The City of Fort Scott Street Department will be closing Old Fort Boulevard to Main Street for painting of the parking stalls from 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 22nd, 2022 until the project is completed later in the day.
Should you have any questions, call City Hall at 620-223-0550.
We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience during this time.
Happy Easter!
Christ the Lord Is Risen
Lives again our glorious King,
Where O death is now thy sting?
Dying once He all doth save,
Where thy victory, O grave?
Love’s redeeming work is done,
Fought the fight, the battle won,
Death in vain forbids Him rise,
Christ has opened paradise.
Soar we now where Christ has led,
Following our exalted Head,
Made like him, like Him we rise,
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.
Visiting Cottonwood Complex Fire Damage in Reno County
In early March, a massive wildfire, now known as the “Cottonwood Complex fire,” ravaged parts of Reno County. Residents had to evacuate their homes, and 95 homes, 92 outbuildings and 110 vehicles were destroyed in the blaze. One life was tragically lost.
On Monday, I was welcomed by Chief Steven Beer of the Hutchinson Fire Department and Reno County Emergency Manager Adam Weishaar, who introduced me to the men and women who risk their lives to serve and protect their community. This was an opportunity for me to say thank you to these firefighters. They deserve respect and support, especially as we see more dry and windy conditions each year. We must stay vigilant and practice caution when our weather conditions are conducive to producing these destructive wildfires. In December, we saw several major fires spread out over multiple western Kansas counties. And in recent years, we suffered record-breaking wildfires in Barber County in 2016 and Clark County in 2017.
There are mitigation programs that local, state and federal governments can work together on to help reduce this risk that we face too frequently these days. I was able to take away from this meeting a few objectives, including making sure that funds are available to reduce the invasive eastern red cedars which dominate and choke out much of Kansas’ prairie vegetation.
I am grateful to Fire Chief Beer for allowing me to come to Hutchinson and thank the local first responders, but I recognize that there are so many more that have aided in Reno County’s recovery than the few I was able to visit with on Monday. To those communities near and far who sent your firefighters to Reno County to assist and save lives and property last month: thank you. Your kindness and concern for our neighbors makes me proud to represent such great people. Thank you also to Reno County Commissioner Daniel Friesen and Administrator Randy Partington for joining on the visit and to those who provided me an update on the ongoing efforts to keep the Hutchinson community safe. Watch here or below.
Dreams Worth Chasing: Hosting Former Astronaut Dr. Janet Kavandi in Hutchinson
Discussing STEM Education and Inspiring the Next Generation at the Cosmosphere
This week, I hosted former astronaut Dr. Janet Kavandi to speak to area elementary school students at the Cosmosphere and discuss with them the importance of STEM education. Dr. Kavandi shared her upbringing in Carthage, Missouri and how she was selected to be an astronaut in 1994. She was a mission specialist on three Space Shuttle missions and has spent more than a month in space. Dr. Kavandi is current the president of Sierra Space Corporation and shares my goal of inspiring the next generation.
I was pleased that she was able to share her story and take questions from local students, and the Cosmosphere was the perfect place to host an event like this. The Cosmosphere has been a hub for scientific inspiration and educational innovation for the Hutchinson community, for Kansas and for those who come to visit from across the globe since its founding in 1962. From the digital dome theater to the planetarium to the Hall of Space Museum and hands-on lab, the Cosmosphere does an incredible job getting kids and adults alike interested in science and space.
The students were also given a spacecraft tour after they asked Dr. Kavandi questions about being an astronaut. Through my role on the appropriations committee that provides resources to NASA, I have made certain that STEM education is always a priority. Thank you to Dr. Kavandi for speaking to students in Kansas and for helping me inspire future scientists, engineers and astronauts. I also want to thank Jim Remar at the Cosmosphere and their incredible staff for hosting us.
Reception
On Wednesday evening, I also invited Dr. Kavandi to speak at the Cosmosphere regarding her experience as an astronaut and share about her exciting work as president of Sierra Space Corporation. We were joined by community leaders, Cosmosphere Board of Directors, staff and many others interested in space. Thank you again to Dr. Kavandi for joining us and to Jim Remar for hosting the event.
Speaking with Ag Leaders
Prairie Land Electric Coop Annual Meeting
It was great to be in Norton on Tuesday to speak at the Prairie Land Electric Coop annual meeting. We discussed the need for America to produce enough energy to meet our own needs and not be dependent on foreign suppliers like Russia for our energy. We also discussed issues affecting coops like Prairie Land, including access to supplies to repair damaged powerline infrastructure due to extreme weather and the challenges of keeping electricity affordable and reliable for its members and owners. I discussed my Flexible Financing for Rural America Act, legislation which would allow electric cooperatives to reprice Rural Utilities Service (RUS) loans to take advantage of lower interest rates. Taking advantage of lower rates would allow for better cash-flow management, investment in rural communities, and more savings for consumers.
I appreciate the coop for letting me join their meeting and for giving me an update on the issues they are currently facing. Thank you to Ronald Griffith, president of the board, for inviting me to speak.
Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy
I also visited Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy, an ethanol plant outside Phillipsburg, to tour the business and learn more about its contributions to the ethanol industry. Each year, it produces more than 40 million gallons of ethanol which yields 127,000 tons of high protein livestock feed as a byproduct.
While at the plant, it was useful to hear about their plan to construct a new state-of-the-art wheat protein ingredients facility that will create over 60 new jobs. The company plans to retrofit the plant to accommodate wheat-based ethanol production in the future. Once complete, Prairie Horizon will boast the largest wheat protein facility in North America.
Thank you to Plant Manager Kevin Morgan, Chief Operating Officer Steve Adams, Senior Director Kevin Bogenreif and President Justin Kirchhoff for showing me around the plant and discussing the Summit Agricultural Group’s investment plans. This is an exciting time for Prairie Horizon, and I appreciated Kansas State Senator Rick Billinger, Representative Ken Rahjes and local community leader Denis Miller joining us for the tour.
Visiting with High School Students
Buhler
On Monday, I was pleased to spend part of my afternoon with Buhler high schoolers. I greatly appreciated listening to Mr. Bontrager’s freshman choir and speaking with student leaders Jaylee, Kaden and Tanner as they showed me their school.
