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Category Archives: Government
Uniontown City Council Unapproved Minutes of April 14
The Regular Council Meeting on April 14, 2026 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Bradley Stewart and Kyle Knight at 7:30PM. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Joe George, Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson and City Clerk Haley Arnold.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUEST
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Johnson presented the March 2026 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $221,034.39, Receipts $64,673.55, Transfers Out $12,899.25, Expenditures $23,766.67, Checking Account Closing Balance $249,042.02. Bank Statement Balance $249,478.14, including Checking Account Interest of $51.51, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $436.12, Reconciled Balance $249,042.02. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $43,462.65, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $24,422.45, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $50,955.80, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $367,882.92. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $143.98, and Utility CDs $693.91 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $837.89. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of March 2026, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. March Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.25; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Gas Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $3,750.00; from Sewer Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $375.00; from Water Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,000; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $3,750.00, for Total Transfers of $12,899.25. Net income for the month of March $28,007.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $48,296.56. Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $129,374.00 (49.0%), Expenditures $131,830.00 (21.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $36,100.00 (26.8%), Expenditures $42,698.00 (19.9%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $124,435.00 (26.1%), Expenditures $142,643.00 (14.0%); General Fund YTD Revenue $147,330.00 (34.8%), Expenditures $234,858.00 (12.9%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,290.00 (27.6%), Expenditures $11,191.00 (18%). The April 2026 payables to date in the amount of $20,546.57.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of March 10, 2026 Regular Meeting
- March Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & April Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
The Codes Enforcement Officer reported a violation at 202 4th Street for trash, debris, and an inoperable vehicle in the driveway. A letter will be sent to the property owner. Mayor Jurgensen reported he had spoken with the property owner at 101 Washington regarding the pool in the front yard; the property owner plans to remove it when weather permits. The Council discussed an update on the property at 401 Sherman. Overgrown grass was reported at 405 Hill. A letter will be sent to the property owner.
Superintendent Rich was questioned by Councilmember Kelly if the Biomist order had been received so fogging could begin. Superintendent Rich confirmed it had been received.
Clerk Arnold presented the KMGA estimated gas supply schedule to the Council.
Motion by Kelly, seconded by Steward, to approve the KMGA estimated gas supply schedule for May 2026 through April 2027. Motion approved 3–0.
The Council discussed placement of trees to be provided by Kiwanis. Possible locations include one tree at the pond near the school and additional trees in the park, depending on availability. The Council reviewed and discussed the EMC 2026–2027 insurance renewal quote and coverage, including comparisons with the previous two years’ policy quotes and coverage.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Knight – none
Councilwoman Kelly – none
Councilwoman Pemberton – none
Councilwoman Pritchett – absent
Councilman Stewart – none
Mayor Jurgensen – A request from a local food truck regarding setting up operations at the park. Discussion included potential approval as well as costs associated with electrical hookup, including scenarios where no hookup would be required.
OLD BUSINESS
FEMA Flooding– Mayor Jurgensen was advised that Marbery Concrete Inc. plans to begin work when weather permits but has not yet started. The City expects work to commence in the near future.
NEW BUSINESS
Moved by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 7:40PM.
The Water Boil Order Is Lifted For Uniontown, KS
Governor Kelly Vetoes House Bill 2412
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed House Bill 2412.
The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2412:
“I concur with legislators who believe that citizen knowledge of and involvement in our democratic process at the local, state and federal level should be emphasized throughout our children’s educational journey. That knowledge would include an understanding that, in Kansas, the Kansas Board of Education is accorded constitutional authority to determine curricula. So, while I support the concept of Civics Education, its design and implementation should be dictated by state and local boards of education.
“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto House Bill 2412.”
Boil Water Advisory Still In Effect For City of Uniontown
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment rescinded a boil-water advisory for the Bourbon County Rural Water District # 2 public water supply system on April 23, according to the KDHE website press release. But the City of Uniontown, located 17 miles west of Fort Scott, is still under a water boil order. That boil order should end this afternoon, if the water samples submitted are cleared.
