City of Uniontown Regular Council Meeting — July 14, 2026

The Regular Council Meeting on July 14, 2026 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Lou Howard, Joe George, Loretta George, Betty Dennis, Mary Pillion, Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, and City Clerk Haley Arnold.

Special Considerations / Citizens Requests

Bourbon County Emergency Manager Lou Howard addressed the Council regarding the Genasys text alert system available to the public. She explained that the City of Uniontown is eligible to establish its own account for the service. Council members asked questions about how text alerts are distributed, including how notification boundaries are established and how recipients within those boundaries receive alerts.

Moved by Pemberton, Second by Kelly, Approved 3-0, to set up an account for the City of Uniontown on the Genasys text alert system provided by the Bourbon County Emergency Management Team.

Loretta George expressed concerns about standing water at 402 2nd Street and a potentially plugged culvert. Superintendent Rich stated that he would inspect the culvert to determine whether it is blocked.

Betty Dennis requested an update on the proposed leash law that she had previously asked to be added to the City’s ordinances. The Council informed her that dog-related ordinances would be discussed later in the meeting.

Mary Pillion provided information regarding the annual Old Settlers Day Picnic, held around Labor Day. She asked whether the Council would approve holding a street dance again this year.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to allow the street dance and to block off Sherman St between 2nd and 3rd Sts.

A sponsorship form for the Old Settlers Day Picnic was presented. The City will continue to support the event by providing a trash dumpster, staff to maintain the public restrooms, water, and electricity used during the event.

Financial Report

Treasurer Johnson presented the June 2026 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $248,172.75; Receipts $51,578.08; Transfers Out $3,024.25; Expenditures $46,926.52; Checking Account Closing Balance $249,800.06. Bank Statement Balance $272,010.36, including Checking Account Interest of $55.44; Outstanding Deposits $0; Outstanding Checks $22,210.30; Reconciled Balance $249,800.06. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $43,707.59; Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $24,599.14; Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $51,241.51; Total All Funds including Certificates of Deposit $369,348.30. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Account $307.00 and Utility CDs $1,401.25 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,708.25.

Projects Checking Account for June 2026: Beginning Balance $0; Receipts $0; Expenditures $0; Ending Balance $0. June Transfers: from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.25; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; Total Transfers $3,024.25. Net income for the month of June $1,627.31; Year-to-Date Net Income $49,054.60.

Budget vs. Actual: Gas Fund YTD Revenue $85,824.20 (66.3%), Expenditures $53,150.35 (40.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $20,637.73 (57.2%), Expenditures $16,255.40 (38.1%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $61,169.28 (49.2%), Expenditures $50,430.47 (35.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $88,134.02 (59.8%), Expenditures $87,557.20 (37.3%); Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,968.83 (54.4%), Expenditures $4,193.45 (37.5%). July 2026 payables to date: $41,546.04.

Consent Agenda

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to approve the Consent Agenda:

• Minutes of June 9, 2026 Regular Meeting
• June Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & July Accounts Payables

Treasurer Johnson proposed setting the budget hearing for the August 11 meeting.

Moved by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to set the budget hearing for August 11 at 7:00 p.m.

Department Reports

Code Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan commended USB for organizing a successful Independence Day Celebration and thanked Superintendent Bobby Rich for preparing the park for the event. Coyan reported that the property at 202 4th Street had been cited and was awaiting a court date. Treasurer Johnson noted that significant improvements had been made to the property. Coyan also provided an update on the property at 101 Washington and reported that the property at 201 Fulton was in much better condition than it had been at the previous meeting.

Mayor Jurgensen stated that Clerk Arnold wrote a well-presented article for Bandera Stone in last month’s newsletter. He added that the upcoming month’s newsletter would feature a thank-you message to USB for its Independence Day celebration.

Superintendent Bobby Rich presented pricing comparisons for cold patch asphalt with fiber and without fiber. The Council discussed several areas throughout town in need of cold patch repairs.

Moved by Kelly, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0, for Rich to purchase 18 ton of cold patch with fiber.

Mayor Jurgensen asked when the town-wide cleanup was scheduled. Johnson stated it would be held August 31 through September 3.

Councilmember Pemberton complimented Superintendent Rich on the newly repainted basketball goal posts in the park.

City Clerk Haley Arnold informed the Council that the audit for DBB, Inc. was scheduled for July 28 and 29.