Chanute
While I was in Chanute on Wednesday, I spoke with students at Chanute High. I enjoyed seeing all aspects of the school, from visiting their greenhouse to stopping into an art class and a biomedical science class. We discussed the importance of career technical education and STEM, and the opportunities for students to start their careers right here in Kansas. Teachers play a vital role in the development of students across our state, and I thank Superintendent Dr. Kellen Adam, Principal Zach Murray and Assistant Principal Tyler Applegate for speaking with me and for the care they put into educating young Kansans. Thank you to student leaders Carson and Emma for showing me their school. Read more about my visit from the Chanute Tribune here.
Touring Medical Facilities Across Kansas
Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center
This week, I was pleased to be at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute to announce new federal investments in its Imaging Department. Over the past year, I’ve worked closely with Neosho Memorial regarding its need for a new nuclear imaging machine, which is important to providing care for cancer patients, as the existing machine reached the end of its life cycle. It was great to be able to be in Chanute to discuss the importance of both a new SPECT nuclear medicine imaging machine and improvements to the Imaging Department wing to accommodate more patients.
Neosho Memorial provides nuclear medicine and essential cancer detection services to its community, and this new life-saving technology and improvements will allow them to continue to do so for years to come. This is a community-driven solution to the barriers to care so often faced by rural Kansans.
Thank you to Neosho Memorial CEO Dennis Franks and Hospital Foundation Director Anna Methvin for the opportunity to be a part of this grand opening ceremony and for your continued efforts to provide health care services to southeast Kansas.
Rice County District Hospital
I also visited Rice County District Hospital. George Stover, CEO of the hospital, walked me through the facility as we discussed the current condition of rural health care. Kansas officially moved from a pandemic response posture to treating the virus as an endemic disease. However, the CMS vaccine mandate has increased administrative burdens, and rural facilities are still struggling with financial stress as a result of the pandemic. I will continue relaying these concerns to the Department of Health and Human Services and working to ensure Kansas hospitals have the support needed to serve their communities. Thank you to Judy Hodgson, George Stover and Terry Pound for their time visiting with me.
Commemorating Brown v. Board of Education Sites
The Senate recently and unanimously passed legislation to commemorate the historic sites that contributed to the 1954 landmark Supreme Court decision, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. This legislation will expand the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site to include historic sites in South Carolina and designate National Park Service (NPS) Affiliated Areas in other states. It would recognize the importance of the additional sites that catalyzed litigation in Delaware, South Carolina, Kansas, Virginia and the District of Columbia by designating them NPS Affiliated Areas, and expand the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka.
Kansan Linda Brown and her parents took their case all the way to the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education, leading to the unanimous overturn of the ‘separate but equal’ doctrine that discriminated against school children because of their skin color. I look forward to the President signing this legislation into law to expand and preserve the historic sites in Kansas and around the country connected to this case. Kansas has played a key role in the civil rights movement, and we must seek to preserve this legacy which calls on all Americans to uphold the self-evident truth that all men and women are created equal. The bill text is available here.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately funded nonprofit organization that works to save America’s historic places.
The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund is a multi-year initiative led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in partnership with the Ford Foundation, the JPB Foundation, the Open Society Foundations and other partners, working to make an important and lasting contribution to our cultural landscape by elevating the stories and places of African American achievement and activism.
Honoring Veterans Who Helped with Evacuations from Afghanistan
As ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I introduced a resolution honoring the veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and civilian volunteers who organized evacuations during our withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.
Our military personnel worked tirelessly to coordinate flights in and out of Kabul, but another force behind these efforts lies with groups of veteran volunteers who refused to leave their Afghan partners behind. These volunteer veteran groups shared information, drafted flight manifests and coordinated food and supplies to be delivered to families who were in hiding. Without these volunteers, many Afghan men, women and children would have suffered greatly or lost their life. This week, we offered this resolution to officially recognize and thank the veteran volunteers for their efforts to save their Afghan partners from the clutches of the Taliban. The resolution can be found here.
Demanding Answers on Changes to Border Security Policies
This week, I led 12 of my colleagues in seeking answers from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on recent changes to how the department enforces border security and processes migrants at the southern border. In FY2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded 1.7 million encounters with individuals attempting to cross the border illegally, the highest single year total ever recorded. Even more troubling is the fact that this year is on pace to far exceed the record-breaking numbers from last year.
This administration’s continued push to weaken our immigration enforcement, through moves like rescinding the Title 42 public health order, de-prioritization of those eligible for arrest and removal and drastically altering how America grants asylum, is reckless and dangerous. Currently, tens of thousands of migrants are gathering at our Southern border and the policies of the Biden administration are only fueling the impending surge, presenting a serious threat to public safety and will lead to an even greater humanitarian crisis. Read my full letter here.
Graham County Listening Tour Stop
I held a listening tour stop in Hill City this week, where I had the opportunity to speak to and hear from Graham County residents. We discussed the importance of supporting our law enforcement community, Putin’s evil in Ukraine and the United States’ humanitarian efforts to help Ukrainian citizens. I heard concerns regarding border security and the administration’s decision to terminate the Title 42 Order, as well as concerns surrounding local nursing home operations. I was also able to announce federal investments in Graham County Sheriff’s Office to update its mobile communications technology and help as they carry out their duties.
Thank you to Jim Logback for his years of support, to those who took time to share their concerns with me and to Cole Presley, Graham County Sheriff and President of the Kansas Sheriff’s Association for being in attendance.
Visit to Kansas City VA Medical Center
On Friday, I visited Kansas City VA Medical Center where I spoke with KCVA Director Jean Gurga and Assistant Director Ryan Locascio. KCVA plays a vital role in the health care of veterans living in and around eastern Kansas and western Missouri, providing service to over 50,000 veterans each year. I expressed my commitment to working on and passing legislation for toxic-exposed veterans. When our men and women are injured or become ill because of their military service, it is our responsibility to see they receive the health care and benefits they deserve. It is the right thing to do and the cost of going to war.
