Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Weekly Newsletter

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Hello,

Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.

 

Expanding the VA’s Vaccination Efforts to Spouses and Caregivers

This week, President Biden signed into law my legislation to expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to veterans, their spouses and their caregivers under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). I introduced the Strengthening and Amplifying Vaccination Efforts to Locally Immunize All Veterans and Every Spouse (SAVE LIVES) Act with my colleagues on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee on March 11 and am pleased President Biden quickly signed this critical legislation into law to protect veterans, their spouses and caregivers.

Prior to passage of the SAVES LIVES Act, the VA was only able to vaccinate VHA enrollees. While the VA will continue to prioritize vaccinating VHA enrolled veterans with its allocation of the COVID-19 vaccine, the new law authorizes the VA to vaccinate non-enrolled veterans, veteran spouses, caregivers, overseas veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries with excess COVID-19 vaccine supply. The law also urges the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to adjust VA’s vaccine allocation based on this increased eligibility pool, as much as the supply chain allows.

Military service is family service, and that is why the VA and our House and Senate VA Committees aim to care for both veterans and their families—especially as we navigate this unprecedented crisis. Veterans, caregivers, spouses, and CHAMPVA beneficiaries made eligible for VA vaccination under the new law should click here to register their interest in receiving the vaccine at the VA. Registered users will also receive regular updates on the VA’s vaccine rollout process and on the timing of when the VA will begin to offer vaccines to these newly authorized groups.

If you are a veteran, you can click here for more information about the VA’s COVID-19 testing and treatment resources. You can also sign up for updates about vaccine availability here.

 

 

Honoring Deputy Robert Kunze III

On Friday morning, I had the honor of presenting the Congressional Badge of Bravery to the family of Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Kunze III, who died in the line of duty on September 18, 2018.

There is no higher calling than to devote yourself to the protection of others. Deputy Robert Kunze wasted no time before stepping up to serve his community. He joined the Shawnee Sheriff’s department immediately after graduating from Washburn University with a degree in criminal justice – the perfect example of a committed individual that law enforcement needs. As a six-year veteran of the Shawnee Sheriff’s Department and a 12-year veteran in Sedgwick County, he was an exceptional deputy who dedicated his life to public service.

The Congressional Badge of Bravery was established by Congress in 2008 to honor exceptional acts of bravery performed by federal, state and local law enforcement officers in the line of duty. It deeply reflects the courage and heroism of those who receive it. Deputy Kunze made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his community, and his actions personify bravery. He was a man committed to making a difference in Sedgewick County, and I was honored to be a part of this ceremony.

 

 

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Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chalk Art Winners Announced

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Chamber Announces SIDEWALK CHALK ART CONTEST WINNERS!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest Winners from the Downtown Lollipop Hop that took place Friday, March 19th through Sunday, March 21st.

All ages were encouraged to take part in the Chalk Art Contest by making a display in the Downtown Historic District or at another participating store and post the art creation to the Chamber Facebook page “Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce” with the hashtag #fortscottshopart to be included in judging.

The Chamber and local retailers selected an adult winner and a child winner. The chalk drawing from the adult winner was Jessica Applegate and she was presented with a $25 Chamber Bucks Certificate and the child winner was Keri Crisler and she was presented with a surprise gift bucket made up from items from The Rainbow Unicorn, a new downtown gift shop.

Two downtown businesses also awarded their own prizes and the winner selected by Iron Star for a $20 gift certificate to Jorden Burns and the winner selected by Lyons Realty Group for a child’s surprise gift basket was Ty Shelton.

We want to thank all the retailers that participated in the Lollipop Hop & Shop Event including: Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market, Bids & Dibs, Hedgehog.INK, Iron Star Antiques & Such, Laree + Co, Star Emporium Downtown General Store, Sunshine Boutique, The Rainbow Unicorn and Treasure Hunt Flea Market.


Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Tourism Moves To Department of Commerce July 1

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Governor Laura Kelly Relocates Tourism
to the Kansas Department of Commerce
to Spur Economic Growth

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced the Kansas Tourism Division will officially be part of the Kansas Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Executive Reorganization Order (ERO) Governor Kelly submitted to the Kansas Legislature on Jan. 25 of this year. The 60 calendar day period has expired without action by either the Kansas House or Kansas Senate chamber, therefore the reorganization will occur starting July 1, 2021.

