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Category Archives: Government
Drought Updates for Kansas
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TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly has signed a proclamation approving updated drought declarations for Kansas counties. Drought conditions have worsened across much of Kansas this spring, with extreme drought expanding into northwest and far southwest portions of the state and severe drought growing across central regions. Above-normal temperatures – combined with limited rainfall – have accelerated soil moisture loss, increasing the risk of worsening drought conditions heading into summer. The drought declaration added 51 counties into watch status and placed 47 into warning and 7 into emergency status. This action was recommended by Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. “While parts of eastern Kansas have seen significant rainfall, much of the state – especially western Kansas – continues to experience persistent precipitation deficits,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “As we head into a warmer and potentially drier period, I encourage all Kansans to take proactive steps to conserve water and remain aware of how these conditions can affect our daily lives.” Drought conditions are expected to persist and intensify across west-central Kansas, with limited opportunities for sustained improvement. Seasonal outlooks indicate an increased likelihood of below-normal precipitation statewide. The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to monitor the drought conditions across Kansas and make recommendations to Governor Kelly as conditions change. “Recent rainfall has helped in some areas, but drought is far from over in Kansas. Conditions range from crop stress and elevated fire danger to growing water supply concerns. In the hardest-hit areas, we are seeing significant agricultural losses and extreme rangeland fire risk,” said Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. “It is important to monitor conditions and be mindful of water usage as drought impacts evolve.” This proclamation shall remain in effect for those counties identified until rescinded by a proclamation ending the declaration or revising the drought stage status of the affected counties. Effective immediately, the proclamation: Declares a Drought Emergency, Warning, or Watch for the counties as identified below; Authorizes and directs all agencies under the jurisdiction of the governor to implement the appropriate watch, warning, or emergency-level drought response actions assigned in the Operations Plan of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the negative drought-induced effects on Kansans. Kansans are encouraged to report drought-related conditions and impacts in their region through the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) system. |
KS Supreme Court seeks parent representatives for Child Support Guidelines Committee
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Motley Files For Reelection For Bourbon County Dist. 4 Commissioner
Gregg Motley announces that he has filed for reelection to serve as District 4 County Commissioner to serve the constituents, elected officials, and employees of Bourbon County.
“The Kansas Secretary of State assigned term lengths to the two new districts created by the voters of Bourbon County. The commission gave a three-year term to the 5th District winner and I received a one-year term. Accordingly, I am running for a full four-year term to begin in 2027.”
When asked what his agenda is for the coming years, Motley, responded, “The hallmark of my service during my first term has been to work for fairness for employees, to respond to constituents in a timely and meaningful manner, and to steer the commission away from political in-fighting with other elected officials and return the focus to the business of the people.”
Additionally, Motley will focus his attention on returning fiscal responsibility to the county balance sheet, employing his degree in accounting, years of experience banking municipalities of all sizes, and graduate degree in management.
The budget year 2026 saw a dramatic cut in the mill levy, which many applauded, but left the county in a vulnerable position, as the cuts came at the expense of exhausting the financial reserves of the county.
“Right now, we are not in a position to go to the public markets with a bond issue if we are faced with a large expenditure, such as unexpectedly replacing infrastructure such as a bridge. Local banks are reluctant to lend the county money at advantaged rates given what they are seeing. My goal is to restore financial integrity to the county by building back reserves over time and resisting any growth in the mill levy by achieving operating efficiencies.”
Many candidates speak of operational efficiency, so it is natural to wonder how this situation might be different.
“We have some low-hanging fruit opportunities,” Motley explained. “We have three significant contracts for venders in Johnson County, which not only engage skillsets and software packages we already possess in the building, but also takes Bourbon County money and exports it to Johnson County. Having lived there, I know that we need that money much more than they do.”
In conclusion, Motley said, “This is a difficult position for which very few want to apply. This is a spiritual calling for me, to serve the county which gave me such a wonderful send off after a 45-year career in banking and business. I am determined to bring good governance back to the county if the voters in the 4th District will give me the chance.”
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
April 27, 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.
Chairing Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing with Commerce Secretary Lutnick
On Wednesday, as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS), I led a hearing with Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss the President’s FY27 budget request for the Department of Commerce. I questioned Secretary Lutnick on the status of the department’s efforts to implement the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, as well as its plan to utilize the program’s $21 billion in leftover allocations. I also emphasized the importance of these allocations being spent for the purposes of deploying broadband services across the U.S. to customers who would not otherwise be served.
During the hearing, I also asked Secretary Lutnick about the department’s efforts to modernize the NOAA’s Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) satellite system to improve NOAA’s ability to provide accurate, lifesaving weather forecasting and monitoring data. Following the recent severe weather that has impacted communities across Kansas, I spoke to Secretary Lutnick about the importance of maintaining full staffing and 24/7 weather monitoring at National Weather Service (NWS) offices around the country to provide critical public safety information to communities. I also highlighted for the Secretary the important work being done at Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus through their pilot training program partnership with the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, preparing the next generation of students for careers operating aircraft for scientific research and environmental surveying.
You can watch my opening remarks here, as well as my questioning of Secretary Lutnick here and here.
Discussing USDA FY27 Budget Request with Secretary Rollins
On Wednesday, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture to discuss UDSA’s operations and the department’s FY2027 budget request. I spoke with her about the importance of continuing to fund international food aid programs such as Food for Peace and the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program, which use American-grown commodities to feed the hungry worldwide. We also discussed my efforts to move Food for Peace permanently to USDA, and how the department is temporarily taking on the program.
We also spoke about the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, or NBAF, and how Congress can work with the administration to make certain full operation and staffing of the facility is achieved in a timely manner. Last November, I urged USDA to pursue an exemption from the federal hiring freeze to hire necessary staff at NBAF. I am pleased that they responded to this call and are working to make certain NBAF is ready to take on the mission of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center.
