Government, Kansas

Court of Appeals Interviews Feb. 24-25

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Court of Appeals Nominating Commission to interview applicants February 24 and 25

The Court of Appeals Nominating Commission will convene February 24 and 25 to interview 19 applicants to fill the upcoming vacancy on the Kansas Court of Appeals created by the April 3, 2020 retirement of Judge G. Joseph Pierron Jr.

Interviews will be in a meeting room in the Kansas Judicial Center, 301 SW 10th Ave., Topeka. The Commission will convene at 8:30 a.m. Monday, February 24, and interviews will start at 9 a.m. Interviews will continue at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25.

 

Interview Schedule

Monday, February 24, 2020

 

8:30 am Meeting Convenes
9:00 am Daniel Cahill
9:30 am Kristafer R. Ailslieger
10:00 am Lesley A. Isherwood
10:30 am Break/Exec. Session
10:50 am Angela D. Coble
11:20 am Randall L. Hodgkinson
11:50 am Diane H. Sorensen
12:20 pm Lunch break for Commission [Exec. Session]
1:30 pm Steven J. Obermeier
2:00 pm Suzanne Valdez
2:30 pm Amy Cline
3:00 pm Break/Exec. Session
3:20 pm Dennis D. Depew
3:50 pm Russell J. Keller
4:20 pm Break/Exec. Session
4:40 pm Adjourn for the day

 

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

 

8:45 am Meeting Convenes
9:00 am Sarah J. Loquist-Berry
9:30 am Marcia A. Wood
10:00 am David J. Rempel
10:30 am Break/Exec. Session
10:50 am Carl A. Folsom, III
11:20 am Natalie A. Chalmers
11:50 am Lunch break for Commission [Exec. Session]
1:10 pm Kristen D. Wheeler
1:40 pm Michael P. Joyce
2:10 pm Stephen O. Phillips
2:40 pm Break/Exec. Session
3:10 pm Reconvene for deliberations/voting
4:00 pm Adjourn for the day

 

The nominating commission will conduct its work in accordance with the Kansas Open Meetings Act and Executive Order 18-08. Additional details can be found in the Guidelines for Interviews. (attached as PDF)

Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order 20-01 on Tuesday, January 28 establishing the Court of Appeals Nominating Commission. Under Kansas law, the Governor appoints judges to the Court of Appeals subject to confirmation by the Senate. The Commission will review each applicant’s background and qualifications, conduct interviews and then submit three nominees for the Governor to consider.

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott National Historic Site

What, No Clothing Stores on the Frontier?    

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Learn how to make clothes by hand

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site is celebrating Women’s History Month in March with two living history clothing workshops focusing on mid-19th century women.

The Bonnet Workshop is Saturday, March 7, from 9 am to 1 pm and the Petticoat Workshop is Saturday, March 14, from 9:30 am to 3 pm. Please call or text Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484 to reserve a spot.

Bonnet Workshop: During this bonnet workshop, you will learn the popular styles of the time period and create a straw bonnet for yourself or the fort’s “magic room” clothing closet. Knowledge of basic hand sewing skills is recommended. Please call or text Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484 by Friday, February 21 if you plan to attend. You will receive a materials list upon registration if you are making a bonnet for yourself. This includes a source for ordering the straw bonnet form you will need for the workshop. Supplies for individuals making bonnets for the magic room will be furnished.

Petticoat Workshop: Learn about mid-19th century skirt supports and create a corded petticoat for yourself or the fort’s “magic room” clothing closet.   Basic sewing skills are required. A sewing machine is desirable but not mandatory as the fort has two machines available. Please call or text Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484 by March 7 if you plan to attend. A materials list is available for those creating their own petticoat.  Fabric and other supplies are available to those making petticoats for the magic room.

