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FSCC Trustees In Attendance at Foundation Dinner This Evening

This is to provide notice that members of the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees may be in attendance at the Fort Scott Community College Foundation Scholarship Dinner this evening.
The event is scheduled for April 7 at 6:00 p.m. and will be held at the Ellis Center.
It is possible that more than four Board members will be present. No official business will be conducted during this event.
Submitted by
Gina Shelton, CPA
Fort Scott Community College
CFO – VP of Finance & Operations

Supported Decision-making Agreements Act Is Signed

Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Establishing the Supported Decision-making Agreements Act


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed Senate Bill 84 (SB 84), establishing the Supported Decision-making Agreements Act, which will allow adults to enter into supported decision-making agreements to receive assistance with an adult’s affairs from one or more other adults. This bill provides individuals who need assistance with decision-making with the option to receive support from one or more adults while remaining as independent as possible.

“Senate Bill 84 is thoughtful legislation that empowers Kansans to receive support as they make key decisions about their lives, while preserving their independence,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These voluntary agreements will equip those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health needs, or other impairments, with assistance from trusted adults as they navigate decisions about health care, finances, housing, and more.”

SB 84 establishes the legal framework for a supportive adult to provide decision-making assistance to another adult (the principal), who could be an adult with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, mental health needs, or more, who wants support while maintaining control over decisions in their life. A supporter could provide the principal with aid in making and communicating decisions, and understanding information, options, responsibilities, and consequences related to those decisions. The supporter could also access and obtain information relevant to decisions necessary for managing the principal’s affairs; ascertain the wishes and decisions of the principal and help communicate those decisions to others; advocate to ensure those wishes and decisions are implemented; and accompany the principal, as well as participate in discussions with others, when the principal is making decisions.

“I’m pleased to support this commonsense legislation that establishes a legal framework to help Kansans receive voluntary support from other adults as they navigate their lives, while maintaining their control and independence,” said Representative Mari-Lynn Poskin, District 20. “Everyone has the right to agency in their own life, and this bill will enable more Kansans to make choices that are best for them with the comfort of knowing they have reliable assistance from others. Congratulations to disability advocates who have been working on this for years.”

The supportive adult would not be allowed to exert undue influence on the principal, make decisions for or on behalf of the principal, sign for the principal, obtain information not reasonably related to the matters the supporter is authorized to assist the principal with under the agreement without consent, and use information acquired for a purpose other than authorized under the agreement. Violations would be added to the crime of mistreatment of a dependent adult or an elder person, for which felony or misdemeanor penalties would apply, depending on the amount of financial resources involved.

“Through Senate Bill 84, we’re offering Kansans more avenues to be active participants not only in their own lives, but also in their communities across the state,” said Senator Rick Billinger, District 40. “This is strong, bipartisan legislation that will truly help more Kansans make life-changing decisions that will be in their best interests.”

In addition to Senate Bill 84, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

House Substitute for Senate Bill 260: Establishing the born to invest act and requiring the office of vital statistics to provide data to the office of the state treasurer for distribution of informational materials regarding certain government-administered savings accounts

Senate Bill 398: Aligning a part of the Kansas Rules of Evidence dealing with Expert witnesses with the Federal Rules of Evidence by requiring a proponent to demonstrate that it is more likely than not that certain specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact to understand evidence before certain qualified witnesses may testify.

Senate Bill 418: Enacting the by-right housing development act to provide a streamlined permit approval process for by-right housing developments and allowing third-party review of new residential construction development documents and inspection of improvements, along with making other updates to zoning and regulations.

Senate Bill 459: Removing the prisoner review board from the supervision of the secretary of corrections, changing the appointing authority, creating qualifications for the members of the board, and requiring parole hearings to be postponed if proper notice of the public comment session is not made to the victim.

Senate Substitute for House Bill 2402: Requiring eligible boards of education to consider participation in the community eligibility provision, providing a financial hardship exception to such participation and requiring the state department of education to assist school districts seeking such participation.

House Bill 2739: Relating to housing code requirements, removing the definition of apartment houses from chapter 31 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, providing requirements for adoption of the national fire protection association standards, 2024 edition, and providing that certain state accessibility standards are not applicable to moderate income housing program and Kansas investor tax credit housing act projects.

