The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has made bridge funding awards to projects including one in Bourbon County.
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Category Archives: Government
Splash Pad Closed Today Reopens For the Weekend, Then Closes For the Season
Per City Manager, Brad Matkin, Management Action #5 of the Water Warning Plan:
The City of Fort Scott Splash Pad will be closed Wednesday 8/30, Thursday 8/31, and Friday 9/1 reopening on Saturday 9/2, Sunday 9/3, and Monday 9/4 from 8am to 7pm. After Monday at 8pm the Splash Pad will be closed for the season.
Here is the plan in its entirety as it has been posted:
Water Warning Plan
DROUGHT RESPONSE
Effective 8/30/2023
The City of Fort Scott addresses its short-term water shortage problems through a series of stages based on conditions of supply and demand with accompanying triggers, goals, and actions. Each stage is more stringent in water use than the previous stage since water supply conditions are more deteriorated. The City Manager is authorized by ordinance to implement the appropriate conservation measures.
Water Warning
Goals:
The goals of this stage are to reduce peak demands by 20% and to reduce overall weekly consumption by 10%.
Triggers:
This stage is triggered by any one of the following conditions:
- The City’s storage has fallen below 70 percent capacity and will not recover within a normal amount of time.
Education Actions
- The City will make news releases to the local media describing present conditions and indicating the water supply outlook for the upcoming week.
- Water conservation articles will be provided to the local newspaper.
Management Actions: What measures the city will do
- The City water supplies will be monitored closely.
- Leaks will be repaired within 24 hours of detection.
- The City will monitor its use of water and will curtail activities such as hydrant flushing and street cleaning.
- The City will curtail its water usage, including operation of fountains, watering of City grounds and washing of vehicles.
- The City of Fort Scott Splash Pad will be closed Wednesday 8/30, Thursday 8/31, and Friday 9/1 reopening on Saturday 9/2, Sunday 9/3, and Monday 9/4 from 8am to 7pm. After Monday at 8pm the Splash Pad will be closed for the season.
- Water will be drawn from the City’s reservoirs as needed.
Regulation Actions:
- The public will be asked to voluntarily make efficient use of indoor water, i.e., wash full loads, take short showers, do not let faucets run, etc.
- Outdoor water use, including lawn watering and car washing will be restricted to before 10:00 am and after 9:00 pm.
- All consumers will be asked to limit or eliminate nonessential water uses including, but not limited to the following uses:
- Watering lawns, shrubs, trees.
- Washing automobiles.
- Filling swimming pools or using water in fountains and evaporative air conditioning systems.
- Refilling of swimming pools will be allowed one day a week after sunset.
- Outdoor watering will be restricted to use of a hand-held hose or bucket only.
- Excess water use charges for usage of water over the amount used in the winter will be considered.
- Waste of water will be prohibited.
As of right now, the City water supply is not affected by the “Water Emergency” set by the Governor of Kansas. That emergency was to allow the counties noted to request water to be taken out of “state” water sources. The City of Fort Scott owns Lake Fort Scott and Cedar Creek is not a state-owned lake, so permission is not required.
Lake Fort Scott, Cedar Creek, and Rock Creek are the three sources we use to get water for the City of Fort Scott river intake system.
As of right now, Cedar Creek has a good supply of water, but we are taking water from this source daily, and we have not taken water from Lake Fort Scott. If we are forced to take water out of Lake Fort Scott, we will issue a Water Warning Stage #2 which will require additional water restrictions.
We are in a drought situation that must be taken seriously, and the City of Fort Scott will do whatever possible to maintain good levels of water for the citizens. Please help us by following the restrictions that have been imposed.
If you have any questions, please contact me at the email address below.
Thank you,
Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott
KS Hunting Regs Summary/Hunting Atlas Available
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Agenda for The Fort Scott Commission Meeting on Sept. 5
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
September 5, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
- Roll Call:
- VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
- Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: Led by E. Woellhof
III. Approval of Agenda:
- Consent Agenda:
- Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 15, 2023
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1343-A — $815,071.98
- Request to Pay – Kansas State Treasurer – General Obligation Bond payment – Invoice R1231001122677- Series 2016 – $213,646.88
- Request to Pay – Kansas State Treasurer – General Obligation Bond payment – Invoice R1231001122676 – Series 2021-A – $631,000.00
- Request to Pay – Kansas State Treasurer – General Obligation Temporary Notes payment – Invoice R1230907122468 – $5,456,103.33
- Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 4 – Engineer’s Project No. 23-409 (22-306) – Work completed Jully 22, 2023 – August 25, 2023 – $383,678.87
- Public Comment: Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda
and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
- Old Business:
- Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Health In All Policies Task Force – Tabled from July 25, 2023, August 1, 2023, and defeated motion on August 15, 2023.
