The January meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at Presbyterian Village’s meeting room. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order, and Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club collect. Eight members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for eight hours and had recycled fifty pounds.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Doris Ericson presented the treasurer’s report. Glenda Miller read a Thank you card from the VA Hospital thanking us for the 210 Christmas cards we had sent. Glenda also passed out new address sheets to the members. January birthday were recognized by Glenda.
Old business consisted of follow up plans for the March program on Men’s Health. Glenda will present the lesson to the club with Deb Lust help. It was discussed to invite residents of Presbyterian Village and providing cobbles and ice cream for refreshments. Plans were made to present the program to other groups as well and ask someone in the health field to present it. It was also suggested to give a gift card to the outside presenter.
Before the meeting the member signed Valentine cards to take to Veterans in the assisted living facilities and senior housing and to Tri-Valley. Deb Lust, Joyce Allen and Taylor Bailey volunteered to deliver the valentines
Letha Johnson moved the meeting be adjourned, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.
Glenda Miller presented the lesson on Character Counts “Caring”, while the members enjoyed refreshments provided by Doris Ericson and Glenda Miller. Refreshments consisted of Chocolate cookies, ice cream, and water.
Announcing Committee Assignments for the 118th Congress
For the 118th Congress, I am pleased to announce that I will continue serving as the lead Republican on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in addition to being selected to serve on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
As the lead Republican on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs I remain committed to making certain our veterans have the health care, resources and benefits necessary for them to achieve success after service.
I was also selected to serve on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and will work to strengthen our national security and intelligence capabilities. Our nation’s intelligence community helps protect the U.S. from potential threats and inform elected officials on how to protect our national security. My responsibility is to make certain covert activities adhere to the law and our nation’s secrets are appropriately protected, as well as to support the patriotic men and women who serve our nation in the shadows.
I will continue to use my position on the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation to serve and advocate for Kansans from all backgrounds and career fields, including our state’s farmers, small business owners, veterans, manufacturers, students and parents.
I will serve on the following committees for the 118th Congress: • Senate Committee on Appropriations
• Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
• Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
• Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (Ranking Member)
Discussing Chinese Spy Balloon on Fox News As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I joined Neil Cavuto on Fox News on Friday to discuss the Chinese spy balloon that was flying in U.S. airspace.
The Biden administration owes Congress and the American people an explanation for their decision to allow a Chinese spy balloon to fly across the entire country – including northeast Kansas.
We must be able to recover as much of the balloon and its cargo as possible to learn more about Chinese surveillance capabilities and what threats this balloon may have posed to Kansans and Americans. Many questions remain, and the Biden administration owes the American people answers.
Celebrating Black History Month This Black History Month, we celebrate our nation’s rich Black history and culture – especially in Kansas. From Langston Hughes and George Washington Carver, to Brown v. Board of Education and Nicodemus, Kansas has been home to many Black Americans who helped to inspire change.
Introducing Legislation to Improve Care for Veterans Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act
I joined Senators Jon Tester and Maggie Hassan – members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – in introducing the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act. This legislation would expand community-based services for aging veterans as well as improve VA support for veterans and caregivers of all ages.
Senator Elizabeth Dole represents the millions of caregivers who have worked behind the scenes to care for our nation’s veterans who are impacted by advanced age or catastrophic injuries. Caregivers help veterans maintain their independence and stay in their own homes in their own communities for as long as possible as they age. The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act expands access to home and community-based services. It is fitting we name this legislation after an honorary Kansan – Elizabeth Dole – who has worked as an advocate to honor and recognize our veterans and their caregivers.
Read more about the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act from KSN here.
RESPECT Act
I also introduced legislation this week to improve the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers by creating fair and commonsense processes for evaluating and assessing veterans who need a caregiver and providing additional support to caregivers themselves.
Our nation’s veterans, who require a caregiver because of a mental health condition or brain injury, deserve an evaluation and assessment process that works for them, and their caregivers deserve support as close to home as possible. Receiving input from a veteran’s previous health care provider and providing access to a thorough history of a veteran’s treatment will help the VA provide timely resources to veterans, and allowing caregivers to seek mental health care outside of VA will help them stay healthy, strong and able to continue supporting their veteran loved ones. The RESPECT Act was born out of conversations with Kansas veterans and caregivers, and I am glad that I could take their concerns back to the Senate and make meaningful change on their behalf.
Receiving Update From U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth On Wednesday, I met with U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth for an update on the Army’s current and future efforts to recruit and retain talented young men and women who desire to serve their country in the military. As co-chair of the Senate Army Caucus, I look forward to hosting Secretary Wormuth in Kansas to showcase the incredible people and capabilities that make up the Army community in our state. I look forward to working with Secretary Wormuth in this role to support our military institutions and to advocate for our soldiers and their families in Kansas, the United States and across the globe.