House Bill 2528: Requiring all state board of nursing actions related to certain nonpractice violations be void, allowing for late license renewal for professional, practical and advanced practice registered nurses, setting fees for late license renewal, limiting unprofessional conduct to acts related to the practice of nursing, prohibiting the board from taking retaliatory action against a licensee based on certain lawful actions and creating a civil cause of action for violation thereof, requiring termination of current board members on January 1, 2027 and requiring the governor to appoint interim board members subject to senate confirmation and requiring the board to issue refunds for overpayment or duplicate payment.

House Bill 2652: Requiring the clerk of the appellate courts to publish monthly a list of cases of the supreme court and court of appeals in which a decision has not been entered and filed within six months of submission and a list of cases in which a petition for review has not been granted or denied within six months of submission.

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Obituary of Timothy Dean York

Timothy Dean York, age 62, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.  Private burial will take place at the U.S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Memorials are suggested to the Timothy York Memorial Fund 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.

Obituary of Andrew William Miles

Andrew William Miles, known to many as Andy, passed away on April 2, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas, as the result of a motorcycle accident. He was born on December 4, 1989, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and lived a life marked by love, adventure, and selfless devotion to the people who knew him best.

Andy was a Christian man whose faith was an important part of his life and the way he treated others. He was the kind of person who made an impression wherever he went, not because he sought attention, but because of the steady kindness, warmth, and sincerity he brought into every room. Those who loved him will remember him as loving, adventurous, and selfless, qualities that were evident in the way he cared for his family, his friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.

Andy attended Fort Scott Harley Davidson school, where he developed the skills and knowledge that supported his work as a motorcycle mechanic. He took pride in his work and found purpose in doing what he loved. His hands and his heart were both dedicated to motorcycles, and he appreciated the craftsmanship, freedom, and spirit that came with them. His work reflected his character, steady and dependable, and he was respected for the care he gave to every job he took on.

Motorcycles were more than a profession to Andy. They were a lifelong interest and a source of joy. He enjoyed traveling, spending time on the open road, and making memories along the way. He especially treasured hanging out with his wife and friends on weekends, where laughter, conversation, and simple time together meant the most. Andy understood the value of shared moments, and he made those around him feel welcome, appreciated, and loved.

Family was at the center of Andy’s life. He is survived by his wife, Rachel Miles, and their children, Karsten Miles, Kristian Miles, Mackinzie Larrabee, and Loretta Miles. He also leaves behind his stepdaughters, Chanelle Cravens and Peyton Cravens. He was deeply loved by his mother, Pepper Miles; his father, James Andrew Miles; his stepmother, Misty Miles; his brothers, James Miles, Steven Morris, and Adam Miles; his sisters, Amanda Collins and Christine Hall; and his aunt, Crystal Greenway. Many nieces, nephews, cousins. His family will forever carry his memory in their hearts and remember the many ways he showed up for them with loyalty, humor, and care.

Andy was also welcomed in death by those who went before him, including his grandpa Edward Knoblich, grandma Ann Lee, uncle Nickie Knoblich, great-grandma May Knoblich, great-grandpa Edward Knoblich, grandma Jane Knoblich, grandpa Norman Earl Miles, grandma Helen Miles,  and several others in heaven with him. Though his passing leaves a painful emptiness, his loved ones take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with those who loved him and await him beyond this life.

Andy’s life, though far too short, was filled with meaning. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his adventurous heart, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion, strength, and kindness that will continue to live on in the stories shared about him and in the lives of those who were blessed to know him. His memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration, and he will be dearly missed always.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, April 9th at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.  Following services, there will be cremation.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Andy Miles Memorial Fund 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.

Letter to the Editor: Loretta Jent

FREEDOM!  Our ancestors fought for it, and this year our country celebrates it on our 250th Anniversary!  We have much for which to be thankful!  True, we are not perfect. That’s why we should try to be, and give, our best in return.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month.  The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union has worked 152 of those 250 years to educate about the harm alcohol does to individuals as well as families in the United States.

Thankfully, more and more health organizations in our country are speaking up to educate about the toxic poison alcohol is on our bodies.

We are being advised to drink alcoholic beverages less, or not at all, because of the harm it does on all major organs in our body:  Liver, Heart, Brain, Pancreas.  It also damages the digestive system, kidneys, immune system, and increases cancer risk in the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon.

The National Institute of Health (nih.gov) reports that alcohol use causes more than 178,000 deaths per year.

Spring is an exciting time for new life and change!

Why not decide to throw off the bondage, or even the possibility of bondage, from alcoholic beverages?!