Fort Scott, Government

Senator Richard Hilderbrand Newsletter

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February 14, 2020 ∙ Week Five
HARD FACTS
Rural Broadband
·      Some estimates show that only 13% of Kansans have access to broadband internet.
·      Some counties, like Meade County, have NO access to broadband internet.
·      While multiple federal grants exist to help promote the expansion of broadband access across the country, the funds are often far too little to have a large-scale impact on improving broadband access.
Learn Online with Universal Class
Universal Class https://kslib.info/uclass is an online resource provided by the State Library of Kansas. Universal Class offers over 500 lifelong learning courses in more than 30 areas of study at no charge. Join a full course with instructors and readings or just watch the lecture videos to brush up on a topic. The wide range of courses offers something for everyone: from accounting to yoga, babysitting to parenting, cake decorating to computer training.
Easy registration and self-supplied password is necessary to use this resource and allows you to resume your work. If the page above asks for a Kansas Library eCard number, you may get one at any library in Kansas. Most people will be automatically recognized as being in Kansas and will not need this step.  Questions: contact the State Library at [email protected] or 785-296-3296.
FLOOR ACTION – February 12, 2020
The Senate considered the appointment of Laurel Searles, as a member of the Kansas Human Rights Commission on February 12. The appointment was confirmed 40-0. Laurel Searles is the Director of Unemployment Insurance with the Kansas Department of Labor and will serve in the Labor Representative seat on the commission.
Last week I had the chance to testify in support of SB310. This is a bill that I introduced to help insure the integrity of elections in Kansas, by requiring a voter-verified paper ballot for every vote.
GOVERNOR KELLY SIGNS FIRST BILL OF 2020 SESSION INTO LAW
It may be a sentimental note, but it is worth noting. Governor Kelly is expected to sign the first bill of the legislative session this afternoon. (Friday February 14, 2020). It is SB 155 and passed both chambers with only one House Representative opposed(I voted in favor of this bill).
The law essentially changes territory assignments in order to prevent some taxpayers in the city of Valley Center from being taxed twice because of cemetery district boundaries.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN VALUE THEM BOTH AND MEDICAID EXPANSION
Last Friday when the House failed to pass the Value Them Both Amendment, it became apparent that without constitutional protections, state funding of abortion in Kansas became a real possibility. In five other states where a high court has determined a fundamental right to abortion (this is what the Kansas Supreme Court determined last spring in its Hodes & Nauser ruling), later court orders required states to pay for Medicaid patient abortions.  That’s because federal Medicaid dollars cannot be used to fund abortion since the Hyde Amendment was enacted, which leaves the entire burden on an unprotected state with the inability to regulate the abortion industry.
Chuck Weber of the Kansas Catholic Conference pointed out, “abortion is currently a Medicaid-covered expense in 16 states,” including Connecticut where 75-percent of all abortions in 2018 were paid for by state tax dollars. He indicated that without the legislature’s ability to regulate abortion, Kansas could incur those costs as well.
TWO BILLS THAT I CO-SPONSORED ON PROPERTY TAXES GOES TO THE SENATE FLOOR
Click here to read Senate Bill 294 or paste this into your browser:
THE “SPILL BILL” FAVORABLY PASSES THROUGH THE AG COMMITTEE
A 2019 session bill that once caused controversy was amended, then passed favorably, through the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources this week. SB 153 is an act aiming to regulate (and penalize those who cause) spillage of water and soil pollutants. The bill authorizes the Department of Health and Environment to adopt rules and regulations to respond to and report the release of a pollutant.
Additionally, the bill establishes a 24-hour statewide hotline so that individuals can report spills to the KDHE and requires any individual who causes a spill to be responsible for cleaning up the spill.
The amendment that was added creates an exception for any animal or crop waste in the definition of “pollutant” and allows for exceptions for spills that happen during the course of normal agricultural activities.
The bill was sent to the committee of the whole, where it awaits the green light from the majority leader to be sent “above the line” for a vote on the Senate floor.
RAW MILK CAUSES RAW EMOTION IN SENATE HEARING
The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources heard two controversial bills on raw milk this week.  Essentially, SB 300 calls for a complete and total ban on the sale of unpasteurized, or “raw” milk, while SB 308 allows for the sale of raw milk (and advertising of raw milk) to be done however dairy farmers see fit, with the caveat that certain warning labels are placed on the product and in advertisements.
Proponents for a total ban on raw milk sales included several dairy producers, who spoke on behalf of the organizations they represent and are concerned with the health and safety of raw milk products. They say that if someone gets sick from the consumption of raw milk, the entire dairy industry is often penalized through lower sales and decreased consumer trust.
Opponents of a total ban included two lawyers, who say a ban on raw milk infringes on consumers’ right to choose what they buy, and producers rights to choose what they produce. Three farmers (two who raise and sell raw milk and one who sells goat meat but drinks raw milk) also testified in opposition of a total ban, saying they fully believe in the safety, and even potential health benefits, of raw milk.
SB 308 was heard the day after SB 300, and testimony was essentially the same. The Kansas Livestock Association, which represents a number of dairy farms across the state, offered three amendments: one technical amendment related to the definition of milk, one to create sanitary standards for raw milk dairies, and one to create a registry system within the Kansas Department of Agriculture for producers who sell raw milk to the public.
As of this publication, SB 308 is slated for final action next week, while SB 300 is not yet (and may never be) on the schedule for final action.
