The City of Fort Scott has the following Board openings:
PARKS ADVISORY BOARD:
One opening for a three (3) year term that would expire December 10, 2023. This was created by a recent resignation.
The function of the Fort Scott Parks Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding all the parks within the City of Fort Scott.
All boards and commissions of Fort Scott serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. Currently the Parks Advisory Board meets as City Hall as needed at 4:00PM.
If you have a desire to serve on this board, please submit a Letter of Interest to the City Clerk, Lisa Lewis, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 or [email protected]. The names and letters will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission.
Please submit your letter of interest by 4:00 PM on June 7, 2023.
There are TWO (2) openings on the Fort Scott Street Advisory Board. The function of the Board is to provide suggestions to the City Commission regarding road improvement projects throughout the City of Fort Scott.
All Boards and Commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. Currently the Street Advisory Board meets at City Hall on the second Thursday of each month at 4:00PM.
If you have a desire to serve on this board, please submit a Letter of Interest to the City Clerk, Lisa Lewis, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 or [email protected]. The names and letters will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission.
Please submit your letter of interest by 4:00 PM on June 14, 2023.
The Fort Scott City Commissioners, from the May 17 Special Meeting on Youtube. From lower left, clockwise: City Attorney Bob Farmer, Commissioner Edwin Woellhof, Commissioner Tim VanHoecke, Mayor Matthew Wells, Commissioner Josh Jones and City Manager Brad Matkin. Not present: Commissioner Kathryn Harrington,
A meat processing plant is back in the works for Bourbon County.
“I have been working to bring about the meat processing plant, a pork processing plant,” Fort Scott Mayor Matthew Wells said in an interview.
Billy Madison is the owner of the business, S.H. Pork Processing.
“This plant will provide farmers with an outlet for their pork processing,” Madison said. “And provide 15-30 new jobs.”
This is an artists rendition of the S.H. Processing Plant that Madison will build. Submitted.
To view a prior 2021 story on Madison’s pork processing plant coming to Fort Scott:
In 2021, the project was to be just south of the LaRoche Baseball Complex, but that was changed to a location agreed to by Madison and the City of Fort Scott.
“At this juncture I am not at liberty to say the location,” Wells said.
Wells noted that nothing has been signed, nor no one committed to this yet.
“The city approved to send out letters to respective parties involved (at a special Fort Scott city meeting on May 17) and (will) survey the property to define the boundaries and move forward in the process of securing the land,” Wells said.
Following completion of this preliminary work, the Fort Scott Planning Commission will get involved, Wells said in the May 17 special city meeting.
In the 2021, the pork processing plant site was to be located on 47 acres south of the Kansas Department of Transportation facility on Hwy. 69 south of the LaRoche Ball Park.
“That place didn’t have an entrance and we spent eight months getting an entrance to get on the property to do the engineering of the property,” Billy Madison, owner of the proposed meat plant said in a fortscott.biz interview on May 17.
Madison said that in March 2023, he “received an order to cease and desist in the (pork processing plant) plans from Rob Harrington (Director of the Regional Economic Development Inc.), “because they are going to build a sports complex there,” he said.
Sports Complex
At the May 16 regular Fort Scott City Commission meeting, Rob Harrington asked the city to authorize establishing STAR Bond and TIF District financing tools as part of the sports complex planning.
Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds are a financing tool that allows Kansas municipalities to issue bonds to finance the development of major commercial, entertainment and tourism projects, according to https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/star-bonds/. The bonds are paid off through the sales tax revenue generated by the development. The intent is to increase regional and national visitation to Kansas.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a real estate redevelopment tool applicable to industrial, commercial, intermodal transportation area and residential projects, https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/taxes-and-financing/tif/. TIF uses the increases in real estate tax revenues and local sales tax revenues to retire the bonds sold to finance eligible redevelopment project costs (K.S.A. 12-1770 et seq.) or to reimburse the developer on a pay-as-you-go basis.
This project will require many steps because they will be working with the developer, the county, the state and the city council.
At the city meeting on May 16, Fort Scott City Attorney Bob Farmer told the Fort Scott City Council that they will have to partner with the Bourbon County Commission, because some of the proposed land is theirs.
