Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission Today

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

October 16, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/2/23 and 10/10/23
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $221,649.43
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $297,503.99
  1. Public Comments
  2. Becky Gray, Community Health Center of SEK- Public Transportation
  3. Diane Striler-Christmas on the Bricks
  • Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  1. Certification of Voting Delegates for KAC Meeting
  2. Early Voting Location
  3. Susan Walker, CFO
    1. 2024 Health Insurance Rates Approval
  4. Susan Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  5. Shane Walker- Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
  • Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 16

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

October 16, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/2/23 and 10/10/23
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $221,649.43
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $297,503.99
  1. Public Comments
  2. Becky Gray, Community Health Center of SEK- Public Transportation
  3. Diane Striler-Christmas on the Bricks
  • Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  1. Certification of Voting Delegates for KAC Meeting
  2. Early Voting Location
  3. Susan Walker, CFO
    1. 2024 Health Insurance Rates Approval
    2. Longevity
  4. Susan Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  5. Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Attachments:

Accounts Payable 10-6-2023

Payroll 10-6-2023

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Minutes of Sept. 25

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
September 25, 2023
PRESENT: Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson (via Zoom)
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler-President, Juley McDaniel-Board Clerk, faculty, staff
Vice-Chairman Nelson called the meeting to order at 5:37 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall.
A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to appoint Dave Elliott as Chair
pro tem.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
BUDGET HEARING
A. Comments from the Chair: None
B. Comments from the Board: The Board thanked Julie Eichenberger and her staff for getting the budget
ready. A suggestion was made to have a worksession next year prior to Julie starting the budget so the
Board can provide feedback about goals for the budget year.
C. Comments from the Public: None
D. A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the revenue
neutral rate resolution as stated in the agenda.
E. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2023 –
24 budget as presented.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
KDWP REPORT: Don George, the District Biologist for Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has
been in charge of the lakes at FSCC for many years. KDWP stocks both ponds at FSCC. In his time in this role, he
says KDWP has stocked well over $100,000 worth of fish in the east lake. KDWP and FSCC will be working
together to restructure the east pond, which will involve complete draining of the pond and restructuring the dam. A
start date for the project has not yet been determined, but the goal for completion is some time in 2025.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve
the consent agenda as amended.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Fewins, and carried by 4 – 2 vote to approve the Fairness in
Women’s Sports Policy. Elliott and Nelson voted in opposition.
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from Instruction, Finance and
Operations, Athletics, Student Services, and CTEC.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
6:56 pm by Fewins, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for Oct. 17

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
October 17, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
T. VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
II. Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: Led by E. Woellhof
III. Approval of Agenda:
IV. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 3, 2023
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1346-A — $419,965.77
C. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $25,569.95
Invoice#16850 – 21-303A – WWTP – System Designs Phase III – $7,000.00
Invoice#16851 – 22-305 S. Industrial Pk Waterline – Bidding – $1,200.00
Invoice#16853 –- 22-413 Cooper Street Inspection – $438.00
Amanda Simpson – 8 hours @ $48.50 – $388.00
Cylinder Breaks – 2 hours @ $25.00 – $50.00
Invoice#16854 –- 22-49 S. Horton St. and W. 6 th St. – Final 40% – $2,325.00
Invoice#16855 –- 23-05 City Engineer – Monthly Fee – $4,243.60
Invoice#16856 –- 23-306 WTP Change In Infrastructure – $1,650.00
Gather Information – 100% – $750.00
Final Plans – 15% – $900.00
Invoice#16857 –- 23-409 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Inspection – $7,963.35
Jason Dickman – 13 hours @ $147.50 – $1,917.50
Amanda Simpson – 117 hours @ $48.50 – $5,674.50
Miles – 279 miles @ $0.65 – $181.35
Meals – 19 meals @ $10.00 – $190.00
Invoice#16877 –- 22-32 KDOT Sub-Area Extension – Bidding – $750.00
D. September Financials
V. Public Comment: Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VI. Old Business:
A. Consideration to approve Core & Main quotes for the purchase of water main insertions for 4th & Horton and Wall & Eddy – Tabled 10/3/2023 – $88,850.00 – B. Lemke
B. Discussion of Splash Pad Drain options – J. Dickman
VII. Appearances:
A. Cory Bryars on behalf of Care To Share: FortFest23 Report for
Commissioners and Special Thanks from Care To Share
B. Becky Gray/Executive Director of Building Health, Inc. and Dee
Yount/Transportation Manager: Request to approve Letter of Support regarding their transportation services
C. Patrick Wood: Housing Development: Requested to appear again with more
information.
VIII. Public Hearing:
A. Resolution No. 17-2023 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure
IX. New Business:
A. Consideration to approve Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition of 10S. National recommended by Design Review Board on 9/28/2023
B. Consideration of Demolition Bids for 10 S. National – B. Matkin
C. Consideration of Bids for South Industrial Park Waterline Extension –
J. Dickman
D. Consideration of candidate, Don Tucker, for Land Bank appointment
E. Consideration to approve Certificate of Appropriation for 12 N. Main to install a new sign. Recommended by Design Review Board on 9/28/2023
F. Beginning discussions of Housing Incentive Programs – M. Wells
X. Reports and Comments:
A. City Manager Comments:
B. Engineering Comments:
C. Commissioners Comments:
T. VanHoecke –
K. Harrington –
E. Woellhof –
M. Guns –
M. Wells –
D. City Attorney Comments:
XI. Executive Session:
XII. Adjournment:
Lisa Lewis, City Clerk

