Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Kansas GOP Chair issues statement on Israel’s preemptive strikes on Iran

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In response to the Israel’s strikes on Iran, Kansas GOP Chair Danedri Herbert issued the following statement:
“The Kansas GOP stands behind our closest ally in the Middle East, Israel, in its preemptive strikes against Iran. It was an act of self defense, and Israel was well within its rights to protect its citizens by destroying Iran’s nuclear capability.”
Paid for by the Kansas Republican Party, Roger Lomshek, treasurer.
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Minutes of the June 13 Meeting

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Friday, June 13, 2025

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, for a special meeting at 424 S Main.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

June 13, 2025

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Kimble, Scott – Resignation – Principal – High School

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Certified Recommendations

 

Marlow, Billie – 5th Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware

Deckinger, Eliya – Counselor – High School

 

Classified Recommendations

 

Collins, Clayton – Full Time Substitute at FSHS

 

Transfer Recommendations for 2025-26 School year

 

Hutchinson, Patty – Paraprofessional – Preschool – Transfer from Food Service

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:

 

Collins, Clayton – Assistant Football Coach – High School

Simas, Kiel – Assistant Wrestling Coach – High School

 

Government, Kansas

KS Governor Supports California’s Request To Block The Federalization/Deployment of National Guard

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Governor Kelly Joins States Opposing Trump’s Military Deployment Without
Gubernatorial Coordination


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly joined an amicus brief with leaders from 20 states supporting California’s request for a court order blocking the president’s unlawful federalization and deployment of that state’s National Guard.

“The United States of America is founded on the rule of law, including respect for states’ rights. The federalization of the California National Guard by President Trump, without the coordination of the Governor of California, is a violation of states’ rights,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “President Trump’s actions constitute a threat to the authority of the nation’s governors to command their National Guards. I joined this brief to preserve state sovereignty and halt federalization of state National Guards without the coordination of their governors.”

The amicus brief outlines how Trump’s action is wholly inconsistent with our nation’s founding principle that freedom depends on the subordination of the military to civilian authority.

“By calling forth troops when there is no invasion to repel, no rebellion to suppress, and when state and local law enforcement is fully able to execute the laws, the President flouts the vision of our Founders, undermines the rule of law, and sets a chilling precedent that puts the constitutional rights of Americans in every state at risk,” the brief reads.

The president’s memo federalizing the Guard does not restrict these actions to just Los Angeles, California, or any specific U.S. region. Instead, it is an unlimited claim of presidential authority to deploy the National Guards of any state for the next 60 days. The states have an interest in standing up against this unnecessary and legally unjustified military call-up.

The states also have an interest in ensuring their National Guards are available to perform the essential services they provide the states on an ongoing basis. They provide critical services responding to natural disasters, counter-drug operations, and cybersecurity support, among other daily contributions to public safety. This unlawful federalization pulls volunteer service members away from performing vital services, and states are not in a position to replace them.

The president’s unlawful and unconstitutional use of the military has exacerbated safety issues and threatened constitutionally protected activity under the First Amendment. Every state has an interest in protecting their residents from these threats.

The brief is led by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings. Others joining are the state attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

A copy of the amicus brief is available here.

###

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Holds a Special Meeting On June 13

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Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
www.usd234.org
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760

DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
June 13, 2025 – 7:30 A.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY

1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________
4.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
4.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
4.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
5.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Agenda and Packet For June 16

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To view the entire packet, including minutes:

6.16.25 Consent Agenda

 

June 16, 2025
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, June
16, 2025. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Boileau-Burris Hall at Fort Scott Community
College.
5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MISSION STATEMENT
Fort Scott Community College is an institution of higher learning with a long history of culture and
diversity that provides affordable academic, technical and occupational programs to meet student needs while
fostering a mutually supportive relationship between the college and its communities.
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Recruiting/Admissions Update, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on May 19, 2025 and Special
Meeting conducted on June 5, 2025, 6
C. Approval Treasurer’s Report, 10
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 29
A. Construction Technology and Heavy Equipment Location, 29
ACTION ITEMS, 30
A. Scheduled Policy Review and Approval, 30
B. Consideration of Gramm Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) Information Security Policy, 36
C. Consideration of 2024 -25 Worker’s Compensation Member Participation Agreement, 41
D. Consideration of Property and Casualty Insurance Renewal, 47
E. Consideration of Athletic Insurance Renewal, 50
F. Consideration of 2025-26 Meeting Dates and Time, 88
G. Consideration of Memberships and Consortium Dues, 89
H. Consideration of Annual CAMP Grant Laptop Purchase, 90
I. Consideration of Maintenance Shop Enclosure Bid, 91
J. Consideration of Managed Firewall Service, 93
CORRESPONDENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES, 951