GOVERNOR’S BUDGET DIRECTOR QUESTIONED ABOUT RE-AMORITIZATION
On Monday, the Ways and Means Committee held hearings on SB 321, which is the Governor’s plan to artificially boost her spending by spreading out payments on the Kansas employee pension fund (KPERS) at a $4.4 billion dollar price tag to taxpayers.
On average, KPERS would receive $223 million less each year, which would mean we would not reach our goal of having it 80% funded until 2036 instead of 2029.
Larry Campbell, the state’s Budget Director, supported the Governor’s proposal saying the legislature has missed payments in the past so re-amortizing makes sense because it lessens payments and makes it easier to goal to achieve.  Legislators pushed back saying just because past legislatures may have been irresponsible when making payments, there is no reason to believe it is a good decision when revenues now are exceeding expectations. One committee member asked Mr. Campbell about the possibility of a recession and its implications.  Campbell responded saying he couldn’t accurately predict the timing of a future recession but that if one did hit the plan would “put the state in deep trouble.”
UTILITY STUDY RESULTS ARE IN
The Senate Utilities Committee heard a full report on the Kansas Electric Rate Study from London Economics International, the firm chosen by the committee to complete an in-depth analysis of the causes of Kansans’ high electric bills. The firm completed Phase One of the rate study, focusing specifically on rate-making options and possible ways to improve the competitiveness of Kansas electricity. A.J. Goulding, LEI president, and Gabriel Roumy, managing consultant of the study, spoke for just under an hour about the firm’s process to study electric rates in Kansas.
Our state’s rates have made headlines in the last several months for being considerably higher than the regional average. The LEI study found the primary reasons for these unusually high rates to include high tax rates in the state, slowing consumer demands for electricity, investment by electric providers in complying to strict government standards related to the environment and increasing transmission costs.
FIREWORKS ALL YEAR-ROUND?
On Thursday, the Committee on Federal and State Affairs had a hearing regarding SB 362, which would allow year-round firework sales. According to the fiscal note, The Kansas Association of Counties says year-round sales increases the likelihood that people would set off fireworks when it’s prohibited, which would increase counties’ revenues in fines. On the flip side, some say it could add costs in law enforcement and the court system. The League of Municipalities is worried the bill could result in additional expenditures for local governments to enforce fireworks prohibitions because the public may believe since you can buy fireworks all year long, restrictions on discharging them have changed as well, which would not the case through this legislation.
COMING UP NEXT WEEK
Monday, February 17
Ø Happy Presidents’ Day!
Ø Hearing and adoption of: SCR 1614 — Supporting Kansas farmers in the Rattlesnake Creek sub-basin in their ongoing effort to protect their water rights and livelihood through a collaborative solution to the region’s water impairment issue. (8:30, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 159-S)
Ø Final action: SB 307 —Updating approved types of personal flotation devices. (8:30, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 159-S)
Ø Hearing:SB 366 — Expanding the expedited occupational licensure provisions for military servicemembers and spouses to all license applicants. (8:30, Commerce, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 371 — Requiring posting of a human trafficking awareness notice approved by the attorney general in certain businesses and public places. (10:30, Judiciary, 346-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 373 — Modifying the crimes of selling sexual relations, promoting the sale of sexual relations and buying sexual relations by changing terminology from “sexual relations” to “a sex act.” (10:30, Judiciary, 346-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2426: — Revising cross-references in the civil procedure codes. (10:30, Judiciary, 346-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 337 — Expanding the provision of the ACT college entrance exam and workkeys assessments to students enrolled in nonpublic schools. (1:30, Education, 144-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 353 — Requiring the allocation of sufficient school district moneys to improve academic performance of underachieving students. (1:30, Education, 144-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 354 — Amending the private and out-of-state postsecondary educational institution act clarify the state board of regents’ authority and provide additional student protections and institutional accountability. (1:30, Education, 144-S)
Tuesday, February 18
Ø Final action: SB 251 — Allow businesses to elect to file certain business reports with the secretary of state annually, biennially or triennially. (8:30, Commerce, 548-S)
Ø Update: SB 42 — Amending the meaning of the terms “rebate” and “interest” as used in the real estate brokers’ and salespersons’ license act. (8:30, Commerce, 548-S)
Ø Update: SB 168 — Enacting the Kansas home inspectors’ professional competence and financial responsibility act. (8:30, Commerce, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 383 — Providing for the American legion, knights of Columbus and proud educator distinctive license plates and providing for lowered license plate commitments and costs prior to production. (8:30, Transportation, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 390 — Allowing cement trucks to display license plates on front of vehicle. (8:30, Transportation, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 265 — Requiring the state board of tax appeals to serve orders and notices by electronic means if requested by the party. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 262 — State board of tax appeals; changing time to request full and complete opinion to be based on date of service. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 297 — Requiring appraisal directives to require compliance with uniform standards of professional appraisal practice in performance of property tax appraisals. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 548-S)
