The week of April 24 the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to start a project to replace the Owl Creek bridge on K-39. The bridge is 2 miles east of the east K-3 junction.
The bridge will be replaced one half at a time, with temporary signals directing one-lane traffic through the work zone. Expect brief delays. The new bridge should be open in late 2023.
KDOT awarded the construction contract of $2 million to Bridges Inc., of Newton. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting with all three Commissioners attending via phone and the County Clerk and County Counselor present.
Patty Ropp was present for the entire meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with flag salute.
Jim asked County Counselor Meeks to read the letter that was prepared and is addressed to the City of Fort Scott Commissioners. The letter requested City Commissioners to vote to overturn the recent application of an ordinance to give additional guidance and regulations to building contractors within the city of Fort Scott. Jim made a motion to approve the letter as Justin read it, submit the letter to the Commission of the City of Fort Scott, and allow Commissioner Beth to read the letter at the city’s meeting if he chooses to. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:32. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Mark McCoy, Deb McCoy, and Lora Holdridge were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting the with flag salute.
Nelson Blythe made a motion to approve the minutes from last week’s meeting. Clifton Beth seconded, and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to approve the payroll totaling $211,174.87, the accounts payable totaling $302,712.05, and miscellaneous disbursement checks for March totaling $13,719.41. Nelson seconded and all approved.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented a list of new culvert permits for March. Eric also handed out a report for the fuel through the end of March. Jim asked if all the departments except for the Sheriff’s department were still getting their fuel from public works and Eric responded yes. Eric gave an update on the fuel card system stating it has been a long process but the company sent software and will be here in the near future to install it. Jim commented that public works was getting good prices on gas and diesel and Clifton agreed.
The 5-year Solid Waste Plan that is due to KDHE by May 17 was handed out to each Commissioner to review and will be presented at next week’s meeting for approval. Jim questioned if any changes were made and Eric stated that the composting was added and that MSW and C&D are up as more out of county and state customers and using the landfill. Eric discussed the process to approve the plan which includes the Commission approving the 5-year plan, posting a notice of a required public meeting which can be held at a regularly scheduled Commission meeting, and passing a resolution adopting the plan. Clifton made a motion to accept the plan, but Nelson stated he would like to read the plan and suggested approving the plan at the next meeting. Clifton withdrew his motion.
Eric asked Shane Walker in to discuss the recent storm damage. The storm that passed through Bourbon County yesterday morning had multiple trees down, several residents lost their barns, power lines and poles were down as well. An entire barn was lifted from its block foundation and set down in the middle of Quail Road. Eric thanked the public works crew for their hard work putting up signs, removing downed trees, and clearing debris to allow the electric companies to get in and restore power to residents. The barn was torn down and hauled to the C&D section of the landfill, which Eric said was approved by KDHE.
Eric thanked the city of Bronson stating John Stokes allowed the county to bring brush gathered from the storm damage to their burn pile which is an approved burn site by KDHE. Eric stated that the equipment and manhours were all tracked for the storm damage cleanup and multiple pictures were taken so that if a declaration is made by the state, they will have all their documentation in line. Shane said the state contacted him regarding the damage in the Bronson area and they did a verbal storm declaration, but said a written declaration will need to be signed to be on file. Shane said that the emergency management department has posted on the radio and Facebook for residents with property damage to contact the county so the damage can be documented and added to the countywide totals in order to try to meet state guidelines. Shane said that there was not enough road damage to qualify for FEMA. Clifton asked what the total was that had to be met and Shane said it is 5.5 million dollars statewide.
Chanute sustained significant damage with the storm yesterday morning, with Shane stating an entire block will have to be collapsed. Shane stated that 90 mph winds were recorded in Bronson and 78 mph winds were recorded in Uniontown. Shane said roof damage and walls blown out of barns were the majority of the damage they saw; however there was one house destroyed and that debris was carried over a mile away. Jim asked if we had another storm came through in two weeks if they could add damage from that to this storm and Shane said yes if it is within a certain window. Nelson asked how long the declaration can last and it was stated the resolution is for two weeks; however it can be extended by the commission. Nelson asked it we have to pass the storm declaration to get money and where does it come from? Shane said it depends on what we apply for but its mainly federal.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to move resolution 10-23 before the executive session. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson made a motion to approve resolution 10-23 declaring a state of local disaster for Bourbon County. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved. Eric said if the state’s declaration is approved then public works will get reimbursed for their time, equipment, and material costs.
