TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Labor will host the 75th annual Industrial Safety and Health Conference at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan, Kansas.
“Decades of Safety, the theme of this year’s conference, represents a milestone marking 75 years of commitment to the well-being of workers across various industries and a beacon of innovation and progress in our state,” said Amber Shultz, Secretary of Labor. “We gather with a shared commitment to advance safety and health in our workplaces, communities and beyond. Safety is not just a regulation, but a shared responsibility carried by all of us.”
The four-day event begins with a two-day conference featuring the latest in regulations, changes in laws and upcoming rules. The conference, hosted by the Division of Industrial Safety and Health, is tailored for professionals working in high-risk environments where safety is critical to operations. Additionally, the conference offers multiple continuing education classes and features highly anticipated vendors that display the latest in safety and health equipment and technology.
Event Details:
Dates: October 14–17, 2025
Location: Hilton Garden Inn, Manhattan, Kansas
For more information about the seminar agenda, please visit dol.ks.gov/ishconference and follow KDOL on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn using #safetyandhealthkansas.
Three weeks ago today, the House passed a bipartisan bill to keep the government funded through November 21. Because Senate Democrats continue to block that clean continuing resolution in the Senate — voting against it seven times now — the federal government has now been shut down for 10 days. Many critical federal workers, including our military, air traffic controllers, TSA agents and our border patrol will soon miss paychecks.
Shamelessly, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Congressional Democrats are using these workers as leverage for their demands of $1.5 trillion in reckless spending. Earlier this week, Schumer admitted they are playing political games with these employees’ livelihoods:
Senator Schumer and his allies think scoring political points and appeasing their most radical members is more important than reopening our government, paying our troops and other essential workers. They can reopen the government immediately by ending their blockade, passing the House’s continuing resolutions and allowing the regular appropriations process to move forward.
I have cosponsored the Pay Our Troops Act, which would ensure that our men and women in uniform would continue to get paid during government shutdowns and not used as political pawns in future budget disputes. I am supporting similar legislation to keep paying our air traffic controllers.
Defense Bill Advances in the Senate
While the Senate remains gridlocked on the government-funding bill, I am grateful that last night they took up and passed their version of the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual legislative package to authorize funding for every aspect of our military for the upcoming year.
The Senate adopted an amendment that I worked on along with Sen. Moran that will improve veterans’ access to care at Department of Defense healthcare facilities like Irwin Army Community Hospital at Ft. Riley.
The House passed its version of the NDAA last month. House and Senate Armed Services Committee leadership will now work on resolving the differences between the bills and present a final version for both chambers to vote on in the coming weeks.
Constituent Services
As a reminder, my offices in Washington, Topeka and Pittsburg remain open, despite the shutdown, and available to help with federal agencies including the VA, Social Security, and the IRS.
Regrettably, our ability to help with some of these situations may be affected, as many departments and agencies will not be processing casework during the shutdown. However, that work will resume once federal funding is resolved. If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency, please call my office at (785) 205-5253 or fill out the form on our website, and we will work with you on the paperwork that must be completed so we can file your case as soon as we are able.
During my time in Washington this week, I was pleased to welcome Kansans from the Nature Conservancy, as well as representatives from Proctor and Gamble, which operates a facility in Kansas City, Kansas.
The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Monday, October 13 at 12:30 pm in the Cleaver-Boileau-Burris Agriculture Building for meeting with the Higher Learning Commission peer review team.
The board will meet with the peer review team from 12:30 pm – 1:15 pm, and no action will be taken during this time.
At the conclusion of their time with the peer review team, but not before 1:15 pm, the board will take action on personnel items.
The monthly meeting of the Uniontown City Council is Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.
ROLL CALL: ___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett
___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Sally Johnson – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes of September 9, 2025 Regular Meeting
September Treasurers Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & October Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Clerk Report: Haley Arnold
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilwoman Pritchett –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
SEED Grant –
FEMA Flooding–
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Unapproved minutes of the Sept. 9 meeting:
The Regular Council Meeting on September 9, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Mike Ramsey, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson and City Clerk Haley Arnold.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Appointed Haley Arnold as city clerk and administered oath of office.
