Category Archives: Government

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

Caryn Tyson
May 23, 2025
Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer and can be a busy weekend, especially with all the cemetery services, decorating graves, picnics, and other events.  It is a time to remember and pray for those brave men and women who sacrificed by laying down their lives for our country.  They inspire us to live with courage and gratitude, never forgetting the sacrifice they made for our freedom.
One Big Beautiful Bill is working its way through the U.S. legislature.  Kansans need the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, not only to keep our federal taxes lower but to also keep us from a massive state income tax increase.  Our state income taxes start with the federal adjusted gross income (AGI).  It’s not hard to see, a higher AGI means a higher baseline for state income taxes.  If this bill doesn’t become law, it will be a drastic tax increase.
There are other items in the One Big Beautiful Bill besides tax policy, including Medicaid work requirements for able bodied individuals without children under 7.  Dr. Oz recently reported over $14 billion in Medicaid fraud.  The changes in the bill are an attempt to stop fraud and abuse.  The bill also has funding to build the wall and increase border security.  The legislation is posted at https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text/.
K-12 Funding has been a topic discussed for years.  With spending increases over the years, the money still doesn’t get to the teachers and classrooms.  From 2020 to 2024, it was reported the statewide average spending per pupil increased $3,476, from $14,848 to $18,324.  It is the largest expenditure in the state budget and increasing spending isn’t helping.  An Education Funding Task Force has been established to do a deep dive on K-12 funding.  The task force is made up of legislators and lay people.  A post-audit report completed in 2022 by a non-partisan group reported that only about 1/3 of students met state standards in three major subjects. It’s also been reported that school districts have over $1 billion in cash reserves.  Hopefully, the task force will consider how the money is being spent and managed.
Property Taxes are too high.  The valuation process is broken and subjective.  The burden to prove the valuation is not accurate is on the taxpayer.  Many say the valuation is based on fair market value.  How fair is it that you are paying a tax on unrealized gains?  You don’t pay income tax on estimated future earnings or sales tax on what you think the product will sell for, but you pay property taxes based on an estimated value.  The Senate passed a Constitutional Amendment to limit taxable valuation increases to a maximum of 3% each year (SCR 1603), but it stalled in the House.  This would help stop the bleed on a broken system.  It needs to pass next session so we can get it on the ballot for voters to pass it to become law.
Have a good summer.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory due to blue-green algae.

The water recreation season in Kansas officially runs from April 1 to Oct. 31, as do the harmful algae blooms (HAB) response program’s active operations. Kansans should remain vigilant while engaging in activities taking place in or on the water, such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

A HAB may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g., direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.

If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported as soon as possible at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.

Active Advisories

Warning

  • Augusta Santa Fe Lake, Butler County (Added May 23)
  • Frazier Lake, Grant County
  • Gathering Pond, Geary County
Watch

  • Marion Reservoir, Marion County (Added May 23)
  • Pony Creek lake, Brown County (Added May 23)

Lifted

  • Council Grove City Lake, Morris County
  • Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter

Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

I hope you’re enjoying a safe and restful Memorial Day Weekend. Though many of us will be relaxing over the long weekend, it’s important to remember what we’re commemorating.

 

Freedom is not free, and it’s imperative we never forget the millions of Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our liberties. Our nation owes them an eternal debt of gratitude.

 

Last week, the House passed President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. This is a significant accomplishment and represents a major step toward getting our country back on the right track.

 

Though that was the big news out of Washington last week, I also introduced my first piece of legislation as a U.S. Representative, aimed at protecting taxpayers from frivolous lawsuits.

Getting America Back on Track

Last week, the House passed H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

 

This bill delivers much of President Trump’s America First agenda, which a large majority of Kansans in our district favor. After a long negotiation process, we passed a legislative package that features major wins for middle-class Kansans, small businesses, and family farms.

 

Some of the wins we secured include:

Notably, we strengthened federal safety net programs by requiring healthy, able-bodied adults to work to receive public benefits and enforcing the prohibition on illegal aliens receiving public benefits. We also increased payments to rural hospitals and other healthcare providers in states like Kansas that declined to expand Medicaid under Obamacare.

 

Additionally, we fulfilled several of our important promises to the American people, including no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on car loans to buy American-made vehicles, and tax relief for seniors who receive Social Security.

 

This bill is not perfect; no legislation is. Our gross national debt now surpasses $36 trillion and there is much more work to be done to adequately reduce our level of federal spending, but this is a start. In fact, this legislation represents the largest reduction of federal spending growth in U.S. history.