Jim said that they need to have a discussion with property owners on the west side of Lake Fort Scott. 190th St. is a county road, but there are several roads that go into homes that the residents feel are either county or city. Jim said that he spoke to the Register of Deeds, Lora Holdridge, and the roads are not county, but the city says they are not city roads either. Jim stated there needs to be a meeting with city and county representatives and the residents to solve this, but the commission needs to decide how they want to handle this. Clifton said they as Commissioners have zero power outside of the room, so in his opinion the meeting would need to be held during a Commission meeting. Eric was asked to visit with Lora and the city to determine whose roads they are before the meet with the citizens. Lora Holdridge came into the meeting stated the roads are listed as access drives but that the roads do not show ownership and are not named roads. The original plat shows the city of Fort Scott. Mark McCoy said the City Commissioner on the Lake Advisory Board should be the city’s representative in this matter.
Jim said the Fort Scott Community College requested a Commissioner to attend a meeting on Monday 4-10-23 to discuss repairs to their pond. Jim asked Eric to attend the meeting on the county’s behalf.
Eric told Nelson the road issues he reported during the last meeting were taken care of last week. The road issue Jim reported on 230th St. will be corrected this week.
A five-minute break was taken and normal session was resumed at 9:34.
Susan Bancroft requested a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include Susan Bancroft, all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Shane Walker and will return at 9:44. Nelson seconded, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:44 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Justin Meeks requested a 7-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for two active litigation issues one is a potential litigation issue and the other is a personnel matter.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow an executive session before public comments. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-minute executive session under 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 to include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 9:53. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:53 with action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Justin Meeks asked to be allowed to approve the documents for the opioid settlement from the state. Justin stated he received the documents yesterday and the amount is under $5000. Clifton made a motion to allow Justin to approve the opioid settlement from the Attorney General’s office. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Justin stated the settlement checks will be sent to the Clerk’s office and that a special fund has been created for those.
Deb McCoy read a prepared statement during public comments about prior comments made during Commission meetings about rule of law and codes of regulations. Deb stated, “the cultivation of the rhetoric towards the transgressions of the law is concerning.” Deb said a remark was made that enforcement of laws are the ones that I agree with and the laws I don’t agree with I don’t enforce. Ms. McCoy further stated discretion and enforcement are knowing what is just law. As a public official it should mean acting in a manner that appears just and proper under all circumstances and respect the law. Deb talked about how Justin said federal laws trump state laws and state laws trump county laws and city resolutions and ordinances. Deb briefly discussed wiretapping and eavesdropping under the anti-wire tapping federal and state law stating it is illegal for any person to secretly record any oral, telephonic, or electronic communication that the other party reasonably expects to be private. Deb said in the beginning of March there was a meeting that had two executive sessions and when you returned to the open meeting you were instructed by county counselor to individually to speak with IT privately and then speak to the county counselor about the decision on the action that should be take. Ms. McCoy stated she didn’t recall any mention in any following meetings of action taken. Deb said it was pointed out by the District Attorney that some job descriptions coincide with the county administrator position and that should have been determined by the general bond law KSA 19-3A02. Deb stated it seems like a huge workload for one person with three job descriptions. Deb discussed the eligibility of the office of commissioner stating the Attorney General has issued a ruling about incompatibility involving the office of county commissioner and the position of a city law enforcement. Ms. McCoy said the rule of law is the most basic form, it is the principal that no one is above the law and that democracy depends on the rule of law because without law there is no order and without order there can be no democracy.