Fort Scott Community College, Government, Jobs

FSCC Special Meetings June 13 and June 16 To Interview President Finalists

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The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold four special meetings in the Hedges Administration Building during the following dates and times.  After calling the meeting to order, the Board will immediately adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel as they conduct interviews of four presidential finalists.  No action is expected to follow any of these special meetings.

 

Friday, June 13, 2025

8:15 am – 11:15 am

12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

 

Monday, June 16, 2025

8:15 am – 11:15 am

12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

 

 Submitted by

Juley McDaniel

Director of Human Resources

Fort Scott Community College

Government

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Weekly Newsletter

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Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

After a busy week back home, I returned to Washington last week. With the One Big Beautiful Bill now in the Senate’s hands, the House will now turn our attention to enacting smaller pieces of President Trump’s America First agenda, with the shared goal of getting our country back on the right track.

 

On Tuesday evening, I joined my colleagues from Kansas and Colorado for a moment of silence to mourn the victims of the horrific antisemitic attacks in Washington, DC and Boulder.

These disgusting acts have absolutely no place in our country. It’s incredibly important for all of us to stand strong against these radical, hate-filled views, which unfortunately seem to be increasingly commonplace in our world.

 

Last week, the House passed several pro-small businesses bills and legislation aimed at tackling the opioid crisis, I questioned Army leadership about the impact on Kansas of their planned branch-wide changes, and I joined my colleagues to fight for increased opportunities for Kansas farmers.

Protecting Kansas Small Businesses

Last week, the House passed multiple bills aiming to protect and strengthen Kansas small businesses.

 

H.R. 2966, the American Entrepreneurs First Act, codifies the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) recently announced policy requiring proof of citizenship and age verification when applying for an SBA loan. Earlier this year, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) found more than $630 million in loans given to applicants older than 115 years old and younger than 11. That is unacceptable.

 

H.R. 2931, the Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act, relocates SBA offices from sanctuary cities and jurisdictions to non-sanctuary municipalities. Fortunately, states like ours saw the dangers of sanctuary jurisdictions and banned the practice statewide in 2022. Unfortunately, not every state has the common sense of Kansas, and sanctuary policies still exist across the country. By relocating these offices to non-sanctuary localities, we’re returning the agency to its original intent of helping small businesses without having to fear the consequences of these misguided policies.

 

Both these pieces of legislation aim to codify aspects of President Trump’s Executive Order ending taxpayer subsidization of the Biden border crisis.

Fighting the Opioid Crisis

Last week, the House passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025, which ensures the federal government will continue to provide critical prevention, education, treatment, and recovery resources for Americans with substance use disorder.

 

This is such a personal issue for so many people; everyone knows someone who struggles or has struggled with addiction. On Wednesday, I spoke on the House floor about how our statewide efforts in Kansas made a real difference in many people’s lives.
Video

Recently released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows overdose deaths involving opioids decreased from an estimated 83,140 in 2023 to 54,743 in 2024 (26%). While this is welcome news, the number of deaths remains far too high.

 

Providing resources for education, prevention, and treatment is absolutely critical; however, this crisis must be addressed on multiple fronts. In Kansas, we took the pharmaceutical companies engaging in malpractice and contributing to the crisis to court and won. The resulting settlements will provide more than $340 million to our state over the next 17 years, money which will make a real difference in our communities.

 

The southern border is an enormous factor in the crisis. During fiscal years 2023-2024 alone, Customs and Border Patrol seized nearly 50,000 pounds of fentanyl, enough to produce more than 2 billion lethal doses. Thankfully, with President Trump in office, the border crisis is largely contained…for now. Congress MUST make the President’s border security measures permanent so we can continue to decrease the amount of criminal illegal aliens and deadly narcotics in our communities.