The sports complex developer, along with the Kansas Department of Commerce, will look at a list of the developer’s ideas, then the state has to see if it is eligible, Farmer told the city council.
The Regular Council Meeting on May 9, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Amber Kelly. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Loren Korte, Personal Service Insurance planned to be here to present the City with a dividend check from EMC, but was unable to make it due to the weather.
Don George, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism planned to be here to pick up grant application but wasn’t able to come. Clerk Johnson asked council what percentage of match for this application, 56% was used for phase I.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to submit CFAP Grant Application with a 56% match.
Clerk Johnson will email application to Don George tomorrow.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the April 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $345,407.78, Receipts $33,990.09, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $20,937.77, Checking Account Closing Balance $355,428.10. Bank Statement Balance $357,610.00, including Checking Account Interest of $74.34, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $2,181.90, Reconciled Balance $355,428.10. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,223.90, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,841.76, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,499.83, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $441,993.59. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $302.32, and Utility CDs $164.51 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $466.83. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of April 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. April Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of April $10,026.32, Year-to-Date Net Income $11,876.13. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $38,134.93 (31.2%), Expenditures $38,690.75 (24.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $11,987.81 (32.5%), Expenditures $10,443.41 (25.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $74,395.57 (47.5%), Expenditures $42,133.87 (18.7%); General Fund YTD Revenue $58,008.36 (38.7%), Expenditures $60,617.60 (32.7%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,937.49 (52.8%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The May 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $37,906.04 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that nuisance/debris letters were sent. Mayor Jurgensen requested that he be notified when and to whom letters are sent. There was an apparent breakdown in communications which caused an issue with a letter recipient. Clerk Johnson will send a letter to that recipient apologizing for the communication breakdown. Coyan will next target unmowed properties.
404 Washington St was discussed. Coyan and Johnson will review the dangerous structure ordinance(s) and discuss with the council again next month.
Codes Enforcement Officer Binford has issued 14 citations for failure to register dogs/cats. As of today, five have been taken resolved. Court is scheduled for May 15, 2023 for the remainder.
Clerk Johnson informed the council a letter of financial commitment was received from Bandera Stone for the Mural Grant as part of the grant application. Grant application was submitted 4/17/2023.
She asked City’s insurance agent if Old Settlers Committee was required to have event insurance or would the City’s policy cover the event. He said the Old Settlers Committee needs to have their own event policy. This was passed on to the committee. Johnson will inquire about cost of a policy for the committee.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – wanted to know if the ball association is allowed to use the lights for practices. After discussion Johnson will send message to President and Vice-President of association the lights can be used for organization practices, only when needed and last coach of the day is responsible for making sure they are shut off.
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – wanted to make sure we have enough chemical for mosquitos. Yes, we do.
Councilman Stewart – absent
Mayor Jurgensen – hired Cindy Mumbower as the new custodian/water sampler. She started last week.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to provide rock for the culvert extension at Chaffin and the alley west of Franklin
He also found someone to haul off the big rock at the railroad right-of-way and north of the pond.
OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking Project – Committee met on May 3 and doesn’t recommend outdoor exercise equipment. Doesn’t feel it is cost effective. They said yes to the pickleball court, possibly a community garden was discussed. Healthy Bourbon County Action Team will be here for the June meeting to discuss the key findings from the community perception survey and have a “Community Conversation” for the project.
Motion by Danea, Second by Hartman , Approved 4-0, to solicit quotes for a 30’X60’X6” concrete slab with fiberglass rebar and light broom finish for the pickleball court
American Rescue Plan Act update –Annual Project and Expenditure report was submitted on 4/17/2023. Mayor Jurgensen suggested capping the scales instead of removing and building ramp over cap on south side of warehouse before skinning and installing new rollup doors.
KMGA/MMGA Prepay project – have not received anything yet from KMGA.
Street repairs/resurfacing – Three bids were received for the project and opened (bid tabulation attached).
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to award base bid plus alternate bid to Bettis Asphalt for the total amount of $175,597.19
NEW BUSINESS
None
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 9:15PM
Citizens of Fort Scott are asked to not water lawns or unnecessary usage of water today as there has been a water main break in town, according to Mayor Matthew Wells.