Nelson introduced himself to Deb McCoy and asked to see her statements so that he could discuss certain pieces with her. Nelson said that he was misinterpreted regarding the laws he enforces and discretion. Discretion is a word commonly used in law enforcement and he referred to speeding and stated they are not required to write a ticket every time someone speeds and that is where discretion comes in. Nelson stated there are laws he doesn’t agree with, but that doesn’t mean he is refusing to enforce them. Nelson said his job as a law enforcement officer is to protect the rights of individuals and protect freedom and safety. He protects the US Constitution and works to make sure that people who live in Bourbon County are safe from murder and theft and that is what he is working on when he leaves this room. Nelson said please don’t take any personal offence to the comments he said last week and that his job as a law enforcement officer is to protect freedoms. Nelson said he stands for the people, he protects the people, and he works for the people to protect their liberties. Deb stated we as citizens should have respect for the rule of law so that it wouldn’t make your job so huge and that the bottom line is without the rule of law, we would be chaotic, we would run amuck. Nelson said the law protects the people, and he takes that very seriously. Nelson thanked Deb for the effort it took to write her statement and come and present it before the Commission. Clifton said there was no action and that we do not have a county administrator nor will we for as long as he is a Commissioner. Jim said he agrees with Clifton’s remark and there will be no county administrator under his watch. As far as the job description they are close but until the Commission take that to the voters, there is no administrator. Clifton said there is nobody making arbitrary decisions on their own in this courthouse and if they do, he would be the first to ask that they be fired. Jim said county administrators are usually in charge of everyone and that this person has no employees. Nelson touched on compatibility of office and said that is the opinion on a statute and for a rule that would have to go to the supreme court; it is not law, only an opinion of one person. Nelson said that he will continue to serve his community to the best of his ability in both capacities as long as he can.
Clifton said that he had received a few phone calls and saw a few individuals in person and there are some really upset contractors in our community. Clifton said it is not our job to tell the city what to do but a meeting has been called for stakeholders to discuss what the City Commission passed on Tuesday night. Clifton said in his opinion we are very much a stakeholder and he will make a motion to write a response to that because what was passed is questionable regarding contractors. Clifton feels we should have an answer to what was passed considering all the county has done the past few years in regard to economic development and asked for the thoughts of the other Commissioners. Jim said he agrees that we should make a statement. Nelson asked what was done regarding contractors and Clifton responded that they have put licensing, bonding, engineering, and architectural regulations on residential and commercial contractors. Clifton said now a house in Fort Scott will cost 30-40% more to build and questioned when it comes to economic development why are we making it harder? Clifton recommended writing a letter to the City Commissioners of Fort Scott. Jim asked Clifton if he would stand up and read the letter during the meeting the city is going to hold next week and Clifton responded he would. Justin suggested holding a special meeting of the Bourbon County Commissions Tuesday afternoon to review the letter and approve it. Jim made a motion to hold a special meeting on 4-11-23 at 12:30 with some Commissioners attending by phone to possibly approve a letter written to the City Commissioners of Fort Scott regarding contractors. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton said he doesn’t want to make a big deal of this but the Commission have put hours into economic development and doesn’t want to see that move backwards. Clifton said that next week during the regularly Thursday Commission meeting there will be a CORE Communities presentation dealing with poverty in our county at 9:30.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:18. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
~~iKan App Now Includes Identification Card Renewal~~
TOPEKA – Today, the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR), in partnership with PayIt, announced the addition of identification (ID) card renewal services to iKan.
iKan is the State of Kansas’ award-winning digital government platform that delivers services from numerous state agencies in a single, end-to-end experience for Kansas residents, with web, mobile, and native Apple and Android apps available.
ID renewal joins the growing list of online services available to Kansas residents through iKan, including renewing driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations, ordering birth, death, and marriage certificates, and purchasing annual park passes.
“Since starting our journey with PayIt in 2018, our commitment to serving residents with an accessible, convenient digital experience has remained a top priority,” David Harper, KDOR Division of Vehicles Director, said. “We’re proud to add another service to the platform, enabling ID holders of all ages to have the option to renew online. We will continue to invest in delivering digital services that make Kansans’ lives a little easier.”
As of March 2023, more than 1 in 3 Kansas residents are registered with iKan, and the addition of ID renewal enables iKan to serve over 10,000 additional residents each year.
To renew an ID, residents can log into the iKan platform or access as a guest, select ID credentials renewal, and provide their name, date of birth, ID number, and last four digits of their social security number to submit the request — all in just a matter of minutes and a few clicks.