The facility offers a full range of services with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and research. We discussed the research projects KCVA is conducting, the importance of their community-based outpatient clinics and my veterans’ mental health care legislation.
As ranking member of the Senate VA Committee, I am committed to bolstering the quality of care provided to those who have served and sacrificed.
Visiting Prairie View
From City Hall to the businesses along Main Street, thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to speak with me when I stopped into Prairie View this week.
Passover
Happy Passover to the families and friends who gathered for Seders in Kansas and around the world on Friday evening. Chag Pesach Sameach!
Shane Walker, 53, is the new Fort Scott City Commissioner, replacing Pete Allen who resigned last month.
Walker is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Bourbon County.
He has 10 years experience in a corporate setting, five years running his own business and 18 years of local government experience, he said. He has also been a firefighter for 10 years and has served on a regional Homeland Security board through the State of Kansas.
Walker’s education history involves multiple schools and programs mainly in information technology from IBM, Cisco, Sun and Microsoft.
Currently, he is involved in the community as a part of Gunn Park Trails, a volunteer mountain bike trail group; is the local Historic Preservation Association Vice President and is in the Knights of Columbus.
He and his wife have four daughters.
Walker applied for the city commissioner vacancy because he wants to “help make Fort Scott a better place that my kids want to come back to, after college, and live.”
His first meeting as a commissioner was April 5.
The duties of Fort Scott City Commissioners are to set policy, procedures and budgets, he said.
The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main.
~~Governor Vetoes S Sub For HB 2448, H Sub for Sub SB 286, SB 58, and SB 160~~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed the redistricting maps for the Kansas state House of Representatives, the Kansas state Senate, and the Kansas Board of Education into law and vetoed Senate Sub for House Bill 2448, House Sub for Sub Senate Bill 286, Senate Bill 58, and Senate Bill 160.
The following veto message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of S Sub for House Bill 2448:
“Every Kansan feels the price of the pandemic-induced inflation at the pumps and at the grocery store. The cost of food alone is one of the most significant contributors to inflation overall.
“With the rising costs of these necessities, we should be helping people afford the basics. This bill would unnecessarily burden nearly 30,000 hard-working Kansans, including people caring for their families and impacting those with children.
“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto S Sub for House Bill 2448.”
The following veto message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of H Sub for Sub Senate Bill 286:
“This bill includes valuable provisions that I support, such as expanding telemedicine and criminal penalties for violence against health care workers in hospital settings.
“During the pandemic, I worked with hospitals, frontline care workers, and stakeholders on a narrowly tailored compromise to protect our doctors and nurses responding to COVID-19 while ensuring Kansas patients still had appropriate protections. This was important for those working around the clock, caring for our loved ones during the height of the pandemic.
“However, a last-minute provision was inserted into this bill which gutted our original carefully crafted compromise and indiscriminately broadened protections for health care providers, substantially reducing protections for Kansas patients.
“I will work with the Legislature in a bipartisan fashion on a bill that returns the liability provisions to the original compromise language and include the provisions for telemedicine and enhanced criminal penalties for violence against health care workers in hospital settings so that both Kansas patients and our hard-working healthcare providers are protected.
“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto H Sub for Sub Senate Bill 286.”
The following veto message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 58:
“Throughout the pandemic, parents had to step up and do the impossible. Go to work. Take care of their children. Teach, tutor and facilitate their children’s learning. When it comes to their children’s education, parents can and should play a vital role. We know that parental engagement in their child’s education greatly impacts the outcome.
“This bill, however, is about politics, not parents. Over one hundred Kansas parents testified against this bill. It would create more division in our schools and would be costly. Money that should be spent in the classroom would end up being spent in the courtroom.
“That’s unacceptable, especially after our efforts to bring Democrats and Republicans together to fully fund our schools for the last four years.
“I look forward to working with the Legislature in a bipartisan fashion on a bill that gives parents a seat at the table without harming school funding or exacerbating the issues facing our teachers.
“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 58.”
The following veto message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 160:
“Both Republican and Democratic Governors have joined me in vetoing similar divisive bills for the same reasons: it’s harmful to students and their families and it’s bad for business.
“We all want a fair and safe place for our kids to play and compete. However, this bill didn’t come from the experts at our schools, our athletes, or the Kansas State High School Activities Association. It came from politicians trying to score political points.
“This bill would also undoubtedly harm our ability to attract and retain businesses. It would send a signal to prospective companies that Kansas is more focused on unnecessary and divisive legislation than strategic, pro-growth lawmaking.
“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 160.”
~~ Senate Substitute for House Bill 2279 Allows Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to Provide More Care to Kansans~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that she signed Senate Substitute for House Bill 2279. The bipartisan bill expands access to health care in Kansas by removing barriers, allowing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to practice independently.
“Kansas, like so many other states, is experiencing a health care shortage – especially in rural parts of the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This will improve the availability of high-quality health care by empowering APRNs to reduce local and regional care gaps.”
“This bill will increase access to care for all Kansans, many of whom rely on safe and expert APRN care today,” Amy Siple, APRN, president of Kansas Advanced Practice Nurses Association, said. We applaud Governor Kelly and the Kansas legislature for taking this step towards greater access, quality outcomes, and reduced regulatory barriers. As the 26th state to remove these barriers for APRNs, Kansas demonstrates a commitment to improving the health of its citizens.”
Senate Sub. for HB 2279 requires an APRN to maintain malpractice insurance and national certification for initial licensure as an APRN. It also requires that these medical professionals comply with federal Drug Enforcement Administration requirements related to controlled substances to prescribe controlled substances.
Additional information about Senate Sub for HB 2279 can be found here.
Reviewed capital improvement projects for 2021-2023 using COVID grant funding. Among other
qualifiers, anything done to spread students out or renovate HVAC systems qualified for use of
HEERF funds.
FSCC received $5,085,879, and $2,715,070 has been spent thus far. Projects include:
Robert Nelson commented that FSCC hasn’t had so many projects going on at the same time, and
it’s great that so many things are going. Alysia credited the staff involved handling the projects and
attributed the timelines of the projects to completion time frames required by the grants.