Increasing Export Market Access for Kansas Farmers

India’s population growth and the shifting global economy have skyrocketed their demand and desire for American agricultural products. The export market is extremely important to our state: in 2024, Kansas exported more than $14 billion of goods across various industries.

 

A key piece of President Trump’s America First economic agenda involves increasing exports to other nations as a way to reduce our trade deficits. India’s growing demand for our products presents a perfect opportunity, which is why I recently joined my colleagues to encourage United States Trade Ambassador Jamieson Greer to provide improved market access for American agricultural exports in the country, specifically U.S. ethanol, distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and soybean meal (SBM).

 

These products aren’t the only thing in demand in India. Traditionally, China is the biggest international buyer of U.S. sorghum, accounting for nearly 90% of total U.S. exports as recently as marketing year 2021/2022. However, in recent years, India’s population growth has spurred a steady increase in demand for non-GMO grain, which is why India’s sorghum market is projected to generate $1.2 billion annually by 2030.

 

Kansas is the number one producer of sorghum in the country, averaging 185 million bushels annually. That number is equal to half of all production in the United States. India’s rapidly growing market presents an enormous opportunity for Kansas farmers, which is why I also recently joined fellow Kansas Representative Tracey Mann and several of our colleagues in encouraging Ambassador Greer to increase Indian market access for our sorghum producers.

 

Four years of Bidenflation were extremely tough on our family farms. I’m working to repair that damage and provide our farmers with the support they need for long term success.

Modernizing the Army while Protecting Kansas Assets

Last week, our House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on the Army’s budgetary needs for fiscal year 2026. Their request is of particular importance this year, as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently announced the Army Transformation Initiative (ATI), a $36 billion overhaul of the branch with a focus on modernization.

 

The Second District is home to two of the Army’s divisions at Forts Riley and Leavenworth. I questioned Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and Army Chief of Staff General Randy George on how the ATI will affect our soldiers and assets in the Second District.
Video

In the coming weeks, our committee will introduce the National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes funding for every aspect of our Armed Forces. This year’s legislation will be transformational, as we work alongside President Trump to refocus our military’s priorities on warfighting and servicemember quality of life. I look forward to sharing updates about the legislation soon.

Weekly Visitors

Thank you to Kansans with the Ford Motor Company, United States Department of Agriculture Kansas State Director for Rural Development Gimmie Jo Jansonius, the Kansas Association of REALTORS, National Feed & Grain Association, and Kansans with the Foundation for Rural Service for visiting with me in Washington last week!

I’d also like to extend a big thank you to all the Kansans who joined our monthly telephone town hall on Thursday evening! Speaking directly to Second District residents is critical to ensuring I’m representing you to the best of my ability. If you weren’t able to join us last night, be sure to keep an eye out for next month’s!

I’ll be back in Washington this week, where I expect to vote on the first rescissions package we’ve received from the White House. Now that we’ve passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, we MUST turn our attention to codifying President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Orders and the DOGE cuts.

 

Kansans deserve a strong economy, a secure border, and a government free from waste, fraud, and abuse. I aim to deliver it.
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Agenda for June 9

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Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
www.usd234.org
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760

DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
June 09, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Board Minutes
05-12-25
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – May 15, 2025 – $1,707,170.52
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
5.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
6.0 New Business
6.1 Student Chromebook Purchase (Action)
6.2 Staff Laptop Purchase (Action)
6.3 10 Passenger Van Purchase (Action)
6.4 71 Passenger Buses Purchase (Action)
6.5 Passenger Car Purchase (Action)
6.6 Participation in the National School Lunch Program (Action)
6.7 Revision to Policy EE – Food Services Management (Action)
6.8 E-Rate Category 2 Funding – Wireless Access Point (Action)
6.9 Kansas Insurance Cooperative for Schools Property and Casualty Insurance Renewal
7.0 Public Forum
8.0 Other Business –Negotiations _____(Time)
9.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________
10.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President

Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council From May 13

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The Regular Council Meeting on May 13, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

None

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Johnson presented the April 2025 financial reports.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds for April was $323,763.55, Receipts $30,247.46, Transfers Out $3,024.00, Expenditures $54,009.88, Checking Account Closing Balance $296,977.13. Bank Statement Balance $298,347.71, including Checking Account Interest of $64.45, Outstanding Deposits $0.00, Outstanding Checks $1,370.58, Reconciled Balance $296,977.13.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,072.00, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $22,822.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $44,900.89, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $402,772.28. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $251.23, and Utility CDs $640.47 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $891.70.  Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00 for Total Transfers of $3,024.00. Net Loss for the month of April $26,786.42 Year-to-Date Net Income $33,113.39.  Appropriations to date for April 2025 are $31,355.12.