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 1stFloor County Courthouse 210 S National Avenue April 13, 2023, 9:00 AM
I.Call Meeting to Order II.Flag Salute and Prayer III.Consent Agenda a.Approval of Minutes from 4/6/2023 and 4/11/2023 IV.Department Updates a.Public Works Director b.5-Year Solid Waste Plan V.9:15-Public Opening of Hay Bids VI.9:25-Public Opening of Trailer Bids VII.9:30 CORE Communities Zoom Presentation with Deb Factor VIII.Susan Bancroft-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) IX.Bill Martin-Loan Bids for Patrol Vehicles X.Public Comments XI.Commission Comments XII.Meeting Adjourn 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.
UNIONTOWN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 235 Uniontown, Kansas 66779 REGULAR MEETINGApril 10, 2023 The Board of Education of Uniontown Unified School District 235, State of Kansas, met in regular session on Monday, April 10, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. in the BOE Meeting Room, Uniontown, Kansas. Board members present: Jason Sutterby, Sally Johnson, Mike Mason, Troy Goodridge,Tyler Martin,Josh Hartman,and Brian Stewart
Others present for all or portions of the meeting: Vance Eden, Sherri Hartman, Tracy Smith, Tema Gilion, Rhonda Hoener, Jenny Covey, Scott Sutton, Tim Endicott, Heather Herring, Kaytlin Herring
President Jason Sutterby called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Sutterby then led the group in the flag salute. Superintendent Eden read the District Mission Statement. Hartman, seconded by Martin, made a motion to approve the agenda with the changes of Strike VII: Executive Session – Student; Add Action Item IV: Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR). Motion passed 7-0. Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 20, 2023 Regular meeting with the correction of Eden reading the District Mission Statement. Motion passed 7-0. Johnson, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion passed 7-0 A.Approve payment of bills in the amount of $395,699.35. B.Approve the March 2023 Treasurer Report. C.Approve Early Graduation requests. D.Approve KSDE Legal Membership for 2023-2024. ($2750.00) E.Approve KASB Membership for 2023-2024. ($9,552.24) No patron addressed the board. Superintendent Eden gave written and oral reports to the board on Bond planning and the Construction Manager AtRisk. Principal’s Smith and Gilion gave written and oral reports to the board. Martin, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to approve publication of the Notice of Intent for Construction Manager atRisk Services (CMAR) and to have a SPECIAL meeting on April 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. for public input. Motion passed 7-0
Uniontown USD 235 – Regular Meeting – April 10, 2023 – Page 2 Johnson, seconded by Mason, made a motion to go into executive session to discuss an individual’s performance pursuant to non-elected personnel exception under KOMA and the open meeting will resume in the boardroom at 8:45 p.m. Motion passed 7-0. Into Executive Session at 8:35 p.m. Eden was invited into session. Out of Executive Session at 8:45 p.m. Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to go into executive session to discuss the latest proposal for increasing the base pay rate from the teachers pursuant to the exception for employer-employee negotiations under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in the boardroom at 8:55 p.m. Motion passed 7-0. Into Executive Session at 8:45 p.m. Eden was invited into session. Out of Executive Session at 8:55 p.m. Mason, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to accept the resignation of Jacy Walker as UJHS Head Girls basketball coach. Motion passed 7-0. Johnson, seconded by Mason, made a motion to accept the resignation of Linda Sprague as UHS/UJHS Cook. Motion passed 7-0. Johnson, seconded by Goodridge, made a motion to accept the retirement of Betty Dennis and to thank her for her many years of service to the district. Motion passed 7-0. Martin, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to accept the resignation of Hannah Blevins as WBE 1st grade teacher for 2023-2024. Motion passed 7-0. Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to approve Lakyn Coyan as 1st grade teacher for the 2023-2024 school year. Motion passed 7-0 Martin, seconded by Johnson, made a motion to approve Alex Chesney as WBE Music Teacher for 2023-2024. Motion passed 7-0. Martin, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to approve Ian Ballinger as UHS Social Science teacher for the 2023-2024 school year. Motion passed 7-0.
