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Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter

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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.

 

Urging A Full Reopening of the Eisenhower Museum

This week, I visited the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home in Abilene to continue advocating for a for full reopening of the facility. Currently, it is open for limited hours and days, and ticketing is capped. I have written the leader of the National Archives, which oversees presidential libraries, to follow the science and local conditions to enable the library and museum to accommodate visitors beyond the 25 percent capacity limit. I appreciated the opportunity to hear firsthand from the library’s director, Dawn Hammatt, on plans for a full reopening. I expressed my concern that the guidelines published on January 24 are now out of date as our state and country ease restrictions. Ike is an important economic driver for Abilene and our state, and as conditions have significantly changed in the last few months, so should our policies. I will continue to press for a rapid and safe reopening.

Thank you to Director Dawn Hammatt, Dickinson County Economic Development Executive Director Chuck Scott, Mayor Brandon Rein and Eisenhower Foundation Executive Director Meredith Sleichter for your time.

Read more about my efforts to fully reopen the museum in the Salina Journal.

 

Modernizing College Athletics

This week, I participated in a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on collegiate athletics and name, image and likeness (NIL) rights for amateur athletes. Over the years, college athletics have grown into an increasingly profitable, billion dollar industry, however the rules surrounding athlete compensation have not been modernized. In an attempt to fix this issue, 19 states have passed legislation on athlete compensation, which could lead to a confusing system of inconsistent state laws that would be cumbersome for schools and athletes to navigate.

Earlier this year I introduced the Amateur Athlete Protection and Compensation Act. My legislation would create a national standard of guidelines to make certain student athletes can benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness without hurting their eligibility to compete as a student athlete while at the same time protecting the existing model of college athletics that has afforded so many young athletes an opportunity to pursue an education. Athletics teach young men and women many valuable skills that serve them throughout their life, and Kansas has an unparalleled history of college athletics that includes several premier programs attracting student athletes from all over the nation and the world. I will continue to work with my Congressional colleagues to ensure NIL legislation strikes the appropriate balance of empowering amateur athletes while maintaining the integrity of college sports that we all know and love.

 

 

Protecting Access to Rural Telehealth

I introduced the Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act with Senators Joe Manchin, Joni Ernst and Jeanne Shaheen to make current telehealth flexibilities permanent. Our bipartisan legislation would ensure rural and underserved community health care providers are able to continue offering telehealth services after the public health emergency ends. With a focus on initiatives that benefit rural providers and patients, this legislation would allow payment parity for audio-only health services for clinically appropriate appointments, permanently waive the geographic restriction in order for patients to be treated from their homes, allow rural health clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers to serve as distance sites for telehealth services and allows Critical Access Hospitals to directly bill for telehealth services. The COVID-19 pandemic reiterated the effective and efficient access to care telehealth provides to patients, especially those in rural communities. Even after the pandemic ends, our health care system should bolster telehealth services as a reliable option to serve patients and help expand health care options and availability in rural America.

 

Honoring Sergeant Carol Eugene Domer

On Memorial Day, I was honored to be at the Nemaha County Veterans Memorial to recognize Sergeant Carol Eugene Domer, a World War II airman who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country when his plane went down off the coast of Papua New Guinea in 1943.

I encourage you to watch the video below and learn more about our 16-year effort to recover a WWII airman’s ring from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.

 

 

Evaluating FY2022 Budget Requests

International Affairs
On Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken appeared before a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee to discuss the proposed International Affairs FY2022 budget. I asked him about our embassies and consulates overseas being appropriately staffed to process visa requests quickly for individuals who seek to come to our state temporarily to work in agriculture and other key industries. As State Department personnel are vaccinated, it is important they return safely to their desks to handle these requests. I also sought and received a commitment that the State Department will continue to assist in pursuing justice for Michael Sharp, a native Kansan murdered in the Democratic Republic of Congo working for the United Nations, and I pressed Secretary Blinken to hold Iran accountable for its refusal to uphold its international obligations and provide answers regarding its nuclear program at previously undeclared sites. The State Department and other agencies are vital for promoting peace and prosperity on behalf of Americans, and I will work with my colleagues in the coming months to ensure this budget serves American interests.

Department of Justice
On Wednesday, I participated in a hearing of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science to discuss and review the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) FY2022 budget request. The committee welcomed Attorney General Merrick Garland to discuss critical issues facing our country. Among those issues were the impact of President Biden’s executive order prohibiting DOJ from contracting with private detention facilities and the impact it is having on the U.S. Marshal Service’s (USMS) ability to effectively complete their mission. Without the use of private facilities, many who are awaiting trial will have to be housed hundreds of miles away, making it harder on both the USMS to transport the individual to and from trial as well as the individual and their families who must now travel much further to see or speak to their loved ones.