CITIZENS REQUEST
Michael Ramsey thanked the City and Bobby Rich for preparing the City for Old Settlers. Then asked what they could do better for next year. He gave a history of his family in the Uniontown area and asked about engraving family names on limestone posts in the park. Discussion followed and they will revisit the issue in November.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Johnson presented the August 2025 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $245,981.25, Receipts $50,112.40, Transfers Out $14,524.00, Expenditures $29,453.83, Checking Account Closing Balance $252,115.82. Bank Statement Balance $254,515.61, including Checking Account Interest of $53.90, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $2,399.79, Reconciled Balance $252,115.82. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,470.63, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $23,159.28, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $45,384.38, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $359,130.11. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $478.07, and Utility CDs $1,859.61 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,337.68. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of August 2025, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. August Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00, Capital Improvement-Streets from Gas Utility $6,250.00, Capital Improvement-Streets from General Fund $2,500.00, Utility Capital Improvement-Streets from Sewer Fund $750.00, and Capital Improvement-Streets from Water Fund $2,000.00, for Total Transfers of $14,524.00. Net Income for the month of August $6,134.57, Year-to-Date Net Loss $11,747.92. Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $99,944.18 (74.2%), Expenditures $87,000.59 (57.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $23,558.28 (63.3%), Expenditures $36,409.11 (79.0%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $75,122.87 (60.7%), Expenditures $80,511.66 (50.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $107,379.44 (71.7%), Expenditures $138,852.82 (65.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $5,979.53 (82.4%), Expenditures $3,708.70 (51.1%). The September 2025 payables to date in the amount of $37,426.70 were presented. The invoices from KMGA and Johnson Vaughn, PA have not been received by noon meeting day.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
Minutes of August 12, 2025 2026 Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting and August 14, 2025 Special Meeting
Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report, Profit & Loss by Class Report & Appropriations Report
Resolution 2025-0909-01 waiving the requirements of K.S.A. 75-1120a(a)
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan reported 406 Fulton had not removed or covered junk vehicle in yard. 405 Hill St not keeping yard mowed. We will mow and bill. 201 Fulton is in compliance. 101 Washington is in compliance. 401 Sherman weedeating, junk vehicles, and trash issues; letter will be sent. 202 4th St mowing and weedeating not done. After discussion, we will contract out and bill to owner. Also, it was discussed getting quotes from mowing contractors for services next year.
Superintendent Rich informed the council of a quote from Kelly Electric to install three 50amp, 240 volt outlets along the north side of park for $1,100.00.
Motion by Pritchett, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to accept quote from Kelly Electric.
Clerk Arnold requested to change office hours to 7:30AM-12:30PM, 1:00PM-5:00PM M-Th, 8:00AM-12:00PM F.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Ervin, Approved 3-0 to change office hours as presented, effective September 10, 2025.
Received dog complaint. Letter was sent to dog owner and owner replied with own complaint. Clerk Arnold will send a letter to both parties asking each to keep their own dogs under their control with ordinance attached.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilwoman Pemberton – absent
Councilwoman Pritchett – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – praised the clean up after Old Settlers, thanked Bobby Rich for asphalt along new side walk, and discussed seeding where the concrete was removed.
OLD BUSINESS
SEED Grant – Treasurer Johnson has started close out paperwork for the project.
FEMA Flooding (DR4800) Project – Received periodic updates on progress through FEMA system.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) are alerting the public to the first known occurrence of the Asian longhorned tick (ALHT), Haemaphysalis longicornis, in Kansas. KDHE identified the ALHT after it was found on a dog in Franklin County last week.
“We have been monitoring the spread of the Asian longhorned tick, especially since it was confirmed in neighboring states,” Animal Health Commissioner Dr. Justin Smith said. “Now that it has been identified in Kansas, we have been in contact with accredited veterinarians across the state to remind them to be alert for this tick and to ensure they understand the risks.”
This prolific tick, which can reproduce without the need for a male tick, has both human and animal health implications. In 2019, an ALHT in Virginia was found to be infected with Bourbon virus, while Connecticut recently identified an ALHT infected with ehrlichiosis, both of which are tick-borne diseases that occur in Kansas but are currently transmitted by the Lone Star tick.
