Celebrating the New Year
Happy New Year! Robba and I are wishing you all a happy new year, and we hope that each one of you has a safe and memorable time celebrating the start of 2023 with your families and loved ones.
Throughout 2022, I have had the opportunity to speak with many of you across our great state. Serving you in the United States Senate is a task I do not take lightly, and I am grateful for the trust Kansans have once again placed in me. I remain grateful to you for our discussions and your insight on the many issues our country faces as we enter 2023.
Wishing Fort Riley Commanding General John Meyer III and Soldiers a Happy Holidays
As we near the end of the holiday season, I had the opportunity to call Major General John Meyer III, Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, to wish him a happy holidays and to thank him for his service to our country. Our military men and women make many sacrifices during the holiday season in order to protect and defend our nation. Robba and I are grateful for their selfless dedication and are praying for their health and safety.
New Co-Chair of the Senate Army Caucus
I was honored to be selected to serve as the next Co-Chair of the Senate Army Caucus. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and member of the United States Military Academy (USMA) Board of Visitors, I am humbled to replace retiring Senator Jim Inhofe as Co-Chair.
Kansas has a proud history of military service and is home to a significant Army presence with Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth and the Kansas Army National Guard and Reserve. Throughout my time in Congress, it has been a priority to support our military institutions in Kansas, and this position will allow me to better advocate for our soldiers and their families in Kansas, the United States and across the globe.
Sen. Inhofe has been one of Congress’ most influential and strongest advocates for servicemembers and their families, and I am grateful for his many years of leadership on the Senate Army Caucus and in the U.S. Senate. I look forward to working with Sen. Reed, Army leaders and members of the Senate Army Caucus to support our nation’s soldiers and their missions.
Sen. Jim Inhofe, retiring Co-Chair of the Senate Army Caucus, on the selection:
Sen. Jack Reed, Co-Chair of the Senate Army Caucus, on the announcement:
Touring Blanchat Manufacturing
This week, I toured Blanchat Manufacturing in Harper to see firsthand their production capabilities and to learn about the custom wildland firefighting and rescue trucks they build. This company is owned by Harper County native Greg Blanchat, and its primary customer base is made up of rural and volunteer fire departments across the U.S. I want to thank Greg for hosting me and sharing his insight into this industry.
Visiting Comanche County Hospital
I visited the Comanche County Hospital in Coldwater where I received a full tour of the facility, and staff provided me with an update on their work to provide quality care to local residents. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about how the hospital serves Kansans in Coldwater, Protection and Wilmore. Thank you to CEO Lisa Brooks for hosting me at the hospital and for providing an informative tour of the services offered there.
Visiting Grow & Learn Childcare Center
On Thursday, I toured the Grow & Learn Childcare Center in Leoti. This daycare facility is the result of years of hard work by folks in the community who identified a need for childcare and volunteered countless hours to provide a solution. This center will address nearly half of the estimated childcare needs, providing new opportunities for parents to join the workforce.
Thank you to City Councilman Greg Graff, Economic Development Director Nikki Bjurstrom, Tammy Simons and Simone Elder-Cahoj. Simone is a former intern of mine, and I am proud to see her dedication and efforts to improve the local community.
Touring Nu Life Market
It was great to visit Nu Life Market, a food production facility in Scott City, for a tour of their business. They create various products from grain sorghum grown throughout the region, with strict guidance to maintain food quality and safety. The flours and other products produced here are found on grocery store shelves and restaurant menus all around the world. I want to thank Nu Life founder and President Earl Roemer for the informative tour and State Representative Jim Minnix for joining us.
Kansas Community Visits
I always appreciate the chance to speak with and hear from Kansans. Thank you to everyone who took the time to visit with me this week.
Sharon
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to visit with folks in Sharon at the U.S. Post Office, Anthony Farmer’s Cooperative, Sharon Center and White Tail Heaven Outfitters.
Medicine Lodge
It was also great to speak with community members in Medicine Lodge during my stops at USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Barber County Courthouse, County Clerk, County Assessor, Courtroom, Sheriff’s Office, The Peoples Bank, Cranked Up Confections and Gyp Hill Premiere, the local paper.
Gove
I stopped in to visit the Gove County Courthouse where I stopped by the offices of the County Sheriff, Clerk of the District Court, County Clerk, Register of Deeds and County Treasurer. During my time in town, I also visited the County Assessor, U.S. Post Office, USDA Service Center and Gove County Conservation District.
Healy
I want to thank those in Healy at the U.S. Post Office, First State Bank of Healy and Healy Oil who took the time to speak with me.
Dighton
In Dighton, I stopped by The Dighton Herald, Lane County Courthouse to visit the offices of the County Clerk, County Assessor, County Treasurer and Register of Deeds, Lane County Library, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Lane County Attorney’s Office and First National Bank of Dighton.