Jones T. VanHoecke E. Woellhof K. Harrington M. Wells
Flag Salute:
III. Approval of Agenda:
Public Comment:
Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion.
Old Business:
Consideration of Acquisition of Land for Economic Development and Construction of a Manufacturing Plant – M. Wells
Consideration of Approval of Boundary Survey for 37+/- Acre Parcel and Certificate of Survey of a 20-Acre Parcel Split out from boundary for the Acquisition of Land for Economic Development and Construction of a Manufacturing Plant to be completed by Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. $5,000.00 – M. Wells
New Business:
XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
Happy Mother’s Day!
I want to wish a very happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who play a special and irreplaceable role in our lives. I also want to say happy Mother’s Day to my wife, Robba, and to our daughters, Kelsey and Alex.
Security & Humanitarian Crisis at the Southern Border
On May 11, Title 42 expired. Officials at U.S. Customs and Border Protection anticipate as many as 10,000 to 13,000 migrants to cross the southern border each day – almost double the daily average in March. We already have a record number of migrants at our southern border and the Biden administration’s decision to end Title 42 without a robust plan of action is only going to make the crisis worse. We must secure the border, enforce the law and reverse the policies President Biden put in place that have fueled this crisis.
Hearing from DEA & FBI on End of Title 42
As ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, I held a hearing this week with FBI Director Christopher Wray and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram. During the hearing, we discussed the consequences of allowing Title 42 to end. I expressed to them my concerns about the threats posed to our national security with the end of this policy. I also questioned DEA Administrator Milgram about China supplying fentanyl precursor chemicals to Mexico and asked her about what the DEA is doing to work with China and Mexico in regard to this issue.
Supporting Efforts to Address the Border Crisis
I have met with DEA, FBI and Border Patrol agents at the southern border multiple times and seen the national security and humanitarian crisis firsthand. Despite the challenges they face, our law enforcement officers at the border are doing an incredible job. They remain positive and are proud to serve our country and to protect our nation and communities. I want to recognize and thank each of them for their service.
Drug cartels and criminal organizations are exploiting our broken border and immigration system – trafficking children, smuggling dangerous narcotics into our communities, threatening public safety and violating human rights. Without action, these problems will only get worse.
President Biden must act to ensure a stricter enforcement of our immigration laws, reinstate the construction of a wall or fencing in areas that are largely unprotected, and the administration must send a message loud and clear that our border is closed to unlawful entrants.
Leading Legislation to Reform Classification System, Prevent Mishandling of Classified Documents On Wednesday, I joined Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) – fellow members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence – in introducing two bills to address how the federal government declassifies information and how classified information is handled. These bills would reform the security classification system in order to reduce over classification, prevent mishandling of classified information, promote better use of intelligence and enhance public trust.
In the digital age, our classification system is absorbing a flood of new, critical information. When it comes to declassifying documents, our current declassification process costs $18 billion a year and is about as effective as using an eye dropper to drain a flood. These deficiencies undermine our national security, and a backlog of unnecessary classified material is harming our ability to protect what should be secret from our enemies. We are long overdue for an overhaul that begins with an up-to-date declassification system in order to better secure our national secrets, and it begins with the two bills introduced this week.
I have worked on this issue of declassification for several years, introducing legislation with Sen. Wyden. The support for the bills introduced this week signifies the growing importance of this issue. Improving our broken classification system will reduce costs and create a more efficient system. This is necessary to protect information from bad actors, and I look forward to advancing these bills.
You can watch the press conference announcing the legislation here.
Trade is Vital to the U.S. Economy and National Security
This week, I spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of trade to our nation’s prosperity and relationships around the world. This is particularly true in the Indo-Pacific region, which will soon be home to 50 percent of the world’s economic output. Trade agreements that provide market access are critical to Kansas producers, and I called on President Biden to enter into – and Congress to ratify – the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership.
In competing with China in the coming decades, it is essential to build cooperation with these countries by offering a positive vision that attracts them to America. Little in geopolitics is a win-win, but trade is the rare area that advances our interests and those of our partners.
Selected as New Co-Chair of Senate Travel & Tourism Caucus This week, the U.S. Travel Association officially announced that I will be co-chair of the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus with Sen. Amy Klobuchar. This bipartisan group of 23 senators champions efforts to increase and support travel to and within the United States.