We also discussed the insufficiency of the DOJ’s budget request with respect to our federal law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Agency. Our federal law enforcement agencies have seen dramatic declines in personnel over the last several years, and this year’s budget request does nothing to remedy this. As the lead Republican of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I’m committed to working with Attorney General Garland and my colleagues to make certain our nation’s law enforcement have the support and tools necessary to keep our communities safe.

Air and Space Force
Also on Wednesday, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on the Air Force and Space Force budgets for FY2022. Acting Secretary of the Air Force John Roth, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Charles Brown and Chief of Space Operations General John Raymond testified about their priorities for the Air Force and the Space Force, focusing on developing cutting-edge technologies to modernize our Air Force and maintain a winning edge in space. Several of these technologies have a strong research or manufacturing presence in Kansas, from hypersonics, to Agility Prime, to new airframes like the B-21 Raider and the F-35 Lightning. Additionally the Air Force is prioritizing procurement of the KC-46 tanker, which is largely built in Kansas and is being flown out of McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita.

I also had the opportunity to ask about programs that are important to Kansas, like the Air Force’s Skyborg program. Skyborg will be an unmanned aircraft that will serve as a wingman for fighter aircraft and take on risky aspects of combat missions. Wichita State University, in a partnership with Spirit AeroSystems, is one of the few organizations the Air Force selected to create prototype components, and I am looking forward to seeing the talent Kansas has to contribute to our national security.

Food and Drug Administration
On Thursday, the Acting Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Dr. Janet Woodcock testified before the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development and FDA Appropriations regarding the FDA’s FY2022 budget request. During the hearing, I expressed my concerns about the extended amount of time it takes to get animal feed ingredients approved by FDA for livestock feed, including new feed ingredients that may help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. Dr. Woodcock also committed to working to modernize FDA standards of identity, which regulate certain food labels. The amount of time it currently takes for FDA to update standards of identity hinders research and development of more nutritious and healthier foods. I also asked Dr. Woodcock about direct-to-consumer COVID-19 test kits, and ensuring FDA fairly considers consideration of both nasal swab and saliva-based COVID-19 tests. I look forward to working with Dr. Woodcock to ensure our country continues to have the safest and most effective food and drugs available.

 

Discussing VA’s Longstanding Infrastructure Problems

On Wednesday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing to discuss the VA’s longstanding and systemic infrastructure problems. More than 7.2 million veterans received care in the VA’s health care system last year at aging hospitals, clinics and health care facilities. Currently, the age and condition of VA facilities demand that we do better.

During the hearing, I raised questions about the White House’s fact sheet aimed at addressing the immediate needs of VA health care facilities, creating jobs for veterans and expanding opportunities for small veteran-owned businesses. I shared my concerns about how this plan’s $18 billion proposal for VA will be used and how it aligns with the department’s FY2022 budget request for construction of $2.2 billion. I understand the VA is “in the process” of identifying projects and facilities, but I have unanswered questions regarding how much they cost and how funding will be prioritized.

The administration is requesting money now with the promise to provide a plan for where and how to spend it later, an entirely backward approach. My position regarding the importance of VA health care is clear and on the record. I am wholeheartedly committed to the maintenance, continued development and improvement of a VA health care system.

 

 

Hosting a Listening Tour Stop in Dickinson County

It was great to see more faces in Dickinson County on Friday to listen to the thoughts of Abilene community members during my Listening Tour stop. We talked about voter integrity, border security, inflation and the need for workers as the economy rebounds from the pandemic. We also discussed my work on the Senate VA Committee and my work to bolster veterans mental health, including the John Scott Hannon Act.

 

 

Thank you to Mr. K’s Farmhouse Restaurant for hosting our discussion, Rep. John Barker, Mayor Brandon Rein (pictured below) and Retired Lt. Gen. Perry L. Wiggins for stopping by, and to everyone who shared their concerns with me.

 

 

Facilitating a Discussion Regarding Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer Extension Proposal

This week, I brought Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn and Amtrak President Stephen Gardner, and local leaders – Kansas Senator Carolyn McGinn, Sedgwick County Commissioner Pete Meitzner and Newton City Manager Kelly McElroy – together for a conversation regarding the proposed extension of the Heartland Flyer passenger service into Kansas. The current proposal would extend the Heartland Flyer route from Oklahoma City into both Wichita and Newton, which would then connect passengers to the current Southwest Chief passenger route. Conversations surrounding the Heartland Flyer are ongoing, and I look forward to continuing to discuss Amtrak’s plans and priorities moving forward.

Thank you to Carolyn McGinn, Pete Meitzner and Kelly McElroy for being a part of this discussion.

 

Remembering Sgt. Wesley Kubie

This week, three Kansas Air National Guardsmen were in a training accident, resulting in two injured airmen, and the tragic death of Staff Sgt. Wesley Kubie. Robba and I are extending our heartfelt condolences to his wife, three children and the entire Kansas National Guard. We are praying for the recovery of the two injured airmen.