Meeting with Ambassador of Turkey Murat Mercan
I met with Murat Mercan, Turkey’s Ambassador to the United States, to discuss issues important to our countries. During this meeting, we spoke about the potential sale of F-16s to Turkey and the expansion of NATO to include Finland and Sweden. As a NATO ally, it is important that our nations have good relations and that each country meets the expectations of the alliance. I appreciated this conversation as the Senate considers how best to strengthen security in Europe and beyond.
Meeting with Kansans Kansas County & District Attorneys Association
This week, I met with members of the Kansas County & District Attorney Association – Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, Smith County Attorney Tabitha Owen, Johnson County District Attorney Stephen Howe, Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez and Franklin County Attorney Brandon Jones. I appreciate them taking the time to meet with me and update me on what is happening in local Kansas communities across the state. During this meeting, we discussed the importance of providing support and resources to mental health systems in our local communities, no matter the size or location. I appreciate the leadership and dedication of our county and district attorneys.
Wounded Veterans
I met with Aaron Isaacson of Scandia and Steve Baskis, who were wounded during their military deployments to the Middle East. They have dedicated their lives to helping wounded veterans find purpose and community through adaptive sports and recreation, mountain climbing, hiking and sailing. In addition to helping wounded veterans through sports, they are focused on advocating for access equality for injured veterans and Americans with disabilities. I look forward to working alongside our nation’s heroes, like Aaron and Steve, to make certain our veterans and others have a voice to advocate for their needs.
Kansas Wheat
On Thursday, I visited with members of Kansas Wheat and received an update from them on their work to make certain our state remains a key leader in wheat production. Our wheat growers play an essential role in supporting the global food supply, and I look forward to continuing to work with Kansas Wheat to maintain a strong agriculture industry in our state. Thank you to Shayna DeGroot of Manhattan, Marsha Boswell of Westmoreland, Jay Armstrong of Muscotah, Chris Tanner of Norton, Greyson Tanner of Wichita and Brian Linin of Goodland for visiting with me.
Doug Keesling It was great to meet with Doug Keesling, owner of Keesling Farms and a member of the Kansas Wheat Commission, during his visit to my Washington, D.C. office this week. As a fifth-generation farmer from east-central Kansas, Doug is a tireless advocate for our farmers and for maintaining a strong agriculture industry in our state. I always appreciate his updates and insight and want to thank him for meeting with me.
Council for Christian Colleges & Universities
I met with Tabor College President David Janzen, Friends University President Dr. Amy Bragg Carey and MidAmerica Nazarene University President Dr. David Spittal during their visit to Washington, D.C. on behalf of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. I appreciate them taking the time to speak with me about the continued success they are seeing in their schools as they offer both academic and spiritual mentorship for their students. I want to thank these university presidents for meeting with me and for their leadership in preparing young Kansans for success.
Hosting C.J. Mahoney, Former Deputy U.S. Trade Representative
This week, I enjoyed the chance to host C.J. Mahoney – former Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, Russell native and one of the first interns in my U.S. House of Representatives office. C.J. visited me in my office this week and was kind enough to take a few minutes to share his insight, experiences and advice with my staff.
It was a privilege to have the opportunity to introduce C.J. to the Senate Finance Committee in 2018 when he was nominated to serve as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative. Throughout the years I have known C.J., I have been consistently impressed with his intelligence and talents, as well as his dedication to Kansas and our nation. He has an impressive professional background, including serving as a clerk for the United States Supreme Court clerkship, but even more than that, C.J. has a strength in personal character that reflects well on Kansas and his hometown of Russell. I am grateful to C.J. for taking the time to share his knowledge and insight with my staff this week.
Meeting with Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrota On Tuesday, I met with Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron, a leader in domestic semiconductor manufacturing and the only U.S.-based memory technology producer. Micron creates innovative data solutions that power our computers, cell phones, cars and other critical infrastructure. I recently hosted Micron in Wichita to showcase the opportunities and strong workforce Kansas has to offer. During our meeting, we discussed the importance of the CHIPS and Science Act to the economic and national security of the country. We also spoke about potential future partnerships between Micron and Wichita State University. I look forward to working with Micron to bring semiconductor supply chains back to the U.S.
Building on Significant Progress in Alzheimer’s Research
This week, I joined my Senate colleagues in introducing two bills to build on the significant progress that has been made to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease. The NAPA Reauthorization Act would reauthorize NAPA through 2035 and modernize the legislation to reflect strides that have been made to understand the disease, such as including a new focus on promoting healthy aging and reducing risk factors. In addition, the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act would continue through 2035 a requirement that the Director of the National Institutes of Health submit an annual budget to Congress estimating the funding necessary to fully implement NAPA’s research goals.