We discussed the work USDA is doing to increase fertilizer access for producers, and I emphasized the importance of Congress and the administration working to help lower the cost of inputs. Finally, I asked that Secretary Rollins and USDA continue to engage with her colleagues in the administration to quickly finalize the 45Z tax credit to allow farmers and fuel producers to benefit from the production of biofuels made from home-grown feedstocks.
I appreciate Secretary Rollins appearing before the committee, and I look forward to working with her and USDA throughout the appropriations process and this year on ways to benefit rural America.
You can watch my questions to Secretary Rollins here.
Read more about my conversation with Secretary Rollins in The Topeka Capital Journal here.
Questioning HHS Secretary Kennedy on Bolstering Rural Health Care
This week, I participated in a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) hearing with Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to discuss the challenges facing our nation’s health care system and efforts to support rural health care.
During the hearing, I emphasized the workforce shortages that continue to impact hospitals in Kansas and across the country. I have visited every hospital in Kansas, and in my conversations with health providers, the most consistent challenge they face is the ability to recruit and retain doctors, nurses and other health care professionals. This issue is especially pronounced in rural communities, where access to care often depends on having the workforce in place to keep hospital doors open.
In my questioning, I also highlighted the Rural Health Transformation Program, which I worked to establish through the Reconciliation Bill. This program provides an opportunity for states like Kansas to invest in long-term solutions that strengthen the health care workforce, expand access to care and support rural providers.
In addition, I highlighted our work as part of the bipartisan 340B Working Group to find a path forward that strengthens and sustains the program for the patients and providers who rely on it. I will continue working to support policies and investments that help address workforce shortages and make certain Kansans have access to quality health care close to home.
You can watch my questioning of Secretary Kennedy here.
Questioning U.S. National Guard Leadership on KC-135 Tanker Fleet Modernization
On Tuesday, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Defense heard testimony from General Steven Norsdhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau; Lieutenant General Robert D Harter, Chief of the Army Reserve; Rear Admiral Richard Lofgren, Acting Chief of the Naval Reserves; Lieutenant General Leonard F. Anderson IV, Commander of the Marine Corps Reserve; and Lieutenant General John P. Healy, Chief of Air Force Reserve.
I questioned General Nordhaus about the KC-46A mission and the Air Force’s plans to replace the KC-135 with the more modern KC-46A. Currently, the KC-135 is based at the 190th Air National Guard Refueling Wing in Topeka. The KC-135 is an aging fleet; most aircraft are over 60 years old. As the Guard and Reserve forces are becoming increasingly relied upon for both homeland and international missions, we must supply our Guard and Reserve forces with the necessary equipment to support the joint force.
As a senior member of the subcommittee, I look forward to working with my colleagues and the National Guard and Reserve leadership to best equip the Guard and Reserve with resources that allow them to mirror their active-duty counterparts and defend our country.
Watch my questions to General Nordhaus here.
Update on U.S. Military Operation in Iran
I continue to monitor developments in the Persian Gulf. President Trump this past week extended the original two-week ceasefire as efforts continue to resume direct negotiations while the United States maintains the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the blockade, the extension of sanctions waivers on Russian oil sales is a mistake. The relief for American consumers is minimal, and it enriches the Kremlin at a time when Moscow had begun to feel economic pressure during its war against Ukraine. Further, I am concerned by reports of significant drawdowns in key munitions during this war that could leave our country unprepared to fight a sustained war elsewhere. As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, my colleagues and I have sought to address this problem by strengthening our defense industrial base and increasing the speed of munitions output. It remains imperative that the administration provide Congress with up-to-date information on the war’s progress and the path to a durable peace.
The U.S. Needs Our NATO Allies Now More Than Ever
The ongoing U.S. military operation in Iran has created numerous consequences for both the U.S. and our NATO partners in Europe. High gas prices, heightened security threats and stalled trade through the Strait of Hormuz have led to frustrations that extend far beyond our borders.
Alliances are never free of frustrations as each member country prioritizes its own interests and foreign policy. But we should be careful to not overlook the ways our allies are quietly assisting the U.S. in the conflict against Iran.
The U.S. is stronger because of the willing and able partners in Europe with whom our global interests largely align. At a time when our nation’s own budgetary pressures and backlogged industrial base limit our ability to sustain force in multiple theaters simultaneously, we cannot afford to take them for granted. Indeed, we need them now more than ever and should treat them accordingly — as the valued allies they are.
You can read my full op-ed in The Hill here.
Discussing Haskell University with Interior Secretary Burgum
I met with Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum this week to discuss the future of Haskell Indian Nations University and how we can work together to provide long-term stability at the university. I emphasized the need for consistent leadership and highlighted my legislation to transition Haskell’s governance to a Board of Regents, which would strengthen accountability and continuity. I also encouraged the department to engage more directly on this effort and to support robust funding for Haskell in the upcoming budget cycle. I appreciate Secretary Burgum for meeting with me to discuss this important topic.
Receiving an Update from Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche
This week, I spoke with Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche about the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) priorities, including the importance of timely FY26 grant funding for Kansas law enforcement entities that rely on these resources to keep their communities safe. We also discussed the opportunity to establish a federal law enforcement training facility in Kansas, and I encouraged continued engagement from DOJ leadership to keep this effort moving forward. Thank you to Acting Attorney General Blanche for the conversation. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I look forward to working with him and DOJ on continuing to support law enforcement in Kansas and across the country.
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Bipartisan Child Care Tax Credit Expansion Bill Signed
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Governor Kelly Vetoes Five Bills
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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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