Wesley will lie in state on Wednesday, June 16, at 2 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 17, at 10 a.m. He will be buried with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home: 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka. To learn more about Wes’ life, click here.

 

Requiring Greater Transparency from Big Tech Platforms

Last week, I introduced the Filter Bubble Transparency Act with Senators Thune, Blackburn, Blumenthal, Warner and Schatz. “Filter bubble” is a term referring to a state of intellectual isolation that can result from the personalized search results and information that is provided to consumers by the algorithms of internet service companies.

This legislation would require large-scale internet platforms to provide greater transparency to consumers and allow users to view content that has not been curated as a result of a secret algorithm. Platforms would be required to clearly notify its users that their platform creates a filter bubble that uses algorithms and allow them to view information without the filter bubble. In an increasingly complex tech economy, consumers want to know what personal information about them is being collected and how it is being processed and repurposed. This legislation increases consumer awareness of how algorithms are manipulating what they view online and allows them to decide what they see on their screens by providing increased user control of algorithms used by Big Tech. I encourage my Senate colleagues to support this legislation and will continue to pursue providing appropriate controls and protections to consumers without disproportionately harming innovation.

 

Exposing Keystone XL Job Loss

This week, I joined 10 of my Senate colleagues in introducing the Defending Keystone Jobs Act, legislation which would require the Department of Labor (DOL) to submit a report to Congress on the number of jobs lost as a direct or indirect result of the Biden administration’s move to cancel construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. This project was expected to provide approximately 11,000 direct high-paying jobs and up to 60,000 indirect and direct jobs, generate tax revenue, increase renewable-energy demand, reduce emissions and strengthen North American energy independence.

Canceling the Keystone XL Pipeline has cost our country thousands of good-paying jobs and made us more dependent on foreign countries to supply our domestic energy needs. The Biden administration must reverse this policy, especially in light of its decision to waive sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and reprioritize the needs of American workers and energy consumers. I will continue to support the thousands of Americans who work in the energy sector and vehemently oppose policies that diminish U.S. energy independence.

 

Restoring Byron Walker Wildlife Area

Big news for waterfowl hunters and outdoor enthusiasts: Ducks Unlimited and Phillips 66’s efforts to support and restore Byron Walker Wildlife Area includes a North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grants Program (NAWCA) grant of $1 million and increased wetland habitat to benefit Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and south central Kansas. Click here to learn more about this restoration project.

 

Information for Students

High School Juniors: Become a Senate Page
Senate Pages play an important role in day-to-day operations of the United States Senate. High school students who are selected for and participate in the Senate Page Program are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process while maintaining their regular coursework. The Senate Page Program is administered by the Sergeant-at-Arms, the Secretary of the Senate and the party secretaries.

After the program’s temporary halt due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, I am excited to announce that the Senate Page Program will restart this September. Summer Page eligibility is limited to students who have completed their sophomore year of high school and who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. More information on the program, eligibility and application can be found here. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Now Accepting Fall 2021 Internship Applications
An internship in my office provides a unique opportunity for students to work closely with my staff on behalf of Kansans, and applications for the Fall 2021 Intern Session are now available. Interns witness the workings of Congress from a unique perspective, and develop knowledge and professional skills that will serve them in their future career pursuits. My office is accepting applications for the Fall Session through June 24. Please visit my website to hear from past interns, find the application link and learn more about this opportunity by clicking here.

 

Recognizing Women Veterans Day

On Saturday, Women Veterans Day and the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, we celebrated the contributions of women in the military. To all women veterans, thank you for your service and your sacrifice.

I have been working to honor two distinct groups of women that have served our country: the Hello Girls of World War I and the women who served in the Six Triple Eight Central Postal Director Battalion during World War II.

 

 

 

U.S. Army Celebrates 246 Years

Today marks the 246th birthday of the U.S. Army. To those who have answered the call to defend and protect our nation, I say thank you.

 

 

 

Happy Flag Day

For over 200 years, the American flag has been an enduring symbol of freedom. On Flag Day, we honor those who have sacrificed defending the stars and stripes, and the unity and hope it represents.

 

 

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
1800 Kimball Avenue,
Suite 270
Manhattan, KS 66052
Phone: (785) 539-8973
Fax: (785) 587-0789		 Olathe
23600 College Blvd.,
Suite 201
P.O. Box 1154
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: (913) 393-0711
Fax: (913) 768-1366
Garden City
1511 East Fulton Terrace, Suite 1511-2
Garden City, KS 67846
Phone: (620) 260-3025		 Wichita
100 North Broadway,
Suite 210
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 269-9257
Fax: (316) 269-9259		 Pittsburg
306 N. Broadway, Suite 125 (rear entrance of bank)
P.O. Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 232-2286
Fax: (620) 232-2284
Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building | Room 521 | Washington, D.C. 20501
Phone: (202) 224-6521 | Fax: (202) 228-6966

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Fort Scott, Government

Updated Agenda for the FS City Commission, June 15

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL

CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JUNE 15, 2021
6:00 P.M.