Perhaps you already know FREEDOM from alcohol.  If not, why not choose to be FREE!  Saying “No” to alcohol will not only make you healthier, but our nation will be healthier too!

National WCTU has new 2026 Youth Temperance Education flyers and posters to help  educate others.  Order yours at [email protected], or call (847)864-1396.

 

Submitted by

Mrs. Loreta Jent, Education Director,
National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union

U.S. Congressman Jerry Moran Newsletter

 

 


Capitol Tour

Ethan Loyd of Bel Aire

Katy Loyd of Bel Aire

Rick Kilian of Russell

Robin Kilian of Russell

Cole Neidenthal of Russell

Shara Neidenthal of Russell

Beckim Neidenthal of Russell

Elam Neidenthal of Russell

Riggins Neidenthal of Russell

Nicolas Neidenthal of Russell

Shanda Mooney of Russell

Kane Buehler of Russell

Darreld Ledbetter of Tecumseh

Gina Ledbetter of Tecumseh

Stanford Shutt of Topeka

Diann Spayd-Shull of Topeka

Robert Campbell of Overland Park

Lori Campbell of Overland Park

Austin DeForest of Overland Park

Ashley DeForest of Overland Park

Robert Barnett of Lenexa

Phyllis Barnett of Lenexa

Brandon Weth of Hays

Amanda Werth of Hays

Sadie Werth of Hays

Connor Werth of Hays

Drake Robinson of Spring Hill

Jordan Robinson of Spring Hill

Bradley Buscher of Spring Hill

Gwen Buscher of Spring Hill

Mattie Wiesing of Kansas City

Daniel Albright III of Kansas City

Nathan Peck of Olathe

Lannette Durfey of Wichita

Hailey Durfey of Kansas City

Scott Kimble of Osage City

Gary Gillespie of Olsburg

Kelly Gillespie of Olsburg

Travis Gillespie of Hutchinson

Kristin Gillespie of Hutchinson

Garbriella Gillespie of Hutchinson

Avery Gillespie of Hutchinson

Katelyn Gillespie of Hutchinson

Maggie McKinney of Overland Park

Harry McKinney of Overland Park

Kansas Water Office

Matt Unruh of Topeka

American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Jean Giddens of Kansas City

Josiah Rexwinkle of Pittsburg

Julia Kerr of Pittsburg

Ranee Seastrom of Topeka

Geri Tyrell of Wichita

Jessica Bonarant of Kansas City

Crystal Stevens of Eudora

Amy Hite of Pittsburg

Ashtan Clarkson of Wichita

PBSA

Katie Hartley of Lenexa


 


April 6

Hello,

Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.

Blast off: Artemis II Successful Launch

On Wednesday, our nation watched as three American astronauts and one Canadian astronaut embarked on the Artemis II mission to orbit the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years and go deeper into space than ever before. I have the responsibility of leading funding decisions for NASA, and last year Congress made a $10 billion investment in NASA in the Reconciliation Bill to bolster the Artemis program and return to the Moon.

The successful launch of Artemis II would not be possible without the Kansas suppliers who contributed to the success of this mission. Congratulations to DJ Engineering in Augusta, MPM Inc. in Wichita, Perfekta Inc. in Wichita, Wesco Aircraft Hardware Corp in Wichita, Galaxy Technologies in Winfield and Vector Tooling Technologies in Winfield on their contributions to the construction of the Space Launch system and the Orion spacecraft. We are one step closer to returning American astronauts to the Moon’s surface and beating China back to the Moon because of Kansas’ contributions to our aerospace industry. I will continue to monitor the duration of the Artemis II mission and wish the astronauts a safe journey and return to Earth.

 

Image

Sen. Moran with NASA astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover & Reid Wiseman, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, after their selection for the Artemis II mission in 2023.

 

Happy Easter
Rejoice, Rejoice, O Christian, lift your voice and sing eternal Hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!

The hope of all who seek him, the help of all who find; none other is so loving, so good and kind.

 

Robba and I wish everyone a joyful Easter Sunday celebrating the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ.