“Moving the Tourism division into the Department of Commerce sends a clear message to our industry partners and prospective companies that my administration will use every tool at our disposal to spur new economic growth,” Governor Kelly said. “This realignment will support our businesses, our tourism industry, and will play a significant role in our COVID-19 recovery efforts.”

The Department of Commerce features several tools designed to increase tourism into the state, including the Kansas Athletic Commission and the STAR Bonds program. Through this reorganization, Kansas Tourism will be its own independent division within Commerce, with the Director reporting to Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland.

“Tourism is ultimately about economic development, so it makes perfect sense to have tourism housed within the state’s economic development agency,” Lt. Governor/Commerce Secretary Toland said. “I’m excited to welcome the Kansas Tourism team to the Department of Commerce as we work to achieve Governor Kelly’s vision for faster growth and stronger local economies across the state.”

“I am thrilled to be part of this transition for the Kansas Tourism team,” Bridgette Jobe, Director of Kansas Tourism, said. “The entire team is a dedicated, passionate group of individuals who understand the value in marketing Kansas to visitors. Being a key part of the Department of Commerce increases our opportunities for growth and greater economic impact to Kansas.”

The ERO came as the result of input from businesses, destination marketing organizations and other key industry partners, including the Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK), the Kansas Restaurant & Hospitality Association (KRHA), and the Kansas Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), which all agreed it is best to consolidate Kansas’ tourism efforts and economic development initiatives.

“This move will significantly improve our state’s tourism efforts,” TIAK President Jim Zaleski, Labette County CVB, said. “TIAK is grateful to Governor Kelly, the administration, and the Legislature for responding to industry suggestions, and TIAK looks forward to working with Kansas Tourism in its new home at the Department of Commerce.”

“The tourism sector, as a tool for economic development, can be such a powerful difference maker for our state’s hospitality industry,” Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association President Adam Mills said. “Bringing more people to Kansas means more dollars exchanged between tourists and Kansas businesses. Coming off of weakened economic conditions from the effects of COVID-19, I am excited to see the State of Kansas is making this move. We are confident this move strengthens our state’s tourism efforts, which will in turn strengthen our hospitality industry and our state’s economy.”

“Governor Kelly has made the right decision in placing tourism with Commerce, and I’m pleased to see this move become official,” President of the Kansas Economic Development Alliance Steve Jack said. “More money brought to our state from elsewhere means an injection of fresh capital into our economy. Commerce has proven their efficiency, and I know that they will excel with this new responsibility.”

As a result of the ERO, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will be designated the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) beginning July 1, 2021.

“We believe realigning Kansas Tourism with Commerce will benefit both,” KDWPT Secretary Brad Loveless said. “Kansas Tourism has been a wonderful asset to our agency and will continue to be a valuable partner as we collaborate to market our state’s wonderful outdoor activities and state parks.”

Area News

Ten-digit Dialing Starts April 24 For Area Code 620

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Ten-digit dialing begins soon in Kansas area codes 785 and 620

 

TOPEKA – Kansans that live in area codes 785 or 620 will soon be required to use 10-digit dialing when making local calls. This change will make it easier for persons in crisis to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

 

Last July, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved 988 as the new abbreviated number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As a result, any area code that uses the 988 prefix in telephone numbers is mandated by the FCC to adopt 10-digit dialing.  That includes Kansas area codes 785 and 620, which cover the majority of the state. In total, 82 area codes in 36 states will make the change.

 

It will take time to get in the habit of using 10-digit dialing (example: 785-XXX-XXXX), so a practice period has been established.  Callers are encouraged to begin using 10-digit calling on April 24, 2021. Any calls dialed with 7-digits will still go through during this practice period.

 

Beginning October 24, 2021, callers in 785 and 620 area codes must use 10-digit dialing or the call will not go through. The only exceptions are any three digit abbreviated numbers available in the community, such as 911. Callers will still dial 1 + the area code and telephone number for all long distance calls.

 

Beginning July 16, 2022, callers can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988. Until then, callers will continue to dial 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).