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call:

  2. K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)

  2. Approval of Agenda:

  3. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  4. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 1st, 2021.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1290-A totaling $433,403.91.

  1. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc – $13,993.75 – River Intake Project

  1. May financials

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

  1. City Manager Reports and Comments:

  1. Engineering Firm Update:

  1. Director Report:

  1. Old Business: None

  1. Appearances: Bob Reed – Street Closure Request for Bourbon County Fair

  1. New Business:

  1. Resolution No. 8-2021 – Resolution accepting the 2022 Street recommendations from the Street Advisory Board for the 2022 budget.

  2. Consideration of Proposal – Utility Locating and Marking Services – USIC

  3. Approval to purchase Four Post Vehicle Lift

  4. Approval to purchase Bobcat Track Loader

  5. Consideration of Temporary Street Closure – July 4th – 300 Block of Coates Street

  6. Consideration of Temporary Street Closure – Burke Street Parade –

  7. Approval to bid out front staircase of Memorial Hall

  8. Discussion of survey of Lake Fort Scott lots and approval to record the lots

  9. Discussion of Golf Cart Ordinance

  10. Revisitation of previous discussion of mowing contract

  11. Consideration of Engineering Proposal for National Avenue Reconstruction from 13th to 17th Street.

  12. Re-discussion of Mill and Overlay of National – 13th to Highway 69

XII. Reports and Comments:

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

Josh Jones – SRO Officer Update

Municipal Court Update

First Source Building Update

Smart Growth Update

B. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

Executive Session – Attorney/Client Privilege

XIV. Adjournment:

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

The Bagworm Invasion Has Begun

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

I scouted my bald cypress and sycamore trees last week looking for newly hatched bagworms. Unfortunately, I found what I was looking for. You have to really be looking in order to see bagworms right now because they are still small – about a ¼ inch in size. Bagworms are a yearly pest in our area and can cause considerable damage. Most homeowners typically don’t get too concerned about bagworm control until they see large bags present on plants. By then it is too late and the damage is already done! Now is the time to treat.

Bagworms overwinter as eggs deposited in the female bags. From mid-May through mid-June, larvae hatch from the eggs and exit from the bottom opening of the old bag. Larvae begin constructing their miniature silk-lined bags immediately. Only after the bags have been completed do the larvae begin actual feeding activities. And as the larvae grow, so do their bags. By mid-to late August when feeding activities are complete, larvae firmly anchor their bags to the twigs and branches on which they were feeding.

Bagworms are most commonly found on eastern red cedar and junipers. However, bagworms can attack arborvitae, spruce and pine. Broadleaf trees, shrubs and ornamentals can also serve as a host to bagworms. After bagworms have defoliated a host plant, they are capable of migrating in search of additional food sources. They may attack the same species from which they came or a completely different species.

The damage caused by bagworm feeding can be minimal to severe. As larvae enter their later development stages, they require greater amounts of food. Sometimes in what seems to be just overnight, bagworms can completely defoliate a tree. Several successive years of heavy foliar feeding can result in the death a tree, especially with conifers.

There are two ways to control bagworms – cultural and chemical. Cultural practice is used by those who do not want to utilize insecticidal sprays to control bagworms. Instead, bagworms are eliminated by handpicking individual bags from plants. This is best done in the winter months when bags stand out against a trees background color. Keep in mind that a single missed bag could result in a thousand new bagworm larvae. Of course handpicking becomes impractical when a host is literally covered with bags or it is too tall to make handpicking possible.

Chemical control is most effective when larvae are in their early developmental stages. Generally, bagworm larvae will begin emerging from the overwintering bag by mid-to late May. Hatching does not happen overnight. Instead, hatching can continue for 4 to 5 weeks. Controls applied in late summer are often a waste of time and expense because the larvae are large, tough and may have stopped feeding. Now is the time to make insecticidal control.

Insecticides commonly used to control bagworms include spinosad, acephate, cyfluthrin, or permethrin. These are sold under a variety of trade names. Check the product label for active ingredients.

For more information on bagworm control, please contact me at one of our Southwind Extension District office locations.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at kharding@ksu.edu or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott Community College, Kansas

FSCC announces the Kansas Promise Scholarship

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Fort Scott Community College is offering the Kansas Promise Scholarship (HB 2064), part of a $10 million program passed by the Kansas Legislature and signed by Governor Kelly in April 2021. The Kansas Promise Service Scholarship was created during the 2021 Kansas Legislative Session to assist students attending Kansas community colleges, technical colleges, Washburn Institute of Technology and certain private postsecondary educational institutions and enrolled in specified programs of study, generally in the fields of (1) information technology and security, (2) mental and physical health care, (3) advanced manufacturing and building trades, or (4) early childhood education and development. This scholarship may be used toward tuition, required fees, books and required program materials (KBOR, 2021).

