mapleton and Uniontown, according to Brian Allen, the Bourbon County Emergency Management contact.

Allen is in training to takeover from Will Wallis, the former contact. He said he is not aware of any public storm shelters in Fort Scott.

“My recommendation would be what Will always told the public, and that is to have a personal plan in advance, and to seek out neighbors who may have a shelter,” Allen said. “Also everyone should sign up for Code Red on the county’s website for alerts.”

“Right now, my main function in the emergency management role is getting the necessary courses taken to be licensed which will take quite awhile,” Allen said.

In addition to emergency management, Allen still works for the county in 911, floodplain management, as well as information technology.

“I am being trained and directed by Shane Walker who has been the deputy emergency manager for many years, going back well before Will,” he said. “The EM position is no longer a full time position.”

 

Sign up here for the Code Red Emergency Warning System for Bourbon County

https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF57D14BF76B

 

About Bourbon County Emergency Management, from the county’s website.

Emergency Management

Bourbon County Emergency Management
210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-3800 x124
620-223-3234 fax
620-224-8165
[email protected]

Mission Statement:

To provide a 24-hour operation to reduce the loss of life and property and to protect the environment. The highest priority is to protect Bourbon County residents from all hazards by providing and coordinating resources, expertise, leadership and advocacy through a comprehensive, risk-based emergency preparedness program of mitigation, management, response and recovery.

Below are links to other informative websites regarding emergency preparedness.

Outside Links

Bourbon County D3 Rural Fire Facebook page www.facebook.com/BC3FD

PUBLIC NOTICE

ACCESSIBILITY OF SARA TITLE III HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION

Section 324 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, also known as SARA Title III (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, PL99-499) requires public notice at least once annually informing the public of the means to access information about extremely hazardous substances that are manufactured, stored, and used within their community. Follow-up emergency notices may subsequently be issued.

Accordingly, information concerning LEPC meetings, SARA Title III hazardous materials planning which is included in our Bourbon  Emergency Operations Response Plan, materials safety data sheets (MSDS), hazardous chemical inventory forms, listing extremely hazardous substances manufactured, stored, or used within Bourbon County can be obtained during normal business hours by contacting Bourbon County Emergency Management at 620-223-3800.

 

Bo Co Dems Meet May 21

Please join Bourbon County Democrats s on Sunday May 21st at 2:00 p.m. for their month meeting.

The meeting will be held in Gunn Park, Shelter House #1.
Please bring a lawn chair for your comfort, if you wish.
Our guest speaker, Roger Sims, publisher of the online publication, Linn County Journal, will begin speaking to the group directly at 2 p.m. so that he can attend another meeting.
Sims will speak on his development of the Linn County Journal and on local media’s effect on politics.

Submitted by Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats

The Tucker Family “Gospel Songs of Graceland” Concert at Common Ground Coffee Co.

The Tucker Family band, from left: Carolyn Tucker, Aaron Tucker, Stephan Kastli, Jessica Bergen and Mariam Tucker Self. Submitted photo.

Raised on gospel music with a southern flair, the Tucker Family will present their “Gospel Songs of Graceland” concert on Friday, May 19, 6:30 p.m. at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.

 

The band is comprised of Carolyn Tucker (vocals and keys), daughter Mariam Tucker Self (vocals and saxophone), son Aaron Tucker (drums and vocals), lead guitarist Stephan Kastli, and Jessica Bergen on the electric bass. Everyone in the five-member band has many years of experience playing or singing in church worship and other numerous venues.

 

The concert will feature a wide variety of beloved gospel favorites such as Bosom of Abraham, I Believe, Crying in the Chapel, Milky White Way, Somebody Bigger than You and I, Walk a Mile in My Shoes, plus more.

 

“These individuals have been making music for about as long as they’ve been breathing. So when all that experience and talent comes together as a band, it’s really something special,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “We’re pleased to begin the 2023 concert series with the Tucker Family. I encourage friends and family to come together as a community and help us kickoff the free concerts sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.”

 

Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound. Weather permitting, the Common Ground outdoor patio will be available in addition to the Loading Dock stage area.