 

I will continue working to cut spending, reduce deficits, and institute financially responsible policies until we can fully back our nation away from the fiscal cliff we’re looking over. Failure to do so would be a disaster for generations of Kansans to come; that’s not a risk I’m willing to take.

Mourning a Tragic Loss of Life

Like many Kansans, I was horrified to learn two Israeli Embassy staffers were murdered on Wednesday evening in a horrific act of terror. ​Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were a young couple with their entire lives ahead of them, gunned down in cold blood by a radicalized criminal. Their deaths are particularly painful for Kansas: Sarah is from Johnson County and graduated from the University of Kansas.

 

Their murder was an antisemitic act of hatred carried out against the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Plain and simple. Earlier this month, I joined my colleagues on the House Floor to celebrate May as Jewish American Heritage Month, where I stressed the importance of elected officials, community leaders, and everyday Americans calling out and rejecting antisemitism and hatred.

Video

Wednesday night’s act of terror is – unfortunately – not an isolated incident. Our nation has seen a sharp and extremely concerning rise in antisemitic incidents over the past two years. It’s never been more important to vocally and forcefully support the Jewish people and our ally Israel.

Protecting Taxpayers from Unlawful Injunctions

In March, President Trump issued a memorandum directing federal agency heads to enforce existing federal court rules that require parties seeking injunctions to be completely liable for the cost of these injunctions if they’re found to be wrongful. Though the rules already exist in federal court, they aren’t always enforced. My legislation would mandate enforcement.

 

Several weeks ago, I supported legislation to limit the use of nationwide injunctions, ensuring this extraordinary tool is used as it’s intended: rarely. While my legislation applies to all injunctions filed against the federal government, the principle remains the same: no single person or organization should be able to weaponize our judicial system to grind the gears of self-government to a halt and waste an enormous amount of taxpayer dollars over a policy disagreement.

Far too often, activist groups shop their case around the federal court system until they find a judge who they believe will rule favorably. These judges are often part of the courts that don’t enforce these rules. With this legislation, we’re aiming to reform that vulnerable part of our judicial system to protect Americans’ tax dollars from frivolous injunctions.

 

Thank you to my colleague Harriet Hageman from Wyoming for joining me on this important effort!

Weekly Visitors

Thank you to the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, and Kansas House Majority Leader Chris Croft for visiting with me in Washington last week! I also received the official seal of the United States Marine Corps to display in my office; the Army, of course, was the first to send their seal.

The One Big Beautiful Bill now heads to the Senate. Following passage there, the two chambers will come together to reconcile differences in the bill and send it to the President’s desk.

 

In the meantime, Congress will turn our attention to codifying President Trump’s executive orders, particularly the commonsense border security measures he’s put into place. The American people made it clear they want change in Washington; we’re working to institute it.

Sunflower Summer Program Wins National Award for Tourism Impact

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced Kansas Tourism received national recognition for its work on the Sunflower Summer program, which was named the Best Local Impact Campaign at the 2025 eTSY Awards. The honor was presented during the eTourism Summit, held April 22-24 in Las Vegas.

“The Sunflower Summer program is an investment in our young Kansans, highlighting for them all the great and exciting things to love and experience across our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This program not only encourages exploration; it supports Kansas residents vacationing right here at home while showcasing our many quality attractions. We are grateful to be recognized on a national level and are excited to build on last year’s success.”

This award recognizes the outstanding success of the 2024 Sunflower Summer program, which provided Kansas families with school-aged children complimentary access to more than 200 attractions statewide. Nearly 500,000 tickets were redeemed – a 55% increase from the previous year. Tickets are claimed through the free Sunflower Summer app and redeemed at participating attractions upon arrival.

“The Sunflower Summer program has been extremely successful since its conception. It entices Kansans to travel around the state of Kansas and it promotes venues throughout the state on what Kansas has to offer,” Representative Troy Waymaster said. “This award only intensifies the success of the Sunflower Summer program, and I will always advocate for its continuation and the service it provides for our points of interest and Kansans.”

The eTSY Awards, organized by Informa Connect, celebrate excellence in digital tourism marketing by highlighting campaigns that demonstrate creativity, engagement and effectiveness in promoting travel and tourism. ​Presented annually at the eTourism Summit, these awards honor the most innovative and impactful digital marketing campaigns in the tourism industry.