“The Kansas Promise Act is an incredible opportunity for students seeking certificates or degrees in technical training, nursing, allied health, and other fields. The scholarship will pay for the skilled training needed for Kansas jobs with good wages. We are excited to participate in the Kansas Promise Act program at FSCC and our admissions office can assist you with the application process,” says Alysia Johnston, FSCC President.

The Kansas Promise Scholarship is a last dollar scholarship and assists with costs that institutional or grant scholarships are unable to cover. Recipients must meet all qualifications listed below and complete the application process to be eligible for this opportunity.

  • Be a Kansas resident, AND
  • Have graduated from a Kansas high school within the preceding 12 months or have received a GED or other high school equivalency credential within the preceding 12 months, OR
  • Be 21 years of age or older and a Kansas resident for the preceding three consecutive years, OR
  • Be a dependent child of a military service member who is stationed in another state and who, within the preceding 12 months, graduated from an out-of-state high school or obtained a GED or other high school equivalency credential.

FSCC programs that qualify for this opportunity are as follows:

  • Associate in Arts or Science
    • Computer Science
    • Elementary Education
  • Associate in Applied Science
    • Nursing
  • Construction Trades
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration (HVAC)
  • Home Health Aid
  • Agriculture Technology
    • John Deere Technician
  • Masonry
  • Medication Aid (CMA)
  • Nursing Aid (CNA)
  • Welding

For more information, please visit the FSCC website at fortscott.edu/KansasPromise or contact the Admissions Office at 620.223.2700 ext. 3510 or admissions@fortscott.edu.

###

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

CHC/SEK welcomes Family Medicine Physician Sarah Bradshaw

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Sliding fee discounts and financial assistance is available to eligible patients, as stated on the front door of the CHC/SEK Clinic in Fort Scott.


Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas welcomes Family Medicine Physician Sarah Bradshaw, MD, who has special practice interest in allergy, allergy symptoms, asthma and rashes.

She will begin seeing patients on Thursday, June 17 in the Fort Scott and Iola clinics.
Dr. Bradshaw, who is originally from Kansas City and now a Moran resident, interest in medicine began while watching her father work as an allergist. That’s where her own passion in allergy began.
“I saw how he helped people improve their health and got to know families over time,” she said. “I decided I wanted to help people improve their health too.”
A Kansas University graduate, Dr. Bradshaw completed her Doctor of Medicine at the Kansas University School of Medicine and Master of Public Health at the Kansas University School of Public Health.
CHC/SEK’s model of the Federally Qualified Health Center, which provides comprehensive and affordable care for people of all ages regardless the ability to pay, sparked Dr. Bradshaw’s interest in joining the health center.
Dr. Bradshaw’s scope of practice includes all facets of internal medicine, pediatrics, and family practice, except for obstetrics.
Most importantly, Dr. Bradshaw believes in giving patients the tools they need to live a healthy and allergy-free life.
“I enjoy teaching patients how to take care of themselves to improve their health,” she said. “I see them from time to time – patients are with themselves always.”
Opinion

Don’t Look Ethel! by Carolyn Tucker

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Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

 

Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

Don’t Look, Ethel!

I don’t know why, but I’m afraid of heights. When I was young, I used to think I had hydrophobia, but I eventually found out it was called acrophobia. Oh well, it’s not a problem most of the time. In 2015, our family vacationed in Colorado and we decided to go to The Royal Gorge. Common sense told me I could walk across the bridge and survive. So I positioned myself in the middle “lane” of the bridge, kept my eyes on the far end, and started repeating, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” as I took off. I ended up crossing the bridge four times that day but I never once looked down over the edge. Yes, I’m aware that I missed out on a breathtaking view. But I knew I couldn’t look anywhere but straight ahead if I wanted to make it to the end.

If believers want to live victorious lives, we must keep our gaze straight ahead and press toward the reward that God has for us. We have to set our sights on Christ Jesus and keep moving forward. We can’t allow ourselves to get sidetracked with the frivolous distractions of the world because it‘s not worth it. The apostle Paul said, “…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us” (Philippians 3:13,14 NLT).

I was determined not to let a silly fear keep me from participating and making good memories with my family. When your back’s against the wall, you’ll turn and find God standing right there with you. Christ followers should have a fearless obedience to do God‘s will. When He asks you to do something, He’ll give you what it takes to accomplish it. “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

Life, in general, offers a multitude of distracting options every day. A believer has to be careful not to fall into the trap of unending “busyness.” Getting up on the wrong side of the bed and starting off on the wrong foot can simply be a result of neglecting God in the morning. If you’re too busy to connect with your heavenly Father, then I suggest you seriously consider adjusting your priorities. Most of us wouldn’t think of leaving the house without that cup of coffee. So why would Christians run out the door without drinking from the cup of Living Water? God should be considered a morning necessity in order to have wisdom and direction for the day ahead. Paul’s advice is to: “Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end” (Hebrews 12:2 GNT).