- Consideration of changes to City’s Purchasing Policy – tabled from August 15, 2023, for more information.
VII. Appearances:
- Rachel French – Update of 1st Colored Infantry Mural
- 1) Frank Halsey – Temporary Park Closure of back of Gunn Park – Marmaton Massacre Festival – September 16, 2023 (8:00AM) – September 17, 2023 (5:00PM).
2) Frank Halsey – Temporary Park Closure – Gunn Park including Shelter Houses – NICA Race – April 26, 2024 (3:00PM) – April 28th, 2024 (4:00PM).
- Rob Harrington – Bourbon County REDI Update
- Justin Meeks – Golf Course property discussion
VIII. Public Hearing: 2024 Revenue Neutral Rate and Budget Hearing – B. Hart
- New Business:
- Consideration of Resolution No. 15-2023 – Resolution to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate – Approving a Levy Rate Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate but (1) Mill Lower than 2023 – B. Hart
- Consideration of Resolution No. 14-2023 – Resolution Adopting 2024 Operating Budget and Final Budget Book – B. Hart
- Consideration of September 19, 2023, as date for 2023 budget amendment public hearing – B. Hart
- Consideration of Resolution No. 13-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 1001 W. 2nd St. – Hearing on October 17, 2023 – T. Russell
- Consideration of Resolution No. 12-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structures – 1801 W. Wall – Hearing on October 17, 2023 – T. Russell
- Consideration of Resolution No. 11-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 922 W. Wall – Hearing on October 17, 2023 – T. Russell
- Consideration of MOU – School Resources Officer Program – City of Fort Scott and Unified School District 234 – 2023-24 – J. Pickert
- Consideration of Relocation and Reimbursement Agreement – Evergy’s Fort Scott Infantry Substation Project – J. Dickman
- Consideration of Old Fort Boulevard/Skubitz Plaza Maintenance and Beautification Project – M. Wells
- Tourism Grant Guidelines – A program established to enhance and strengthen the positive economic impact of the tourism industry in our community – M. Wells
- Reports and Comments:
- City Manager Comments:
- Engineering Comments:
- Commissioners Comments:
- VanHoecke –
- Harrington –
- Woellhof –
- Guns –
- Wells –
- City Attorney Comments:
- Executive Session:
XII. Adjournment:
Unapproved Minutes of The Fort Scott City Commission from August 15
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Unapproved minutes
Minutes of August 15, 2023 Regular Meeting
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 15, 2023 at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, K. Harrington, M. Guns (via telephone) were present with Mayor M. Wells. E. Woellhof was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION: M. Wells, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Pete Earles/Earles Engineering, B. Hart (via telephone). Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director, Tracy Dancer, Josh Jones, Garth Herrmann/Gillmore and Bell, Brett Shogren/Stifel,
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
- VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda as submitted. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE AGENDA AS SUBMITTED.
CONSENT AGENDA:
- Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 25, 2023
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1341-A — $1,627,351.54
- Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $41,723.74 Invoice #16731 – 2022 Sanitary Sewer Inspection – $12,538.74
Peter W. Earles – 10.00hrs/$200.00 – $2,000.00, Shane Redfern – 48.50hrs/$48.50 – $6,741.50, Jason Dickman – 18.00hrs/$147.50 – $2,655.00, Amanda Simpson – 6.00hrs/$48.50 – $291.00, Mileage – 1,309.6 miles/0.65 – $851.24.
Invoice #16727 – South Horton St. & West 6th St. – $22,485.00
Preliminary Design (100%) – $6,210.00, Final Design (35%) – $16,275.00
Invoice #16726 – 21-303A – WWTP – System Designs – $6,700.00
Phase III – $3,500.00, Phase II – $3,200.00.