Uniontown USD 235 – Regular Meeting – April 10, 2023 – Page 3 Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to read the Final Action of Non Renewal. Motion passed 5-2. (Hartman, Goodridge) Mason read the Final Action of Nonrenewal for Jeff Feagins. Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to adjourn. Motion passed 7-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Date minutes approved______________________ ______________________________ President, Board of Education __________________________________ Attested: Clerk, Board of Education Special Board Meeting (Notice of Intent for Construction Manager AtRisk will be Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Next board meeting will be Monday, May 8, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
Final Action on Conference Committee Reports (CCR) sent many pieces of legislation to the Governor last week. Work was intense the past week, with leadership finally shutting down business after 4 am Friday morning. The legislature returns in late April.
Property, Income and Sales Tax Relief passed the legislature in CCR 169. It still has a final hurdle. The Governor could sign it into law, let it become law without a signature, or veto it. The property tax cut is a result of exempting the first $60,000 of valuation, up from $40,000 on the 20 mil for schools. The Senate had led the effort last year on this and many other tax cuts. The House offered $80,000 and the Senate countered with $60,000 and an increase for inflation each year, which passed last year. It is a difference of around $50 savings per household, which is important, but the Senate position was a much bigger savings, to remove state income tax on Social Security and lowering the income tax rate below 5.25. Final agreements were: a single rate of 5.15% after a subtraction so that it is a tax cut for all; increasing the exemption on Social Security from $75,000 to $100,000 and an increase of $5,000 per year until there is no state income tax on social security; an annual increase on standard deductions based on inflation; accelerating the .5% corporate income tax cut scheduled in 2025 to 2024 and cut the privilege tax (bankers income tax) by .5% in 2024 and another .5% in 2025. The state grocery sales tax that passed last year, will be accelerated to zero in 2024 instead of 2025. Finally, taxpayers are a priority, not growing government. Throughout my time in the legislature, I have fought for tax relief and for fiscally responsible policy. CCR 169 is a major success in those efforts.
Expansion of the Property Tax Freeze for seniors and disabled veterans, property tax exemption for businesses competing against government business, limit filings and penalties for personal property, clarifying agritourism property classification, codifying in statute Revenue Neutral Rate notice language and the state to pay for the mailing for one more year, exempting manufacturer coupons from state sales tax, creating a tax credit for pregnancy center donations, expanding adoption tax credits, and other provisions are included in CCR 8. The House graciously accepted the Senate position on many provisions. I was very grateful as we are trying to help all Kansans. The House voted at 4 am Good Friday on CCR 8. The Senate will vote on it when we return in late April.
Limit on Property Tax Valuations We started with a 3% limit each year on property valuation increases in SCR 1610. It fell one vote short. It requires 2/3 majority in both chambers, to get it on the ballot for voters to decide. Working with others, we were able to keep the topics alive and found that 4% would pass the Senate. It passed with a super majority 28 to 11 (a reminder – the 3% limit failed on a vote 26 to 14). As I led the effort, we all know legislation of this magnitude doesn’t occur in a vacuum – it takes a team. Hopefully, the House will be able pass it this year.
Environmental Social Governance (ESG) was sent to the House with an amendment I offered, prohibiting state investments in countries that are known foreign adversaries to the U.S., such as China, Russa, and others. All investments would have to be divested within 18 months. Disappointingly, the House removed it and weakened the legislation. CCR 2100 was the final language. The Senate killed it on a vote of 16 to 20 to send a message, we didn’t agree with the House excluding the foreign adversaries language. However, we did a motion to reconsider since it appeared it was all we were going to get at this time. It passed 27 to 12. Why is it that a majority of Senators understand taxpayer money should not be invested with foreign adversaries of the U.S., but others do not?
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Happy Easter!
To God be the glory; great things he has done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
Who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.
Great things he has taught us; great things he has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer and higher and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.
He is risen! Robba and I hope you and your loved ones had a happy Easter, celebrating, worshiping and reflecting on the reason we celebrate.
Urging USPS to Address Mail Delivery Issues in Kansas
On the one-year anniversary of my postal reform legislation being signed into law, I urged United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to address poor mail service in Kansas.