My appointment was announced during the 40th anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week, celebrating a vital industry that generated $2.6 trillion in economic output last year. Travel is an essential driver of our economy and workforce and plays a crucial role in fueling other industries such as manufacturing, health care and education.
It’s always a joy to share the beauty of a sunset in the Flint Hills or the boyhood home and library of President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Abilene, and as co-chair of this caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues to promote policies that reduce barriers to travel, bolster the travel industry and support the safety and access of travelers across America.
Melissa Dixon, president, Travel Industry Association of Kansas:
Holly Lofton, president-elect, Travel Industry Association of Kansas:
Julie Roller Weeks, former president, Travel Industry Association of Kansas:
K-State Selected for National Science Foundation Award
On Thursday, Kansas State University was awarded $1 million from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines program. It was a pleasure to call K-State President Richard Linton to inform him. K-State’s project, 1 of only 44 to be selected, will focus on advancing biosecurity, biodefense and biomanufacturing, with applications in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, renewable energy and advanced materials. These Development Awards will help organizations create connections and develop their local innovation ecosystem within two years to prepare a strong proposal for becoming a future NSF Engine, where they will have the opportunity to receive up to $160 million.
I supported the CHIPS and Science Act in part because of the opportunities created for Kansas institutions like K-State to create lasting economic growth in ground-breaking, innovative fields. Congratulations to K-State University and their team for winning this award and building on the many new significant research and development projects in the Manhattan region. K-State has demonstrated that participation in this new program will create jobs, strengthen our nation’s global competitiveness and encourage innovation.
Speaking with Agri-Pulse on NBAF, Farm Bill and Debt Limit
This week, I joined Agri-Pulse to discuss the grand opening of NBAF, the upcoming Farm Bill and the ongoing debate on the debt limit. Farmers and ranchers in Kansas and across the country have much at stake in the current debt ceiling debate. Our farmers are the victims of inflation. We have seen the impacts of rising prices on fertilizer prices, input costs for fuel, diesel and natural gas and other components of farm equipment. The new Farm Bill needs to be based on the increasing costs of inputs in order to best support our farmers and ranchers.
NOTAM Improvement Act Passes the Senate
On Tuesday, the Senate unanimously passed my NOTAM Improvement Act, introduced with Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V), which helps prevent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) system outages. This act requires FAA to strengthen the resiliency and cybersecurity of the NOTAM system, which alerts pilots of safety and location hazards on flight routes. This bill follows a recent NOTAM system outage in January that grounded flights nationwide. FAA has a responsibility to make certain air travel in our country is as safe and efficient as possible. I am pleased by the Senate’s swift passage of this legislation and urge the House of Representatives to quickly pass this bill to send to the President’s desk.
Delivering Keynote Address at Rotary Club of Wichita
On Monday, I delivered the keynote address at the Rotary Club of Wichita – one of the oldest and most active rotary clubs in the nation. Communities across our state are strengthened by those who participate in civic organizations, and I appreciated the opportunity to spend time with leaders dedicated to growing the region. We spoke about my priority to help bring new opportunities to the businesses that already call Wichita home, attract new partnerships and contracts to the region and make certain the area has a trained workforce to ensure future success.
In the past years, senior government and business leaders have visited the area at my invitation to see all that Kansas has to offer. These visits have resulted in new contracts, business and growth for the Wichita region and the state as a whole. Two main industries I have worked to bring to Wichita are aerospace and defense – sectors that are seeing rapid growth in the area as local suppliers and manufacturers gain new business and contracts with top industry leaders.
I want to thank Dr. Elizabeth King, CEO of Wichita State University (WSU) Foundation, for the kind introduction at this event. Special thanks as well to Greater Wichita Partnership President Jeff Fluhr, Wichita State University Senior Vice President for Industry and Defense Programs Dr. John Tomblin and WSU Tech President Dr. Sheree Utash for joining as my guests. I also appreciate Kansas Global for sponsoring the luncheon. The momentum in Wichita is palpable, and it was great to spend time with leaders who are dedicated to growing the region. I will continue to work alongside these men and women to expand opportunities for all those who call Wichita and south-central Kansas home.