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Brad, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of April 9, 2025 Regular Council Meeting.
  • Treasurer’s Reports & Monthly Transaction Report for April 2025 and the Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

405 Hill Street-letter sent to owner with requested repairs needed, some repairs have been completed, he will contact owners about the other repairs needed

406 Fulton Street-letter sent to regarding nuisance vehicles, no reply at this time

 

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Fire truck in park-he will apply an adhesive to the bolts

Mosquito spraying-will start soon

City Wide Dumpster-dumpster’s not as full as in the past and no complaints

 

Clerk Report:  Danea Esslinger  

Quickbook Online Course-attended May 8th, city office was closed.

Evergy is giving a presentation regarding the energy assistance program on 6/3/25 at 10 AM.

Fish Food has arrived.

Thank you card for the donation to the SOS.

Summer Food Program in June at the West Bourbon Elementary School.

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin – None

Councilman Kelly – stop signs needed at 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of Fulton St, ask school if another pond signage regarding no parking at the East side of Pond

Councilwoman Pemberton – Zoning Public Forum meeting 5/14/25 at 6 PM

Councilwoman Pritchett – no ordinance about chicken and ducks

Councilman Stewart– Bolts needed for the Pond Dock

Mayor Jurgensen – Ruritan may help with the Public Restroom replacement and repairs

City fixed the sewer main, and this issue caused a citizen to have major flooding issues

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0 to accept paying for the citizen’s insurance deductible of $1,000.

 

OLD BUSINESS

SEED Grant – work has started on the City Library and City Office, have new lighting in the City Office, and they have started the electrical work for the ceiling in the Library, and the Council stated to close office to the public during the 1st week of June to complete the City Office flooring, shelves, and new window.

 

FEMA Flooding– Hydrology study not complete yet by Ag Engineering, and we have another new FEMA project manager.

 

Warehouse Insulation – is planned to start on May 13, and work has started today

 

Sidewalk-Ag Engineering preliminary study is completed. He stated that we will receive completed documentation when finalized.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 in regard to the East Sidewalk of the Square, send pictures and a letter to ask lawyer if we can proceed with replacing said sidewalk as we own it per survey

 

Park electric – CrawKan will do the boring for the electrical line needed for the park electric. We will wait to complete this when CrawKan has an opening in their schedule.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

New Ordinance No. 206-presented to Council for changes or approval.

 

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to approve the New Ordinance No. 206

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:39.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:20.

 

Danea Esslinger called in at 8:40, out at 9:15.

 

 

ADJOURN Time 9:25 Moved by Ervin, 2nd Stewart, Approved 5-0

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Meets June 10 at 7 p.m.

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ROLL CALL:  ___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of May 13, 2025 Regular Council Meeting
  2. May Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & May Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

405 Hill Street-letter sent to owner with requested repairs needed

406 Fulton Street-letter sent to regarding nuisance vehicles & mowing sign on door

 

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Clerk Report:  Danea Esslinger  

City Wide Garage Sales?

Modern Copy Systems–new maintenance agreement

Jayhawk Software Back Up vs Microsoft Office backup

Junk Vehicle Citation-2 certified letters sent/no pickup

Thank You Card-Kelly Droel

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilwoman Pritchett –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

SEED Grant – work has started on the City Library and City Office

 

FEMA Flooding– Hydrology study not complete yet by Ag Engineering

 

Warehouse Insulation – is completed at this time.

 

Sidewalk-Ag Engineering sent the completed documentation and bill.

-Lawyer Chase Vaughn response to replacing this sidewalk.

 

Park electric – CrawKan will do the boring for the electrical line needed for the park electric. We will wait to complete this when CrawKan has an opening in their schedule.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

Motion by _____________, Second by   __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 Attachments:

RS-6992

Lawyer reply to 206-208 Sherman Sidewalk

doc11391620250528092006

2025 Financials – May