“We’re still learning about this tick and the ecologic role that it currently plays and may play in the future in terms of disease transmission to humans.” Dr. Erin Petro, KDHE State Public Health Veterinarian, said. “While the human health implications are uncertain, this tick has serious implications for animal health.”
The ALHT can cause extreme infestations on affected animals, sometimes leading to severe anemia or even exsanguination. Beyond the physical threat, the ALHT also transmits the cattle parasite Theileria orientalis Ikeda strain, which causes bovine theileriosis.
In 2024, KDHE piloted a program to create a passive tick surveillance network of veterinary clinics throughout the state. Through this program, participating clinics submit tick samples from animals in their care to KDHE for identification. This program has been successful in providing information on where various ticks are found across the state and has been especially useful in under-surveyed areas. One of these partners submitted a routine sample which was later identified as ALHT by KDHE and confirmed by the USDA. In both humans and animals, tick bite prevention is key.
To reduce the risk of disease, follow these precautions:
Be aware of where ticks are found and using preventive measures when in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas.
Dress preventively by wearing long pants tucked into socks and shirt tucked into pants.
Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
Use an EPA-approved repellent such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) when enjoying the outdoors or being in a tick habitat.
After coming indoors, perform a thorough tick check, being sure to focus on the waistband, under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, back of knees, and in and around the hair.
Check pets for ticks, especially around the tail, between the back legs, under the front legs, between the toes, in and around the ears, around the eyes, and under the collar.
Shower soon after being in a tick habitat or engaging in outdoor activities. This will help remove any unattached ticks and identify any attached ticks.
To remove attached ticks, use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick near the skin, and apply gentle traction strait outwards until the tick is removed.
Help prevent tick-borne diseases and tick infestations on pets by consulting with your veterinarian on use of a veterinary-approved flea and tick preventative.
The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department is located between 6th and Lowman Streets and 6th and Horton Streets. It is the location of the local WIC program in our community.
The U.S. Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding the government beginning on October 1, 2025.
WIC is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, and it is affected by the shutdown. The local health agency is advising WIC users to stock up on food and other items to prepare for this lack of federal funding.
WIC is available for income-eligible pregnant and postpartum women, breastfeeding moms, and children under five (up to their fifth birthday). Dads, grandparents, foster parents, and anyone raising kids under five can apply for support for the kids in their care.
The local WIC Clinic is part of the SEK Multi-County Health Department, and is located at 6th and Lowman Streets in Fort Scott.
From a press release from the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department:
WIC may operate short-term in Kansas by using limited prior-year federal funding.
There is a risk that WIC benefits will be paused, reduced, or ceased.
WIC Food benefits are estimated to last until the end of October, but that can’t be assured.
Users are encouraged to buy shelf-ready healthy food and/or items the family uses at this time, balancing food safety and storage areas available.
Local food banks, pantries, and non-profit groups may be of assistance if WIC benefits are temporarily disrupted.
WIC users are encouraged to continue using their benefits and attending appointments, but call 24 hours before, to verify the office is open, 620.223.4464.
If the WIC clinic closes due to lack of funding, contact the Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment at 785-296-2683 for assistance.
The press release asks that users consider letting their elected U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt, and Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran know how important WIC is to their family and urge them to restore funding.
To reach elected representatives:
President Donald Trump has no phone number to leave comments on; however, the address is 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.
Schmidt can be reached at 202.225.6601 or 1223 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D. C. 20515.
Marshal: 202.224.4774 or PO Box 1588, Great Bend, KS 67530
Moran: 620.232.2286 or PO Box 1372, Pittsburg, KS 66762
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has partnered with the Kansas Prevention Collaborative (KPC) to host the eighth annual Kansas Prevention Collaborative Conference on October 16-17, 2025, with a pre-conference session on October 15. This year’s conference, “Voices of Prevention: Sharing Stories; Creating Impact,” welcomes five outstanding keynote speakers and breakout session speakers from across the nation.
The KPC Conference will provide attendees with educational opportunities to increase awareness of emerging trends in prevention, build skills and knowledge to prevent suicide, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug misuse, and advocate for best practices. Participants will also learn ways to connect and network with their community and advocate for best practices in prevention.