Government, Health Care

Healthcare in Bourbon County: Amberwell

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The emergency room in 2019 prior to Ascension Via Christi assuming operations.

Ascension Via Christi is stopping their emergency department services in Fort Scott at the end of this year.

But a new healthcare system is coming to replace the services.

At this week’s special City of Fort Scott Commission meeting, Mayor Matthew Wells said “It is public knowledge at this point that Amberwell is the company that we are partnering with, their home office is in Atchison, Kansas.”

The city approved $600,000 for its part in the new E.R. services in a Memorandum of Understanding.

Other entities

At a special Bourbon County Commission meeting this week the commissioners approved $500,000 towards the new E.R. services.

“The administration and Board of Trustees at Fort Scott Community College recognize the importance and need for there to be an active emergency room in the county,” Dr. Jason Kegler, President of Fort Scott Community Colleges said. “We understand the benefit this provides to our guests, students and staff. The college remains mindful of the financial responsibility we have to the citizens of this county. We will have internal discussions about how best for us to partner with other entities to ensure the continued presence of an emergency room in this county.”

Because of public school finance laws  USD 234 is unable to help financially, Destry Brown, Superintendent said. “We do support it, but we can’t help with it financially.”

About Amberwell

Amberwell Health has a mission to sustain and strengthen rural healthcare, through affiliation with clinically integrated organizations that share services, expertise, and group savings while retaining local operational management,  according to its website.

As of January 2022, Amberwell had 650 employees serving across seven locations in six communities in northeast Kansas, according to the website.

Problems in healthcare

“Kansas has 104 rural hospitals – and more than 80% of them are losing money, according to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, a nonprofit think-tank,” Mayor Wells said. “More than half are deemed to be at risk of closing this year.”

“The biggest problems for rural hospitals (are) a combined high percentage of Medicare and Medicaid patients and payments from private insurance companies that, like those from government programs, don’t cover the cost of providing services, Wells said.
“Under the new federal program, we could qualify for a subsidy of approximately $2.2 million a year plus a 3% increase in Medicare payments by becoming a federally designated Rural Emergency Hospital. However, we must be a functioning rural hospital that meets these conditions. To qualify, this organization we are partnering with will provide these services.”

“The Kansas Hospital Association (https://www.kha-net.org/) estimates that Kansas would have received an additional $6.2 billion in federal funding if it had expanded Medicaid when the opportunity arose in 2014,” Wells said. “I ask you to start pressing the state legislature to make this happen, for our community, for our people.”

 

“We are so thankful that Ascension has helped provide the E.R. to date, but they too have been subsidized with free rent and free utilities by Legacy Health,” Wells said.

Amberwell will also receive this benefit, he said.

“On top of the E.R., this is one of the greatest needs: primary care doctors for us citizens,” Wells said. “We are also told that Amberwell has the ability, because of the way it has set itself up to create single-payer systems, that allow people to pay directly for services without having to have insurance. Many of the businesses showed extreme interest in this model, and one said it would save them a lot of money.”