- Request to Pay – Invoice #08072301-EPEC-WWTP Aeration $206,654.50 – Phase II Aeration Upgrade (Total: $826,618.00), 25% of Total due – $206,654.50.
- Request to Pay – Bourbon County – I.T. Services 2023 – $25,500.00
Shane Walker – $12,000.00, Jimmy Kemmerer $13,500.00
- July Financials
- Matkin agreed to reach out to other wireless carriers after M. Wells asked about the franchise fees in the Consent Agenda.
- Guns moved to approve the Consent Agenda. T. VanHoecke seconded. All present voted aye.
APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
OLD BUSINESS:
- Consideration of bids for investment CDs from WWTP funds –
- VanHoecke moved to approve the proposed CD investments of (1) million dollars for a (3) month CD yielding 4.77% and a (2) million dollar investment for (6) months at 4.88%.
- Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.
APPROVED THE PROPOSED CD INVESTMENTS OF (1) MILLION DOLLARS FOR A (3) MONTH CD YIELDING 4.77% AND A (2) MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT FOR (6) MONTHS AT 4.88%.
- Consideration to approve purchase of split case pump and impellor for the Water Production Plant for additional amount of an additional $18.380.55.
- Harrington moved to approve the purchase of the impellor pump rebuild for $18,380.55. T. VanHoecke seconded. All present voted aye.
APPROVED the purchase of the impellor pump rebuild for $18,380.55.
- Consideration to approve Memo of Understanding (MOU) to join the Bourbon County Health in All Policies Task Force and select a City representative – Tabled 7/25/23 and 8/1/23 –
- Guns moved to approve the original MOU as it was written for the Bourbon County Health in All Policies Task Force. Motion died for lack of second.
NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.
- Consideration to adopt a new policy for City Commission Agenda deadlines.
- VanHoecke moved to adopt a new policy for the City Commission Agenda deadlines that require all items to be on the upcoming agenda to be submitted to the City Clerk by the end of business Monday, one week prior to the upcoming meeting. The completed agenda is then to be distributed and posted no later than Wednesday. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.
APPROVED TO ADOPT A NEW POLICY FOR THE CITY COMMISSION AGENDA DEADLINES THAT REQUIRE ALL ITEMS TO BE ON THE UPCOMING AGENDA BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY CLERK BY THE END OF BUSINESS MONDAY ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE UPCOMING MEETING. THE COMPLETED AGENDA IS THEN TO BE DISTRIBUTED AND POSTED NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY.
- Consideration to pay Diehl, Banwart, Bolton $18,150.00 (approved on 7/25/2023) for the Certified Audit of Records and Preparation of Audit Report for the year ending 12/31/22. Invoice #161402 was sent and indicates an additional $4,975.00 for the Single Audit of Federal Funds. Total amount due $23,125.00 requiring a new motion.
- VanHoecke moved to approve to pay Diehl, Banwart, Bolton for the amount of $23,125.00. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.
APPROVED TO PAY DIEHL, BANWART, BOLTON FOR THE AMOUNT OF $23,125.00.
- Approval to go out for bid for KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 at 20th Street Repair Project (Project File No. 22-32).
- Guns moved to approve to go out for bid for the KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 at 20th Street Repair Project. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.
APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BID FOR THE KDOT SUB-AREA ROAD EXTENSION & US-69 AT 20TH STREET REPAIR PROJECT.
- Wells moved to go out for bids on the South Industrial Park Waterline Extension Project. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.
APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BIDS ON THE SOUTH INDUSTRIAL PARK WATERLINE EXTENSION PROJECT.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Consideration of campsite improvements at Lake Fort Scott – B. Matkin was directed by the Commission to get cost estimates for items that would be needed for improvements of the primitive camping sites at this meeting.
NO ACTION TAKEN
- Consideration of 14-day Camping Regulation at Gunn Park (Ordinance No. 3606) and corresponding Municipal Codes – Directed B. Matkin
NO ACTION TAKEN
- Consideration of Gunn Park Shelter House price increases –
- VanHoecke moved to approve the proposed price increases on the Shelter Houses at Gunn Park and amend Ordinance No. 3607 to reflect the changes.
- Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.
