Monthly Archives: March 2025

Area News

Pavement marking underway on U.S. 69 at Pittsburg

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The Kansas Department of Transportation has started a pavement marking project on U.S. 69 at Pittsburg. The project area begins south of U.S. 400/K-171 and continues north for 9.8 miles to U.S. 160.

 

A mobile operation is placing the pavement markings on the highway, with no significant effects expected to traffic. Flaggers will guide traffic through the work zone at intersections and the railroad crossing. Weather permitting, the work should be completed by the end of May.

 

KDOT awarded the $495,614 construction contract to Cillessen and Sons Inc., of Kechi. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.kandrive.gov, for more highway conditions and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Bukola Oni at KDOT-Pittsburg, (620) 308-7617, or Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Meet and Greet April 1 at the Kitchen Collective

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Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet scheduled for April 1st!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, April 1st at The Parlor by Eighteen65, adjacent to The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative,

10 S. Main St., from 8:30 to 9:30am.

These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotions, and anything related to downtown. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 with any questions.

Click HERE for the Facebook Event Page.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
March 28, 2025
The 2025 regular session ended.  Veto session starts April 10th and is scheduled to last two days.  Below are a few of the items we worked on last week.  All legislation can be found at www.KSLegislature.gov.
Property Taxes the statewide 1.5 mill levy used for building maintenance will be eliminated if CCR 35 becomes law.  The Senate passed the tax cut in January.  In March, the House gutted the bill and put language in that would repeal transparency (often referred to as Revenue Neutral that requires local governments to vote on property tax increases) and created an option to petition counties and cities to restrict property tax increases over inflation plus new development plus some bonding, but the Senate saw too many issues so asked for a conference committee.  The House agreed in conference to put the Senate version back, eliminating the statewide 1.5 mill levy tax cut.  Some legislators complained because it is a minimal cut, but a cut is a step in the right direction.  Keep in mind, it is a cut that will save you more each year, because you will no longer pay 1.5 mill on your increased valuations.  All property taxes will now be to fund local governments, including schools, not state government.
The Senate also passed constitutional amendments that would have gone on a ballot for voters to decide if they want to limit property taxable valuation increases.  The county valuation of your property could still increase but the taxable value of your property would be limited in growth each year.  The Senate passed it three times by 2/3 majority (in SCR 1603 and HCR 5011, with a 3% limit on a bipartisan vote; and CCR 5011 with a 4% limit).  It doesn’t make sense the Senate passed each one with 2/3 majority, and the House rejected the opportunity for voters to decide.  The House passed a more clunky version to limit taxable value increases using an average of several years that could still result in double digit increases and would have taken longer to implement because the number of years would have to be defined in statute.  The House could still move on SCR 1603 in veto session, but the odds are slim because lobbyists for the Kansas Realtors and others are putting out inaccurate information.  SCR 1603 would allow voters to decide if they want a taxable valuation limit of 3%.  I say, let the voters decide.
Foreign Adversaries would not be able to own property within 100 miles of a military facility in Kansas and drones or parts for drones made by foreign adversaries could no longer be purchased by government entities, including law enforcement, if CCR 9 becomes law.  This would restrict foreign governments from spying.  The Senate sent it to the Governor’s desk on a vote of 39 to 1.  I voted Yes.
Right To Try experimental drugs if you are out of health options passed the Senate unanimously and was sent to the Governor.
Contingent Fee Contracts by political subdivisions would have a higher level of scrutiny if HB 2228 becomes law.  That sounds good, but the bill had some suspicious dates like back dating to July 1, 2024, and sunsetting in 2029.  Only 9 other Senators had concerns, so the bill passed with 28 yes votes.  I voted No.
Campaign Contribution Limits to candidates would double if the Governor signs CCR 2054 into law.  It would also increase contribution limits to political parties.  We do not need increased contribution limits.  It passed 26 to 14.  I voted No.
Kansas Court of Appeals appointment of Lori Bolton Fleming from southeast Kansas, passed the Senate unanimously, which finalized her appointment.
Kansas Supreme Court Justices could be elected if voters decide to amend the Kansas Constitution on the August 2026 ballot.  SCR 1611 passed both chambers with 2/3 majority.  I voted Yes.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Art, Church news

First Southern Baptist invites you to join their CRAFT FAIR on April 11-12th

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

First Southern Baptist Church

First Southern Baptist

invites you to join their

CRAFT FAIR!