ATF Launches National Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Excellence at WSU
On Monday before returning to Washington, D.C., I was also at Wichita State University (WSU) for the grand opening of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Excellence on WSU’s Innovation Campus. This facility will analyze and correlate the ballistic evidence recovered from crime scenes, helping local law enforcement develop investigative leads and giving them the tools to get violent robbers, drug dealers and murderers off the streets. ATF estimates more than 300 jobs will be created as part of the center.
Notably, we returned to WSU’s Innovation Campus just two months after announcing a $75 million investment in a world-class forensics laboratory on campus. This lab will bring an additional 100 new good-paying, high-quality jobs to the region. All of this means that Kansas is in an ideal position to support ATF’s efforts to solve crimes and provide comprehensive and advanced technology support to federal, state and local agencies not only in Kansas but across the nation.
As the top Republican on the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to helping local law enforcement members protect our communities, and I am pleased that the Wichita region plays a vital role in this mission. Now, wherever a crime is committed and a criminal needs to be apprehended, the message can be: “We’ve got to get this evidence to Wichita so we can solve this crime.”
I want to thank ATF Director Steve Dettelbach for his leadership at the federal level. Special thanks to WSU President Richard Muma and Vice President John Tomblin for their role in assisting in this mission.
Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing with Top Department of Defense Officials
Last week, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley regarding the FY2024 Department of Defense (DoD) budget. Despite the U.S. facing one of the most challenging national security situations of my lifetime, this administration’s request significantly underfunds our military. When adjusted for inflation, President Biden’s budget request reflects a decline in resources for our military when compared to last year’s.
During the hearing, I questioned DoD leadership on efforts to combat low recruitment levels across all military branches, which places continued strain on our servicemen and women. I also expressed concern regarding the rank disparity for the Vice Chief of the National Guard compared to their counterparts in the sister services. The National Guard constitutes 20% of the Joint Force and is entrusted with various critical and unique missions. However, the National Guard is the only service in which the Vice Chief is a three-star, automatically disadvantaging National Guard personnel nationwide.
Lastly, I reminded Secretary Austin of the importance of caring for servicemembers and their families impacted by the recent water contamination around the Red Hill Bulk Storage facility in Hawaii. I highlighted a bill I introduced with Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), which would require longitudinal health studies for those impacted by this contamination to allow for the best possible care to the families serving our nation.
Honoring the Life of Gary Doane I spoke on the U.S. Senate floor this week to pay tribute to the life of Gary Doane – Downs native, member of the Kansas Farm Bureau and former Chair of the Board of Directors for the Kansas Agricultural and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program.
Gary touched the lives of all who knew him, and he left the world – and our state – a better place. I know I speak for many others when I say we will all miss his wisdom and his kindness. Gary did what we all hope to do. He lived a life with purpose, and he loved to invest in the next generation of Kansans. He often spoke of how he wanted to help raise new leaders to preserve the same opportunities he enjoyed living and raising his family in north central Kansas. We all look for examples, and Gary’s life is an example of the difference one person can make. I know his legacy will live on in the community and in the state he loved. Robba and I are praying for his wife Glennys and his three children, Amy, Vic and Edie, and the entire Downs community.
Speaking to General Aviation Manufacturing Association Board
On Wednesday morning, I spoke to the General Aviation Manufacturing Association (GAMA) Board of Directors regarding my efforts to help craft this year’s FAA Reauthorization. GAMA represents various aviation and avionics manufacturers including companies in Kansas, such as Garmin, Textron, Airbus, Honeywell, GE Aviation and others. As Ranking Member of the Commerce Aviation Subcommittee, it is my priority to make certain Kansas interests – across all aviation sectors – are considered and included in the final bill. During my remarks, I discussed the outlook of the bill, and several pieces of legislation I have introduced and am working to introduce for inclusion in FAA Reauthorization. It is vital we pass a long-term FAA Reauthorization bill, and I appreciated the conversation with a large group of stakeholders with a significant role in this process.