APPROVED THE PROPOSED PRICE INCREASES ON THE SHELTER HOUSES AT GUNN PARK AND AMEND ORDINANCE No. 3607 TO REFLECT THE CHANGES.
- Consideration of changes to the City’s Purchasing Policy – B. Matkin was directed to redefine the day-to-day operation supplies, two signatures required and consideration for buying local is the priority. He will return with the corrected version at the next meeting.
NO ACTION TAKEN
- Consideration to approve the sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023 to the USDA.
- VanHoecke moved to adopt bond Ordinance No. 3752. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.
APPROVED TO ADOPT BOND ORDINANCE NO. 3752.
- VanHoecke moved to adopt bond Resolution No. 10-2023. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.
APPROVED TO ADOPT BOND RESOLUTION NO. 10-2023.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS:
City Manager: B. Matkin
- Cape Seal Update – meeting next month with Harbour Construction.
- Vandalism at Gunn Park playgrounds. Gordon Parks sign stolen, checking security cameras in park.
- Citizen building a lake on their land behind the Woodland Hills Golf Course. He would like to purchase 2-acres from the City or accept a donation from the City of the land in exchange for the use of water in the future for watering the course. The homeowner would like to come to a Commission Meeting to address the Commission and answer questions.
- Community Development Director position is posted. Eleven (11) applications have been received. Interviews are in progress.
City Engineer: Pete Earles/Earles Engineering & Inspection
- Davis Lift Station is in the process of design, needs survey for the force main and easement issues to work out.
- J. Dickman will be back at the next meeting. B. Matkin stated that Evergy would like a preconstruction meeting when he returns.
City Attorney: B. Farmer
No comment.
COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS:
- Guns:
- Would like to suggest a Work Session in the near future to review contracts the City has with other entities such as Dispatch, REDI, etc. to ensure equitable exchange.
- The new school year starts Friday. She wishes all students and teachers a successful year ahead.
- Harrington:
- Good luck with Back to School this week.
- Football Jamboree Saturday
- Be sure to check out USD234 Events
- VanHoecke:
- Back to School Safety Awareness
- Possibility of hour adjustments with back to school. B. Matkin will meet with the Committee.
- Cooper Street is open, City crews saved over $400,000.00 by doing it themselves. The City Manager creates quality operators and gets things done in the City and people appreciate it all.
- Asks that citizens use the MyFortScott App to report issues or contact the City Manager for safety issues they see. For safety’s sake, stay out of City job sites. Report them instead. The City Attorney stated that any citizen that is on a City job/work site is trespassing and can be removed from the site. It is for safety and liability reasons that this request is being made.
- Wells:
- Requested a preconstruction meeting for Cape Seal project.
- One, three-, five-, seven- and ten-year capital improvements for streets are being discussed, including the Streets Advisory board for input.
- Looking for master plans for sewer and water lines. A map was previously requested and received from PEC. If we cannot find, can we work with Earles to create new documents? Would like to have a clear infrastructure plan other than fixing leaks and start working on proactive projects. Would like to work with Earles to update if they are found.
- Echo amazing job the streets crew has done over the year and goes back to the leadership, very proud of current individuals on the crew.
- Bus safety is not a suggestion; it is the law. Please be careful and obey the laws.
- Matkin stated that 10th Street will be open by Friday. He is very proud of all the crews (streets, water, golf course, etc.) and all that they do because he pushes them hard. They appreciate that people notice their work.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 – 6:00PM at City Hall.
WORK SESSION: Review of Contracts held by the City: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 – 5:00PM at City Hall preceding the Regular Commission Meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
- VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45PM. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.
APPROVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:45PM.
Respectfully submitted for approval,
Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Health Champion Award Nominees Are Sought
Governor’s Council on Wellness Opens Nominations for the 2024 Health Champion Award
TOPEKA – Each year, the Governor’s Council on Wellness (previously the Governor’s Council on Fitness) recognizes one exceptional individual and one remarkable organization in Kansas who have shown outstanding dedication to promoting health, fitness and wellness in our communities.
Nominees for the 2024 Health Champion Award can come from diverse backgrounds – from health care professionals and educators to community leaders and volunteers. The award highlights outstanding individuals and organizations who have significantly impacted health awareness, disease prevention and overall well-being within our state.