April 11-12th

8am-5pm

1818 South Main St.

23 vendors PLUS the local church vendor tables!

Church sponsored meals:

Sausage rolls

$3/ea or $33 for 12

Homemade Chicken Noodle Dinner – $10

(includes mashed potatoes, homemade chicken noodles, green beans, homemade roll, and 2 cookies)

Pulled Pork Sandwich – $10

(includes baked beans and 2 cookies)

** DINE IN, CARRY OUT, OR CALL FOR DELIVERY (2 OR MORE MEALS)

PREORDER SAUSAGE ROLLS AVAILABLE.

Friday 10:30am-5pm | Saturday 10:30am -5pm

CONTACT:

417-262-3948 or 620-215-3202
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Vetoes Two Bills, Allows Three to Become Law Without Signatur

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed Senate Bill 5 and Senate Bill 14. Governor Kelly also allowed House Bill 2106, House Bill 2027, and Senate Bill 105 to become law without her signature.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 5:

“Restricting federal funds for elections and election-related activities without legislative approval is not just unnecessary micromanagement; it undermines our ability to conduct secure and efficient elections.

“Some legislators have voiced concerns about voter fraud and foreign interference, but state and local election officials would be much more capable of addressing these threats if they received necessary funding from Congress. It doesn’t make sense to turn down these resources that make our local elections in Kansas safe, secure, and accurate.

“Given that the Legislature only convenes for three months each year, how can we expect them to approve funding when they are not available year-round? Instead of obstructing our electoral process, lawmakers should concentrate on the real issues impacting Kansans, rather than complicating the management of election funds.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 5.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 14:

“Kansas entered statehood on January 29, 1861. Since that time, every single Legislature has managed to pass a budget that became law. In fact, technically speaking, it’s the Legislature’s only constitutionally required job.

“If this Legislature cannot do what every previous legislature has been able to do since our founding—through periods of war, famine, pandemic, recession, the Dust Bowl, and even the Great Depression—then they will have to do it over my veto because I will not sanction it, nor will the people of Kansas.

“This bill is the latest attempt at legislative overreach into the executive branch and is really nothing more than an invitation to government dysfunction—just like we see in Washington, D.C. Is that what we want for Kansas?

“I am confident that this Legislature will be able to continue the tradition of completing their constitutionally mandated duties, within the constitutionally mandated timeframe just as every one of their predecessors has been able to do.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 14.”

The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding allowing House Bill 2106 to become law without her signature:

“I support stopping foreign influence in our elections so that Kansans can decide what’s best for Kansas. Federal law already prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to federal, state, or local elections. If the Legislature had crafted something similar for Kansas, I would have signed it. But this bill goes too far. I cannot sign a bill that takes away the ability of Kansans and Kansas businesses to support elections if they accept money from overseas for any purpose, not just those related to elections.

“Forcing Kansans to choose between accepting financial support for any reason or surrendering their voice in the political process is wrong. This bill potentially exposes our state to litigation for its limitations on speech and association, possibly violating First Amendment protections in the U.S. Constitution as well as possible equal protection violations of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution on account of disparate treatment of the people and businesses in Kansas based on whether they have international operations or support.”

The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding allowing House Bill 2027 to become law without her signature:

“The Legislature passed the so-called HOPE Act in 2015, severely restricting Kansans’ ability to access social service programs like SNAP food assistance, TANF cash assistance, and childcare assistance.

“The HOPE Act was wrong then, and it remains wrong now. Legislators are only trying to put lipstick on a pig, and I refuse to associate myself with the HOPE Act. Now, more than ever, the Legislature should look for ways to support working Kansas families rather than further shredding the safety net that gives Kansans a bridge back to self-sufficiency.”

The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding allowing Senate Bill 105 to become law without her signature:

“While I understand the Legislature’s desire to have a say in the appointment process for filling vacancies for United States senator, state treasurer and insurance commissioner, this bill puts forth a partisan power grab by the Legislature and includes an overly bureaucratic process ripe for undue influence by special interests.

“Had the Legislature passed a simpler method for modifying the appointment process for these offices, I would’ve signed it into law. However, given my concerns about the messy process this bill creates, the bill will become law without my signature.”

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Increasing Dollars for Conservation Districts

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed Senate Bill 36, which increases the cap on the amount of money conservation districts can receive from the division of conservation and increases the amount of matching dollars the state can provide conservation districts.