Meeting with Textron eAviation President
It was great to meet with Textron eAviation President Rob Scholl this week. Headquartered in Wichita, Textron eAviation is a sector of Textron solely focused on sustainable flying and leveraging innovative product design, certification and manufacturing. The company’s acquisition of Pipistrel – an international leader in electric aircraft – coupled with Textron’s existing businesses assists the important work being done by eAviation. I appreciated receiving an update on various Textron eAviation efforts and how the company is working to lead in the new entrants ecosystem. Kansas is the Air Capital of the World, and it is exciting to hear from our Wichita-based companies on how our state continues to bolster and contribute to the aviation industry.
Subcommittee Hearing on Universal Broadband Service
On Thursday, the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Media and Broadband held a hearing on the current state of universal broadband service in our country and discussed federal broadband deployment programs, including the Universal Service Fund (USF). Managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the USF promotes access to telecommunications services for all Americans through four distinct programs: High Cost, E-Rate, Rural Health Care and Lifeline. These programs are funded through a fee on certain services, like long-distance landline voice calls. As Americans’ usage of telecommunications services have shifted with technological growth, this funding mechanism has become increasingly volatile and expensive for those using legacy services. To address this issue, I introduced the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act with Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Thune (R-S.D.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). This bill would require the FCC to stabilize the USF’s funding mechanism. Witnesses before this hearing agreed that this funding mechanism is unsustainable and needs to be addressed.
Before the hearing on Thursday, I joined a bipartisan working group to address this issue and other challenges facing universal broadband service. A recent study found Kansas ranked last amongst the states in terms of download speed and ranked poorly in other broadband quality metrics. This underlines the importance of making certain current federal broadband deployment programs are implemented in an effective and efficient manner. In addition to the USF funding mechanism, I also asked witnesses about the importance of federal coordination of broadband programs and the future of the FCC’s High Cost programs. I will continue my work to make certain every Kansan, no matter where they live, has access to the benefits of quality broadband service.
Introducing Bill to Deter Criminals from Targeting Law Enforcement
This week, I joined 38 of my Republican Senate colleagues in introducing the Back the Blue Act, legislation to increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and to provide new tools for officers to protect themselves. Each day, federal law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to defend our nation’s security. We must make certain that criminals who take the lives, or threaten to take the lives, of these public servants face tougher penalties.
This legislation strengthens laws to protect law enforcement officers by creating new federal laws for assaulting, killing and attempting or conspiring to kill federal law enforcement officers and federal judges. In addition, the Back the Blue Act would allow law enforcement officer to carry their firearms into federal facilities and other jurisdictions where possession of a firearm is currently prohibited.
Receiving Department of the Army Emblem
This week, I was presented with the Department of the Army Emblem. This symbol represents the dedication, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. Army. From the Revolutionary War to today, the Army has been at the forefront of defending our freedoms and safeguarding our nation. The emblem represents the countless soldiers who have dedicated their lives to selflessly serving their country.
I will continue to use my role as the Senate Army Caucus co-chair, a member of the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations and the Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to make certain soldiers and their families are supported during and after their service to our nation.
Visiting KidsTLC in Olathe
Before returning to Washington, D.C. earlier this week, I stopped by KidsTLC in Olathe to see firsthand the work done here to care for young children and their families through a variety of services. This non-profit organization was founded in 1972 to fulfill an unmet need for an emergency shelter for abused and neglected children. Since then, the initial mission has transformed into the current goal of providing inpatient and outpatient care for children experiencing mental and behavioral health challenges, developmental trauma and autism. I want to thank Dr. Erin Dugan, President & CEO, Tim Dannenberg, KidsTLC Board Chair and Shannon Wickliffe, Chief Development Officer, for hosting me.
Kansas Community Visits Waverly
It was great to be in Waverly to visit with local residents during my stops at Waverly Cooperative, First National Bank of Kansas, Waverly Medical Clinic and City Hall. Thanks to everyone who took the time to speak with me.
Ottawa
I met with local Ottawa leaders for a conversation about current happenings in the community and to hear from them about the issues impacting the area. Maintaining strong communities across our state is vitally important. I want to thank Major Eric Crowley, Mayor Pro-Tem Mike Skidmore and City Manager Brian Silcott for hosting this important discussion.
Stafford County
On Friday, it was great to spend time in Stafford County speaking with local residents in the area. I stopped in St. John and met with the Stafford County Economic Development team and other community leaders.