Jesus has already crossed the finish line, so now we believers are to look straight ahead to Him. Don’t try to see how close to the edge you can walk, or even consider turning right or left. However, all is not lost should that happen. You are God’s child and He cares about you watchfully. “If you stray to the right or left, you will hear a word that comes from behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it‘” (Isaiah 30:21 CEB). The Word of God is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path, empowering us to walk fearlessly straight.

The Key: Set your sights on Jesus and He’ll help you make it across the finish line with flying colors.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for June 15

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Agenda 

Bourbon County Commission Room 

1st Floor, County Courthouse 

210 S. National Avenue 

Fort Scott, KS 66701 

Tuesdays starting at 9:00 

 

Date: June 15, 2021 

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________ 

2nd District–Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________ 

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________ 

County Clerk-Kendell Mason 

 

 

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM. 

 

 

Call to Order 

 

  • Flag Salute 
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting 
  • KDOT Road Closing 
  • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report 
  • Kendell Mason – Commissioners to Review 2020 Annual Statements 
  • KWORCC – Jess Pfannenstiel – Work Comp. Insurance 
  • Discussion regarding Jacqie Spradling 
  • Discussion about Social Media Fact Checker 
  • Justin Meeks – County Counselor Budget Review 
  • Katrina Braim – Jacqie Spradling 
  • Elected Officials Comment 
  • County Counselor Comment 
  • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director 
  • Public Comment 
  • Commission Comment 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justifications for Executive Session: 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion o

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor Urges Extending Disaster Declaration

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Governor Laura Kelly Sends Letter Urging LCC to Extend Disaster Declaration

TOPEKA – The following is a letter from Governor Laura Kelly urging Senate President Ty Masterson and members of the Legislative Coordinating Council to extend the current State of Disaster Emergency Declaration. View a PDF of the letter here. 

President Masterson,

On May 24, 2021, I submitted my first application for a 30-day extension of the COVID-19 state of disaster emergency to the Legislative Coordinating Council (“LCC”) pursuant to Senate Bill 40’s amendments to the Kansas Emergency Management Act (“KEMA”).  K.S.A. 48-924(b)(3).  Please consider this letter my specific application to extend the COVID-19 state of disaster emergency up to and including July 15, 2021.

While these conversations took place back in March, I do want to point out that my Chief of Staff discussed with legislators during session that the objective has been to get to the fall of 2021 and the start of the new school year to ensure that vaccine efforts are not stalled or impeded.  To build on those conversations, I am including with this specific application an outline of the current plan regarding the State Emergency Operations Center (“SEOC”) and a timeline for demobilization of those efforts.  This plan will include the following components:

  • Priorities and objectives to be completed by August 30, 2021;
  • SEOC COVID-19 activities closure timeline;
  • Rescinding or sunsetting of current executive orders based on the priorities and objectives to be achieved by August 30, 2021.

The plan I present to you in this application continues to reduce the number of activities and pandemic emergency executive orders as we move closer ending the emergency declaration. Ultimately, this plan will require extensions from the LCC to August 30, 2021 as outlined below.

Priorities and Objectives to be Completed by August 30, 2021

There are several priorities that continue to need the attention of the State of Kansas and that require an extension of the state of disaster emergency declaration.  First, we need to continue efforts to vaccinate school-aged children to allow schools to resume normal activities beginning this fall.  As of June 11, 2021, Kansas has vaccinated 48,045 (20.1%) of children age 12-17. Based on current projections, we anticipate being able to have between 100,000 (42%) to 118,000 (49%) of this age group vaccinated by the end of August. There was a notable decline in the rate of children vaccinations as school ended for the summer. Vaccination efforts planned around the back to school period of early to mid-August will greatly increase the rate of vaccinations for this age group.

Second, we need KDEM to continue to support the distribution and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine through our mobile clinics.  The Kansas National Guard (“KSNG”) has administered 122,323 vaccines with 4,360 of those being administered since May 28, 2021.  These efforts are directly tied to Executive Order 21-21 through the use of contract nurses who are able to perform vaccinations more easily under the order’s provisions.  These contract nurses have delivered 45,981 vaccines across the state of Kansas.  We continue to receive requests from employers to do onsite vaccination clinics, which is important to continue to vaccinate the workforce.  To date, we have completed vaccine clinics at 47 employer locations across the state.  The total number of employees who have had the opportunity to get vaccinated through this employer-partnership exceeds 40,000 Kansans.  And, as of the writing of this letter, there are an additional 12 employers who have requested vaccination clinics for their nearly 5,000 (total) employees that are being scheduled. We have an additional 20 community vaccination clinics already scheduled between June 12 and July 27, 2021.