Ø Hearing continuation: SB 248 — Extraterritorial zoning, subdivision regulations; mailed notice to landowners of record. (9:30, Ethics, Elections and Local Government, 142-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 389 — Adding a definition of “purposes of sepulture” to the law dealing with cemetery corporation. (9:30, Ethics, Elections and Local Government, 142-S)
Ø Hearing: ERO 44 — Renaming the Kansas department for children and families the Kansas department of human services; abolishing the Kansas department for aging and disability services and transferring the functions to the Kansas department of human services; transferring the functions of the department of corrections regarding the juvenile services programs and juvenile facilities and institutions, excluding the Larned juvenile correctional facility, to the Kansas department of human services. (9:30, Public Health and Welfare, 118-N)
Ø Hearing: HB 2467 — Removing the spousal exception from sexual battery. (10:30, Judiciary, 346-S)
Ø Hearing:SB 375 — Providing for the FORWARD transportation program. (10:30, Ways and Means, 548-S)
Ø Hearing:SB 384 — Requiring the state department of education and the Kansas department for children and families to prepare an annual report on educational outcomes for foster care students. (1:30, Education, 144-S)
Ø Hearing:SB 410 — Requiring publication of school district bullying policies and requiring a report on bullying incidents at each school district attendance center. (1:30, Education, 144-S)
Ø Discussion and possible action: SB 230 — Clarifying the authority of the Kansas commission for the deaf and hard of hearing. (1:30, Education, 144-S)
Wednesday, February 19
Ø Hearing: SB 345 — Establishing requirements for the effective disposal of industrial hemp. (8:30, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 159-S)
Ø Final action: SB 366 —Expanding the expedited occupational licensure provisions for military servicemembers and spouses to all license applicants. (8:30, Commerce, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 374 — Allowing employees of salvage vehicle pools to perform vehicle identification number inspections. (8:30, Transportation, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 377 — Designating a portion of K-7 as the Senator Paul “Bud” Burke Memorial Highway. (8:30, Transportation, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 301 — Changing from annual valuation of property for ad valorem property tax purposes to triennial valuation. (This is a bill that I introduced)(9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 351 — Ensuring that the votes of voters whose names do not appear in the poll book and are otherwise eligible to vote are counted. (9:30, Ethics, Elections and Local Government, 142-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 323 — Altering the terms of an insurance policy not considered a denial of renewal of the policy if the insured is provided proper notice. (9:30, Financial Institutions and Insurance, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 402 — Updating producer licensing statutes pertaining to appointment, fees, licensing, renewal dates, continuing education, suspension, revocation and denial of licensure and reinstatement. (9:30, Financial Institutions and Insurance, 546-S)
Ø Hearing continuation: ERO 44 — Renaming the Kansas department for children and families the Kansas department of human services; abolishing the Kansas department for aging and disability services and transferring the functions to the Kansas department of human services; transferring the functions of the department of corrections regarding the juvenile services programs and juvenile facilities and institutions, excluding the Larned juvenile correctional facility, to the Kansas department of human services. (9:30, Public Health and Welfare, 118-N)
Ø Hearing: SB 355 — Prohibiting psychiatric or psychological examinations of victims of certain sex offenses in criminal cases. (10:30, Judiciary, 346-S)
Ø Hearing:SB 382 — Amending the capital improvement state aid schedule to exclude U.S.D. No. 207, Fort Leavenworth. (1:30, Education, 144-S)
Ø Discussion and possible action: SB 337 — Expanding the provision of the ACT college entrance exam and workkeys assessments to students enrolled in nonpublic schools. (1:30, Education, 144-S)
Thursday, February 20
Ø ONE WEEK LEFT UNTIL TURNAROUND DAY!
Ø Final action: SB 308 — Allowing the on-farm retail sale of raw, unpasteurized milk so long as certain labeling and advertising requirements are met. (8:30, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 159-S)
Ø Final action: SB 345 — Establishing requirements for the effective disposal of industrial hemp.  (8:30, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 159-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 247 — Prohibition by cities and counties on the use of photographic traffic signal enforcement system. (8:30, Transportation, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 196 — Expanding the expense deduction to all taxpayers in addition to corporate taxpayers. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 309 — Placing the burden of proof on the county appraiser in certain valuation and classification appeal hearings before the district court. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 412 — Permanent advance voting status extended to any registered voter but such status will end if two consecutive elections are missed. (9:30, Ethics, Elections and Local Government, 142-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 387 — Establishing a healthcare benefits package not covered or affiliated with a health insurer or health benefits plan, to be administered by Kansas state employees’ healthcare commission. (9:30, Financial Institutions and Insurance, 546-S)
Ø Discussion and possible action: SB 252 — Expanding medical assistance eligibility and implementing a health insurance plan reinsurance program. (9:30, Public Health and Welfare, 118-N)
Friday, February 21
Ø 8 AM Session
Ø Many committees will meet on call of the chair.
Thank You for Engaging
Thank you for all your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. Constituent correspondence helps inform my decision-making process and is taken into great consideration when I cast my vote in the Kansas Senate. I hope you’ll continue to engage with me on the issues that matter most to you, your family, and our community. If you are on Twitter or Facebook, I encourage you to follow along with the #ksleg hashtag for real-time updates on legislative happenings in Topeka.
Please know that I am fully committed to addressing the current issues in our state, and I am proud to be your voice in the Kansas Senate.
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