 

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Securing America’s Energy Dominance

Kansas has a long history as a leader in both agriculture and aviation with our farmers being the top producers of sorghum, wheat and cattle and our manufacturers producing 35% of all general aviation aircraft in the U.S. We are uniquely suited with the agricultural capacity and industrial infrastructure needed to strengthen American energy dominance, all that is missing is policy support to drive this forward. That is why I introduced the Securing America’s Fuels Act, legislation that would reinstate the bonus credit to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit for an emerging fuel called Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). By strengthening SAF production, it would provide for the opening of new commodity markets, bolster our aviation industry and generate tens of thousands of new jobs for Kansas and states across the country. As a founding member of the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus, I am committed to making certain our farmers, manufacturers and rural communities have all they need to help power America’s skies.

You can read more from my opinion piece in Ag Week here.

Update on U.S. Military Operation in IranWith the war in Iran in its sixth week, President Trump addressed the nation on the war’s progress and asserted the campaign would last another two to three weeks. The President warned Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to ship traffic or face devastating consequences. The potential for escalation, including the introduction of ground troops, increases the danger to our military men and women and our regional partners and the global economy. We saw this danger in the courageous rescue of two Air Force crew shot down over Iran. As the representatives of the American people, Congress needs answers on the objectives of this military campaign and what has transpired since this conflict began. Administration officials should testify before Congress and explain to the American people the threat posed by Iran and how achieving stated objectives, such as degrading Iran’s missile production, will be measured and accomplished. This is essential to sustain support for the war and make certain the fighting ends with a durable peace that leaves our country safer.

 

Watch my conversation with WIBW Channel 13 News here.

Happy Passover
Wishing a happy Passover to our Jewish neighbors in Kansas and around the world who are celebrating this week.

Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.

Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.

Very truly yours,

Jerry

 

To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click here.

Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Manhattan
1880 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
312 N. 8th Street, Suite B
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-

Governor Kelly Vetoes Eight Bills


TOPEKA
– Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed eight bills.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 254:

“America’s immigration system is broken, but this is not the way to fix it. This bill targets Kansans who were brought to the United States as children. To punish these kids for decisions their parents made years ago is not only cruel, but also not in the best interest of the state. Kansas needs these young people to be educated and trained so they can enter our workforce and contribute to our state’s economy.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 254.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2468:

“After years of neglect and budget disasters before I took office, we’ve worked hard to make sure Kansas’ public schools are fully funded and back on track. We must prioritize meaningful increases in Special Education funding over expanding the private school tax credit program. I will continue to fight for the full funding of our public schools.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2468.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2727:

“Kansans have made it clear that they want the government to stay out of women’s private health care decisions. This bill is another attempt by politicians to involve themselves in these private decisions, this time by trying to intimidate health care providers. At some point, I hope the politicians in Topeka will recognize that Kansans want them out of their doctors’ offices, but until they do, I’ll continue to veto bills like this.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2727.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2729:

“This bill requires the state to put false medical information out that has no scientific basis and only serves to mislead women. Kansans have made it clear that they want the government to stay out of women’s private health care decisions. This bill does the opposite.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2729.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2603:

“I’ve always believed that local elected officials are best suited to make these types of policy decisions for their constituents. Local leaders and law enforcement officials, not the state government, should determine how these types of security fences are used in their communities.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2603.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 30:

“This bill would require updates to existing occupational licenses or new licenses to be reviewed and approved by the legislature. This is another inappropriate power grab inserting legislators without the technical knowledge to appropriately judge. Not only do they lack the required expertise, but this process would simply add bureaucratic red tape and bloated administrative busy work. It is the role of the legislature to solve big problems only it can, not micromanage the state agencies with technical expertise for these professions.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 30.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 375:

“The process by which this bill came to my desk was one of political games.  A bill of this magnitude needed much further vetting and a full debate in the House. Kansans expect their laws to be considered and written in a thoughtful manner that allow their elected officials in both chambers the opportunity to represent them. Not whatever this process was.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 375.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2719:

“While I appreciate the Legislature’s efforts to clean up a bill that should have not been passed in the first place, this bill further confuses the rule-making process and makes state government less efficient and cost effective, not more. It is a blatant attempt by the Legislature to undermine the separate, but equal, authority of the executive branch by micro-managing state agency functions.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2719.”

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KS Combats Sexual Extortion

Governor Kelly Signs Caleb’s Law to Strengthen Protections Against Sexual Extortion


TOPEKA
– Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed House Bill 2537, known as Caleb’s Law, which expands and strengthens Kansas law to better combat sexual extortion and protect victims. The legislation is named after Caleb Moore, a 14-year-old from El Dorado, Kansas, who died by suicide after being targeted by an online sextortion scheme.