“Addressing our state’s diverse water quality and quantity challenges will require on-the-ground action from local partners who know their communities the best,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This bill strengthens local capacity by providing our state’s conservation districts the resources they need to effectively implement state and federal natural resource programs.”

Under Senate Bill 36, the matching basis for state moneys disbursed to conservation districts will be based on amounts allocated by the board of county commissioners for such districts.

“Kansas Conservation Districts have been a vital part of responsibly maintaining our water supply and protecting against erosion for over eight decades,” said Representative for House District 116 Kyle Hoffman. “By ensuring these districts have the resources necessary to continue their important work, we are taking critical steps toward the future of agriculture in Kansas.”

This bill doubles the amount of money conservation districts can receive from $25,000 to $50,000 and makes matching dollars a $2 division contribution for every $1 from counties to match the funds allocated by county commissioners.

“Doubling the matching funds available could allow the district to hire a second staff member to focus on education and outreach,” said Senator for District 2 Marci Francisco. “Helping our farmers understand the advantages of conservation practices such as cover crops could in turn have a significant impact on both soil health and crop quality.”

In addition to Senate Bill 36, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

Senate Bill 6: Reaffirms current law prohibiting the use of ranked-choice voting methods for conducting elections.

Senate Bill 58: Modifies the requirements and allocations for multi-year flex accounts, providing for additional flexibilities to maximize the efficiency of water usage and conservation.

House Bill 2254: Ensures Kansas milk producers are financially protected by requiring milk processors to hold payments in trust for producers until full payment is received.

House Bill 2085: Extends the expiration of permits issued under the water pollution control permit system from five to 10 years.

House Bill 2166: Continues existing exceptions to the disclosure of public records under the open records act pertaining to sensitive personal medical information.

House Bill 2182: Clarifies that victims shall not be charged a fee for service of process by a sheriff’s office under the Kansas protection order acts; with the goal of ensuring that said fee does not deter victims from pursuing a protection order for their safety.

House Bill 2238: Directs legislative administrative services to prepare all committee minutes.

                                                                         ###

Obituary

Obituary of Warren Knight

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Warren Edward Knight, a quiet kind man, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025 in Fort Scott, KS.  Warren was 88 years old.

He was born in Centerville Kansas on April 27, 1936 to hard working and loving parents Harry Austin and Minnie Belle (Kline) Knight.  He graduated from Parker High School in 1954 while he helped on the family farm near Centerville, KS.

He went on various adventures after High School, then served as a Private First Class in the United States Army in the 47th Field Hospital, 67th Medical Group at Fort Sam Houston Texas and continued his service to others as a member of the American Legion Post 25 in Fort Scott, KS.

He was an excellent Carpenter for Capital Federal as a member of the International Painters and Allied Trades Union in the Kansas City area until his retirement in 2000.  His passion and work ethic were inspirational to anyone who was privileged enough to witness it.

Warren was a confirmed bachelor until he met Erma Rose (Sluder).  They married on October 17, 1975 and then spent many enjoyable years together.  Family was important to Warren and he could always be found at family reunions smiling at the camera, pitching horseshoes that spun like a Frisbie, and making everyone laugh with his unexpected wit.

Watching the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, collecting old car license plates, coins, and other memorabilia were things Warren enjoyed doing.  He loved old cars and could talk about every one he owned and what it meant to him.

Warren was preceded in death by his wife Erma, his parents, and 10 siblings: Willard, Francis, Wendell, Enid, Thelma, Kenneth, Maurine, Harold, Carolyn and H. Roger.

Warren is survived by many loving nieces and nephews, a step-daughter, step-granddaughter, and step-great granddaughter.

Memorial Service will be held at the Fort Scott National Cemetery on April 8, 2025 at 11:00am.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Legion Charities or Medical Lodge of Fort Scott.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 8th at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Military honors will be provided by the American Legion.

Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Medicalodge Activity Fund or the American Legion 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.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools, Youth

Students at Fort Scott High School Lead Community Advocacy Efforts

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Students at Fort Scott High School joined the national grassroots effort called Theatre in Our Schools Month (TIOS) to advocate for the benefits of theatre education in schools in the month of March. Members of International Thespian Society (ITS) Troupe #7365 drew attention to the need for increased access to quality theatre programs for all students.