Fort Scott High School Thespians Perform Radium Girls

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Inspired by the real-life story of the luminous watch dial painters of the 1920s, Radium Girls marks the journey of three women’s struggle with radium poisoning and their fight for justice from the U.S. Radium Corporation.

The Fort Scott High School Thespians perform the play, written by D.W. Gregory, at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27, 28, and 29 at the FSHS Auditorium, 1005 S. Main, in Fort Scott.

Although Radium Girls is historical fiction, most of the characters were real people in history. Others are a conglomeration of various people involved in the plight of the Radium Girls.

“Students have invested a lot of time and research into their characters for this performance,” said FSHS Thespian Director Angie Bin. “They have studied their real-life counterparts and noted character traits and personalities that make their character historically accurate.”

The production, set in the 1920s, relays how radium, then known as a miracle cure and beauty product, was used to create a glow in the dark paint that illuminated watches and clocks especially during WWI. The young women employed to paint the tiny numerals were instructed to point their brushes using their mouths. Years later, most of the women began developing horrific health issues which were dismissed by their employers. Eventually, several women were able to find legal defense and had their voices heard, and radium poisoning proven. Their bravery eventually led to landmark changes in working conditions for employees.

“Called a ‘powerful’ and ‘engrossing’ drama by critics, Radium Girls offers a wry, unflinching look at the peculiarly American obsessions with health, wealth, and the commercialization of science,” according to Dramatic Publishing.

The production involves a 12-member ensemble of students who all play up to four characters each. Actors include seniors Levi Bin, Madi Toth, Carlee Studyvin, Dominic Cannon, Jo Goodbody and Wendy Monahan; juniors Ashanti Green, Tailynn Harding, and Sage Hill; sophomore Jacob Ham; and freshmen Bareigh Farrell and Israel Carreno.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children and available at the Fort Scott High School office and at Common Ground Coffee, 116 S. Main. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. The lobby will have on display a number of educational projects created by students at FSHS.

“Students in Drama classes have created the design details for the show that will be on display for the public. I am so proud of the model sets they have built with set design suggestions, make-up and costuming sketches and research, and the sound and lighting design suggestions they have presented,” said Bin. “Additionally, we have several graphic design posters that our students in Dr. Michelle Laubenstein’s classes created, including the winning design created by junior Amber Russo.”