“Protecting Kansas children means staying ahead of the evolving threats they face, especially in an increasingly digital world where exploitation can happen in an instant,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By prioritizing education and awareness, Caleb’s Law ensures that young people, families, and educators have the tools to recognize sexual extortion and seek help before it’s too late. By signing this bill, we’re honoring Caleb’s life by shining a light on this growing danger and taking meaningful action to prevent future tragedies.”

House Bill 2537 enhances criminal penalties and establishes new offenses to expand the types of exploitation that are covered by Kansas law. It also broadens the definition of sexual extortion and requires statewide education efforts to help students, parents, and educators recognize and prevent exploitation. The bill requires the attorney general to work with the Kansas State Board of Education and law enforcement agencies to prepare and provide educational materials and information regarding sexual extortion.

“Our kids are our future and protecting them from online predators, who are increasingly dangerous and sophisticated, must be a top legislative priority,” said Representative Bob Lewis, District 123. “I’m therefore pleased that the governor is signing Caleb’s Law, which I introduced and received unanimous, bipartisan support in both legislative chambers. What happened to Caleb is tragic and must be stopped. I look forward in the next legislative session to continuing to work across the aisle to protect our kids from online threats.”

House Bill 2537 strengthens existing Kansas statute by expanding the definition of sexual extortion to include threats involving explicit images, increasing penalties when an offender is 18 years of age or older and the victim is less than 18 years of age or a dependent adult.

“Sexual extortion in any form should never be tolerated, but children under the age of 18 are particularly vulnerable,” said Representative Dan Osman, District 48. “Thank you to the family and friends of Caleb Moore who championed this legislation. It’s because of your effort that Kansas can help protect our young people against future attacks.”

In addition to House Bill 2537, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

House Bill 2574: Removing the expiration on certain cybersecurity requirements, modifying the duties of chief information security officers and cybersecurity programs, and requiring assessment of executive branch agency compliance with cybersecurity requirements.

House Bill 2602: Establishing requirements for a portable benefit plan for independent contractors, determining types of contributions to such plans, and providing a subtraction modification for Kansas income tax purposes.

House Bill 2618: Requiring the state board of education to report to the legislature on federal moneys received by the state, ending certain educational reporting requirements and applying expiration dates to other educational reporting requirements.

House Bill 2644: Requiring a county appraiser to adjust the value of residential and commercial property upon final determination or obtain a fee simple appraisal if the appraised value exceeds 5% increase over three years.

House Bill 2737: Enacting the taxpayer agreement act to provide for an alternative method of tax increment financing of municipal economic development projects through taxpayer agreements.

House Bill 2747: Specifying that courts shall consider certain factors in determining whether a prior violation of law is comparable to any act described in certain driving under the influence crimes when calculating a person’s criminal history score under the Kansas sentencing guidelines act.

House Bill 2769: Requiring members of governing bodies of subordinate service taxing areas to be residents of such taxing areas.

House Bill 2781Authorizing the state historical society to acquire the junior officers’ quarters at Fort Dodge and provide for the use, preservation, improvement, control and maintenance thereof.

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KS Bill Expands Opportunities For Rural Attorneys

Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Expanding Opportunities for Attorneys in Rural Areas


TOPEKA
– Governor Laura Kelly has signed Substitute for House Bill 2595 (Sub for HB 2595), establishing the Attorney Training Program for Rural Kansas Act to encourage and expand opportunities and incentives for licensed attorneys or Kansas law students to practice in rural areas. The bill also establishes the Attorney Loan Repayment Program for Rural Kansas.

“Increasing access to attorneys in rural areas is key to ensuring that all Kansans have access to the well-qualified representation they are legally entitled to,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By signing this commonsense bill, we are supporting law students and addressing our current shortage of attorneys in rural areas to build stronger, thriving Kansas communities.”

Sub for HB 2595 increases opportunities and incentives for licensed attorneys or those pursuing a law degree at the University of Kansas or Washburn University to practice law in rural Kansas, specifically in counties other than Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte. The bill also establishes the Law Student Training and Stipend Program for Rural Kansas, which will be administered by the Department of Commerce in coordination with Washburn University and the University of Kansas for law students at those respective universities. Preference will be given to students who are Kansas residents.

“This bill takes meaningful, long-term steps to address the shortage of attorneys in Kansas’ rural areas, which has been decreasing as older attorneys retire,” said Representative Ken Rahjes, District 110. “Access to legal representation is a fundamental pillar of our justice system. Now more than ever, it is critical that we have qualified legal representation to preserve the economic and civic health of rural Kansas.”