“We are excited to review this year’s nominations and see all the great work being done throughout our state,” said Jody Hoener, GCOW Awards Committee Chair. “We encourage everyone to nominate the Health Champions in their communities.”
The nomination process is simple and can be completed online. The form requires a brief description of the nominee’s accomplishments and how they have positively influenced their community’s health. It also asks some basic questions about the nominee’s contact information so they can be notified if they receive the award.
The deadline to submit the nomination form is October 31, 2023. The winners will be notified via email, and awards will be announced via a press release in late November.
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the Community Health Promotion Summit that will be held in Wichita at the WSU Woolsey Center.
To access the nomination form, please visit https://www.
Road Improvements Start Today on 215th Street, Jayhawk Road
Bourbon County Public Works will be performing chip and seal operations on various roads in Bourbon County. The areas include 215th Street from US 54 Highway to the Linn County line, along with Jayhawk Road from the Railroad Tracks to 245th Street.
Construction will begin Wednesday, August 30, 2023, and will continue through the month of September. One lane of traffic will remain open at all times; however, motorists may encounter lane restrictions, reduced speeds, and flagging operations throughout the work zones. Please follow all traffic control devices when traveling through the work zones.
For additional information, call 620-223-3800 ext. 193
Submitted by
Becky Robertson
Bourbon County Public Works
1.66 Percent Increase Justified to Provide Electricity to Evergy Central Customers.
Kansas Corporation Commission Utilities Staff responds to
Evergy’s rate increase proposal in testimony filed this afternoon
TOPEKA – Kansas Corporation Commission Staff has weighed in on Evergy’s request for a rate increase in both of its’ Kansas service areas. In testimony filed with the Commission this afternoon, Staff’s detailed financial audit of the company’s income and expenses determined that an increase of 1.66 percent or $34,706,527 was all that could be justified at this time to provide service to Evergy Central customers. Staff’s position is in contrast to Evergy’s request for a net revenue increase of $204,152,629 or 9.77 percent.
KCC Staff’s detailed financial audit of Evergy Kansas Metro’s income and expenses determined that a 7.32 percent rate decrease totaling $53,194,189 is appropriate. This is in contrast to Evergy’s proposed rate increase of 1.95 percent or $14,152,521.
While an important part in the process, these results are far from final at this stage. Today is the due date for direct testimony to be filed by KCC Staff and all other intervenors in the rate case. The next steps in the process include cross answering testimony, rebuttal testimony from Evergy, a settlement conference to determine if the parties can agree on a resolution to submit for Commission approval, followed by either a settlement hearing or evidentiary hearing before the Commission. KCC Commissioners will issue a final order in the docket in late December or early January.
Evergy Kansas Central serves 736,000 customers in Topeka, Lawrence, Olathe, Leavenworth, Atchison, Manhattan, Salina, Hutchinson, Emporia, Parsons, Wichita, Arkansas City, El Dorado, Newton, Fort Scott, Pittsburg and Independence, among other towns and rural areas. Evergy Kansas Metro serves approximately 273,000 customers in Lenexa, Overland Park and other communities near the Kansas City metro area.
Testimony filed today is available on the KCC’s website, along with other documents in the rate case.
The Commission is accepting public comments regarding the rate increase request through 5 p.m., September 29, 2023, on its website, by mail to the Commission’s Office at 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or by calling the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.
Mixed-use Development Project Begins in Johnson County
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2023 Specialty Crop Block Grants Awarded
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Sacred Rock Returned to the Kaw Nation
Governor Kelly Celebrates the Return of the Sacred Red Rock to the Kaw Nation
LAWRENCE—Today, Governor Laura Kelly joined Kaw Nation leaders, City of Lawrence officials, and Haskell Indian Nations University and University of Kansas representatives to commemorate the return of the Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe, or Sacred Red Rock, to the people of the Kaw Nation.
“The Sacred Red Rock has long been part of Kansas’ history, and I am honored to participate in its return to its rightful stewards,” Governor Kelly said. “This event marks a significant step forward in ensuring we respect and honor Indigenous peoples, cultures, and traditions.”
Several hundred thousand years ago, a glacier took the rock from an area in what is now southwestern Minnesota to the Kansas River Valley, where it became an important part the Kaw Nation’s spiritual life.