Upon conclusion of Radium Girls, the FSHS Thespians will celebrate March as Theatre in Our Schools Month and host the all-school Talent Show and Miss(ter) FSHS Pageant at 7 p.m. on March 27 in the Auditorium. Other upcoming events include the annual Thespian Rummage Sale on April 10-11 and Tiger Drama Camp held May 18-29.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson Feb.14

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February 14, 2020

Almost all work was in committees during week five of session.  Several bills were passed out of committees so there could be ample work on the Senate floor in the next two weeks.

 

Legislation 101  Do you remember the School House Rock video, “I’m Just A Bill”?  “I’m just a bill.  Yes, I’m only a bill and I’m sitting here on capitol hill…”  Kansas has a similar bill process that is a two-year bill cycle starting in odd years.  There have been 452 senate bills introduced this cycle. A list of the bills can be found online at http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/bills/senate/#1.

 

Once a bill is drafted and introduced, it is usually referred to a committee.  The committee may have a hearing, table, amend, and/or vote on the bill.  If it passes, it goes below the line for the body of the whole.  At this point the Majority Leader decides if and when a bill will be above the line for debate on the floor.  There are rules that allow legislators to pull a bill out of committee and above the line but it rarely occurs since it takes more than a majority and is a high threshold.  If the bill makes it to floor debate, it can again be amended.  If a majority vote yes during a final action vote, the bill is sent to the other chamber to begin the process again.  If a bill is amended in the second chamber, the originating chamber will vote to accept or reject the changes.  If rejected, the bill can be killed or a conference committee with three members from each chamber is formed to negotiate the changes and agree on a compromise.  Both chambers must pass the compromise before it will go to the governor.  The governor can sign the bill into law, veto the bill – an attempt to kill the bill, or allow it to become law without a signature.  Two thirds majority of each chamber can override a governor’s veto, in which a vetoed bill becomes law.

Maybe we can follow a bill along to see how this works.  SB 294 , that brings transparency to your property tax increases, has been voted out of committee and is now below the line in the Senate.  Do to the bill’s popularity I’ve been told it may be quickly moved above the line for debate on the Senate floor.  I will keep you informed on its progress through the system.

Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) You may have heard the Governor is attempting to mess with KPERS again.  Last year a supermajority of legislators sent a strong message (a veto override) to leave KPERS alone.  The Governor obviously did not get the message as she is attempting to re-amortize, basically refinance, costing Kansas taxpayers $4.4 billion dollars.  As with last year, I will fight to block the Governor’s effort to weaken KPERS and put our State in more debt.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Obituary

Obituary of Patricia Sue Keating

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Patricia Sue Warzel Keating, age 93, a resident of Fort Scott, passed away Friday, February 14th, 2020 at the Kansas University Medical Center.

Daughter of Gus and Grace (Good) Warzel, she was born in Fort Scott on April 20th,1926. Educated in the Fort Scott school system, Patricia graduated High School with the Class of 1943. She and her sister, Edith joined the Cadet Nurse Core in 1944, graduating in 1947. Patricia met many of her life long friends while in nurses training. Upon completion of the program, she worked as a registered nurse for Doctors Hubert and Leland Randles in the Randles Clinic, Fort Scott.

It was there, she met the love of her life, Edward Michael Keating. Together with her sister Edith Warzel and Bernard Gorman, they were married June 9, 1949, in a double wedding ceremony at Mary Queen of Angels Church in Fort Scott.

Patricia remained a lifelong member of the parish. Ed preceded her in death on February 3rd, 2013.

Patricia’s life was devoted to her faith and family and they were the greatest source of her joy. She loved deeply and prayed constantly. Her life was a testament to us all and ours will be forever changed without her.

Patricia is survived by her six children, twenty-six grandchildren, thirty-five great grandchildren with two on the way and two great- great- grandchildren with one on the way.