Third, we continue to receive resource requests from counties and hospitals that need to be fulfilled.  We have received 5,090 resource requests for personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies, personnel and equipment.  We have delivered 114,234 cases of PPE through these requests.  Since May 28, 2021, there have been 26 requests, totaling 28,976 cases of PPE.  Some of this equipment, such as ventilators, will need to be returned, inventoried, and receive maintenance work.  Having a scheduled ramp-down will give counties and hospitals time to plan and understand that these resources will become unavailable after August 30th.

Fourth, as outlined below regarding executive orders, we need to continue requiring testing at our adult care homes and underserved populations.  KSNG has tested over 30,603 individuals and transported over 26,304 samples to Kansas Health and Environment Laboratory (KHEL) with 297 of those samples since May 28, 2021. While these efforts will ultimately become part of KDHE’s normal operation, we need to continue to support these efforts through August 30th.

Without a disaster declaration in place, these priorities and objectives cannot be effectively accomplished. As you know, aside from removing the legal basis for conducting much of these efforts, the federal emergency response funding Kansas receives may be immediately imperiled if the disaster declaration expires. Pursuant to KEMA, the Adjutant General loses his authority to mission assign agencies such as the Civil Air Patrol, Highway Patrol, and others as part of the state response.  These agencies do not have liability protection for work conducted in these efforts absent the emergency declaration.

Additionally, some of our most vulnerable Kansans would lose the emergency allotment of SNAP benefits the federal government provides to states with active COVID-19 emergency responses. Approximately 63,000 Kansas households would be affected by a loss of this additional financial support, and a total of around $14.5 million in additional benefits to those vulnerable Kansans and to our economy would be lost. While many of the elements of our emergency response from last summer are no longer essential, the disaster declaration itself is still essential.

SEOC COVID-19 Activities Closure Timeline

While there are certain activities that need to continue as described above, the list below indicates the mission assignments and activities that have been closed and which ones would be re-opened under an extension of the emergency declaration.

Mission Assignments

MISSION ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION

CLOSURE DATE

AGENCY

Transportation (Vaccine Support)*

06/03/2021

Civil Air Patrol (CAP)

Contract Nurses**

06/08/2021

KDEM

Security for Vaccine Clinics*

06/11/2021

KHP

Facility for Vaccine Clinic*

06/11/2021

KSHS

Message Boards*

06/11/2021

KDOT

Courier Mission

06/11/2021

KSNG

Vaccine Administration

06/15/2021

KSNG

EPI Support to ESF 8

06/15/2021

KSNG

JIC Support

06/15/2021

KDOT

Non-Congregate Shelter Management

06/15/2021

DCF

Distribution of Vaccine (FedEx)

06/15/2021

KDEM

FirstNet Phones

06/15/2021

KDEM

Contracting Support

06/15/2021

TAG

JIC Manager

06/15/2021

TAG

* May be extended if emergency declaration is extended.

 ** Has been transferred to KDHE

Non-Congregate Shelters and Supporting Contracts

CITY/COUNTY

CLOSURE DATE

Liberal/Seward

06/03/2021

Salina/Saline

06/07/2021

Emporia/Lyons

06/09/2021

Gardner/Johnson

06/15/2021

Lansing/Leavenworth

06/15/2021

Kansas City/Wyandotte*

NLT 07/15/2021

* This contract cannot be ended prior to July 15, 2021.  Without the declaration extension the state assumes all legal and financial liabilities.

Food & Commodities

INVENTORY

CLOSURE DATE

Pantry Packs

06/03/2021

Bulk Food

06/03/2021

Rescinding or Sunsetting Executive Orders

Our administration has worked diligently to enable our state to responsibly pare down the number of pandemic emergency executive orders in place since the beginning of 2021. As of today, only nine pandemic executive orders remain in effect. In my May 24, 2021 application to extend the disaster declaration, I stated that in the weeks and months to come I would consider rescinding additional executive orders. In that continued effort, on June 14, 2021, I will issue an order rescinding all but two of the nine remaining pandemic executive orders. Orders will be rescinded as follows:

Order

Subject

Rescission Date

21-10

Remote notaries and witnesses

July 15, 2021

21-12

Licensure of adult care homes

June 15, 2021

21-16

Driver’s license renewals

June 30, 2021

21-17

Waiving the waiting week for unemployment benefits

June 15, 2021

21-18

Income tax withholding for out-of-state telework

June 15, 2021

21-19

Tuberculin testing requirements

June 15, 2021

21-20

Deadline for rural water district annual meetings

June 30, 2021

The two executive orders I do not intend to rescind at this time are 21-15 and 21-21. Executive Order 21-15 is the only mechanism in place to require COVID-19 testing in certain adult care homes licensed by the state. Without this order in place, the state’s ability to ensure the health and safety of staff and residents at such adult care homes will be severely compromised. Executive Order 21-21 grants temporary authority to certain medical personnel to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. Continued efforts to vaccinate as many Kansans as quickly as possible will be unnecessarily impeded if it expires.