“Each year, the Kansas Prevention Collaborative Conference reminds us that prevention is not a single action—it’s a movement built through connection and shared purpose,” KDADS Behavioral Health Services Prevention Program Manager Stephanie Rhinehart said. “As we continue expanding prevention efforts statewide, this year’s theme underscores the power of personal stories to drive change and the importance of lifting new voices that move Kansas toward stronger, healthier communities.”
The conference will kick off on October 16 with four keynote addresses. Monica Forrest, Monica Kurz, Dave Sotelo, and Kimberly Freese will bring this year’s theme to life through the powerful stories of four leaders working to create change in their communities. Each speaker will share personal and professional experiences that highlight resilience, innovation, and the power of connection. Their voices reflect the strength of our collective mission to prevent substance use and misuse, promote mental wellness, and build healthier communities across Kansas.
Justin Maffett, corporate lawyer, advocate, and multimedia storyteller, will close the conference on October 17 with a keynote presentation, “Still Here: Resilience and Building Back Better.” This closing session invites attendees to consider how we build back better – individually, in community, and within systems of care – and what it truly means to say, “I’m still here.”
KDADS’ Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Commission and the KPC are excited to provide this learning opportunity to communities across Kansas. To learn more about the conference, view the schedule, and read more about the keynote speakers, visit kansaspreventioncollaborative.org/conference.
KPC is a group of five partner organizations funded by KDADS working to integrate and innovate behavioral health prevention efforts. This conference is part of KPC’s strategy to ensure that Kansans get the tools they need to prevent underage drinking, substance misuse, problem gambling, and suicide. Partner organizations are KDADS, the Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute, DCCCA, the Learning Tree Institute at Greenbush, and the Life Span Institute at the University of Kansas.
These five partner organizations, along with these four gold conference sponsors, make this year’s event possible: BeePurple, HeadQuarters Kansas, Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition, and TFI Family Services.
About the Kansas Prevention Collaborative: The Kansas Prevention Collaborative was created in 2015 to integrate and innovate behavioral health prevention efforts. A partnership of several different state, educational, and provider agencies, the KPC’s goal is to expand prevention efforts to include mental health promotion, suicide prevention, and problem gambling education and awareness, as well as increase the availability of resources to adequately fund local-level prevention and promotion strategic plans. For interviews, media inquiries, or more information, please contact the Kansas Prevention Collaborative at [email protected].
North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Bri Shuler of Prairie Village
Superior Essex
Kate Lummus of Hoisington
U.S. Army
Jaime Linder of Ellis
October 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.
Honoring Fallen Hays Police Officer Sergeant Scott Heimann Last weekend, Hays Police Sergeant Scott Heiman was tragically killed in the line of duty while defending his community and our hometown from harm. I introduced a Senate resolution with Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) to honor his service and sacrifice and spoke on the Senate floor to pay tribute to Sgt. Heimann’s life and to honor the legacy he leaves behind. He was laid to rest on Friday, and I joined members of the Hays community and Sgt. Heimann’s family in attending his funeral service, where friends, neighbors and loved ones came together to honor his life and say thank you for his service.
Sgt. Heimann embodied the very best of Hays, a tight-knit place where people look out for their neighbors, care for those in need and protect the vulnerable. In Hays and across Kansas, we will not forget the sacrifice Sgt. Heimann made, and we will honor his service. Robba and I are praying for his wife, Beth, his children, Victoria and Patrick, and the entire law enforcement and Hays community during this difficult time.
You can find our Senate Resolution here. You can read more about Sgt. Heimann’s life and funeral service in KSN here. You can watch my full speech on the Senate floor here.
Working to Reopen the Government On Tuesday evening, hours before government funding ran out, I spoke on the Senate floor after the Senate failed to pass the non-partisan, short-term funding package intended to avoid a government shutdown and allow Congressional appropriators more time to negotiate and pass all 12 full appropriations bills. Appropriating is one of the primary responsibilities and necessities of the United States Senate, and every city council or commission, every school board, every local government office in our state passes a budget and then lives within that budget every year.