They include son Edward Michael Keating Jr. and wife Janet (New) of Bucyrus,KS; their children Edward Keating III and wife Tonyia, Elle and Dylan Keating of Louisburg, Ks., Jeananna and husband Brett Hauer, Mckenna, Keily and Hudson of Louisburg, KS, Shawn Keating, Bucyrus, KS, Michael Keating and wife Kirsten, Kylin and Rohan Keating of Stillwell, KS;

Son John Francis Keating III and wife Charlene (Barr) of Fort Scott, their children-Tina and Kyle Hedges of Bolivar;Taylor and husband Tyler Weaver, Berkley and baby Weaver of Fair Play, MO; Kennedy Hedges and Steven Cisneros, and McKinley Hedges of Bolivar, MO; John F. Keating IV and wife Christi- Abi and husband Dillion Duffy and Emalynn Duffy and John Keating V of Fort Scott, Pete Keating and wife Amy, Preston and Colin Keating of Chanute, Ks., Bridgett and husband Adam Lancaster and Kylie, Kallie, and Kodie Lancaster of Fort Scott, Courtney and husband Rob Werling, Peyton, Sadie and Hadley Werling of New York, NY, Daniel Keating and wife Kelly, Liam and Finley Keating of Gardner, Ks.;

Daughter Mary and husband John Lowry of Richards, Mo., their children Emily and husband Josh Appeldorn and Isabella Rose Appeldorn of Springdale, Ar., Erin and husband Thomas Evans and baby Evans of Lenexa, Ks., John Lowry and wife Kirby and Maelie Ruth Lowry of Bartlesville, Ok., Heather and husband Nathan Glassman, Ava Marie, Lucy Elizabeth, Joseph and baby Glassman of Golden, Co.;

Daughter Beth Anne and husband Daryl Graham of Fort Scott, their children Maria Graham of Overland Park, Ks., Daryl Lee Graham II and wife Jayci and Dawson Graham of Overland Park, Ks., Drew Graham and Elizabeth Grantham of Fort Scott; daughter Patty and husband Mike Kramer of Fort Scott, their children Patricia and Morgan Sheehy of Noel, Mo. and Michael Kramer of Fort Scott;

Son Shawn (Jackie) and wife Sandi (Hobbs) of Fort Scott, their children Vincent and Courtney Woods, Riley, Kassen and Karsyn of Redfield, Ks, Jesse Woods of Fort Scott, Andrew Woods and Kameron, Keegan, Karter and Kali Woods of Mound City, Ks., Grace, Faith, Shawn II and Connor Keating of Fort Scott, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 

In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by sisters Thais Warzel, Edith (Bernard) Gorman and Shirley (Charles) Keal and brothers Thaddeus (Jack) Warzel and Robert (Nellie) Warzel.

Father Yancey Burgess will celebrate Mass of Christian Burial Friday, February 21, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

The Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary’s Catholic School and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at Cheneywitt.com

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Winter Ranch Management Seminar Series Coming Soon

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Christopher Petty, M.S.
Extension Agent
Livestock Production and Forage Management
K-State Research and Extension
Southwind Extension District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
(620) 223-3720 Work
(620)224-6031 Cell
[email protected]

 

Attention cattle ranchers! The Kansas State University Winter Ranch Management Seminar series will take place on Thursday, February 27, from 5:30 until 8:30 pm. At the Woodson County 4-H building in Yates Center, Kansas.

The meeting will begin with a meal, and will feature several informative presentations such as “Value captured from improved production practices: What’s the sale data say” by Ester McCabe from Kansas State University. Other topics include “Forage sampling and testing” by K-State Research and Extension agents Christopher Petty and Wendie Powell, and understanding pregnancy loss in cow herds by Kansas State University Professor and Veterinarian Dr. Gregg Hanzlicek . The program will then finish up with a town hall style question and answer session featuring K-State Research and Extension beef cattle state specialists including Dr. Jaymelynn Farney and Dr. Robert Weaber.

A $10 registration fee is payable at the door, and we would ask that you would please pre-register by Feb 20. To pre-register to attend, or for more information contact Dale Lanham in the Southwind Extension District – Yates Center Extension office at 620-625-8620 or by e-mail at [email protected]. You may also contact Christopher Petty in the Southwind Extension District -Fort Scott office at 620-223-3720 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Area News, Fort Scott Community College

Black History Speaker Lunch And Learn Feb. 18

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February is Black History Month.

The Gordon Parks Museum is bringing an author and entrepreneur to speak on how to choose one’s weapons in the face of adversity on Tuesday, February 18 at 11 a.m. with a “Lunch and Learn” presentation. The museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College in the Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2401 S. Horton.

 

The guest speaker will be Frank Clay, Jr., author and a member of The National Speaker’s Association.