In recent months, my office has received a growing number of messages from Kansans concerned about missing mail, delayed postal delivery and extended periods with no delivery service at all. Consistent and reliable mail service helps residents in Kansas access necessary services, pay their bills and collect their paychecks. Seniors and veterans also count on the USPS for lifesaving medications, and small businesses need the USPS to ship their products in a timely manner. In addition, with tax season underway, many Kansans are relying on the Postal Service to receive their tax documents and returns. Timely and reliable mail service is crucial to the health and livelihoods of Kansans, but right now, they are very frustrated.
On April 6, 2022, the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act was signed into law to make certain the Postal Service had the authority necessary to improve its services and financial viability. I introduced this legislation to remove burdensome budget requirements that have contributed to the Postal Service’s deepening financial troubles, improve transparency and mandate six-day mail delivery for mail and packages. It is unacceptable that implementation of certain provisions, including the six-day-a-week delivery service, is not being accomplished by USPS.
You can read my full letter with Representative Sharice Davids to USPS Postmaster DeJoy here.
Securing Mexican President’s Commitment to Work to Stem Drug Flow
This week, it was reported that Mexico has asked China to help control fentanyl shipments. In Mexico City, I spoke with President Lopez Obrador about how the U.S. and Mexico can work together to stem the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl from crossing our southern border. I appreciated his interest in working together and secured his commitment that he would pressure China to stop fentanyl precursors coming from China to Mexico. I’m pleased President Lopez Obrador has taken proactive steps to deliver on his word and help prevent China from poisoning Americans and Mexicans through the fentanyl drug trade.
Congratulating Newly Announced NASA Artemis II Crew This week, I called the newly announced crew of NASA Artemis II mission to congratulate them on being selected. The crew – Reid Wiseman, Christiana Hammock Koch, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen – will fly around the Moon and mark the first crewed flight aboard NASA’s human deep space capabilities. The mission will pave the way for future lunar surface missions.
During the call, the crew shared with me: “Kansas has the best space museum on planet Earth.” I couldn’t agree more with this reference to the Cosmosphere and was excited to share the news with the incredible team there. The Cosmosphere has a stellar, world-renowned reputation that inspires young students and even NASA astronauts. This is well-deserved recognition. I appreciated speaking with the Artemis II crew and look forward to the continued progress of NASA’s Artemis program.
Kansas Community Visits Russell
This week, I was in Russell to join Mayor Jim Cross and Chief of Police Jordan Harrison for the announcement of federal resources for the City of Russell and the Russell Police Department. This investment will be used to update the city public safety communications network and to revitalize the downtown area of Russell. As the lead Republican of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) and Related Agencies, I am committed to supporting our law enforcement members and providing necessary resources for our local communities to thrive.
During my time in Russell, I stopped by the Russell County Courthouse to visit with the County Clerk, Treasurer and the County Attorney’s office. I also spoke with members of the District Court staff and the Magistrate Judge.
Colby
It was great to visit Colby Community College this week to announce a federal investment for the school to purchase new equipment for its dental hygiene and agriculture programs. The dental hygiene program on campus trains the majority of the dental hygienists in northwest Kansas. These resources will improve the program and provide free dental care to the community. While on campus, I also had the opportunity to tour the dental hygiene clinic and to speak with students and staff members there. Thank you to Bobette Maier for the tour.
This school has one of the last remaining operations farms among the community college sector in Kansas, and the new equipment will allow Colby Community College to create a realistic learning environment for agricultural students. Under the leadership of President Seth Carter, Colby Community College provides students with a quality education and invests significantly in the nearby community. I want to thank him and his staff for their dedication to preparing students for success.
Participating in Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology Expansion Groundbreaking On Tuesday, I joined Northwest Kansas Technical College’s President Ben Schears at the groundbreaking of the college’s diesel technology expansion project. The diesel technology program, the only such program offered between Denver and Salina, is Northwest Tech’s largest program and has seen an increase in demand in recent years. To meet this demand, the school is using a combination of local funds and a grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to expand the program.