 

Fort Scott, Government

FS Water Warning Update

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Water Warning Update: the City of Fort Scott Water Utility Department opened the valve at Rock Creek five turns today. This was due to the level of water in the Marmaton River. As of today the river is at 8’4” deep which is much lower than the 9 1/2’ depth we need. At this time the valves at Cedar Creek and Rock Creek are the only ones open, the valve at Lake fort Scott remains closed. We would ask citizens to continue doing what you are doing to conserve water because it has been working and it is appreciated.

We are not sounding an alarm, just wanted to update our citizens on what the water situation is. We continue to need rain and hope it will come but for now we are ok with the levels we have at the three water sources and are monitoring them daily.

Submitted by

Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott

[email protected]

Government, Kansas

Help Identify Areas of Need for High Speed Internet

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Governor Kelly Invites Public Input on Volume 2
of Broadband Plan

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the release of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Initial Proposal Volume 2. As part of the planning process, the public is invited to submit their comments on the planning document. Together with the BEAD 5-Year Action Plan, Volumes 1 and 2 will help identify areas of need for high-speed internet buildout across the state and outline requirements for applicants to access grant funding.

“Our vision for Kansas is one where every resident, regardless of their location, has access to affordable, reliable internet,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Volume 2 planning document sets a clear path to achieving that goal. I encourage all Kansans to be involved in the public comment process.”

Volume 2 outlines defined objectives for broadband infrastructure projects, transparent subgrantee selection processes, and the active participation of eligible entities, all aimed at providing affordable broadband service options to residents.

Additional components of Volume 2 include:

  • Plans for equipping the workforce with the necessary skills and resources to support broadband infrastructure development
  • Initiatives to promote the inclusion of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) in broadband projects
  • Strategies for identifying and mitigating cost-related barriers to broadband deployment
  • Consideration of the environmental impact of broadband projects and efforts to minimize their carbon footprint
  • An outline of the regulatory approach to be taken by eligible entities in support of broadband infrastructure development

“As we continue to support and invest in broadband infrastructure, we’re not just connecting people; we’re creating opportunities,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “High-speed broadband promotes access to telehealth, remote work, distance learning and entrepreneurship, which enrich our communities and create pathways to prosperity for Kansans.”

The BEAD program, established by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, has allocated more than $451 million to Kansas for the development of broadband networks.

The Kansas Office of Broadband Development remains committed to its mission of closing the digital divide and looks forward to continued collaboration with stakeholders to bring high-speed broadband connectivity to all communities across the state.

“This planning document is key to guiding a historic level of investment into broadband infrastructure,” Kansas Office of Broadband Director Jade Piros de Carvalho said. “Our office is committed to an open and fair granting process that ensures the best use of public funds.”

Public comments on Volume 2 can be submitted online here until November 12, 2023.

Learn more about the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Plan here.

Bourbon County, Food, Government, Schools

Hydrophonics is Coming to a Local School System

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A photo of hydroponics taken from a USDA website.

Hydroponics is coming to Uniontown’s school district.

Hydroponics is the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil,  according to https://www.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-agricultural-production-systems/hydroponics

“USD 235 is excited to be the recipient of a hydroponic shipping container farm through a grant awarded to the Kansas Division of Children and Families,” USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said.  “It was announced on September 11th, 2023 that Community Green Farms of Pittsburg Kansas would receive just over $1,000,000 to bring seven southeast Kansas counties vertical hydroponic container farms.”

Vance Eden, superintendent of USD 235. Photo from the school district’s website.

“Uniontown Schools has been selected to be the recipient for Bourbon Couty,” Eden said. “These shipping containers use state-of-the-art technology to efficiently produce hyper-organic products in significant quantities within a minimal footprint.”

The greens grown will be consumed at the two school building’s cafeterias in the district.

“Not only will this space serve as a hands-on learning environment that will be used across the spectrum of ages and courses, but it will also provide produce that can be consumed in our cafeterias,” he said.  “We believe this opportunity will serve students and their futures in dynamic and tangible ways.”

The container has been ordered and will be placed on the school campus during the last week of November.