“This award is a testament to the creativity, dedication and passion of the hardworking team that has brought this program to life for our residents,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Kansas is the only place in the nation with a program like Sunflower Summer, and while we were proud of what we accomplished in the 2024 season; we are looking forward to what the 2025 season will bring for our partner sites across Kansas.” ​

Thanks to bipartisan support from the Kansas Legislature, the popular Sunflower Summer program will return July 12 to August 3, 2025. For more information, visit the webpage here or download the Sunflower Summer app.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education and support. 

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

###

Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on May 13

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

 

The City of Fort Scott will test storm sirens today at 1 p.m.

The City of Fort Scott will test storm sirens today at 1 p.m.
“We will need someone at each location to let us know if the siren is working or not.
We have posted a notification on Facebook.”
The list of siren locations is below.
Christian Heights – Fort Scott Police Department
4th & Barbee – FSPD
6th & Steen – FSPD
Fort Scott Lake – FSPD
Walnut Hill – Fort Scott Fire Department
8th & Holbrook – FSFD
2nd & National – City/County Dispatch
30th & Horton – Emergency Medical Services
19th & Main – FS Public Works

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson May 16

Caryn Tyson
Kansas Supreme Court Justice Wilson has resigned.  You will get to see how broken the current system is for selecting a replacement.  It has been reported that 15 people have applied for the position.  The names are public.  The State Supreme Court Nominating Commission will interview applicants in June.  The Commission is accepting written comments from the public.  All of the information can be found at https://kscourts.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/News/2025-News-Releases/May/Supreme-Court-Nominating-Commission-to-interview-a.
The current system to select a new justice may sound good, but let’s take a closer look.  There are 9 members on the Commission, two from each congressional district and one chairman.  Four members, one from each district, are elected by members of the bar (lawyers) from that district.  The other four members, who are not lawyers, are appointed to the Commission by the Governor.  The chairman of the Commission is a statewide election by members of the bar.  The Commission interviews justice applicants and presents three names to the Governor to select a replacement.  Yes, the interviews are public, and the Commission is accepting comments from the public.  However, the public has no say.  But the good news is you will have a say as to changing the process with a Constitutional Amendment that will be on the ballot August 4, 2026, allowing the option to elect justices.  Some say that electing justices makes it political.  Isn’t the Commission selection process political?  From 1861 to 1958, Kansas elected State Supreme Court Justices.  It was changed after Governor Hall resigned in January of 1957 and his Lt. Gov, who become Governor, appointed Hall to the Kansas Supreme Court.  Hall had lost a primary challenge, and before the end of his term, the maneuver was executed.  Talk about political.  After that happened the process with lawyers and a governor in control was put in place.  The powers that be in the late 1950’s felt that Kansas voters were not smart enough to select their supreme court justices.  This process has failed Kansans.  You may have heard, the U.S. Supreme Court has allegedly overturned more Kansas Supreme Court rulings than any other state per capita.
Wind and Solar inverters and batteries have “mysterious, undocumented communication devices in some Chinese-made” equipment.  It’s been reported the devices could be remotely accessed, bypassing firewalls. “The devices were designed to connect solar panel arrays and windmills to power grids.” The devices can do more than “spy on the U.S. power grid… [it] could allow an attacker to shut down power grids”.  To protect the people of Kansas the legislature passed language that bans government purchases of drones and drone technology from foreign adversaries. There are also restrictions of land purchases and oversight of foreign land ownership by requiring registration. The language didn’t go far enough, but I am hopeful that people will realize the threats to our nation, and we can strengthen Kansas laws for our safety.
Legislative Post Audit presented a report last week on the selection process the Department of Commerce used to distribute Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) COVID-19 grant money.  The report states, “The Department of Commerce evaluated BASE 1.0 grant program applicants using a standardized scoring rubric, but it didn’t consistently follow its process or document the Secretary’s final award decisions.” The report is disturbing, and it is not the first report to point to problems with the Department and how they are distributing funds.  Another report (audit results) of a BASE 1.0 grant of $3 million was awarded to a Johnson County Company, SOFTwarfare, who was suposed to open a facility in Barton County.  The Department issued grant money even though the company’s “matching fund expenses also differed from the specifics of the award agreement”.  The Department and the business denied the report, but the two reports do not bode well.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn

K-65 to close for pipe replacement on Thursday, May 22

 

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will close K-65 in Bourbon County to replace a crossroad pipe on Thursday, May 22, weather permitting.