The bill will provide a stipend of up to $3,000 per school year for up to three years to each student entering the Law Student Training and Stipend Program. The stipend can be used for tuition, books, supplies, or other school expenses. Students would be required to practice law in a rural area for a minimum of one year for each year they receive the stipend. Additionally, Sub for HB 2595 establishes the Attorney Training and Loan Repayment Program for Rural Kansas, providing loan repayment of $20,000 per year for attorneys who live and practice in a qualifying area for up to five years.

“Sub for HB 2595 is a good example of what the legislature can do when it sets aside partisanship and focuses on what is best for Kansans. The lack of attorneys in rural areas has put the state on the verge of a constitutional crisis,” said Representative Linda Featherston, District 16. “Sub for HB 2595 will help avert this crisis by encouraging legal practices in rural Kansas. This will help ensure justice for all Kansans.”

In addition to Sub for HB 2595, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

House Bill 2444: Providing that jail credit when consecutive sentences are imposed shall not apply to more than one case and creating special sentencing rules and requiring certain minimum bonds when a felony is committed by certain offenders while on probation, parole, or post-release supervision.

House Bill 2467: Prohibiting past convictions or sanctions for failure to comply with a traffic citation that are more than five years old from being considered by courts and the division of vehicles in determining suspended or restricted driving privileges and eliminating certain notice requirements for the division of vehicles.

House Bill 2470: Providing that certain municipalities may designate the entire municipality within a neighborhood revitalization area under the Kansas neighborhood revitalization act.

House Bill 2487: Defining teacher and paraprofessional for purposes of eligibility for a scholarship under the Kansas education opportunity scholarship program.

House Bill 2520: Increasing the number of allowed residents in a home plus facility from 12 to 16.

House Bill 2539: Requiring that the members of the Eudora community library district board of directors be elected to such positions.

House Bill 2552: Requiring criminal presentence investigation reports and journal entries to be completed and submitted in the form and manner prescribed and approved by the Kansas Sentencing Commission.

House Bill 2562: Permitting the issuance of a special license plate or permanent or temporary placard for a person with a disability based on documentation of satisfactory proof of disability from a physical therapist.

Senate Substitute for House Bill 2571: Increasing the cost threshold for when a county shall use the public bidding process in awarding a construction contract.

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From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch

FROM THE BLEACHERS-758
BY DR. JACK WELCH

Opportunity Still Matters

There is something special about watching a man get a second chance. This past weekend, as the United Football League kicked off its spring schedule, you could feel it. The games were crisp. The effort was real. The hunger was undeniable.

These weren’t just games. These were opportunities. You saw players flying around the field with something to prove, not because they were already stars, but because they were chasing the chance to become one. That’s what makes this league special.

When opportunity meets preparation, special things happen. Austin Reed stepped in as a rookie quarterback and, in his very first game, set the UFL regular-season single-game passing record, throwing for 376 yards in a 36–17 victory. He completed 26 of 40 passes with three touchdowns and no interceptions, making the most of his moment from the start.

That kind of effort comes from knowing this opportunity may not come again. That’s what opportunity does. It reveals who you really are. Watching those games brought to mind junior college and NAIA athletics. In many ways, the UFL feels like junior college and NAIA football. It’s about giving someone a second chance. Maybe they were overlooked. Maybe they needed time to grow. Whatever the reason, junior college and NAIA have always said, “Come prove it.”

At the major college level, things have changed. With the transfer portal and NIL, many programs now build rosters like professional teams. Free agency has made its way to campus. While players cannot be blamed for taking advantage of opportunities, the system has shifted and, in my opinion, failed student-athletes.

Development has taken a back seat to acquisition. Loyalty has become temporary. Rosters turn over year to year. Graduation is not a consideration. That’s the reality.

That reality is why leagues like the UFL, and levels like junior college and NAIA matter more than ever. They remind us what the game is supposed to be about: opportunity, growth, and earning your way. As a college athlete, these levels are still about receiving an education.

Not everyone starts as a five-star recruit. Some have to fight for it. Prove it. When they finally get their shot, something special shows up. That’s athletics at its purest form. From where I sit, that’s still worth watching.

Thought for the Week, “Opportunity does not guarantee success, but without it, success is impossible.” Jack Welch

Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.