 

More information about the change to 10-digit dialing is included in the attached flyer “Ten things to know about 10-digit dialing”. Information is also available on the KCC’s website https://kcc.ks.gov/ and from telephone providers.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Marilyn Barker

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Marilyn Margaret Barker, age 76, went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 26, 2021. She was born on January 17, 1945 in Parsons, KS to Roy Emil Tarvin and Alice “Evaleen” Duffield Tarvin.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Melvin Eugene Barker of Fort Scott, KS; two sons and one daughter, Mark Eugene Barker and wife Renea of Johnston, IA, Paul Leroy Barker and wife Tammy of Peculiar, MO, and Ruthanne Renee Arace and husband Mike of Kansas City, KS; two sisters, Edwina Brennon of Erie, KS and Jackie Cross and husband George of Parsons, KS; four grandchildren, Ethan William Barker, Ellie Elizabeth Barker, Tessa Margaret Barker, and Isaac Eugene Barker, and numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Betty Jo Collins and Carolyn Evel, brother David Tarvin, two brothers-in-law, Dale Evel and Jim Sexton; and two sisters-in-law, Gwen Tarvin and Mary Allen.

Marilyn was devoted to her earthly home and her faith. She combined her love of Jesus and children in owning and operating the Sunbeam Christian Preschool for over 30 years. In addition, she worked with children and youth in church. She was a member of First Sothern Baptist Church. During her walk on earth, Marilyn modeled living her life for the Lord with devotion and love to her family who look forward to being reunited with her in heaven.

Matt Hamilton will conduct the Celebration of Life service at 11:30 AM Friday, April 9th, at First Sothern Baptist Church, Fort Scott. Private burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to First Southern Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. With respect to the families wishes please wear a mask or face covering if attending and refrain from attending if you are experiencing any COVID symptoms. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Rosa Buras

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Rosa Marie Buras, age 86, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, March 27, 2021, at the Medicalodge of Fort Scott.

She was born November 27, 1935, in Liberal, Missouri, the daughter of George Garrison and Ruth Arline Harper Garrison.

She graduated from Fort Scott High School.

Rosa married George Anthony Buras III, on July 28, 1990 in Fort Scott.

She worked at White Grill and later as a nurse’s aid at Fort Scott Manor.

She was a member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary, and the Cherry Grove Baptist Church.

Rosa enjoyed flowers, gardening, and loved to travel.

She is survived by her sister, Marilyn Gerhardt, and husband Jerald Sr., of Miami, Oklahoma, and four nephews; she is preceded in death by her husband, George, her parents, three brothers, Melvin, Claude, and Roy Garrison, and two sisters, Lucy Taylor and Alta Kramer.

Rev. Ken Ansell will conduct graveside services Monday, April 5, 2021 at the U.S. National Cemetery.

Memorial are suggested to the Cherry Grove Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Government

Bob Farmer Replaces Jeff Deane as Fort Scott City Attorney

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Fort Scott City Hall.

Bob Farmer has returned as the Fort Scott City Attorney.

He previously served for 45 years in the position and started again on March 23, 2021.

“Since joining our office Mr. Farmer has been extremely accessible and responsive,” Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier said. “I feel that our relationship will strengthen over time as we work on behalf of the community and I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Mr. Farmer.”

“The city attorney is a position by statute,” Farmer said. “The position is an officer, you have to sign an oath because it’s additional obligations above and beyond an employee. The general responsibilities are to give advice and protect the city in that capacity.”

In the agreement between Farmer and the city manager provided by the city,  it states that “the city attorney will represent the city in civil actions, prosecute violations of the city ordinances, give legal advice to city officials and employees on city matters, prepare ordinances, legal papers, and documents, assist with public improvement proceedings and assist the governing body and other city agencies in the conduct of city meetings.”

“For service in addition to normal duties, the city will pay the attorney his hourly billing rate on a per hour basis, plus all out of pocket expenses incurred…in areas such as litigation, economic development, claims filed with the city as an adjunct to litigation and out-of-city services,” according to the agreement.

The agreement is for one year, at $4,000 per month.

His office, the firm of Nuss and Farmer PA, is located at 323 Judson in the Security Professional Building and he can be reached at 620-223-0150.

Bob Farmer.

City Manager Frazier, who came to the position in February 2021, said he had the pleasure of meeting Farmer prior to the commission approving his contract, at Crooner’s Restaurant by chance, while at dinner one evening.

“He struck me as someone who cared about the community and offered, if ever I needed, to assist me with anything that would help me be more successful on behalf of the community,” Frazier said.  “I walked away from our initial encounter with a positive impression of Bob. Again, at this time, I had no idea that he would soon become our new city attorney, but I am glad that he submitted his name for consideration and was selected by the council.”