Councilmember Kelly thanked Arnold for all her hard work.

Council Report

• Councilman Knight — absent
• Councilwoman Kelly — asked Superintendent Bobby Rich to repair or remove the damaged window screens at the Community Center and relocate screens still in good condition to the front of the building. Superintendent Rich stated he would complete the work the following day.
• Councilwoman Pemberton — none
• Councilwoman Pritchett — absent
• Councilman Stewart — stated that publishing an article thanking the bank for sponsoring the Independence Day celebration was a good idea.
• Mayor Jurgensen — presented the Council with a letter of resignation from Councilwoman Savannah Pritchett.

Moved by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0, to accept the resignation of Councilwoman Savannah Pritchett.

Mayor Jurgensen reported that he spoke with the NRCS regarding funding for the project on the north side of town. He was informed that it would likely be about a year before funding availability is determined. Mayor Jurgensen also stated that he is continuing discussions with Herschel George and Jared Pollock to determine the best approach for addressing the flooding issue.

Mayor Jurgensen reported that he is in the process of setting up park security cameras. He presented information on a camera system identified as a possible purchase. After discussion, the Council agreed to purchase four cameras for the park and discussed preferred camera types and potential installation locations.

Old Business

FEMA Flooding — Johnson reported that a closeout meeting was scheduled for July 23 to discuss the completion of the project and determine which completed repairs would be eligible for reimbursement. She stated she is hopeful the City will receive reimbursement for 85% of the project’s eligible costs.

Dog Ordinance No. 85 Review and Discussion — Councilman Stewart presented his draft of a revised animal control ordinance. Additional draft ordinances were also presented and discussed. By consensus, the Council agreed to combine all existing dog ordinances into a single comprehensive ordinance to be discussed at next month’s Council meeting.

Community Center Deposit and Rent Review — The Council reviewed existing fees and discussed the possibility of increasing rental and deposit rates.

Moved by Kelly, seconded by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to increase the Community Center security deposit to $25, the rental fee to $25 for up to 4 hours, and $50 for up to 8 hours.

New Business

Building Safety Concern — Discussion was held regarding potential safety concerns associated with the building located north of City Hall. After review and consideration, no action will be taken at this time.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel; the open meeting to resume at 9:05 PM.

Meeting resumed at 9:05 PM. The Council decided to seek out one or two young men to assist Rich with a variety of jobs and projects to be completed throughout the City. The Council also discussed the types of work to be completed and the number of hours each worker would be able to work per week.

Moved by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 9:15 PM.

Documents:

• 07142026_Regular_Meeting.docx

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) announced that applications are now open for Kansas students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2031.

Senator Moran noted that one of his favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the following academies:

• U.S. Military Academy — West Point, New York
• U.S. Naval Academy — Annapolis, Maryland
• U.S. Air Force Academy — Colorado Springs, Colorado
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy — Kings Point, New York

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on September 18, 2026. After applications are reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with Senator Moran’s Service Academy Selection Board.

For the full list of requirements and to apply, visit Senator Moran’s website.

Contact Senator Moran’s offices:

Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 521
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6521 | Fax: (202) 228-6966

Pittsburg
306 N. Broadway, Suite 125
P.O. Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 232-2286 | Fax: (620) 232-2284

You can also contact Senator Moran by email through his website: www.moran.senate.gov.

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office — Arrest Summary Report (07/24/2026–07/27/2026)

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office — Inmate Released List (07/24/2026–07/27/2026)

Total Inmates Released: 7

Documents:

• 7-27-26_A.pdf

Kansas Common Sense — June 29, 2026

Good News: Kansas Rural Hospitals to Receive Increased Funding

This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Kansas’ application to allow Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Emergency Hospitals to receive increased Medicaid payments through the state’s provider assessment program. This approval means more rural hospitals across Kansas will now have access to additional federal resources, providing more than $72 million annually to help strengthen rural health care. During negotiations on last year’s reconciliation bill, Senator Moran worked to secure language to make certain Kansas’ application could remain eligible for consideration and approval, helping make this outcome possible.

This decision builds on additional improvements secured through last year’s reconciliation bill that strengthen Kansas’ provider assessment program. A recent RAND analysis found the legislation is expected to increase federal Medicaid funding flowing to Kansas providers, helping support hospitals as they continue caring for patients across the state. More coverage is available from KRSL Radio.