Shared Strategic Plan document. Ralph will follow up with more information regarding the
Strategic Plan.27
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, April 18, 2022.
The Board departs FSCC at 4:00 p.m., tour the Harley facility, and
proceed to the Crawford Technical Education Center (CTEC) in Pittsburg.
Upon arrival at CTEC, dinner will be served, and the regular board meeting will be conducted.
Depart Fort Scott Community College to Harley, then to CTEC
Dinner at CTEC at 5:00 followed by regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Tour of CTEC Facility
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Board Work Session and Regular Meeting conducted
on March 21, 2022, 6 and 88
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 91
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 150
A. Consideration of Greyhound Lodge Renovation Bids, 150
B. Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding with Southeast Kansas Education
Service Center (Greenbush), 153
C. Consideration of Food Service Agreement, 156
D. Confirmation of Emeritus Status Retirees, 163
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 164
REPORTS, 180
A. Administrative Updates, 180
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 193
ADJOURNMENT, 1941
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, April 11, 2022
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Board of Education office on Monday, April 11, 2022, for their regular monthly meeting.
President James Wood opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda. The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – March 10, 2022 – $1,437,997.40
D. Financial Report
E. Activity fund accounts
F. FCCLA Fundraiser Application
G. Parent/Teacher Conference statistics
H. KASB Dues and Legal Assistance Fund
I. Negotiations lists for 2022-23
J. Use of a school bus for the Class of 1966 for June 25
K. Memorandum of Understanding with Greenbush Food Purchasing Consortium
L. Extended Trip Application – Film Festival Competition
The Fort Scott High School Sociology students gave a presentation on Hats in School. They reported their research, observations, and surveys for allowing students to wear hats to school.
Board members approved Resolution 21-12 Authorizing and Providing for the Sale, Issuance, and Delivery of Taxable General Obligation Refunding Bonds.
Brenda Hill, Fort Scott KNEA President, gave a report on year-end activities.
Written reports were shared by principals.
In addition, the board heard a report from Dalaina Smith, Academics Director. Board members approved a PLC Summer Institute for teachers.
Ted Hessong, Superintendent; and Gina Shelton, Finance Director/Board Clerk. presented reports.
Board members approved the following items:
· Academic calendar for the 2022-23 school year
· High School course changes/additions for the 2022-23 school year
· Make-up snow days
· Virtual Academy Memorandum of Understanding with Greenbush
Superintendent Hessong gave an ESSER III update.
The board approved a Benchmark change order to add Winfield Scott roofing to the bid documents.
Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel. The board returned to open meeting and amended the agenda. Board members approved the creation of a board-member committee to have exit interviews with administrators. The committee would consist of four board members in a special meeting with an executive session. The board approved the following employment matters:
A. Resignation of Melissa Miller, Winfield Scott Principal, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
B. Resignation of Martin Altieri, Winfield Scott Assistant Principal, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
C. Resignation of Andrea Scott, Fort Scott Preschool Principal/Special Education Coordinator, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
D. Resignation of Abby Dixon, Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
E. Resignation of Kerry Pommier, Eugene Ware counselor, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
F. Resignation of Torrie Singmaster, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
G. Resignation of Kelcy Schnaufer, preschool teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
H. Resignation of Travis Toth, high school social science teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
I. Resignation of Renee Scales, middle school special education teacher, effective May 17, 2022
J. Resignation of Lindsay Knopp, Winfield Scott second grade teacher, effective May 13, 2022
K. Resignation of Shytanna Reed, middle school paraprofessional, effective March 15, 2022
L. Resignation of Elizabeth Rose, preschool paraprofessional, effective May 13, 2022
M. Resignation of Shana Staton, preschool paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
N. Resignation of Afton Brown, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
O. Termination of Adrianne Wisdom, high school paraprofessional, effective February 17, 2022
P. Transfer of Jamie Rogers, middle school math teacher, to high school math teacher for the 2022-23 school year
Q. Transfer of Ashlea Taylor, Winfield Scott special education teacher, to first grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year; transfer of Kaitlin Arnold, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, to second grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year; transfer of Tyler Ericson, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, to second grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
R. Transfer of Kim Eastwood, Winfield Scott second grade teacher, to Eugene Ware music teacher for the 2022-23 school year
S. Transfer of Madeline Martin to the high school counselor position for the 2022-23 school year
T. Transfer of Angie DeLaTorre, Eugene Ware secretary, to high school secretary/registrar for the 2022-23 school year
U. Transfer of Brandi Pitts, high school custodian, to central office head custodian, effective May 13, 2022
V. Employment of David Heidrick as a middle school special education teacher for the 2022-23 school year
W. Employment of Michael Durnell as a high school math teacher for the 2022-23 school year
X. Employment of Sydney Crapson as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
Y. Employment of Evangelina Korinke as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
Z. Employment of Anna Kim as a Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
AA. Employment of Abigail Duffy as a Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
BB. Employment of Kim Carpenter as a Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
CC. Employment of Toni Burton as a middle school part-time teacher aide for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
DD. Employment of Angela Colvin as a middle school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
EE. Employment of Sean Herring as a Eugene Ware 6.5-hour cook for the 2022-23 school year
FF. Employment of Fort Scott Preschool Center licensed staff for the 2022-23 school year
GG. Employment of Winfield Scott licensed staff for the 2022-23 school year
HH. Employment of Eugene Ware licensed staff for the 2022-23 school year
II. Employment of Fort Scott Middle School licensed staff for the 2022-23 school year
JJ. Employment of Fort Scott High School licensed staff for the 2022-23 school year
KK. Employment of licensed special education and technology staff for the 2022-23 school year
LL.Transfer of Erin Campbell, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, to Eugene Ware paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
MM. Transfer of Tiffnie Spears, Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher, to Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
NN. Transfer of Jeffery Pommier, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher, to Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
OO. Transfer of Danielle Cavin, Eugene Ware special education teacher, to Fort Scott Middle School special education teacher for the 2022-23 school year
PP. Employment of Dale Brauer as a middle school math teacher for the 2022-23 school year
QQ. Employment of Lienna Upchurch as a Eugene Ware special education teacher for the 2022-23 school year
RR. Employment of Karen Gordon as Eugene Ware counselor for the 2022-23 school year
SS. Employment of Sierra Muellner as a Winfield Scott low incidence special education teacher for the 2022-23 school year
TT. Employment of Cynthia Hemphill-Witham as a preschool center paraprofessional for the 2022-23 school year
UU. Employment of Angelica Gonzalez as a middle school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
VV. Termination of Susan Karleskint, high school one-day-a-week ESOL teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
WW. Addition of After-School Program coordinator positions for Winfield Scott, Eugene Ware, and Fort Scott Middle School for the 2022-23 school year
The board adjourned.