This expansion will include improvements to the building where the program is taught, as well as updated equipment purchases to expand the program to allow the graduation of an additional 75 students each year. The expansion is also anticipated to create 300 new jobs, providing more opportunity to foster talent and support a strong economy for Goodland.
Giving Keynote Address at Goodland Kiwanis Club
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to give the keynote address for the Goodland Kiwanis Club meeting. During this meeting, we discussed the importance of investing in our local communities and how critical public service is at any level to maintain our way of life in Kansas. It was particularly special to present Aaron Duell with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol for his dedication in chairing the Kiwanis Flag Project for 15 years.
There are many exciting projects in the works for Goodland, including the recent announcement of the Scoular oilseed crush plant and the groundbreaking for the Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology expansion at Northwest Technical Kansas College. I appreciated the chance to catch up with community residents and want to thank these members for their civic involvement.
Wishing Kansans a Happy Passover
Chag Pesach Sameach! I wish all Kansans who are observing Passover a time of joy, peace and happiness.
Recognizing Gold Star Spouses Day This week, we observed Gold Star Spouses Day – a time to honor the spouses of our nation’s fallen heroes and recognize their many sacrifices made out of love for country and others. Military service is family service, and there is no greater example of this than our nation’s Gold Star spouses.
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.
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Vance Eden. From the district’s online staff directory.
There is a need to upgrade some infrastructure in Uniontown’s School District, Vance Eden, associate superintendent, told a recent Community Connections Panel in Fort Scott. A bond issue is being looked at for the district possibly this year.
USD 235 has 480 students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade and serves five small communities in the western rural part of Bourbon County.
“If a bond is brought to the community for a vote, we would anticipate that happening in late summer or early fall, but that will be dependent on a variety of factors,” Eden said.
The U235 District bond issue would be for upgrading pre-school, a tornado safe room, an updated fire system, security upgrades, and a hydronic lab.
The board is also looking at a grant to upgrade the walking trail that is around the school district property, which is also used by the community.
The following is an interview with Eden:
What is the need with the preschool building?
“Our current modular pre-kindergarten structure is at a point of deterioration that it no longer makes financial sense to invest funds into it. Additionally, safety and security would be increased by having a structure that is attached to West Bourbon Elementary. One other layer of consideration is that Kansas State Department of Education has expanded its funding stream to include three-year-old students. With this is mind, it makes sense that we consider adding programming for these students as well. There is still much to consider and many factors at play, but we recognize some significant needs related to pre-school programming.”
What is the need for a saferoom?
“Our current facilities do not have tornado safe rooms. Sheltering in interior classrooms and /or in locker rooms is clearly more safe than some other spaces. However, it is now widely recognized that a purpose-built facility is really the only option for ensuring maximum safety. These spaces would be designed for regular use as classrooms and/or multipurpose rooms to maximize the return of our investment. Additionally, the district has the ability to apply for FEMA Grant funds to potentially help offset some of the cost associated.”
What is the need for updated fire alarm system?
” While up to code, the current JH/HS fire alarm is in need of updating. In its current configuration it most broadly relies on pull stations near exits that then sound an audible alarm with flashing strobes. We would like to upgrade to a system that also includes smoke detectors and automatically communicates with emergency services.”
What is the need for security updates?
“It is important that we are always considering student safety as a top priority. There are some needs and opportunities for improvement have been identified, but it is critical that I’m careful as to not share our security vulnerabilities with those who may have malicious intent. These have been identified through professional assessments, our administrative team, and the bond advisory council.”
What is the hydronic lab idea?
” Instead of using a greenhouse, the district is pursuing a “container farm” as a means of providing hands on learning opportunities to students across a variety of programs in addition to providing some produce for our food service programs. We have done a tour and had some initial conversations with Leafy Green Farms of Pittsburg who has these containers. Leafy Green Farms is currently working with Pittsburg High School and several other Southeast Kansas schools to facilitate such a program.”
Also you are looking for grants to update the walking trail around the school?
“The district is waiting to hear back on a response from a Recreation Trail Program (RTP) Grant that had been applied for. We are hoping to get a response any day. Once we get word one way or the other, we will share that information. We recognize that this is a project that many are interested in.”