Leading Hearing to Examine Recent Close Calls & Efforts to Ensure Aviation Safety

On Tuesday, as chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation, Senator Moran led a hearing to examine recent near collisions and runway incursion incidents that have occurred across the National Airspace System. Just this past week at Boston Logan International Airport, a Delta Air Lines flight was forced to abort its landing and execute a go-around after an aircraft departed from an intersecting runway. While the flight landed safely and no one was injured, the incident serves as a timely reminder that our aviation system is fragile and constant vigilance and safety improvements remain essential.

During the hearing, the committee heard testimony from President and CEO of Airlines for America Governor Chris Sununu, President of the American Association of Airport Executives Todd Hauptli, President of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) James Viola and President of the Air Line Pilots Association Captain Jason Ambrosi. The witnesses discussed the progress of implementation of safety technologies, runway safety programs and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) modernization efforts. The hearing also covered how the ROTOR Act — bipartisan legislation unanimously passed by the Senate that Moran introduced with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) — would help bolster the safety of the flying public.

Watch Sen. Moran’s opening statement here, and his questioning of the witnesses here, here and here.

Senate Farm Bill Discussion Draft Released

On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry released its Senate Farm Bill discussion draft. While the draft includes several important provisions that support producers and rural America, it does not include Senator Moran’s legislation to permanently transfer the administration of Food for Peace to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This transfer is a critical step that would strengthen the program, benefit American farmers and expand reliable markets for U.S. agricultural commodities. USDA is currently administering Food for Peace on a temporary basis, and making this transfer permanent would provide long-term stability and ensure the program’s continued success. The House-passed Farm Bill includes this provision, and Senator Moran remains committed to working with colleagues in the Senate to make certain this language is included in the final bill.

Kansas Veterans & Providers Have Received $328 Million from VA’s Community Care

This week, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it paid $328.6 million to health care providers in Kansas that cared for veterans through VA’s community care program in FY2025. Through the bipartisan MISSION Act and the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act — legislation championed by Senator Moran — more veterans are choosing care closer to home. VA’s community care program is increasing access to care for veterans while also bolstering local economies and providing meaningful investments and support to doctors, nurses and health care workers statewide. Rural veterans in particular are able to access care much closer to home while also supporting rural hospitals.

Senator Moran recently introduced the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, which would build on the progress of the MISSION Act and Dole Act, making it easier for veterans — especially those with mental health conditions or addiction — to receive life-saving care at VA facilities and in the community.

Meeting with NSF Director Nominee Jim O’Neill

This week, Senator Moran met with Jim O’Neill, the nominee to be the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF provides critical research and development resources, grants and programs to institutions and organizations across the country to help boost American research competitiveness, covering fields from medical advances to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

During the meeting, they discussed how O’Neill plans to increase the opportunities for researchers in Kansas to leverage their expertise in aerospace, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and other emerging capabilities. Senator Moran was pleased to hear his support for Established Programs to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoRs), which benefits Kansas universities.

Discussing Agricultural Priorities with National Sorghum Producers

On Wednesday, Senator Moran met with Tim Lust, Elissa Gilliam, Parker McCallister and Brian Younker with National Sorghum Producers to discuss key issues currently affecting sorghum growers. They discussed the wins secured for sorghum in the Farm Bill, the importance of including language for the successful transfer of Food for Peace from the Department of State to USDA, the President’s request for supplemental disaster assistance, the administration’s call for year-round E15 and additional disaster aid for producers.

Support for the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act

Senator Moran recently introduced the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, major legislation that delivers long-awaited improvements to the health care and benefits that thousands of veterans, servicemembers, survivors, caregivers and military family members rely on. The package includes numerous bipartisan, bicameral bills, including the Major Richard Star Act, the Veterans’ ACCESS Act, the Love Lives On Act and other widely supported priorities from the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs. The legislation has received support from veterans, advocacy groups and others, including the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).