April 5, 2022 Tuesday at 6 pm
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioner Harris,
Commissioner Oharah and the County Clerk. They were present for the entire meeting.
Commissioner Beth was present for a portion of the meeting.
Also present for the meeting were, (some were present for a portion of the meeting, some were
present for the entire meeting) Matt Quick, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, Deanne Weir,
Charlotte Ernest, Debra Matt, Earl Capp, Vicki Capp, Kim LaPorte, David Scharenberg, Dan
Laughlin, Steven Hall, Jan Laughlin, Ronald Burton, Jarad Lord, Donald Coffman, Clint Walker,
Mike Hueston, Alyssa Firley, William Peters, Nadine Leach, Butch Leach, Fred Larson,
Woodrow Brown, and Brandon Whisenhunt.
Jim thanked everyone for coming.
Lynne made a motion to approve the previous weeks minutes as well as the work session. Jim
seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Eric Bailey presented a permit for Josh Query at 2504 Limestone Rd for an entry culvert. Lynne
made a motion to approve the permit. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Eric reported that they were able to get Elm Creek burned. He said that they have started
crushing at Thomas Quarry. Eric said that Schwab Eaton had been in town looking at the low
water crossings and are finishing up and they should have that report back in about a month. Eric
asked the commissioners if they were still planning to have a hard surface meeting next week.
They all agreed that they wanted to have a meeting next week following the regular commission
meeting. Eric reported that IEA is finishing up on the punch list regarding the windmill project
and should be turning the roads back over soon.
Hay bids were opened. Jim made a motion to approve the highest bid for each property which are
as follows:
Elm Creek – Joe Tirri $3357.00
Native Road – Steve Sinn $251.00
Tower – Steve Sinn $25.00
Lynne seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne Made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation
with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client
relationship, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room and
will be for 7 minutes returning at 6:18 pm and will include Commissioners Harris and Oharah
(Commissioner Beth was not present) and Justin Meeks. Jim seconded and Jim and Lynne
approved.
Lynne made a motion to return to normal session at 6:18 pm with no action. Jim seconded. Jim
and Lynne approved.
Lynne Made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data
relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual
proprietorships, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room at
6:26 pm. Included will be Commissioners Harris and Oharah (Commissioner Beth was not
present), Justin Meeks, and Susan Bancroft. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 6:26 pm with action. Jim seconded. Jim and
Lynne approved. Lynne made a motion to allow Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft to work
together on a partnership regarding Elm Creek. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss
personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy, the
Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room at 6:34 pm. The session
will be for 5 minutes and include Commissioners Harris and Oharah (Commissioner Beth was
not present) Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 6:34 pm. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne
approved.
Commissioner Beth joined the meeting.
Justin said that they are asking the commissioners to change the title for Shane Walker to Chief
Information Officer and Susan Bancroft to Chief Financial Officer. He said there is no change in
pay, only the title, and it is to encompass all of their job titles into one. Jim made a motion to
change Shane Walkers title to Chief Information Officer and Susan Bancroft to Chief Financial
Officer. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan Bancroft said that she has a letter from I AM REHAB requesting to renew their contract
for another year which would take it through May of 2023. Clifton asked when the contract for
Via Christi renews. Susan said she believed that it was in August. Lynne made a motion to renew
the contract for I AM REHAB for another year. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan said that they need to elect one of the commissioners as a voting delegate for the KAC.
She said that they are wanting to add an HR group to the organization and one of them would
need to complete to voting form. Clifton made a motion to allow Jim as the voting delegate for
KAC. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan said that based on the appraisal of the medical building done during the feasibility study,
that it appraised for much more than they anticipated and that the amount of insurance needs to
be increased to at least $7 million in coverage on the building itself. Clifton made a motion to
increase the amount of coverage on the medical building to $7 million. Lynne seconded. All
approved.
Susan asked if they would be interested in doing a joint KOMA training with the City of Fort
Scott. Clifton said that he and Lynne had already been through the training and are not interested
in doing it again at this time. Jim said he would possibly participate depending on his schedule.
Public Comment:
Vicki Capp asked what the plan is for Yale Road? Are they going to fix it and repave it or turn it
into gravel and leave it gravel? Eric said that the base on Yale Road is failing and it would have
to be taken back to gravel and the base needs to be rebuilt before it would be able to be repaved.
That is the plan for it, but at this time, nothing has been decided and they are having a meeting
next week to address the plan for hard surface roads. Vicki asked if the one cent sales tax was
still in place to help maintain the road? Susan said that it is still in place but is for all roads. Jim
explained that when the sales tax was passed that it was enough to maintain what was already
paved. Then they added more miles of paved roads and it is hard to keep up with it all and find
money to maintain it all. There are roads in every part of the county that need attention. David
Scharenberg asked if all three of the commissioners supported repaving Yale Road. Lynne said
that has always been his plan was to repave it. Jim said that each district should see 1/3 of the
sales tax money and he would support what Lynne wanted to do with the 1/3 he receives for his
district. Clifton said he had roads in his district that are bad too and need repaired and they would
do the best they could with what they have. There was more discussion regarding the road
conditions in the northwestern part of the county.
Ronald Burton asked about the county helping with Union Street on the edge of Mapleton. Justin
said they cannot do that because it is the city limits and that would be competing with the private
sector. He asked if he could close it to through traffic when it gets too bad? Justin said yes since
it was in the city limits. He asked if he annexed it out of the city then would the county maintain
it? Justin answered that then it would be a county road and they would be responsible for
maintaining it.