“Then, the setup of the farm and training for key staff will take place in December,” he said. “This means that it will be in production and available for student and teacher use during the second semester.”

“Mrs. Delta Pollock will be a leader, helping staff and students step into this new experience with confidence while Mrs. Shayla Knight will manage the food-service portion of vegetable production for our cafeterias,” he said.

Learning and adjusting will be part of the process of integrating hydroponics into learning experiences for the students in USD 235, he said.

“We eagerly jump into this opportunity with dreams and excitement for the impact that can be realized,” Eden said.

Once the container farm is established, community members will be invited to an open house “to see and taste what this new opportunity looks like in person,” Eden said.

“We want to publicly acknowledge Community Green Farms in their selection of USD 235 as the recipient and commend them on their commitment to bringing these opportunities to southeast Kansas schools at no cost,” he said.

 

The USD 235 Board of Education Office is located in Uniontown High School.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board Met On October 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

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, October 9, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 9, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

  • Board Minutes
    • 9/11/2023 Regular Meeting
  • Financials-Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – September 20, 2023 – $1,638,198.05
  • Activity Fund accounts
  • USD 234 Gifts
  • FSHS Extended Trip Applications
  • FSHS Fundraising Applications
  • Ratification of Investments
  • USD 234 Substitute Pay Schedule Adjustment

 

USD 234 Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month was Emily Stephens, Winfield Scott Special Education Teacher. She was recognized by Tonya Barnes for being willing to help provide services to a student that attends a local private school. This would be in addition to her students at Winfield Scott.

 

Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month are as follows:

Kelley Tucker, Winfield Scott Occupational Therapist Paraprofessional, was recognized by Tonya Barnes. Kelley is assisting with Hannelie Smit, Occupational Therapist. She was thanked for being extremely organized and assisting above expectations with Mrs. Smit.

 

 

 

Caroline Elton, Flo Tanner, Terra Kegler, Lucretia Ruggero, Jessica Cox, Fort Scott High School Paraprofessionals, were recognized by Tonya Barnes for their outstanding work with the Sensory Bulletin Board. They have provided a sensory space for the students that has proved to be highly effective and helpful.  Mrs. Barnes commended each on building connections to help bring more productivity to the students.

Cynthia Hemphill-Witham and Shanna Staton, Preschool Paraprofessionals, were recognized by Tonya Barnes. As the Preschool needs are growing, they have been willing to take on more responsibilities to help the students. Mr. Johnson, Principal, recommended Cynthia and Shannon for their willingness to go above and beyond every day for the students.

 

Winfield Scott recognized three outstanding students:

Cash Durossette, student at Winfield Scott, was recognized by Shelly Carter and Chris Garzone. He was recognized for being respectful and always having a smile. Cash is in Ms. Kait’s second grade class.

Bodhi Farley, student at Winfield Scott, was recognized by Shelly Carter and Chris Garzone.

He was recognized for being respectful everywhere he goes. Bodhi is in Mrs. Cross’s second grade class.

Rowyn Ratcliff, student at Winfield Scott, was recognized by Shelly Carter and Chris Garzone. She was recognized for following directions and helping her friends. Rowyn was also chosen by Peerless to name her own paint chip color. She named it “Rowyn Rose.”  Rowyn is in Ms. Kait’s second grade class.

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the enrollment being down about sixty students this year. He also updated on the Finance Department and how day to day is proceeding productively. Mr. Brown updated on the board vacancy moving to “at large” but will be put to an election. Preschool has a waiting list of around thirty students. District and Greenbush are looking into a mobile unit that could help accommodate this need

 

Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the Board on Fall data testing. All is done except kindergarten, but good growth is shown. RTI groups have been put in place and Title teachers have worked hard to address skill groups. Mrs. Smith updated on IReady and 504 plans and the continued training and growth of both.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported about Indicator 12 and progress reporting. Mrs. Barnes updated about IDEA verification and CATAID revenue. The district’s first payment will come on October 15. SPED Training that will happen this month will be with TASN and then Mrs. Barnes will do training with the teachers. She also updated on the trainings that she will be attending later this month.