 

K-65 will be closed between the junctions of K-3 and K-31 for the entire day, reopening in the evening. Drivers should use other routes during the closure.

 

People with questions may contact KDOT Superintendent Jeff Marks, 620-901-6550, or Public Information Officer Priscilla Petersen, 620-902-6433.

 

 

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter

Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

Last week, the House Ways & Means, Agriculture, and Energy & Commerce Committees – which have jurisdiction over taxes, farm policy and healthcare, among other areas – advanced President Trump’s one big beautiful bill. The only remaining hurdle is passage by the Budget Committee, who will package up all the other committees’ work and deliver the completed legislation to the House floor for a vote.

 

Getting 200+ Republican Members of Congress – who each represent a different district with different needs – on the same page about a bill this size is never easy, but make no mistake: we will advance President Trump’s agenda, prevent a massive tax hike on middle class families and small businesses, provide the funding needed to permanently secure our border, and begin to finally bend the curve of federal spending downward. This legislation provides desperately needed reforms that prevent waste, fraud, and abuse while strengthening programs Kansans rely on every day.

 

The process isn’t easy, but failure is not an option. We must pass this legislation so future generations of Kansans aren’t saddled with insurmountable debt.

 

We also celebrated National Police Week, united Congress to combat antisemitism, and encouraged the Trump Administration to remain strong on Iran.

Celebrating National Police Week

Last week was National Police Week! As Kansas’s top law enforcement official for more than a decade, I know firsthand the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make every day keeping our communities safe. As a part of our celebration of National Police Week, I voted to pass multiple bills and resolutions supporting our law enforcement at the local, state, and federal level.

 

On Wednesday, I spoke about the importance of passing one of these resolutions, the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) Reform Act. First enacted in 2004, LEOSA allows qualified active, retired, or separated law enforcement officers to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the US or US Territories. The LEOSA Reform Act would expand these carrying privileges, ensuring our officers are able to protect themselves, their families, and their communities at all times.

 

Danger doesn’t stop simply because an officer is off duty.

Video

National Police Week began with great news out of our KS-02 as local, state, and federal law enforcement worked together to seize a large amount of dangerous drugs from Emporia and arrest the criminals aiming to distribute this poison in our community. Law enforcement has become wrongfully politicized in recent years. Our country is the safest when our community protectors are given the resources they need and supported by those they’re protecting, which is why I will always back the blue.

 

I hope you’ll join me in celebrating our law enforcement officers’ service and sacrifice all year long.

Preserving Local History

The Quindaro Townsite in Wyandotte County is a meaningful part of our region, state, and country’s history. Founded in 1857 in Kansas City, the site served as a critical entry point for anti-slavery settlers and a sanctuary for those escaping bondage via the Underground Railroad prior to and during the US Civil War.

 

Local preservation efforts have done a wonderful job of keeping Quindaro’s legacy alive; however, more resources are required for proper upkeep. That’s why I recently led fellow Kansas City area lawmakers Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) in encouraging the National Park Service to designate the site as a National Historic Landmark.

 

Recognizing the site as a National Historic Landmark will provide the designation necessary to properly preserve the legacy of this important historical site. Quindaro has been recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 2002 and designated as a National Commemorative Site since 2019, but naming it a National Historic Landmark will provide important new grant opportunities to our local preservation efforts.

 

My colleagues and I were actually working on reintroducing legislation to provide the site with this designation when we learned it was on the agenda for consideration by the National Historic Landmarks Program. I hope to see Quindaro designated in short order!

Combatting Antisemitism

Since Hamas’s horrific and unprovoked October 7 attacks against Israel, our nation has seen a sharp and extremely concerning rise in antisemitic incidents, particularly on our college campuses. This hatred has absolutely no place in our communities, on our campuses, or in our country.

 

Last week, the House passed H. Res. 352, which calls on elected officials and civil society leaders to work to forcefully counter antisemitism. I highlighted the importance of the resolution on the House floor.

Video

October 7 was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. This isn’t just another issue: it’s a matter of fundamentally right vs. fundamentally wrong. Flippantly using language that references this dark period of history can diminish the experiences of the more than 6 million Jewish people who perished during the Holocaust and those who survived the horrors of Nazi Germany.

 

It’s up to all of us – elected officials, community leaders, and everyday Americans – to fight back against this hatred wherever it rises up. We must never forget the lessons of history because we must not repeat the past.