Mike Hueston asked if the commission could recap the presentation that was given by Nobel
since they were unable to attend that meeting. Clifton talked about the highlights of the
information given by Noble. Hueston asked about the condition of the ambulance wearing out
and need replaced. Clifton said that this something they will have to evaluate and get a plan in
place. He said that the county has purchased one new ambulance but the others were given by
Mercy and they cannot give them or sell them for a certain timeframe.
Commissioners Comments:
Lynne said that they are working on getting a cell tower up in that area and getting internet for
everyone in that area. He said that he wanted to keep taxes the same and not have to increase
them. He thanked everyone for coming.
Clifton thanked everyone for coming to the meeting.
Jim thanked everyone for coming and was glad they had a good turnout. He said that they are
planning to keep having meetings at outside locations and since they had a good turnout would
be back at Mapleton again. He said that they are going to work hard to keep taxes from raising.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
Kansas Jayhawks Win Fourth NCAA Championship!
Senate Passes Resolution Congratulating Jayhawks on NCAA Basketball Championship
On Monday, the Jayhawks defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 72-69 to secure their fourth NCAA men’s basketball Division I championship title. On Wednesday, the Senate passed the resolution I introduced recognizing the team on their victory.
Congratulations to Coach Bill Self and the entire team on winning this year’s tournament. Watching the biggest comeback in the history of the championship game was nerve-racking, and it was an incredible feat of teamwork, heart and perseverance. Coach Self and his team have secured a special place within Kansas’ rich basketball legacy with this well-earned win and a season in which Kansas won the Big 12 conference and became the NCAA’s all-time winningest program.
Remarks on the Senate Floor
Only a team that sees the glass half full could come back after being down by 16 points and clinch the victory. This speaks to the Kansas Men’s Basketball Team’s perseverance and belief in themselves. It’s moments like these that Kansans remember forever, and I share the excitement of all Jayhawk fans. Watch my remarks here or below.
Supporting Veterans
Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act
I am working to create a fair, transparent and responsive process for toxic-exposed veterans beginning with the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act. This legislation is the quickest way to make certain sick veterans who are suffering from the effects of toxic substances are immediately eligible for life-saving health care.
For six weeks this bill has sat in the House of Representatives rather than being sent to the President’s desk to start making an impact for sick veterans. When our men and women suffer the consequences of military service, it is our responsibility to see they receive the health care and benefits which they earned. It is the right thing to do and the cost of going to war. Watch my remarks here or below.
Veteran Dental Care Roundtable
I was pleased to take part in a roundtable this week with Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, my colleagues, the VA Office of Dentistry and key stakeholders from VSO and oral health communities. VA’s Office of Dentistry needs to be able to reach the right veterans, with the right care and through the right provider. In caring for veterans’ dental needs, it is important that VA has adequate capacity in treatment rooms and skilled staff. Given recent trends in patient pool growth and lagging department capabilities, I look forward to working with VA and my colleagues to make certain that veterans with dental needs stemming from military service have access to a VA that is able to meet those needs.
RESPECT Act
On Thursday, I introduced the Reinforcing Enhanced Support through Promoting Equity for Caregivers Today (RESPECT) Act. This legislation will improve the VA’s current process of evaluating and assessing veterans with unseen conditions and injuries who are dependent on a caregiver. Our nation’s veterans who require a caregiver due to a mental health condition or brain injury deserve an evaluation and assessment process equivalent to veterans who have physical health conditions. To this point, the RESPECT Act will make certain that mental health professionals and neurological specialists participate in the evaluation and assessment process for veterans. I look forward to continued work with the VA on improving how we care for our nation’s veterans, who should be of the utmost importance to all of us.
Highlighting Need for American Energy Independence
This week, I spoke with several of my Republican colleagues about the importance of supporting American energy independence, producing homegrown energy and protecting the United States’ national security through domestic production.
We have homegrown solutions to our energy challenges, and this administration is refusing to accept or pursue any of them. Common sense tells us to look for ways to lower gas prices and be self-reliant for oil and gas—then let’s produce our own energy. Instead, every policy from this administration discourages and decreases that opportunity. Watch my remarks here or below.
Commerce Hearing
This week, as a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, I attended a hearing regarding the oil and gas industry and the significant increase in prices that Americans are experiencing at the gas pump. President Biden, in a quest to reduce America’s use of fossil fuels and satisfy environmental extremists, has taken a number of steps that have a detrimental impact on the price of gas. In his first year in office, President Biden sought to constrain the oil and gas sector’s access to capital, blocked construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, proposed new regulations and increased taxes on oil and gas producers and blocked new drilling leases on federal lands and waters. These actions led to the average price for a gallon of gas increasing by nearly a dollar a month before Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Common sense tells us to produce more oil here in the United States, which has the capability to meet the oil production needs of Americans, and where our oil production and refining capabilities are the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly in the world. Instead, President Biden has looked to other countries, including America’s adversaries in Venezuela and Iran, for an increase in oil output during a national security crisis. President Biden has stubbornly refused to reverse course and take the necessary steps to unleash America’s energy industry. We must embrace an all-of-the-above strategy to increase energy production where our domestic oil and gas producers play a significant role.
Visiting NBAF
I toured the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) this weekend to receive an update on the construction and commissioning of the state-of-the-art facility. Once completed, which is expected this year, it will replace the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center located in New York. The mission of NBAF will be to protect U.S. livestock from foreign animal diseases, including zoonotic diseases that can pose significant threats to human health. It will be the first biocontainment facility in the U.S. where research can be done with BSL-4 agents
As a member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Agriculture, I will continue to work to provide full funding for the facility. NBAF is the largest federal investment to ever occur in Kansas and will be a critical asset for both our state and America’s national security. Thank you to Mr. Tim Barr, Dr. Alfonso Clavijo and the staff at NBAF for providing me the tour and update.
Speaking with Secretary Wormuth and General McConville
Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth and Chief of Staff of the Army James McConville joined me on a call this week to discuss the crisis in Ukraine as well as Army stationing, military construction and budget priorities for this year. In our discussion I advocated for the best funding possible for our active duty, national guard and reserve soldiers so they can accomplish any mission thrown at them, at home or abroad.