The City of Fort Scott was cleared to stop boiling its drinking water on April 21, following water samples sent to a KDHE-approved lab.
“Fort Scott has to be cleared first, then Water District #2, and then Uniontown,” said Uniontown City Clerk Haley Arnold.
“(Uniontown City Superintendent) Bobby Rich took the water samples yesterday to the lab at Frontenac to submit them. They have to incubate for 24 hours, so we should find out by 2 p.m. today.”
“Some people thought we were out of the boil order because Water District 2 is our supplier, but we are following the guidelines we have been given,” she said.
The advisory was issued last weekend because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the city of Fort Scott’s distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.
The Boil Water Advisory is still in effect for the City of Uniontown public water supply system, according to the press release.
“Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory,” according to the press release.
“Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the Bourbon Co RWD 2C system indicates no evidence of bacteriological contamination, and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.
“For consumer questions, please contact the Bourbon Co RWD 2C water system at 620-223-1110, or the city of Uniontown water system at 620-756-4742, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information, please visit our webpage: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service.”
KS Unemployment Insurance System Is Modernized
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U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter
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FS Water Boil Order Lifted, But Remains for Bourbon County Residents
KS Works To Improve High-Speed Internet Infrastructure
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FSCC Trustees Press Releases for April 17, April 20 Meetings
April 17 Meeting
Members of the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees met at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, for a board workshop at the Ellis Fine Arts Building.
Chair Doug Ropp called the meeting to order.
Emily Franks with Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips, PA, presented the 2024–2025 final audit.
Dr. Larry Guerrero, Vice President of Academic Affairs, reported that he had received word from the state that Certificate A and Certificate C have been accepted as presented.
President Dr. Jack Welch provided an update on the number of projected graduates for the current school year, along with an update on student headcount. He emphasized that when Fort Scott Community College grows, Fort Scott grows, and that the college serves as a driver of economic opportunity for the community.
Vanessa Poyner, Vice President of Student Affairs, shared information regarding the upcoming Outstanding Student Receptions held in conjunction with graduation. She also noted a new service award for faculty and staff who have made a significant impact on students, based on student feedback, to be presented at the end-of-year luncheon.
Athletic Director Dave Weimer invited the board to the upcoming golf tournament and noted that the Hall of Fame ceremony will be held on May 2.
Courtney Metcalf, Registrar, discussed graduation procedures for board members. As part of the board’s review of the April 20 consent agenda items, topics included board goals, updates on the FRAME grant, a proposed 4.5-day work week, board policies, a food service contract, tuition and fees, and a professional services agreement with USD 234. No action was taken.
Board members also participated in governance training related to KOMA and executive sessions to strengthen understanding and preparedness in those areas.
Chair Ropp adjourned the meeting at 1:41 p.m.
April 20 Meeting
Members of the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, for their regular board meeting at the Ellis Fine Arts Building.
Chair Doug Ropp called the meeting to order.
The Board approved the official agenda with the removal of Item 8.5 Heavy Equipment Operator equipment purchases.
The Board approved the consent agenda as follows:
- Board Minutes
- March 12, 2026, Board of Trustees Special Meeting
- March 13, 2026, Board of Trustees Meeting
- April 06, 2026, Board of Trustees Special Meeting
- Financials – Cash Flow Report
- Check Register – $738,222.98
- Payroll
- March 13, 2026 – $731,953.65
- April 15, 2026 – $707,707.76
- Contract Ratification
- Nevada Baseball Club, Inc.
- Vector Solutions
- STARS (finalized)
The Board approved the following items:
- Board Goals
- 2026–2027 food service contract with Great Western Dining
- Tuition and Fees for the 2026–2027 academic year
- Professional Services Agreement with USD 234
- Personnel Report (as follows)
The Ag and President Ambassadors presented to the Board on their programs. Track, Softball, Baseball coaches and their athletes were recognized for their programs.
Trustee Rhonda Bailey reported on Greenbush and shared information from the KACCT meeting.