“It was undoubtedly a difficult decision by the council as there were many great candidates to consider,” Frazier said. “However, Bob is very knowledgeable and has held the city attorney position before, so I consider myself lucky to have his legal guidance. For a new city manager, it is great to have a city attorney of his caliber to lean on as we strive to move the city forward.”

In the community, Farmer has served previously in Fort Scott Kiwanis, as United Way Chairman, and the Fort Scott Planning Commission.

Farmer earned his Juris Doctorate in 1972 from the University of Kansas.

Farmer takes over from Jeffrey Deane, Lauber Municipal Law, LLC, Lee’s Summit, MO.

“Mr. Deane has assisted in the transition,” Farmer said. “He has been very courteous and professional.”

Deane served from 2019 to 2021 as the Fort Scott City Attorney.

 

To view the agreement:

DOC032521-03252021091322

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of John Henry Bower

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John Henry Bower, age 84, a resident of rural Deerfield, Missouri, passed away Friday, March 26, 2021, at his home.  He was born May 3, 1936, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Jesse Bower and June Dunbar Bower.

He had served with the United States Army.

John married Amelia E. Jones on July 17, 1964, at Miami, Oklahoma.

John had worked for several years as a truck driver.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and exploring the outdoors with his grandchildren.

He also liked to garden and watch western movies.

Survivors include his wife, Amelia, of the home; and children, Rick Jones, of Ft. Scott, Jill Love and husband, Ron, Tony Bower, and Jason Bower and wife, Thabena, all of Deerfield; twelve grandchildren, Dustin Jones, Kendria Brown, Josh Jones, Haley Jones, and Garrett, Alyson Love, Quentin Love, Gavin Love, Evan Love, Jessica Bower, and fiancé, Jacob, Rebecca Bower, Micala Bower and Preslee Bower and ten great-grandchildren, Elijah, Hannah, Faith, Glory, Silas, Jordan, Romey, Madison, Taylor and David.  Also surviving are two sisters, Mable Green, of Colorado and Roberta Rickman, of Girard, Kansas and two brothers, Perry Bower and wife, Helen and Chet Bower and wife, Linda, all of Ft. Scott, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his son, Doug Bower, three brothers, Jay, Floyd and Leroy Bower and a sister, Margaret Rhodes.

There was cremation and no services will be held at this time.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Area News

Cold Weather Rule to End March 31  

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Cold Weather Rule ends on Wednesday, March 31. That means Kansans who are behind on electric and natural gas utility bills may be subject to disconnection of service unless they contact their utility company to make payment arrangements.  A variety of payment options are available and will vary by utility, as well as the date disconnections will resume.

Utility customers experiencing difficulty keeping up with their bills are encouraged to call their utility no later than Wednesday to be eligible for the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan to catch up on overdue accounts. Under the plan, the customer must make an initial payment of 1/12 of the overdue amount, 1/12 of the bill for current service, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fees if any, plus any applicable deposit owed to the utility. The balance is billed in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the regular monthly bill.

On December 15, 2020, the Commission extended an earlier order related to COIVD-19 that requires utilities under its jurisdiction to offer 12-month payment plans and waive late fees through the official end of the pandemic.  That order is still in effect, but customers who have two previous broken pay agreements may not qualify. That is why it is important to make arrangements before the Cold Weather Rule ends.

To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, please contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.

Obituary

Obituary of William Carl Jowers

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William Carl Jowers

William Carl Jowers, 69, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri after a battle with COVID 19.

Mr. Jowers was born on December 2, 1951 to the late Betty Sarah Harden Jowers, of Fitzgerald, GA and Carl Edison Jowers, of Rhine, GA. William is a graduate of Fitzgerald Highschool Class of 1969. William is survived by his former wife Leonida Arboleda Jowers, Calapacuan, Subic Zambales Philippines who he married in 1974 and their three children Lars Michael Jowers (Alicia), Justin Leif Jowers, and Sarah Ashley Jowers. He also leaves behind grandchildren Elijah Jordan Jowers, Preston David Jowers, Zoë Isabella Jowers, Lily Leonida Jowers, Sophia Rose Jowers, and William Cardell Norton.

In 1995 he married Myra Barco Jowers of Jacksonville, Florida they have four furry babies Miller, Kahlua, Rebel and Ebony. William leaves behind two stepchildren Kevin Pickett (Pamela) their children, and Jennifer Johnson (Michael) and their children.