Instead of passing the continuing resolution, Senate Democrats chose to close the government down over unrelated issues, hindering our ability to do the job that the American people sent us here to do.
The Senate Appropriations Committee has passed 11 of the 12 appropriations bills and, for the first time since 2018, three of the 12 appropriations bills were passed in the Senate before the August state work period. I am committed to working toward ending this shutdown and finishing the appropriations process the American people have tasked us to do.
The full text of my floor speech can be read here.
USDA Releases Funds for Dole-McGovern Food Program RFD-TV
This week, I joined RFD-TV to discuss U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recent decision to release funds for the Dole-McGovern Food Program, which is significant for Kansas farmers and global food security. Kansas farmers have long answered a noble calling to feed hungry people around the world through the Dole-McGovern Food Program, originally named after Kansas Senator Bob Dole. I also talked about the ongoing efforts by Senate Republicans to work with our colleagues across the aisle on a path forward to fund the government and allow the appropriations process to continue.
AgriTalk
I also joined Chip Flory on AgriTalk to speak about USDA’s decision to purchase $480 million of agriculture commodities from farmers across the state for the Dole-McGovern Food Program. This is a welcome announcement that contributes to feeding hungry children around the globe and provides significant value to producers in Kansas and across the country who are facing low commodity prices and high input costs. Thank you to Chip Flory for having me on to discuss these important issues.
You can listen to my full AgriTalk interview here.
Leading Kansas Delegation’s Request for Disaster Declaration I led my Kansas delegation colleagues, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), and U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), Derek Schmidt (KS-02), Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Ron Estes (KS-04), in urging President Trump to make a major disaster declaration for the State of Kansas from July 17 through July 22, 2025. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly formally submitted the request for federal support on September 17, 2025. I appreciate my colleagues’ support for this request, and I am committed to working to make certain Kansans affected by natural disasters have the resources necessary to recover and rebuild.
Meeting with Kansas Eye Care Professionals On Tuesday, I met with Kansans who are part of the American Optometric Association (AOA) to discuss access to vision services, advances in optometric care and the importance of making certain Kansans can receive timely, affordable eye care. I appreciated hearing directly from Kansas eye care professionals about the challenges they face and the innovative ways they are serving their communities.
During the meeting, AOA presented me with an award in recognition of the bipartisan Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which I introduced. Among other things, this legislation provides physician-level recognition for Department of Veterans Affairs optometrists, helping strengthen recruitment and retention efforts and making certain veterans have timely access to the vision care they need. I appreciated the conversation about how we can continue improving access to services that make a difference for Kansans and veterans alike.
Visiting with Kansans in Washington, D.C. I enjoyed visiting with Kansans Kim and Deana Rupp, from my hometown of Hays, in my Washington, D.C., office before they received a tour of the U.S. Capitol. Thank you to Kim and Deana for taking the time to meet with me. If you are planning a visit to Washington, D.C., and would like a tour of the Capitol, please visit my website here for more information.
Visits Across Kansas Wichita County High School
This week, I visited Wichita County High School to meet with students and staff and learn more about the district’s academic programs and student activities. I was grateful to hear from Principal Brant Douglas and faculty about the ways the school is preparing students for successful futures, both in higher education and the workforce. Visits like this give me valuable insight into the needs and accomplishments of schools across Kansas, and I appreciate the time students and staff took to share their perspectives with me.
Black & Veatch
I met with company leaders at Black & Veatch early this week to discuss the need for permitting reform to help eliminate barriers to construction and energy development. I will continue to advocate for Congress to take up permitting legislation that prioritizes low energy costs for families and businesses while promoting economic growth. I am grateful for the company’s expansion in Kansas and am encouraged to see progress on its new Overland Park headquarters.
Healy Community
On Thursday, I traveled to Healy and met with members of the community. I appreciated chatting with folks at First State Bank and Healy Oil Company. I also visited Healy Agency and Sharp Brothers Seed. Thank you to all those who took the time to visit with me.
Hays Community
On Friday, after attending the funeral for Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann, I visited with folks around my hometown of Hays. While there, I visited Augustine’s Bakery, Downtown Hays, Inc., Astra Bank and the Bank of Hays. I also made stops at the Center for Health Improvement, Master Cleaners, Auto World, Jeter Law Firm and grabbed a bite to eat at Taco Shop. Thank you to the Hays community for welcoming me and for the conversations.