Pictured below: Kathleen Norman, current Executive Director of Stafford County Economic Development; Ryan Russell, incoming Executive Director of Stafford County Economic Development; and Carolyn Dunn, former Executive Director of Stafford County Economic Development.
Attending Kansas Soybean Social
On Thursday evening, I stopped by the Kansas Soybean Association office to visit with the team there and other industry stakeholders. I enjoyed visiting with attendees and learning more about their organizations which play such an important role in our state. Thank you to Kansas Soybean CEO Kaleb Little for the invitation.
All Schools Day Parade
I enjoyed joining the All Schools Day Parade in McPherson on Friday. The All Schools Day Parade is one of my favorite events of the year, and I appreciate the residents who show up each year. Special thanks to Nic Winsky for driving my vehicle in the parade this year!
Now Accepting 2023 Service Academy Applications Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2028. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, September 1, 2023. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Governor Kelly Signs Omnibus Budget, Increases Funding for Higher Education, Infrastructure, Student Mental Health Programs
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signedSenate Bill 25, the Omnibus Budget, which passed with bipartisan support. The budget increases funding for higher education, invests in local infrastructure, expands mental health resources for students, and provides a pay increase for the state workforce.
“I am proud of this bipartisan, fiscally responsible budget that will bolster our state’s workforce, improve roads and expand high-speed internet, and provide essential mental health resources for our students,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding will support my administration’s efforts to continue growing the economy and making every Kansas community an attractive place to live and raise a family.”
The budget:
Increases pay for state employees: These salary increases improve pay rates for state employees who are earning below the market rate for similar jobs in the Kansas private sector. This increased pay will help recruit, retain, and recognize the work of employees who deliver public safety, infrastructure projects, mental health resources, education, and services to businesses and families across the state.
Promotes STEM workforce training opportunities: These investments expand opportunities for students training in emerging technologies, science, engineering, math, science, and technical trades. These programs are instrumental in attracting students to Kansas and preparing them to participate in our expanding economy and workforce.
Supports local infrastructure projects: The Build Kansas Matching Grant Fund will provide a mechanism to provide state matching dollars to Kansas communities for projects approved under the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation (BIL). These funds will enable Kansas communities to move forward with infrastructure projects, including improvements to water, transportation, energy, cybersecurity, and high-speed internet. A portion of these dollars will also be used by the Kansas Infrastructure Hub to provide resources and technical assistance to communities seeking to access BIL funding.
Expands mental health resources for students: $13.5 million will be invested in the Mental Health Intervention Pilot to further expand access to behavioral health services for students. With this funding, the Kelly administration has invested over $46 million in this pilot, resulting in the program reaching 5,000 students and nearly 70 school districts annually.
Invests in services for elderly and disabled Kansans: The budget includes funding for services for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including funding for an early childhood program for children with blindness or visual impairments. It also increases funding for Senior Nutrition (Meals on Wheels) and expands the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly to additional counties.
Governor Kelly also line-item vetoed certain aspects of the bill. Find more information and her veto messages here.
Governor’s Active Veto Pen The Kansas Governor, a former New Yorker, demonstrated by her actions she is not ‘middle of the road’. Her veto of CCR 8 prioritized county and municipality lobbyists veto request above helping seniors and disabled veterans struggling to pay property taxes and other provisions. These lobby groups were against one provision in CCR 8 that would level the playing field against governments operating a business that directly competes with a private business. Disappointingly, these taxpayer funded lobbyists put their angst against leveling the playing field over bi-partisan legislation that would have helped many Kansans.
CCR 8 had several provisions as do most tax and budget legislation. The Governor said NO to CCR 8 that would have: expanded property tax relief for seniors in need and disabled veterans; reduced penalties on personal property tax late-filings; modified proposed property tax increase mailed out notices; provided reimbursement to local governments for these notices; provided two prior years’ values on your annual property valuation notices; allowed certified residential property appraisal when appealing property taxes on homes; allowed paying under protest regardless of a valuation appeal; codified adverse influences in valuation of agriculture land; clarified agriculture agritourism property classification; provided a property tax exemption for businesses directly competing against a government business; decreased penalties for late withholding taxes; provided a carryforward for net-operating losses for specific years; allowed a subtraction modification for the federal work opportunity tax credit (WOTC); increased adoption tax credits; removed the sunset of tax credits for disabled employment; clarified an option for State And Local Tax (SALT) – it saved Kansans over $130 million on federal taxes without costing the state a dime; established a tax credit for donations to pregnancy centers; and exempted sales tax on manufacturer coupons. All of these items were lost this year as a result of the Governor’s veto. There will not be an attempt to override as the last day of session was a couple of weeks ago.