 

“We chose to bring Frank Clay as author, business coach, entrepreneur and veteran for his perspective on important figures like Gordon Parks, who helped shaped African American history and inspired others,” Kirk Sharp, director of the Gordon Parks Museum , said.

 

The presentation titled “Find the Right Weapons and Success is Yours”.

Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch and drinks with them.

 

Dessert will be provided.

 

“Find the Right Weapons and Success is Yours” is the presentation reflecting on lessons learned from Gordon Parks and how Gordon chose the right weapons to bring about change in his life and the world, according to a press release.

 

Clay will also speak on how Gordon’s book The Choice of Weapons, helped to inspire others such as Frank to find the right weapons in life.

 

Frank Clay, Jr. is also  the founder and principal of 2020 Solutions Inc.

 

Clay  holds a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in business management.

 

For more information about “Find the Right Weapons and Success is Your” presentation at the Gordon Parks Museum call 223-2700, ext. 5850 or email [email protected].

Area News

American Legion Mid Winter Forum Fort Scott Photos

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Fort Scott American Legion Post Commander Carl Jower. Submitted photos.
Many thanks are due to Post 25 Legionnaire Bobby Matthews who gave of his time and expertise to photograph the recently concluded MidWinter Forum in Fort Scott.
The photos are from Friday night registration, Saturday’s Auxiliary meeting where the theme was the Wizard of Oz, Saturday’s general Legion meeting, Saturday’s Sons of the American Legion meeting held in Memorial Hall, and Sunday’s Four Chaplains ceremony.  

There were so many Fort Scott legion family members who contributed to the success of the MidWinter Forum.
 
A good time was had by all.
 
Submitted by Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.
Opinion

What Makes YOU So Special?

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The Bottom Line

Pastor Jimmy Tucker

 

When I attended elementary school, I was always excited about our yearly valentine exchange. It was a way to share my feelings with the girl I liked at the time. (I was too shy to do it otherwise.) I also enjoyed receiving valentines from girls that felt the same way toward me. It was a joy to love and be loved — even if it was “puppy love.“

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion when couples focus on one another and express their love with gifts — maybe a heart-shaped box of chocolates, a card, roses, jewelry, or a nice dinner. I realize that there are many who find this date to be difficult because the spouse who once shared this celebration is no longer around, due to death, divorce, or other circumstances. I’m certainly not minimizing this pain, but I want to remind you that God’s love for you is unconditional. God’s love is above and beyond that of human beings.

The Bible tells us that God’s love is so wonderful you can’t comprehend it fully. “And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God” (Ephesians 3:18,19 NLT).

God’s love is available to anyone who will receive it; but many people are unaware of it. There are numberless ways He shows His love for you every day. You just need to slow down and look for it, and then thank Him. Anytime you experience favor or something good, it’s actually from God. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…“ (James 1:17). He also uses people to show His love to you. In addition, He’s sent you a lifetime’s worth of valentines and love letters in the Holy Bible.

Do you know, understand, and believe you’re special? Excerpts from Psalm 139 proves this truth: “You made all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion…. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book.” God created you just so He could love you and you could love Him. Now that’s something to be happy about! Nothing can separate you from His unconditional love. But you do have the choice to either receive or reject this wonderful gift of love.

When we receive and return His love, we become children of the heavenly King. “See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 NLT). God will never neglect, reject, or leave you because you’re His special child. On this Valentine’s weekend, receive by faith the unfailing love of the Great I AM.

The Bottom Line: Does God love you because you’re special, or are you special because God loves you? Yes to both.

Pastor Jimmy Tucker

Diamond Community Church

Worship 10:45 a.m.

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Minutes of Special Meeting on Feb. 14

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

The minutes are unapproved until Feb. 18

Minutes of February 14, 2020 Special Meeting #1

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A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held February 14th, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Lindsey Watts and Mayor JoLynne Mitchell were present. Randy Nichols was absent.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: None

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Kevin Allen moved to recess into a 60 minute Executive Session to include just the City Commission. This Executive Session is to discuss non-elected personnel. There is no action anticipated after the Executive Session. Pete Allen seconded. All voted aye.

RECESSED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 3:01 P.M.

COMMISSIONERS ENDED THE RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 4:01 P.M.

ADJOURNMENT:

Lindsey Watts moved to adjourn the special meeting at 4:01 p.m. Pete Allen seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 4:01 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on February 18th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

_____________________________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Bourbon County Local News