Yom Kippur
This week, Jewish communities in Kansas and around the world celebrated Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. To those who celebrated, I hope this Yom Kippur was a meaningful and blessed day for all.
Now Accepting Spring 2026 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 year-round working closely with my staff to serve Kansans.
Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the spring 2026 session are due Sunday, October 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.
Now Accepting Spring 2026 Page Applications
Applications are now open for the Spring 2026 Senate Page Program. High school students are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process. 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. The deadline to apply is Sunday, October 19. You can learn more about the Senate Page Program here.
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
KDADS Receives Federal Approval for 2026-2029 State Plan on Aging
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) announced today that the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) has approved Kansas’ State Plan on Aging for the period of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2029. This four-year roadmap, developed under the Older Americans Act, outlines strategic initiatives to streamline access to vital community-based services, bolster family caregivers, and promote the independence and dignity of older Kansans.
“Approval of this plan is a significant milestone that positions Kansas to deliver even more effective, coordinated support for our aging population,” KDADS Aging Services Commissioner Kim Reynolds said. “By focusing on accessible services, caregiver resilience, and elder rights protection, we’re empowering older Kansans to age with independence and dignity while honoring the vital role of families in our communities.”
The approval, issued September 26th, underscores KDADS’s commitment to building a robust aging network that prioritizes quality services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The plan emphasizes five key goals:
streamlining older Kansans’ access to community-based services;
improving the health and well-being of those in greatest social and economic need;
strengthening supports for family caregivers;
fostering state and local partnerships for comprehensive advocacy;
and protecting rights through education, training, and legal services to combat abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
“ADvancing States congratulates Kansas on the approval of its State Plan on Aging, reinforcing the state’s commitment to helping older adults live with dignity, independence, and choice,” ADvancing States Director of Aging Administration Yonda Snyder said. “We are pleased to support Kansas in plan development and commend the state’s leadership, stakeholders, and advocates for their collaborative work in shaping a plan that addresses both current and emerging needs of older adults and their families.”
The plan builds on Kansas’ existing aging network, which includes 11 Area Agencies on Aging serving every county, and ensures equitable resource allocation for rural areas, low-income minority older adults, and Native American elders. It also incorporates public input, performance measurements, and emergency preparedness to address evolving needs.
KDADS will continue coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to implement these priorities, promoting multipurpose senior centers, nutrition and in-home services, evidence-based health promotion, and advocacy for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, October 7 at 4:00 pm in the Cleaver-Boileau-Burris Agriculture Building. The board will be preparing for the upcoming visit from the Higher Learning Commission, and no action will be taken.
ROOMS Grants Available for Upper-Floor Housing in Main Street Communities
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $250,000 is available under the Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) grant program to support new upper-floor housing in commercial buildings in Designated Kansas Main Street communities.
“Rural downtowns are full of history and character — and many have unused upper-floor spaces that could be utilized for additional housing options,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These funds give our community leaders the resources to turn these historic assets into vibrant, livable spaces — and increase the number of customers within a short walk of downtown restaurants and shops.”
Upper-floor investments play an important role in addressing the affordable and quality housing shortage, which regularly is identified as a major issue across the state. Creating new housing opportunities enhances the overall livability and functionality of downtowns. Equally, these funds can result in increased investment, improved infrastructure, positive cycle of economic growth, stronger tax base and a greater sense of place and community identity.
“Through the Kansas Main Street program, we aim to work with communities who are eager to build their capacity in developing upper-floor housing in downtown buildings,” Kansas Main Street Interim Director Debbie Deere said. “Through these grant opportunities, we can continue to increase local housing stock — while maintaining the unique characteristics of our downtown buildings.”
ROOMS funds will be available to applicants within active Designated Kansas Main Street communities for projects that lead directly to housing creation or retention in upper floors of existing buildings in downtown areas. Projects must incorporate Main Street design standards and follow local ordinances and codes for improvements.
More details about ROOMS can be found here. For more information about the Kansas Main Street program, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the Quality Places Division:
Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.
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