Kansans could have benefited from CCR 8 and CCR 169. Remember CCR 169 that was vetoed earlier? It included property tax relief for homeowners, state sales tax on groceries removed in 2024 instead of 2025, and income tax cuts including exempting Social Security and increasing standard deductions. It is apparent the Governor’s actions and claims she is ‘in the middle of the road’ are contradictory as she vetoes tax cuts and continues to grow government at a record pace.
Vetoes and veto overrides were a record high this year. The legislature didn’t attempt to override all of the vetoes, but of the ones they did, 12 were overridden. The successful veto overrides include: HB 2313 Born-Alive Infant Protection, HB 2264 Women’s Right to Know about Abortion Drug Reversal, HB 2350 Making Human Smuggling a Crime, HB 2138 Requiring Separate Accommodations by Biological Sex on Overnight School Trips, HB 2094 Work or Training Requirement for Able Bodied Adults to Receive Food Benefits, SB 228 Modernizing County Jail Statutes (reimbursement for mental health detainees), and SB 180 Women’s Bill of Rights. Bills that failed to secure 2/3 majority for an override: HB 2344 Loosening Overly Burdensome Daycare Regulations, HB 2236 Parents Bill of Rights, SB 169 Tax Reductions, SB 206 Ballots Due by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, and SB 26 Child Mutilation Prevention Act. There will not be an override attempt on the bills she vetoed last week, including CCR 8, because the 2023 session has ended. I have already began efforts to pass this legislation next year as I keep fighting the good fight.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Tornado possibilities are a part of Kansas weather.
The towns in Bourbon County that have tornado shelters provided for their citizens are Bronson, Garland, Mapleton and Uniontown, according to Brian Allen, the Bourbon County Emergency Management contact.
Allen is in training to takeover from Will Wallis, the former contact. He said he is not aware of any public storm shelters in Fort Scott.
“My recommendation would be what Will always told the public, and that is to have a personal plan in advance, and to seek out neighbors who may have a shelter,” Allen said. “Also everyone should sign up for Code Red on the county’s website for alerts.”
“Right now, my main function in the emergency management role is getting the necessary courses taken to be licensed which will take quite awhile,” Allen said.
In addition to emergency management, Allen still works for the county in 911, floodplain management, as well as information technology.
“I am being trained and directed by Shane Walker who has been the deputy emergency manager for many years, going back well before Will,” he said. “The EM position is no longer a full time position.”
Sign up here for the Code Red Emergency Warning System for Bourbon County
About Bourbon County Emergency Management, from the county’s website.
Emergency Management
Bourbon County Emergency Management
210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-3800 x124
620-223-3234 fax
620-224-8165 [email protected]
Mission Statement:
To provide a 24-hour operation to reduce the loss of life and property and to protect the environment. The highest priority is to protect Bourbon County residents from all hazards by providing and coordinating resources, expertise, leadership and advocacy through a comprehensive, risk-based emergency preparedness program of mitigation, management, response and recovery.
Below are links to other informative websites regarding emergency preparedness.
ACCESSIBILITY OF SARA TITLE III HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION
Section 324 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, also known as SARA Title III (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, PL99-499) requires public notice at least once annually informing the public of the means to access information about extremely hazardous substances that are manufactured, stored, and used within their community. Follow-up emergency notices may subsequently be issued.
Accordingly, information concerning LEPC meetings, SARA Title III hazardous materials planning which is included in our Bourbon Emergency Operations Response Plan, materials safety data sheets (MSDS), hazardous chemical inventory forms, listing extremely hazardous substances manufactured, stored, or used within Bourbon County can be obtained during normal business hours by contacting Bourbon County Emergency Management at 620-223-3800.
K-State Selected for National Science Foundation Award