Meeting with Kansans

Kansas Music Educators Association
On Wednesday, Senator Moran met with representatives from the Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) to discuss the important role music education plays in the lives of Kansas students. Kansas has one of the nation’s strongest music educator communities, with the tenth-largest music educators’ association in the country. Thank you to KMEA President Damian Johnson of Eudora, KMEA President-elect Nancy Monical of Manhattan, KMEA Vice President Jamie Minneman of Great Bend, President of the National Association of Music Educators Collegiate Chapters Alexis Stone of Wichita, KMEA Executive Director Craig Manteuffel of Topeka and KMEA Government Relations Chair Kelly Knedler of Belleville for meeting with Senator Moran.

Lieutenant General James Isenhower
On Wednesday, Senator Moran met with Lieutenant General James Isenhower, the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Command at Fort Leavenworth. Founded in 1827, Fort Leavenworth is home to the Command and General Staff College, where the Army has equipped its senior leaders and developed military capabilities for generations. As co-chair of the Senate Army Caucus, Senator Moran will continue to work to make certain Fort Leavenworth has the resources and support it needs to carry out its mission.

Kansan West Point Cadet Lukas Haase
Senator Moran visited with Lukas Haase of Overland Park while he was on Capitol Hill with the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Senator Moran nominated Lukas for the United States Military Academy in 2023, and Haase served as an intern in the senator’s D.C. office during the summer of 2024.

Cox Enterprises
Senator Moran met with representatives from Cox Enterprises — including members from their Kansas operations — to discuss technological advances and the impact of Washington policy on their business. Cox Enterprises, particularly through Cox Automotive, has a significant presence in Kansas. Thank you to Assistant Vice President of Product Development Kristen Baehr of Leawood, Drew Ramm, Katherine Foster and Brett Clifton for meeting with Senator Moran.

Clean Fuels Alliance America
On Tuesday, Senator Moran met with members of Kansas Soybean who were in Washington, D.C., advocating on behalf of Clean Fuels Alliance America — representing producers of biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industries for which soybeans are a key feedstock. They discussed the EPA’s 2026–2027 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes, the updated 45ZCF GREET model and U.S. energy independence. Thank you to Bob Haselwood, Brett Neibling, Dennis Hupe, Kaleb Little and Madelyn Lueck with Kansas Soybean and Ashley Dubler with Seaboard Energy.

National Association of Fixed Annuities
Senator Moran met with Kansas members of the National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA) to discuss retirement security and long-term financial planning, as well as a Senate resolution recognizing June as National Annuities Awareness Month. Thank you to Kevin Mechtley, Andrew Payne, Lee Stiegemeier and Sarah Williams of Overland Park, Mike Miller of Perry, Michael Tripses of Stillwell and Ashley Zeller of Topeka.

Visits Across Kansas

Belvue Bridge
On Friday, Senator Moran participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Belvue Bridge. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), Moran helped secure federal resources to rehabilitate the Belvue Bridge crossing the Kansas River, linking communities for safer and more reliable transit and regional commerce. More coverage is available from KSNT.

Manville Farms
On Friday, Senator Moran met with Bill and Brett Manville, fifth and seventh-generation farmers from Winchester, along with several of their neighboring farmers, to discuss challenges and opportunities facing Kansas agriculture. Topics included the latest Farm Bill developments, farm lending, rural hospital support, conservation programs, the administration’s supplemental request for farm economic aid, year-round E15 and the biomass-based diesel industry.

Council Grove Community
On Thursday, Senator Moran stopped by Council Grove to meet with members of the community, visiting Morris County Hospital, Farmers and Drovers Bank and the Council Grove Republican newspaper. He also met with Morris County Clerk Chelsey Schmidt, County Register of Deeds Corrine Blosser, County Appraiser Ryan Michaelis, County Treasurer Kelsey Sharr and County Sheriff Scott Coover.

Holton Community
On Friday, Senator Moran traveled to Holton to visit local businesses and meet with residents. At the Jackson County Courthouse, he met with County Clerk Kristie Richter, County Register of Deeds Jerica Holt, County Treasurer Lisa Miller, County Clerk of District Court and Chief Clerk Amy Entrikin and County Zoning Administrator Steven Duryea. He also visited Denison State Bank, GN Bank, White Law Office, Title Abstract Company, Holton Community Hospital, Jackson Farmers COOP, Special Education Cooperative and the local USDA Service Center.

Sen. Moran with Denison State Bank CEO & Chairwoman Paula Taylor, Matt Taylor and their son, Carson Taylor.