Weekly Visitors

Thank you to Kansans with the Fuel True Independent Energy and Convenience Association, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, and the Kansas Society of CPAs for making the trip to DC to meet with me last week! It’s always a privilege to have fellow Kansans here in Washington.

I’ll be back in Washington this week, where I expect to vote to institute President Trump’s America first agenda. I’m confident the Budget Committee will quickly advance the one big beautiful bill so we can bring it to the House Floor. The Speaker has targeted Memorial Day as the deadline to pass the bill out of the House; I’m confident we can do it.

 

This moment is too important not to succeed.

As always, my office is here to serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Be sure to also follow me on social media at the links below for timely updates from my office.

 

It’s an incredible honor to represent our Second Congressional District in Congress!

Sincerely,

Derek Schmidt

Member of Congress

Washington D.C. Office
1223 Longworth

House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Topeka Office

3550 SW 5th St.

Suite B

Topeka, KS 66606

Pittsburg Office

402 North Broadway St.

Suite B

Pittsburg, KS  66762

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory due to blue-green algae.

The water recreation season in Kansas officially runs from April 1 to Oct. 31, as do the harmful algae blooms (HAB) response program’s active operations. Kansans should remain vigilant while engaging in activities taking place in or on the water, such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

A HAB may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g., direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.

If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported as soon as possible at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.

Active Advisories

Warning

  • Frazier Lake, Grant County
  • Gathering Pond, Geary County (Added May 16)
  • Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County

FS City Commission Agenda for May 20

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

May 20, 2025  –  6:00 P.M.

                                               

  1.     Call to Order/Roll Call
  2. Pledge of Allegiance

III.       Invocation

  1. Approval of Agenda
  2. Consent Agenda
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1384-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of April 30 – May 14, 2025$2,623,676.63
  4. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of May 6, 2025, Special Meetings of May 8, 2025, and Special Meeting of May 13, 2025.
  5. April Financials
  6. Approval of Beer Sales at LaRoche Stadium – July 11, 12 & 13, 2025 – Mid America Baseball & Joplin Outlaws Event

                                                                

  1. Public Comment

VII.      Appearances

  1. Ronette Center – Resolution No. 12-2025 Kansas Community Empowerment Program
  2. Kathy Dancer/Bourbon County Handcrafted Spirits LLC dba Cohn’s Cafe Request to Operate a Beer Garden on Skubitz Plaza during Good Ol’ Days

           

VIII.   Unfinished Business

  1. Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 13-2025 – A RESOLUTION FOR EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRACTICES UNDER K.S.A. 1120A. (GAAP Waiver) – Tabled from May 6, 2025
  2. Consideration of Sales Tax Ballot Question – B. Matkin – Tabled from May 6, 2025
  3. Status of 118 E. Wall

 

  1. New Business

            Public Hearings:

  1. Planning Commission Case No. 1049 – Conditional Use Permit for a Wireless   

Communication FacilityCurtis Holland/Polsinelli (Legal Representative /Verizon)

  1. Planning Commission Case No. 1050 – Rezone R1 to C3 – 922 E. Wall for the   

Purpose of a Mechanic Shop – Garrett Knight

 

            Action Items:

  1. Consideration of Recommendation of Award for FSK Runway Safety Area Grading & Lighting Project (AIP 3-20-0022-024/025) and Olsson Engineering Contract Approval – Brian Coomes/Lead Engineer/Aviation for Olsson
  2. Consideration to Increase Design Review Advisory Board from (5) to (7) members Dillon
  3. Consideration to Formally Adopt the Guidance Provided by the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for the installation guidelines of murals in both the Local and Federal Historic Districts of Fort Scott Dillon
  4. Follow Up Discussion – Land Bank Restructuring – L. Dillon
  5. Consideration of Small Business Grant Incentive Program – B. Matkin
  6. Consideration of Vendor Application for City Sponsored Events – B. Matkin
  7. IT Discussion – B. Matkin
  8. Adoption of Ordinance No. 3781 Amending Fireworks Sales Dates With Discussion to Further Amend Regarding Discharge of Fireworks Dates – K. Salsbury
  9. Consideration for Final Acceptance of Corrective Action with Heck & Wicker – Horton St. & 6th Project – J. Dickman
  10. Consideration Proposal for E. National Project Design – J. Dickman – Tabled from May 6, 2025

 

  1. Reports and Comments
  2. Adjourn