Chair Ropp adjourned the meeting at 6:39 p.m.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
APRIL 20, 2026
EMPLOYMENT
- Lindsay Hill – Board Clerk, effective 05/01/26
RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT
- Resignation – Seth Cross, HEP Grant, effective 04/17/2026
- Resignation – Matt Glover, Men’s Basketball Coach, effective 05/15/26
- Resignation – Chris Goddard, Band Faculty, effective 06/03/26
- Resignation – Gina Shelton, Board Clerk, effective 04/30/26
- Resignation – Devon Turner, Choir Faculty, effective 06/03/26
- Retirement – Allen Twitchell, Theater Faculty, effective 05/31/26
NON-RENEWAL
- Non-Renewal – Thomas Cunningham, Harley-Davidson Faculty, 2026-27
ADDITIONAL POSITIONS
- Athletic Trainer Position
- Performance Director Position
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
April 20, 2026
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.
Visiting Kansas Communities Impacted by Tornados
On Monday night, three confirmed tornados touched down and caused severe damage across areas of northeast Kansas. While the storms caused significant physical damage to homes and buildings, thankfully there were no lives lost and few reported injuries. I traveled to Hillsdale on Friday morning to assess the damage and speak with folks in the area about how the federal government can assist them in rebuilding. I walked through the community with Kansas State Rep. Chip VanHouden, State Sen. Doug Shane, Miami County Sheriff Frank Kelly and Miami County Commissioners George Pretz and Tyler Vaughan, and they provided an update on the ongoing relief efforts and how the community is coming together to clean up and rebuild following this devastating storm.
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Later on Friday, I also traveled to Ottawa, where I saw the damage caused by the storm and met with community leaders and residents at Ottawa City Hall who came out to lend a hand to their fellow Kansans. I also appreciated speaking with Kansas State Rep. Rebecca Schmoe, County Commissioner Sabrina Meador, City Commissioner Mike Skidmore, City Manager Thatcher Moddie, Mayor Zach Clayton, Ottawa Chief of Police Adam Weingartner, Ottawa Police Department Lt. Brian Luft and his wife, Jessica, and Ottawa Public Schools teacher Jason Circle to discuss the work ahead and how I can support these efforts.
I want to thank the many volunteers and first responders across our state that are continuing to aid their fellow Kansans during this difficult time. I will continue to work closely with state and local leaders to make certain residents receive the resources and support necessary to recover.
Chairing Joint Hearing on FIFA World Cup 2026 Security Preparations
On Wednesday, in my role as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I led a joint hearing with Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) to examine federal security preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026. We heard from officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the FBI and the Department of Commerce on coordination efforts to protect the safety of fans, athletes and host communities. The World Cup presents an important opportunity to demonstrate the strength of our federal, state and local partnerships and to showcase the U.S. on the world stage, but the success of the event will depend on strong coordination across all levels of government.
Over the past two years, I have worked to make certain Kansas is prepared for this global event. In 2024, I led a bipartisan effort calling on the administration to establish a White House Task Force to coordinate federal planning for the World Cup. I also helped secure $59.5 million for the Kansas City region through the Reconciliation Bill to assist state and local partners with World Cup-related safety and security costs. In March, I also requested an update from DHS on federal planning efforts and coordination with host cities. I will continue working with federal agencies and local partners to make certain Kansas is ready to safely and successfully welcome visitors from around the world.
You can watch my opening remarks here and learn more about efforts to prepare for a safe and successful World Cup here.
Leading a Hearing on Supporting Justice-Involved Veterans
On Wednesday afternoon, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing with veterans from Kansas, advocates from the Veterans Justice Commission and All Rise, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) about federal, state and local programs for justice-involved veterans. We also discussed the importance of Veteran Treatment Courts (VTC) and the DOJ’s plans to establish a National Center for Veterans Justice. During the hearing, we heard from three Kansans: former Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Lawton Nuss, U.S. Army Major General (Ret.) Clyde “Butch” Tate and U.S. Army veteran Corey Schramm from Gardner.