“I am delighted to see our city’s leaders collectively honor the sovereign rights of Tribal Nations by partnering in the return of the Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe Sacred Red Rock,” said Jancita Warrington, Executive Director, Kansas Native American Affairs, Office of the Governor. “Chancellor Girod, Mayor Larsen and the Lawrence City Commissioners have shown both compassion and respect for the Kaw Nation by honoring their request to return this grandfather rock to its cultural and spiritual stewards. This is a great example of a productive partnership between leaders, and I am excited to see what will transpire from this continued relationship moving forward.”
In 1929, the Sacred Red Rock was transported to Lawrence. It currently resides in Buford M. Watson Jr. Park. Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe will now be returned to Kaw Nation land at Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park near Council Grove.
“As an Indigenous person, I am extremely honored and humbled to be a part of this project and this historic event,” said Sydney Purcell, Co-Principal Investigator, Sacred Red Rock Project and Curator for Public Practice at Spencer Museum of Art. “I am in awe that Governor Kelly, Mayor Larson, and the Lawrence City Commission are present to support this effort. It is my hope that the relationships established throughout this project and further concretized with the ceremonious Return of the Rock event will continue long into the future, so that Kaw Nation’s presence is strengthened in the state that bears its name.”
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Update on Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
While making visits to communities across Kansas, I continue to hear concerns about the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Last week, I spoke with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Director, Martha Williams to discuss concerns about her agency’s Request to Secure Water with the Kansas Depart of Agriculture-Division of Water Resources related to senior water rights of the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in south-central Kansas.
If FWS moves ahead to secure water rights, their action could retire critical junior water rights in the Rattlesnake Basin. This means nearly 800 water rights may be shut off by FWS’s action, impacting not just irrigation and livestock water but municipal and industrial water as well. Some stakeholders estimate that the state may lose $300 to $500 million in annual agricultural activity and as much as $1 billion in annual economic activity.
During our conversation, I reiterated the concerns and potential devastation this could bring to rural Kansas communities and the agricultural economy. I will continue working with local stakeholders and state leaders to find a solution that works for everyone.
Read more here in the Topeka Capital Journal.
Pure Imagination moves to K-State Salina
On Tuesday I joined community leaders and elected officials to celebrate and announce a partnership between Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus, Pure Imagination Studios, Salina Airport Authority, and the State of Kansas. Together, the Kansas Advanced Immersive Research and Emerging Systems Center (K-AIRES) will be established to teach and train the next generation with immersive technology in a new state of the art facility.
It was also great to receive an update on the General Atomics innovation ramp also on K-State Salina’s campus, which will be a teaching and research facility dedicated to advanced air mobility. This project is funded in part thanks to General Atomics generous donation to K-State Salina. This partnership with General Atomics is another example of the many businesses that are choosing to invest and build in Kansas.
Federal Investment for Hugoton Police Department
On Thursday, I announced new federal resources for the Hugoton Police Department. As the lead Republican on the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Justice, I worked to help secure these resources for Hugoton and other rural police departments across Kansas. This federal investment allocates funds to the Hugoton Police Department to purchase patrol vehicles.
I appreciated being able to meet and speak with members of the Hugoton Police Department about the importance of supporting law enforcement. Thank you to Police Chief Courtney Leslie, Mayor Jack Rowden, City Clerk Carrie L. Baeza, Ardith Dunn and Steve Morris for joining me for this announcement.
Touring Prairie Food Wednesday
On Wednesday, I was invited to tour PrairieFood Pratt County distribution plant. Prairiefood manufactures a soil additive which restores soil health and fertility using organic waste which would otherwise be discarded. I appreciated the opportunity to learn about a Kansas business helping farmers to raise crop yields and maintain rich ground. With their technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, PrairieFood helps keep Kansas on the cutting-edge in sustainable agriculture. Thank you to Jason and his team for their time and contribution to Kansas’ agricultural heritage.