The time to conclude our emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic under KEMA and to transition to a new normal for dealing with COVID-19 through standard authorities is approaching, but that time has not yet arrived. At the LCC’s May 28, 2021 meeting, some LCC members indicated that they wanted to see a plan for how we wind the emergency response down and return to normal. Our administration has now provided that plan. It will take until August 30, 2021, to execute it.

As circumstances have changed, we have transitioned to an emergency response that has been trimmed down to vaccination efforts, logistical support to local communities, finishing an orderly return to normal in state agencies, and securing federal financial support for our efforts.  While COVID-19 could become an ever-present threat to public health if vaccination rates continue to decline, our emergency response will not be permanent. We owe it to Kansans to finish the job and wind down the state of disaster emergency responsibly.

As with the LCC’s previous meeting to consider an extension, at next Tuesday’s meeting Major General Weishaar, Dr. Norman, and members of my staff will be present to answer any questions the LCC may have.

Sincerely,

Laura Kelly

Governor

CC:      Representative Ron Ryckman, Speaker of the House of Representatives

            Senator Rick Wilborn, Vice President of the Senate

            Senator Larry Alley, Senate Majority Leader

            Senator Dinah Sykes, Senate Minority Leader

            Representative Blaine Finch,
Speaker Pro Tem of the House of Representatives

            Representative Dan Hawkins, House Majority Leader

            Representative Tom Sawyer, House Minority Leader

            Gordon Self, Revisor of Statutes

Obituary

Obituary of Doris Williams

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Doris Mae Williams, 93, of Redfield, Kansas died Friday, June 11, 2021, at the Country Place Senior Living in Fort Scott, Kansas. She was born December 9, 1927, in Fairplay, Missouri, the oldest of three daughters born to Charles and Aileen (Butler) Richard. Her parents moved to the Redfield area when she was an infant and she and her sisters were raised there. She married John C. (Jack) Williams on February 24, 1952, in Redfield, Kansas. He preceded her in death on February 12, 2005.

 

After graduating from Uniontown High School with the class of 1945, Doris moved to Kansas City to attend secretarial school. She was elected as the Bourbon County Treasurer in the election of 1948, before she was old enough to legally vote, even for herself. She worked for the County Treasurer’s office for eight years. She later ran the Redfield Grocery Store from 1968 until the late 1970s. After spending twenty years working for the Postal Service, she retired as Postmaster of the Redfield Post Office in 1998. In the 1980s, the Redfield bus route passed by the post office in the mornings, and Doris never missed the chance to wave at her grandkids as they passed by on their way to school. She was a life-long member of the Redfield Methodist Church and played piano there well into her 80s.

 

She and Jack moved to Jack’s family farm in 1959, raising their family just outside of Redfield. Five of her six grandchildren were lucky enough to be raised within shouting (or dirt-bike riding) distance of their house, especially because Grandma Doris always kept the refrigerator and freezer on the back porch stocked with pop, Capri Suns, and Schwan’s ice cream. She loved playing cards with her grandkids and great-grandkids. She was an Old Maid and Uno card shark and felt not even the slightest bit of guilt laying down a “Draw 4” card on any of them. Doris was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother, rarely missing any activity in which her family was involved. She loved watching her children and grandchildren play sports, perform at band and choir concerts, and show livestock at the Bourbon County Fair. She enjoyed taking her grandkids to movies, concerts, and the dinner theater. Most of the time they were well-behaved. She had an iron-clad memory and could recall word-for-word conversations that even her grandchildren had forgotten about. She loved her family well and never failed to tell them how proud she was of them. They felt the same way about her.

 

Doris is survived by three children: LuAnne Pitts and husband Eddie, Steve Williams and wife Marci, and Diana Almasi, all of Redfield; one sister; Jo Ann Dalton of Fort Scott; six grandchildren: Brent Almasi of Las Vegas, Nevada, Bill (Beth) Pitts of Fort Scott, Garin (Treva) Williams of Charleston, South Carolina, Jayci (Chad) Cosens of Fort Scott, Brandon (Brandi) Pitts of Fort Scott, and Kelci (Jimmy) Ebrecht of Olathe, Kansas; and thirteen great-grandchildren: Jaxon, Blaine, Graci, Macy Jo, Shayd, Finean, Dryden, Cal, Cash, Colby, Cameron, Kreedyn, and Boden. In addition to her husband, Jack, she was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Gerry Brewer, and a son-in-law, Alex Almasi.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, June 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Woods Cemetery at Redfield.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 9:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Bourbon County Fair Association or the Country Place Activity Fund and may be left in the 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.

Bourbon County Local News