The core premise of VTCs is that many justice-involved veterans are better served by an accountability-and-treatment model, particularly where military service, trauma, PTSD, substance use or related conditions are contributing factors. Since the Johnson County Veterans Treatment Court opened in 2016, five more VTCs have opened across Kansas. Corey Schramm graduated from the Johnson County VTC in 2022, and he shared his story at the hearing. He testified that “behind every statistic is a veteran like myself, who struggled and who, with the right combination of support, can find their way back.” Since his graduation from the VTC, Corey has earned an associate’s degree in addiction counseling, and he now works as an adult care manager at the Johnson County Mental Health Center.
Corey and the other witnesses at this hearing provided clear examples of why Congress works to support veterans as they transition out of the military, and they highlighted the value that veterans bring to our communities and country. In January, Congress passed my legislation to fully fund Veterans Treatment Courts, including $4 million for the DOJ to establish a National Center for Veterans Justice. These investments reflect a welcome focus on justice-involved veterans, not only in Kansas but across the country.
Learn more about VTCs and watch my questioning of the witnesses here.
Update on U.S. Military Operation in Iran
While the two-week ceasefire with Iran continues to be largely upheld, it is due to expire in the coming days unless it is extended. The situation remains tense with the United States Navy maintaining a blockade of Iranian-related shipping in and out of the Persian Gulf, and Iran has reversed its announcement of permitting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, the Strait effectively remains closed, impacting oil supplies and other goods. Last week I followed up on my floor remarks in March to once more urge the White House to resume sanctions on Russian oil, and I believe the decision to renew the sanctions waiver for another month goes against our national interests and does little to ease pressure on American consumers.
Instead of ineffective waivers, prices will depend on a resolution in the Persian Gulf. I continue to call on the administration to provide Congress and the American people with an update on where the conflict currently stands and what the strategy is to reach a successful conclusion. It is my hope that offensive operations can be concluded before the end of the month and our troops begin returning home.
You can read more about this from Bloomberg Government here.
Introducing Kansas Federal Judicial Nominees During Committee Hearing
This week, I had the opportunity to introduce three highly qualified Kansans: Jeffrey Kuhlman, The Honorable Anthony Powell and Tony Mattivi, during their nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding their appointments to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. Each of these nominees brings a strong record of public service, legal experience and integrity, and I was grateful to offer my support for their nominations. Jeffrey Kuhlman brings extensive experience in private practice and previously served as a federal judicial law clerk in Kansas. Hon. Anthony Powell has served Kansans for decades, including as Kansas Solicitor General, a judge in the Eighteenth Judicial District and on the Kansas Court of Appeals. Tony Mattivi most recently led the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and previously served as a federal prosecutor, handling complex and high-profile cases. Following a thorough review process earlier this year where I met with many qualified candidates, I was pleased to support their nominations and will continue working with my colleagues as the Senate considers them for confirmation.
You can watch my introduction of the nominees here.
PASSED: Committee Approves Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Airport Security
On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed my legislation, the SAFEGUARDS Act. For more than a decade, the $5.60 9/11 security fee that passengers pay when they purchase an airline ticket has been diverted to non-security purposes. My legislation would make certain this security fee is returned to its original intent of investing in new technology to help bolster the safety and efficiency of U.S. air travel. I look forward to the passage of this important aviation safety legislation by the full Senate.
You can learn more about my legislation from KSN here.
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KS Youtube Wildfire Risk and Utility Readiness workshop is April 24
TOPEKA – A virtual workshop on Wildfire Risk and Utility Readiness will be hosted by the Kansas Corporation Commission on Friday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
House Bill 2107, passed by the Kansas Legislature during its 2025 session, requires the KCC to hold a workshop addressing the topics of general wildfire risk, mitigation strategies, wildfire emergency response, and managing cost recovery.
This comes at a time when, according to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, wildfires are increasing in frequency, destructiveness, and cost. Wildfire-driven financial risks affect all types of electric utilities, including investor-owned, cooperative, and public.
The virtual workshop will feature a series of presentations from national and local experts, each followed by a Q&A session and discussion. View the agenda.
The workshop can be accessed on the agency’s YouTube channel. No preregistration is required.
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