Sen. Moran with Holton Community Hospital CEO Carrie Lutz.

Along the Way

During community visits on Friday, Senator Moran passed a unique barn near Holton.

My View, Their View

Capitol Hill press awaiting the President’s arrival.

Photo by Roll Call photographer Bill Clark.

Recognizing Senate Page Maddux Haar

Senator Moran was pleased to sponsor Maddux Haar, a high school student from Cheney, who served as his Senate page this summer. Senate pages help carry out the functions of the Senate floor while learning about the legislative process. Click here to learn more about the Senate page program, available to high school students nationwide.

Remembering Maureen Morrison

On Saturday, Senator Moran and his wife Robba attended the funeral of Maureen “Sissy” Morrison from Salina. Sissy was a hardworking Kansan, raised on her family farm in Hutchinson. She cared deeply for her family, neighbors and friends, and she will be missed. Senator Moran’s prayers are with her husband of 61 years, Roger, as well as their four children, nine grandchildren and all her loved ones.

Remembering Charyl Deloney

Senator Moran was saddened to hear of the passing of Fort Scott native Charyl Deloney. Charyl was the widow of Gary Deloney, a U.S. Navy veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange during his service but was denied VA disability benefits because records of his service remained classified. Senator Moran introduced the Gary Deloney and John Olsen Toxic Exposure Declassification Act in 2017 to assist veterans in proving toxic exposure and to make certain other veterans do not face the same bureaucratic obstacles and delays in receiving the care they need. Senator Moran’s prayers are with Charyl’s family, friends and loved ones.

Now Accepting 2026 Service Academy Applications

Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2031. Senator Moran appoints Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. For the list of requirements and to apply, visit Senator Moran’s website here. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on September 18, 2026.

arrest report-28

release report-27

Mark Leon Christy, who was born on February 18, 1962, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and passed away on June 5, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, will be remembered with deep love and lasting respect by all who knew him. He carried himself with quiet strength and a thoughtful spirit, and he touched the lives of family, friends, and coworkers through his steady presence and kind heart. Those who knew him best will remember his warm sense of humor, his practical wisdom, and the genuine care he showed in everyday moments.

Mark was a graduate of Pittsburg State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in history and psychology. He valued learning, thoughtful conversation, and understanding the world around him, and he brought those qualities into both his personal and professional life.

He devoted almost 40 years of service to Ward/Kraft, where he built a long and respected career. His dedication, reliability, and strong work ethic earned the admiration of his colleagues and the trust of those who worked beside him. He was known as someone who could be counted on, and his years with the company stand as a testament to his loyalty and commitment.

Outside of work, Mark found joy in simple and meaningful pursuits. He enjoyed fishing, where he could appreciate the quiet outdoors and the patience the sport required. He also loved cooking, and he took pleasure in preparing meals and sharing them with others. These interests reflected his appreciation for both solitude and connection, as well as his ability to find happiness in life’s ordinary but treasured moments.

Mark is survived by his wife, Angela, and daughter, Anastasia. He is also survived by daughter Allie Bloomquist and husband, Darin, and by his grandchildren, Brady and Isla Bloomquist, who brought him great pride and joy. He leaves behind his parents, Gene and June Christy, his sister, Gina Christy, and his sister, Samantha Christy-Dangermond and husband Tom. In addition, Mark is survived by his nephews, Colby Sisson and wife Rachel, Wil Sisson and wife Kristen, and Gerrit Dangermond, nieces MacKenzy Neal and husband Taylor, and Margot Dangermond, great-nephews Wyatt and Wade Sisson, Colter Neal, and great-nieces Estella and Maddie Sisson, and Quinlee Neal. His family was central to his life, and he cherished the bonds they shared. He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

His life was one of quiet accomplishment, devotion to family, and enduring integrity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, intelligence, and hard work that will continue to be remembered by those closest to him. Though his passing leaves a profound sadness, his memory will remain a source of comfort and strength to his family and friends in the days ahead.

Mark Leon Christy will be remembered with gratitude for the life he lived and the example he set. His presence enriched the lives of others, and his memory will be held close with affection and respect.

There was cremation. Pastor Tom Lewis will conduct memorial services at 10:30 AM Friday, June 12th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Interment will follow in the Marmaton Cemetery, Redfield, KS. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday, June 11th, at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Hammond Community Building Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.