 

To get the word out, students participated in a number of theatre related activities. On Feb. 26 and 28 the troupe participated in community service activities at the Senior Center in downtown Fort Scott. They had a Theatre in Our Schools Month Kick-Off Party on March 4 at the Museum of Creativity. On March 6, the troupe traveled to Topeka to meet with Thespians from across the state and Senator Tim Shallenburger and Representative Rick James to celebrate and discuss Theatre Advocacy Day in KS. Troupe President Cooper George and Secretary Emi King presented to the USD 234 Board of Education on March 10.

 

Throughout the month, the troupe dressed to represent various musicals on Musical Mondays and wore theatre-related shirts on Theatre Shirt Tuesdays. They also had Improv Acting Troupe practice on Tuesdays after school and FSMS Drama Club on Fridays after school. All Drama class students learned about mask use in theatre and created their own masks using plaster strips molded to their own faces. Masks were on display in the Art Gallery throughout the month. Drama classes also held a Creative Costuming contest using a tote full of miscellaneous items to create a unique costume. Technical Theatre classes designed costumes for a specific character based on costuming the school has on hand in our wardrobe. To finish out the month, the troupe saw the FSCC production of “No Exit” on March 26 and held the annual FSHS Talent Show & Minute to Win It on March 28.

 

The ITS is the theatre honor society for middle and high school students. These Thespians plan and implement TIOS activities in their schools, in their communities, and with elected officials. The presentations and activities explain how theatre education positively shapes students’ lives by instilling necessary life skills. TIOS Month is an opportunity for students, parents, communities, school boards, and elected officials to come together to make theatre education more available to all students. One of the key messages is that theatre skills help students develop vital 21st-century skills like communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, as well as social/emotional skills critical to students’ growth as young adults.

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Government, Schools, Youth

Fort Scott High School Hosts Annual Talent Show Awards

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Zoe Scott won first place in the Fort Scott High School Talent Show. Submitted photo.

The annual FSHS Talent Show and Minute to Win It was held on March 28th. The event, sponsored by FSHS Thespian Troupe #7635 and emceed by Molly Hoyt and Emma Bin, awarded cash prizes to the top three competitors.

 

Junior Zoe Scott won the $100 grand prize. She sang “At Last” by Etta James. Sophomore Allie Wards took second and $75 with her violin solo of “Adoration” by Felix Borowski. Third place and $50 went to junior Junie Fisher and freshman Gianna Gorman for their duet of “What is This Feeling” from Wicked.

Allie Ward won second place. Submitted photo.

A new Minute to Win It competition was held between clubs and organizations. The Minute to Win It winners were Blaiton Terry and Gracin Pitts for FFA. They win $200 sponsored by Thespians and National Speech and Debate Association toward their club or favorite charity.

Gracin Pitts and Blaiton Terry

The next Thespian event is the annual Rummage Sale to be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Apr. 18 and from 8 a.m. to noon on Apr. 19 at FSHS. Enter the school through the NW doors. Prices for the sale are a free will donation. Thespians is now accepting donations at the high school or contact Angie Bin at angela.bin@usd234.org or 620-719-9622 for pick up.

Gianna Gorman and Junie Fisher. Submitted photo.

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Uncategorized

Vacant Commissioner District Convention on April 5

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Representation from each district is desired for the redistricting. Map from the Bourbon County website.

The Convention to replace and appoint the District 3 County Commissioner for Bourbon County will be April 5th at 9am in the Ellis Fine Arts building meeting rooms. The precinct men and women from the old District 3 will be the voting delegates.

A letter of resignation was submitted to Bourbon County by Leroy Kruger on Tuesday, March 18,  and forwarded to the Kansas Governor’s Office.

According to Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk, the Bourbon County Republican Party has 21 days from the day they receive the notice of vacancy from the Governor’s Office to appoint someone to the seat.

The Bourbon County District 3 Appointment Area is defined as the area designated as District 3 (prior to the geographical redistricting done to increase the Bourbon County commissioner total from three to five). District three is the pink district on the map.

Interested Republican residents of Bourbon County District 3 seeking to fill the county commission seat should send a letter of interest with qualifications, rationale, and reasons why they should be selected to: Kaety Bowers, Chairwoman, email bourbon.county.republicans@gmail.com. The deadline is Thursday, April 3, 2025 by 5pm.

Any questions regarding your address and its location within the district should be directed to Susan Walker, Bourbon County Clerk; phone 620-223-3800 ext. 191.

The Republican Party will certify the appointment with the Governor’s Office who will then approve the appointment and issue a certificate of office to the new appointee.