 

Superintendent Brown discussed the proposed JBCC Open Enrollment Policy. There was no action currently.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Acceptance of appreciated stock in the amount of approximately $130,000.00.
  • Final roof payment upon completion in the amount of $173,414.60.
  • Approval of District Health Insurance
  • Personnel Report following

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

October 9, 2023

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Chipman, Katie – Middle School – Paraprofessional

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Lynch, Tabitha – Preschool – Paraprofessional

 

Lynn, Shelby – Instructional Assistant in Automotive Technology – High School

 

Superintendent Destry Brown Evaluation – Due by Nov 1

Board Evaluation

 

Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

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Capitol Tours
Peter M. Caines of Goodland

Sabrina Caines of Goodland

Catherine Caines of Goodland

Rebekah Caines of Goodland

Peter J. Caines of Goodland

Joe Berns from Lawrence

Stephanie Berns from Lawrence

Jaben Parnell from Pittsburg

Hannah Eckstein from Pittsburg

Lon Lowenstein of Overland Park

Suzy Katz of Overland Park

James Pilsl of Shawnee

Shawna Pilsl of Shawnee

Tim Underwood of Overland Park

Tammy Underwood of Overland Park

Jeff Bahnson of Shawnee

Julie Bahnson of Shawnee

Jeffrey Carter of Overland Park

Christina Carter of Overland Park

Abby Englert of Shawnee

Smokey Hill Education Service Center
Chris Moddelmog of Salina

Kansas Hospitals Association
Larry Van Der Wege of Lindsborg

Melissa Atkins of Hill City

Sherri Vaughn of Lawrence

Chad Austin of Topeka

Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel
Jerry Henn of Basehor

Ernie Claudel of Olathe

The Nature Conservancy
Chuck Rice of Manhattan

Bill Lyons of Mission Hills

Justin Cobb of Topeka

Dale Trott of Lenexa

Vickie Trott of Lenexa

Ben Postlethwait of Lawrence

The Fertilizer Institute
Scott McGinn of Sedgwick

Kansas School Superintendent’s Association
Craig Correll of Coffeyville

Shana Correll of Coffeyville

Angie Krause of Coffeyville


 

 

 


The United States Stands with Israel
I am shocked and appalled by Hamas’ unprovoked terrorist attack on Israel this weekend. More than 900 people are dead, including nine Americans. There is no conscionable reason for this brutality, and I condemn Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel and stand in support of Israel as it responds to this terrorism. Israel’s right to exist and its right to defend itself is not a matter of debate.

There is no doubt that Iran’s support was instrumental in this barbaric act. Hamas thanked Tehran for the funding and weapons that Iran has provided for many years. Iran must be held accountable for its pursuit of destroying Israel. Three months ago I spoke in the floor calling for stricter enforcement of oil sanctions on Iran. Iran’s oil production was surging then, and today, Iran’s oil production is at a 5-year high, serving as a direct source of revenue to support terrorism. Supporting Israel means the U.S. must be prepared to deter our enemies and those of our allies and to enforce the sanctions already in law and on Iran and any nation that backs terrorist organizations in Israel and around the region.

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Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter →

Government, Kansas

June 19 is Declared a Kansas Holiday

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Governor Kelly Announces Juneteenth to be Observed as a State Holiday

~~Kansas Joins 28 Other States Including Texas, Missouri, and Nebraska~~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that Kansas will designate Juneteenth as a state holiday, joining 28 other states and the District of Columbia.

“Juneteenth marks a significant point our nation’s history and has long been celebrated in Kansas and across the United States,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Establishing Juneteenth as a state holiday provides Kansans an opportunity to celebrate our state’s diversity and honor the ongoing struggles for racial equality.”

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day the last enslaved Americans received word that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery more than 2 years after the end of the Civil War. Governor Kelly has issued proclamations recognizing Juneteenth every year since 2020.

“I am thrilled that Juneteenth will be a state holiday,” said Stacey Knoell, Executive Director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission. “This day is a perfect example of the importance of learning the full picture of history, not to cast blame but to find reasons for acknowledging resilience. I hope this day can become one where Kansans can unite in celebration.”

In 2021, Juneteenth became the first federal holiday created in more than 40 years. Since then, Kansas’ neighboring states of Nebraska, Missouri, and Colorado have also established Juneteenth as a state holiday. The holiday will apply to Executive Branch employees under Governor Kelly’s jurisdiction.

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