U.S. Senator Roger Marshall Weekly Press Overview, April 6-10, 2026
Senator Marshall Visits Northeast Kansas Businesses
Kansas City – This week, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), spent a day across Johnson, Wyandotte, Jefferson, and Leavenworth counties, with healthcare providers, manufacturers, construction workers, and nonprofit employees to discuss increasing consumer choice in healthcare, STEM education, transparency in food production, and community development across the region.
Senator Marshall’s first visit of the day was to the SelectQuote SelectRX pharmacy facility to learn more about their services, which provide flexible healthcare options for insurance, pharmacy, and virtual services. They discussed the healthcare affordability crisis and how consumer choice can provide relief.
Next, Senator Marshall attended a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the rededication of the KCK Armory and the reopening of Kansas City STARBASE in that location. He highlighted his ongoing support for the program and his successful efforts to secure STARBASE funding for 2026.
In Olathe, Senator Marshall toured the Heartland Coca-Cola Headquarters, which bottles products for several Midwest states and employs over 2,000 people. They discussed food transparency and labeling, as well as the economic impact of the Coca-Cola facility on the region.
Next, Senator Marshall joined regional officials from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development to tour Habitat for Humanity KC, the largest Kansas City home-builder nonprofit in the region, which has assisted over 1,200 homeowners throughout a six-county area. Habitat builds and renovates homes and provides homeownership and home repair services to revitalize neighborhoods and provide affordable housing. They discussed Marshall’s support for the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which passed the Senate in March and will support Habitat for Humanity’s work in the community.
In Oskaloosa, Senator Marshall toured Kings Construction. Founded in 1954, King’s Construction has been in the King family for three generations, providing jobs to over 75 employees and excavation and dirt work to communities across Eastern Kansas and Missouri.
Last, Senator Marshall toured CoreCivic’s Midwest Regional Reception Center facility in Leavenworth and learned more about their agreement with the City of Leavenworth to form a council with city and county leaders, the warden, and members of staff to address any concerns that may arise during operation of the facilities.
Senator Marshall: I Hope We Can Land This Plane
Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Pete Mundo on The Vince Show to discuss the conflict in Iran and its effects on the cost of living for Americans, dealing with rising input costs in agriculture, bringing down costs for Kansans and freeing up the housing market, what Americans care about heading into the midterms, and more.
Click HERE for the press release or on the image above for the full interview.
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I Hope I Don’t Disappoint by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Have you ever been called to “love the unlovely”? You know, like Jesus did. I recently realized how hard that really is…not because I can’t love the unlovely but because sometimes they don’t love me. People I know have been disappointed in me, and my Christian character has been ridiculed. Compared to how I felt when a dear friend said that I didn’t mask my double-chin well when I delivered my Tedx Talk or how another addressed my unflattering outfit or when someone shared that I overdid my makeup at my book signing, and I bet you know which hurt worse.
Yep, when my Christian character was maligned.
I want desperately to please God. I do. I want people to see in me a joy, a peace, a freedom, so infectious that they ask my secret. That doesn’t always happen.
Today was the exception. A sweet, young waitress told me that I make a difference in her life, that every time she waits on me, she feels that she has someone in her corner. Her grandparents and father are deceased, and her mother is an addict. She, a divorcee, has young children and struggles being a good mother, but, she said, she believes that I care. She is right. From the first time she waited on me, I knew there was something in her I admired.
She is lovely, personable, hard-working and determined to give her children a better life. She asked if we could exchange phone numbers. Of course we could, and we did. She explained that she wants to leave her present job and move into something more fulfilling, something that would provide better for her kids. I assured her that I would try and make that happen.
Then she said something I did not expect. “I am pregnant.” She spoke about how amazing the father is, how he treats her well, but how she knows things now are more complicated in her hunt for a new job. I couldn’t help but think, “Would Jesus call this complicated?” Absolutely not. He loved everyone, even those who think they disappoint. No story reflected that better than when Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well.