Our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and the development of new treatments have made significant progress since the National Alzheimer’s Project Act was first signed into law in 2011. As our senior population expands, more research and treatment will be required to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s important that we continue the work of NAPA and invest in further research of this horrible disease.
Challenging the Biden Administration’s Rule on WOTUS
I joined my Senate colleagues in announcing a formal challenge to the Biden administration’s ruling on “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) through a Congressional Review Act joint resolution of disapproval. This rule broadens the meaning of “navigable waters” to allow the federal government far more power to regulate bodies of water on private property, creating burdensome regulations for our farmers and ranchers. It is inappropriate for the Environmental Protection Agency to finalize this rule before the Supreme Court issues a decision on Sackett v. EPA, a case that will ultimately decide the definition of “navigable waters.” Kansans do not need more complicated federal rules telling ranchers and farmers how to use their land. Now Accepting Summer 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 summer 2023 session are due Sunday, March 19. 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.
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
Come in and view the Black History Month Tribute Panel Exhibit. This consist of over 100 different posters, photos and information of some of the great and important Black Innovators and Leaders throughout history. The exhibit also features some inspiring and moving quotes.
Located in the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center from
February 1- 24, 2023.
On display each day, will be a Black History Month “Quote of the Day”.
This will have inspiring and moving quotes by different people.
The “Quote of the Day” provides a great opportunity for any faculty, staff and coaches to help promote educational activities throughout the month to keep black history and diversity at the forefront along with encouraging your students to keep learning more!
This would be a great way to open a creative discussion and to highlight a different person every day or week with your class or team and ask questions about the meaning and relevance of each quote or fact and how it might relate to our lives the lives others and what is happening in the world today.
Presentation Explores the History of Baseball in Kansas
Fort Scott, KS – Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott, Kansas will host “The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime,” a presentation and discussion by Phil Dixon on February 23, 2023 at 12:00pm at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at 2108 S. Horton St. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620- 223-2700 ext. 5850 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
This is a free Lunch and Learn event, with desserts provided by Great West Dining. “Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this presentation event to learn more about the Kansas City Monarchs” said Museum Director, Kirk Sharp.
2020 marked two major milestones for baseball: the Negro Leagues celebrated their 100th anniversary and Major League Baseball merged statistics of these African American players with those of the major league. The history of Negro League baseball in America mirrors the racial strife experienced by African Americans in society. It was plagued by discrimination, racism, and inequity, while its athletes were celebrated for their resiliency, professionalism, and athleticism. The Kansas City Monarchs barnstormed across Kansas and the region to play more than 400 games between 1920 and 1957 against local towns. This talk sheds new light on this sports history and the history of baseball in Kansas.
Phil S. Dixon a co-founder of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. He is the author of nine books about baseball, including biographies about Wilber “Bullet” Rogan and John “Buck” O’Neil. In the course of his research, he has interviewed over 500 former Negro League players and family members.
“The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.
For more information about “The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime” in Fort Scott, Kansas, contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext. 5850 or visit gordonparkscenter.org.
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
Committee Work was still the main focus during the fourth week of session. A record number of bills, including tax bills, have been introduced this year. There have been several hearings. Most likely, bills will be worked in the next week or so. “Working” a bill is lingo for debating, amending, and/or voting on a bill. Bills, schedules, and recordings of meetings can be found at http://www.kslegislature.org.
Taxes Collected (often referred to as “revenue”) continues to exceed estimates. January taxes collected exceeded estimates by over $50 million. That puts the fiscal year collection over $700 million above estimates. Keep in mind this is after revenue estimate adjustments and tax cuts in 2021 and 2022, including reducing the state grocery sales tax to 4.0. In 2021, the Governor called the income tax and other tax cuts “reckless”. The legislature overrode her veto and implemented the cuts. It is obvious with the increased “revenue”, there could have been more tax cuts. There appears to be agreement, so the question is, what taxes get cut and by how much?
Energy Policy A constituent at a legislative coffee asked why Kansas doesn’t have an energy policy and why electricity being produced in Kansas is being sent out of state with Kansas rates continuing to climb. Excellent questions. There have been a few bills introduced attempting to chip away at some of these problems. One bill would elect the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) board members, who oversee utility companies in Kansas, instead of the Governor appointing them. Almost everyone at the coffee agreed that there needs to be a balance of our energy supply and that Kansas should reap some benefit for having the energy production in our state.