Carl was a Veteran Petty Officer First Class of the United States Navy (1970-1991) of the Vietnam War Era. He earned many decorations such as Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Navy Achievement Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Fifth Good Conduct Award, Second Meritorious Unit Commendation, Second Battle E Award, Fourth Overseas Service Ribbon, and Second National Defense Service Medal.

Carl began his post graduate education while in the Navy, attending a variety of colleges in California and Florida. He earned his master’s degree from Jacksonville University. Following his retiring from the United States Navy Carl was employed by Florida State College at Jacksonville (formerly FJC, FCCJ) as Manager of Testing and Assessments (1991-2013) and intermittently teaching GED classes before retiring again.

Carl was an avid genealogist who was able to connect to ancestors, through his tireless research, who provided him eligibility for his expressing pride of his Southern heritage by joining the Sons of Confederate Veterans Forest’s Escort Camp 1239 in Villa Rica, GA. He and his wife, Myra then purchased a trike so that he could become a member of the Mechanized Cavalry. Following their move to Fort Scott, KS he transferred to the Thomas J Key Camp1854 in Kansas City, KS. With his servant’s heart he spent most of his retired life giving back to Veterans.

Carl was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Olson-Frary Burkhart Post 1165 in Ft. Scott, KS and was currently serving as Commander of the American Legion Thompson – Harkey Post 25 in Ft. Scott as well as Kansas District 2 Adjutant. Carl had the unique ability to join all four components of the American Legion family, The Sons of the American Legion, The Legion Riders and the American Legion Auxiliary which was formerly only open to female spouses of Legionnaires but recently opened their membership to ”spouses” of veterans who are Legionnaires. He earned his eligibility through his wife, Myra, being an Air Force veteran and Legionnaire.

Carl will be dearly missed by his wife of 25 years, family, friends, brother and sisters in arms, and his pets.

Memorial services will be held in Fort Scott, KS at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, 201 S Main St. on Sat, April 3, 2021 at 1:00 PM and later in his hometown, Fitzgerald GA, at Prospect Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Legion Thompson – Harkey Post 25; PO Box 25, Fort Scott, KS 66701 or His home church, First Southern Baptist Church, Building Fund 1818 S Main St, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Donations can be sent to Cheney Witt for distribution. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Carl Jowers please visit our Tribute Store.
Government, Kansas

Guest Worker Program Webinar Offered April 7

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KDA to Host Webinar on H–2A Agricultural Worker Program

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture will host a free informational webinar focused on updates to the H–2A guest worker program including CDL requirements for custom harvesting and farm employees. The webinar will take place virtually on April 7, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

This educational webinar will information on current legislation concerning the U.S. Department of Labor’s H–2A program for temporary agricultural employment of foreign workers via the Farm Worker Modernization Act. The webinar also will provide insight on the process and necessary documentation needed for obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and the differences between a CDL and farm vehicle operations. The final piece of the webinar will feature a facilitated discussion allowing participants to ask questions and provide comments on issues concerning the H–2A program.

Many custom operations and grain producers struggle to find local skilled labor to fill temporary planting, harvesting and transportation jobs. The H–2A program offers a solution to finding those employees from outside the United States who are willing to fill those temporary positions.

Highlights will include updates from industry experts on these topics.

  • Representatives from the National Council of Agricultural Employers will be on hand to provide updates related to the Farm Worker Modernization Act and the impacts it could have on H–2A program users.
  • Mandi Sieren, Operations Manager with U.S. Custom Harvesters, will brief participants on the services offered through the organization.
  • Dixie Cravens, Foreign Labor Certification Manager, and Wendy Inzunza, State Monitor Advocate with the Kansas Department of Commerce, will provide a brief overview of the programs and services offered through Kansas Workforce Centers.
  • Kent Selk, Drivers Services Director, and Brian Brunt, Kansas state CDL Coordinator, with the Kansas Department of Revenue will provide information related to requirements for CDL and farm vehicle operations.

To participate in the webinar, please click the registration link here: www.agriculture.ks.gov/Workforce.

The Kansas Ag Growth Strategy project has identified federal immigration reform, specifically visas for agricultural workers, as a high priority outcome for several critical ag sectors. Developing a strong agricultural workforce is key to furthering KDA’s mission to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy. For more information contact Russell Plaschka, KDA ag business development and workforce program manager, at [email protected] or 785-564-7466.

Bourbon County Local News