As the crisis in Ukraine continues, it remains imperative to me that we deliver lethal aid as quickly as possible to the Ukrainian Army to help them fight for their freedom. The thug Vladmir Putin has wreaked havoc on Ukraine and his actions threaten to destabilize Europe. I voiced my concerns about Ukraine to Secretary of the Army Wormuth and General McConville, and I was thankful to have the opportunity to urge them to provide much needed support to Ukraine.
I was also pleased to discuss Secretary Wormuth’s visit to Fort Leavenworth, where she met students from the Command and General Staff College and learned more about the Combined Arms Center. Fort Leavenworth remains the intellectual center of our Army and continues to prepare leaders to face the challenges of modern warfare. I also shared the unique attributes of Fort Riley with the Secretary and CSA. The Army continues to consider several strategic stationing decisions to better balance the force to respond to global threats. In responding to global threats—including the crisis in Ukraine—the Army often considers the capabilities of Fort Riley and the First Infantry Division. In my conversation, I reminded them that Fort Riley would benefit greatly from the construction of new enlisted barracks. This construction would serve as a key step in welcoming another Brigade Combat Team back to Fort Riley. We also discussed the possibility of welcoming an aerial defense “iron dome” battery to Fort Riley. This sixty person unit would enhance our Army’s defense against enemy missiles and bolster the capabilities of the First Infantry Division as they conduct their rotational deployments. Finally, we discussed the possibility of establishing a National Intrepid Center of Excellence at Fort Riley. These centers are the gold standard for treating traumatic brain injuries and other mental health issues for active duty military members and veterans. As the ranking member of Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I remain committed to delivering the very best health care opportunities for those that have served our country.
Meeting with Kansans
Kansas Members of the U.S. Travel Association
On Wednesday, I met with Kansans who are members of the U.S. Travel Association. We covered a wide array of topics including the urgent need to create policies in response to COVID-19 to address the uneven recovery across industry sectors and communities nationwide, workforce and labor issues, as well as tax incentives to spur businesses’ travel demands.
Prior to COVID-19, Kansas’ travel and tourism industry was a significant economic driver and the eighth largest workforce in our state. However, due to historic declines in travel in 2020 and 2021, travel spending in Kansas is now 14 percent below 2019 levels. We must create commonsense solutions to remedy the travel and tourism industry so that Americans across the country have the ability to explore every corner of Kansas and experience our special way of life. It was great to catch up with Natalie, Julie, Jim and Kevin and hear about how about they are working to ensure Kansas will rebound. I will continue to advocate on their behalf and champion the travel and tourism industry in Kansas.
Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason
On Tuesday, I met with Fort Hays State University President Dr. Tisa Mason in Washington, D.C. We discussed the university’s initiatives to meet the higher education and workforce needs of Kansas. I appreciated the update and opportunity to speak with her while she was in town, and I thank Dr. Mason for all she does to advance FHSU’s mission and goals.
National Skills Coalition
I met with Jamie Hall of Great Plains Manufacturing in Salina and Renee Duxler of the Salina Chamber of Commerce to discuss the ongoing efforts to increase Salina’s skilled workforce and how that workforce development legislation can support those efforts. In particular, we discussed our shared support of the JOBS Act, of which I am a cosponsor, legislation that would that would establish Pell grant-eligibility for short-term job training programs. We also discussed how the shortage of quality, affordable housing impedes workforce and economic development in Salina. I thank both Jamie and Renee for visiting with me on ways we can work together to improve workforce development and bolster the economic standing of Salina and north-central Kansas.
Mike Jennings of HF Sinclair
I was pleased to meet with Mike Jennings, CEO of HF Sinclair, this week in Washington, D.C. HF Sinclair is an independent energy company that produces and markets products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, renewable diesel and other specialty products. HF Sinclair owns and operates multiple refineries in the U.S., including a refinery in El Dorado which employs 600 Kansans. During our meeting, we discussed how the Biden administration’s energy policies are stifling oil and gas exploration and production, and Mike provided me with an update on operations at their El Dorado refinery and other assets in Kansas. I appreciate Mike updating me on their operations in Kansas.
National Stripper Well Association
I met with members of the National Stripper Well Association this week, where we discussed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed methane regulation, the proposed listing of the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act and the Biden administration’s hostility towards oil and gas producers. Kansas is home to many stripper wells which provide much of our state’s crude oil production, and I appreciate the Kansas members of National Stripper Well Association for sharing their federal priorities with me. The oil and gas industry has long been a vital contributor to Kansas’ economy, and I will continue to work to stop misguided policies emanating from Washington which hinder Kansas and American oil and gas production.
Meeting with American Academy of Ophthalmology
I met with Dr. William Clifford in Washington, D.C. this week along with several ophthalmologists finishing their residency at the University of Kansas Health System. We discussed the need to reduce barriers to care by streamlining current prior authorization and step therapy protocols, which would better allow patients to access the eye care they need in a timely manner. With the staffing shortages facing the health care workforce, it is especially important for specialists like ophthalmologists to work in or near Kansas’ rural communities. I also shared my concerns with the scope of practice regulations the Department of Veterans Affairs is considering when it comes to ophthalmology. VA should allow ophthalmologists and health care specialists to adhere to scope of practice laws in the state where each VA facility is located, rather than limit the ability of well-trained health care professionals to care for veterans to the fullest extent possible. I’m grateful to Dr. Clifford for taking the time to advocate for access to care and to the residents for accompanying him and sharing with me how I can best support them in their work.
Kansas Representatives of America’s Beer and Beverage Distributors
On Tuesday, I was pleased to meet with a group of Kansas representatives of America’s Beer and Beverage Distributors to discuss their interests and challenges they are facing, including the importance of state regulation of alcohol, the importance of the “three-tier” distribution system for alcoholic beverages and labor shortages, particularly in the trucking industry. Many sectors are facing significant shortfalls when it comes to labor availability, but the trucking industry has faced a long-term driver shortage that impacts many areas of the economy due to the importance of trucking to American supply chains. I have sponsored two bills to help alleviate this issue, the DRIVE-Safe Act, which has been signed into law establishes an apprenticeship program to allow for the legal operation of a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce by CDL holders under the age of 21, and the Women in Trucking Workforce Act, which has also been signed into law and supports women in the trucking industry. I will continue to work with America’s Beer and Beverage Distributors on the trucker shortage and other challenges facing the industry.