Listening Tour Stop in Grant County
I am grateful for the Grant County Chamber of Commerce for hosting me for a listening tour stop in Ulysses on Thursday morning. It was a chance for me to meet with members of the community about topics important to southwest Kansas. . We discussed issues such as securing crop insurance that benefits agricultural producers and finding ways to protect markets and programs that allow Kansas farmers to feed the world. I also had the opportunity to hear about the importance of energy independence and how to help small businesses flourish. In many communities across Kansas, small businesses cannot remain competitive or viable when regulations increase the cost of doing business.
Thank you to Marietta Hauser for hosting this conversation, and thank you to Catherine Moyer, Pioneer Communications, Steve Alford and everyone who joined.
Visiting Hugoton High School
My first stop in Hugoton was at the local high school. I was given a tour by Superintendent Adrian Howie, Principal Melody Witt, and students Raeleigh Angell, Jewels Noland, Isaac Martin, and Griffin Heger. As the school year gets underway, it was great to hear from students about their plans for the upcoming year. I am grateful to our teachers who invest their time into instructing young Kansans. Thank you to the students, teachers and administrators for taking the time to meet with me and for sharing more about the great work being done at Hugoton High School.
Touring Southwestern Heights High School
While visiting Kismet on Thursday, I had the opportunity to tour the local high school. I was able to meet many student and teachers and hear about their plans for the new school year. I am always encouraged by my conversations with the bright students across Kansas. Thank you Superintendent Dan Frisby, Principal Ryan Kisner, and students Jaydon Vermillion, Rodrigo Sanchez, Amanda Thurakul, and Emma Stanfield who made a great tour of Southwestern Heights High School possible.
Keynote Speaker at the Liberal Kiwanis Club
I appreciated the opportunity to be the keynote speaker at the Liberal Kiwanis club on Thursday. I was also able to hear updates from the Kansas Department of Transportation and members of the community regarding the future of US 54 and 83 in Seward County. Commercial truck traffic in western Kansas moves valuable goods to locations across the heartland. Some area highways are nearly 50% truck traffic. I was glad to learn KDOT is taking opportunities to learn about traffic concerns from the community.
Thank you to Sarah Thompson and the Noon Kiwanis for allowing me to join. Thanks as well to April Warden, county administrator, Scott Carr, county commissioner, C.J. Wettstein, county commissioner, Ron Hall, KDOT District 6 engineer, Brad Bennett, Seward County Community College President, Rozelle Webb, member of the Liberal Chamber of Commerce, Sarah Thompson, Kiwanis President, Amy Thompson, Kiwanian, Becki Richardson, Epic Touch Communications, and Dr. Todd Carter, USD 480 Superintendent, for taking the time to talk with me.
Touring GE Aerospace
On Friday, I met with Aerospace leaders from GE Aerospace at Strother Field, between Arkansas City and Winfield. GE Aerospace produces components for some of our nation’s biggest regional commercial airlines like Horizon, Alaskan, American, Spirit, and others, as well as our armed forces. I appreciated the opportunity to speak with GE’s aviation mechanics, who took great pride in being a supplier for the military. The work these industry leaders do directly impacts our transportation sector and our national security.
Touring William Newton Hospital
My next stop in Winfield was to William Newton Hospital, where I was greeted by Gary Brewer and Joan Cales, who sit on the Board of Trustees. The staff showed me their new operating rooms, emergency room and developments to the rehabilitation department. Due to the significant challenges facing rural health care, Kansas has seen several rural facilities close in recent years. The pandemic aftermath combined with inflation and staffing shortages have hit rural hospitals the hardest. Solutions like the new Rural Emergency Hospital designation offer critical access hospitals a chance at a higher reimbursement rate while also narrowing the scope of their care to decrease costs. I will continue working with the CMS Administrator to ensure the REH regulations benefit Kansas rural hospitals.
As critical access hospitals like William Newton struggle to keeps their doors open, I will continue to fight for policies in Washington that help our rural communities.
Community Visit in Tampa
On Monday, I traveled to Tampa and made several stops to hear from residents across the area. I visited the Tampa State Bank, which has been supporting locals for more than 100 years in Tampa and Marion. Afterwards, I went to the Gooding Memorial Library to meet and talk with Kansans and explore the library’s book collection. Additionally, I stopped by Agri Trails Coop to learn how the company is serving their community through trading experience and market connections to offer farmers the highest prices for their products. I was sure to drop by the Sante Fe Trail Café for some local, homestyle food before leaving town.