The individual appointed will not be able to conduct business as a County Commissioner until they receive their certificate from the Governor’s Office.

Hawkins has been keeping a file of resignations for the past two years, and remembers other resignations of commissioners during her 11 years of working for the county. Most recently, Nelson Blythe, 1st District Commissioner, resigned 4-1-2024 and Brandon Whisenhunt was appointed to fill the vacant seat.

Lynne Oharah, 1st District Commissioner, resigned 7-13-2022 and Nelson Blythe was appointed to fill the vacant seat. Nick Ruhl, 3rd District Commissioner, resigned 8-26-2020 and Clifton Beth was appointed to fill his vacant seat.

Government

U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt’s Weekly Newsletter

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Washington DC Office
1223 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC  20515

Phone: (202) 225-6601

Pittsburg Office
402 N Broadway St
Suite B

Pittsburg, KS  66762

Phone: (620) 308-7450
Topeka Office
3550 SW 5th St
Suite B

Topeka, KS  66606

Phone: (785) 205-5253

 
Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

After a great week back home, I returned to Washington on Monday. Our House majority is continuing to dismantle the massive regulatory state that’s governed far too many aspects of Kansans’ daily lives for far too long.

We advanced a bill to protect Kansans’ Second Amendment rights, passed legislation to deter foreign influences on our education system, and hosted another full week of Kansas-focused organizations.

 

Here are the highlights from a spring week in Washington:

Protecting Americans’ Constitutional Rights

Under current law, residents of other states who visit Kansas can carry concealed firearms (as long as they’re legally able to possess one); however, the same rule doesn’t always apply to Kansans visiting other states. As Attorney General, my office administered the concealed carry licensure program for Kansas, and during my tenure, we increased the number of states that recognize Kansas permits to 40. The 10 remaining states are the ones that are most restrictive of Second Amendment rights and do not recognize permits from any other state. Like many Kansans, I firmly believe we should be able to freely exercise our constitutional rights no matter which state we’re in.

 

This week, our House Judiciary Committee took a big step toward fixing this problem by advancing the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. I cosponsored this bill during my first days in office. The bill next heads to the House floor for a vote; I’m hopeful my colleagues in the House and the Senate will join me in supporting this legislation to ensure Americans’ Second Amendment right to bear arms is protected nationwide.

Supporting Kansas Manufacturing

When I was home last week I toured Goodyear’s Topeka manufacturing plant, which has been providing good paying jobs to Kansans since 1945.

The Biden administration’s record high inflation and overreaching, unattainable manufacturing and energy standards made life hard for all businesses in the United States. My colleagues and I are committed to reversing these damages. In fact, we recently undid a Biden-era rule that would’ve imposed burdensome regulations on tire manufacturers, ensuring Goodyear can keep these good paying jobs in Kansas while maintaining low prices for consumers.

 

Thank you to the great folks at Goodyear for hosting me!

Legislative Update

This week, the House continued to roll back Biden’s overregulation by undoing rules that would’ve established unattainable energy standards for commercial refrigerators and freezers. This may not seem like the most exciting topic, but these rules would’ve had a big – and disproportionate – impact on the small grocers and restaurants we rely on in eastern Kansas. And higher costs for grocers get passed on to Kansans as higher food prices.

Unfortunately, this burden is the case with many of the regulations the Biden administration instituted on their way out – and why it’s so important to undo them. Big corporations can afford to install new refrigeration systems, walk-in freezers, HVAC units, etc.; it’s the small, family-owned businesses that suffer the most from these ridiculous rules.

By undoing these rules, my colleagues and I are preventing price hikes on food while lowering operating costs for small businesses across the country.

 

The House also passed the DETERRENT Act, introduced by my colleague Michael Baumgartner from Washington state.

In recent years, we’ve seen the negative effects – both visible and invisible – of foreign countries’ involvement with our colleges and universities. This legislation increases transparency requirements on gifts and funding from foreign countries and closes reporting loopholes. I’m hopeful this legislation will both protect American students and strengthen national security.

Washington Visitors

We had another full week of Kansas visitors at my DC office! Thank you to the Kansas Rural Letter Carriers Association, Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program, and National Multiple Sclerosis Society for making the trip to Washington.

Meeting with these groups of Kansans is critical to ensuring I’m up to date on issues that matter to the people I represent.

I’ll be back in Washington next week as our House majority continues to blaze ahead with our commonsense agenda. Be sure to stay tuned as we look to pass some very important legislation related to our elections and federal judges.