Overland Park Police Department
On Monday, before heading back to Washington, D.C., I met with Chief Frank Donchez, of Overland Park Police Department to discuss their work to protect the Overland Park community, including license plate recognition technology. License plate recognition is a vital tool for law enforcement to combat violent crime, and it allows agencies to more quickly and effectively communicate, identify and apprehend a stolen vehicle or the car from an amber alert. I look forward to working with Chief Donchez, and law enforcement leaders across the state, in the future to bring these vital public safety tools back to Kansas. Thank you to Chief Donchez and Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog for their time this week.
Kansas City Building Trades
I visited with representatives from the Kansas City Building Trade Council this week where we discussed infrastructure projects and energy production in Kansas. I appreciate the Kansas City Building Trades Council for taking the time to visit with me and educate me on their federal priorities.
Protecting Life
This week, I joined several Republican colleagues in sending a bicameral letter to Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chief of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Robert Contee and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland after learning of gruesome reports of five babies whose lives were taken through late-term abortion in Washington, D.C. last week.
Instead of ensuring that the horrific deaths of these children were properly investigated, Metropolitan Police made the assumption that each child died as the result of a legal abortion. It is our understanding that Metropolitan Police made this assumption without conducting any medical evaluations. We also understand from press reports that the D.C. medical examiner does not plan to perform autopsies on the children. This is completely unacceptable. Read the full letter here.
Meeting with PNC Bank
I met with representatives from PNC Bank on Tuesday to hear about their expansion throughout Kansas. We discussed ways to grow access to financial services, the role that local banks play in our communities as well as important issues surrounding fintech and consumer data protection. I appreciate their commitment to providing Kansans with access to the banking services that support our families and local businesses.
Addressing the Salina Chamber
On Friday evening, I was in Salina for the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet where I was able to speak with members in attendance and introduce the guest speaker, Jay Leno. Mr. Leno invests in Kansas by way of scholarships he sponsors at McPherson College’s Automotive Restoration Department, the only place in the United States that offers a four-year degree in Automotive Restoration. I appreciated him traveling to Kansas to be with this group of business leaders as they continue to work to promote the Salina community, improve the quality of life Salina citizens enjoy and foster the economic health of local businesses. Thank you to Eric Brown, Chamber CEO, and his team for the opportunity to address their members and spend the evening with them in Salina.
Visiting Great Plains Manufacturing
On Friday, I visited the Great Plains Construction Equipment (CE) Facility to tour progress on renovations to the building that will house the manufacturing of Kubota construction equipment. This facility is an incredible asset to the economy of Saline County, the surrounding region and state as it will bring jobs of various skilled areas to the community as well as be an economic driver for other businesses. I am pleased to see Great Plains Manufacturing continue to grow their footprint in Salina and further expand.
Troop 74 Pancake Feed
Stopped by First Presbyterian in Manhattan on Saturday morning for some Troop 74 pancakes!
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April 1, 2022
The legislature finished the 2022 regular session and will begin the 2022 veto session on April 25. There were several pieces of legislation passed by the legislature. Let’s hope the Governor doesn’t veto them.
Fairness in Women’s Sports, Conference Committee Report (CCR) 160, is to ensure participation in women’s sports is for biological women. The Senate vote was 25 to 13. The Senate would need 27 votes for a veto override. I voted Yes and will vote Yes on a veto override. Last year the Governor vetoed the legislation and there were not enough votes for an override.
Election Security was addressed in three CCRs, 2138, 2056, and 2252. CCR 2138 had several provisions like requiring watermarked paper for ballots starting in 2024, cleaning up voter rolls, and language for election audits in even-numbered years of four counties, different each election – one with a population greater than 90,000; one with a population between 20,000 and 90,000; and two under 20,000. It passed the Senate 28 to 8. CCR 2056 would limit the county election offices use of drop boxes to one for every 30,000 voters. There are currently no restrictions on these drop boxes, so this is an improvement. Twenty-seven Senators voted Yes and 12 voted No. CCR 2252 would block the Governor or Secretary of State from altering election law without approval by the legislature. It passed 27 to 12. I voted Yes on all three CCRs.
I’ve seen press releases that Mississippi passed a law to block Zuckerberg and other money from influencing elections. Last year, I introduced several amendments to protect our elections and they became law, including stopping Zuckerberg and other money being used in Kansas elections. It took a veto-override of 2/3 legislators to become law, but election security prevailed.
Redistricting map for the State Board of Education (name of the map: Apple 7) board members passed 31 to 8, Senate Bill (SB) 557. I voted Yes. The U.S. Congress map that passed the legislature early in session, has been challenged in court. We should hear the results of the court case before April 25. The Kansas Senate map (Liberty 3) and Kansas House map (Free State 3F) were put in CCR 563, along with Apple 7. The maps could have been drawn several different ways. As with most legislation, there was good and bad. The negative outweighed the positive on CCR 563 for Senate District 12 and other districts so I was a No vote. It passed 29 to 11.
Banned: Sanctuary Cities and Counties that restrict law enforcement from cooperating with federal authorities and allow the use of municipal identification cards to satisfy proof of identity, including for voter identity, will be banned when House Bill (HB) 2717 becomes law. It passed the Senate 29 to 10 and the House 84 to 38. I voted Yes.
A proposed Constitutional Amendment will be on the November 2022 ballot, allowing voters to decide if the Kansas Constitution should be amended to require County Sheriffs to be elected, except for Riley County. Some counties were attempting to appoint a Sheriff like they have been doing in Riley County for years. A majority of legislators teamed with local Sheriffs to pass HCR 5022 allowing voters to decide. I was a part of that team and voted Yes supporting the Sheriffs. It passed the Senate 39 to 1.
More legislation that passed can be found at www.KSLegislature.org. I’ll include more items in a later update.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