Privacy Free Speech and Foreign Threats News of the China spy balloon this week should be a wake-up call. However, it is not the first wake-up call. For years, China, Russia, some technology companies, and others have been challenging the very protections created by our Founding Fathers. They have been spying, limiting our speech, and manipulating information. You may not have heard that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a $1.5 million fine to GoodRx for unauthorized disclosure of its users’ medication data with third parties for advertising. Of course GoodRx denies it and said the fine was less expensive than fighting the accusation. The notion of privacy is being eliminated. Technology and complacency have moved us to a surveillance state. There are a few bills that have been introduced in the Kansas Legislature, but the real change comes down to the choices we make, like choosing browsers and software that don’t track you, and educating yourself and others on threats.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held January 24th, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, E. Woellhof were present with Mayor M. Wells. Commissioner K. Harrington was absent.
FLAG SALUTE AND INVOCATION: T. VanHoecke, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:Brad Matkin, Interim City Manager, Travis Shelton, Police Chief, Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, Jason Dickman, City Engineer, Thomas Russell, Codes Enforcement Technician, Seth Simpson, Airport Director, Doug Guns, Sports Facilities Director, Bob Farmer, City Attorney, Lisa Lewis, City Clerk, Eddie Townley, Michael Buller, Steve Anthony, Justin Pregont, and Michael Hoyt.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: M. Wells asked if anyone had additional items to add to the agenda for this meeting. L. Lewis stated that the agenda did need to be approved due to amendments made to the published agenda on January 20th, 2023. J. Jones motioned to approve the January 24th, 2023, amended agenda. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.
I asked my brother one day, “Why is it that I often find myself thinking back to yesteryear when I need a lede for a column?” He quickly responded, “It’s because we’re growing older,” and I knew that was the simple truth. So here goes: When I was a young girl, my Mom was the reporter for our church. She would submit articles to the local newspaper announcing upcoming revival services, and then later report on those services when they concluded. Around 2011, I was alone in my folks’ kitchen when I pulled out a Bavarian soup tureen and found numerous old newspaper clippings inside it. As I began reading one of the articles Mom had written, she had chosen this scripture, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1 KJV).
I’ve heard that some people start the day by saying, “Good morning, Lord!“ and some say, “Good Lord, it’s morning!” I usually sit up on the side of the bed and declare, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” After I said that aloud one Sunday morning, I immediately added, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.“ Apparently, I had hidden that verse in my heart because it just popped out of me.
It’s important that believers spend private time with God during the week. But going into the house of the Lord to worship Him in the beauty of holiness is the icing on the cake for me. The cake and the icing go hand in hand and both are wonderfully delicious. However, if the cake has been haphazardly made and improperly baked, it’ll be less than desirable and possibly not even fit to eat. No matter how much lip-smacking icing you smear on it, the end result won’t taste good. We need to do our part during the week to enhance the flavor and texture of the cake. Then when we walk through the sanctuary doors we can, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…” (Psalm 34:8 KJV).
All my life I’ve heard, “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” I know what that means out in the world, but I beg to differ when it comes to worshipping God together in the house of the Lord. When we bring our dedicated piece of cake into His presence, God will be more than happy to add His blessing of icing. And that, my friends, will make us glad!
“Let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us cheer each other up with words of hope. Let us do it all the more as you see the day coming when Christ will return” (Hebrews 10:25 NIRV). When God’s dear children meet together to worship in His presence, something wonderful beyond my limited vocabulary happens in my spirit.
“And they [Adam and Eve] heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, ’Where are you?’” (Genesis 3:8,9 ESV). When my church family meets together, I don’t want God to look down, notice I’m AWOL, and ask, “Carolyn, where are you?”
The Key: If the Lord isn’t tasting so good at church, try changing your cake recipe.
Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
There is a child care crisis and it is a community, family, business, and workforce issue. Child Care Aware of Kansas estimates that the desired capacity of child care providers in the state meets only 49% of the potential demand. I have been on the search for child care before and every week social media presents inquiries for quality childcare or a provider working to acquire licensure.
This issue can be addressed and opportunities are out there for businesses and communities! I recently attended a Communities in Action Workshop for Bourbon and Crawford Counties and learned about the following possibilities that I invite you take a part in.
Child Care Community Partnership Grants
Child Care Aware of Kansas, in partnership with the Kansas Department for Children and Families, can help you create and implement community-driven solutions and unique strategies to ensure that young children and families in your community thrive. There will be two funding opportunities for communities working to address access to affordable, high-quality child care.
Learn more and start planning by registering for a Communities in Action Workshop:
All Kansas businesses, large or small, can now apply to receive a state income tax credit for providing child care for employees or helping employees pay for child care.
The expansion of the tax credit helps employers support their workforce, even if they are not big enough to create a child care program on their own. It also helps support children’s need for a stable early learning environment. Learn more at https://ks.childcareaware.org/cctc/.
We can all invest in our youngest and in return all in our communities benefit. For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or by calling 620-244-3826.
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.