According to John 4:1-42, she, the lowest of the low, an unmarried female of a race despised by Jews, meets Jesus on his way to Galilee. His disciples are in town buying food when Jesus asks this woman, coming to draw water from the well, for a drink. In that era, women drew water in groups in the morning, but this outcast drew water alone midday.
The Samaritan woman questions how this man can ask her, a woman, for a drink. Jesus’ responses confound her as he explains that he offers “living water,” the kind that leads to eternal life, to everyone. The dialogue continues until Jesus switches gears and reveals that she has been married five times and is not married to her current affair. Still, he offers her a chance. She then gets it: she who has disappointed for as long as she can remember is talking to the Messiah. And he’s not disappointed.
When this woman believed, she immediately ran off to tell others. Her words made an impact. As Scripture tells us, “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony.”
Loving the unlovely is Jesus’ way. My job is to love those who don’t love me, those who judge me or criticize me, to see them as Jesus does, so they can know him too.
Along the way, I hope I don’t disappoint.
Draft Minutes of the Uniontown City Council for March 10
The Regular Council Meeting on March 10, 2026 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Kyle Knight. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson and City Clerk Haley Arnold.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUEST
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Johnson presented the February 2026 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $244,279.23, Receipts $30,427.36, Transfers Out $3,024.25, Expenditures $50,647.95, Checking Account Closing Balance $221,034.39. Bank Statement Balance $221,850.42, including Checking Account Interest of $45.56, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $816.03, Reconciled Balance $221,034.39. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $43,432.35, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $24,422.45, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $50,925.50, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $339,814.69. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $92.47, and Utility CDs $633.31 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $725.78. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2026, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. February Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.25; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, for Total Transfers of $3,024.25. Net loss for the month of February $23,244.84, Year-to-Date Net Income $20,288.93. Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $41,872.97 (32.4%), Expenditures $16,034.84 (12.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $6,743.25 (18.7%), Expenditures $5,159.58 (12.1%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $22,994.33 (18.5%), Expenditures $12,604.35 (8.8%); General Fund YTD Revenue $33,972.85 (23.1%), Expenditures $17,454.62 (7.4%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,010.48 (27.6%), Expenditures $1,422.03 (12.7%). The March 2026 payables to date in the amount of $23,075.39.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of February 10, 2026 Regular Meeting
- February Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & March Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent Rich informed the Council that the cost of Bio Mist used for mosquito fogging has increased to $111.00 per gallon, totaling approximately $278 per fogging session. The Council and Rich discussed the possibility of more affordable alternatives; however, Rich reported that he has been unsuccessful in identifying any cheaper effective options. The Council agreed to continue using the current product. Beginning in April, fogging will be scheduled every three weeks instead of every two weeks. As peak mosquito season approaches, the schedule will return to every two weeks. Rich also suggested including a paragraph in the city newsletter to remind residents that standing water in yards or around homes serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The notice will include tips on how individuals can help reduce the mosquito population.
Clerk Arnold reminded the Council of upcoming City Hall closures on March 11–13 due to the CCMFOA Conference, and on March 26–27 due to the Municipal Court Clerk Conference. Arnold asked the Council to determine dates for the Spring and Fall citywide cleanups. The Council decided that two roll-off dumpsters would be provided for the 2026 cleanups, scheduled for April 27–30 and August 31–September 3. There was discussion regarding hosting a town-wide garage sale this year; however, the Council ultimately decided against it due to low community participation in previous years. Arnold also confirmed with the Council whether to order fish food again this year for the pond located by the school. The Council approved the purchase and requested that Arnold obtain pricing from multiple vendors.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Knight – requested an update on when Marbery Concrete Inc. would begin work on the FEMA project at 2nd and Clay Streets. Mayor Jurgensen reported that a recent vehicle accident involving Marbery Concrete Inc. resulted in the loss of equipment, which put a delay on the start of the project. Weather permitting, work is expected to begin once conditions allow. Knight also asked if new culverts will be put in and Treasurer Johnson had confirmed they will replace with new culverts to help with water flow.
Councilwoman Kelly – none
Councilwoman Pemberton – inquired about who is responsible for unlocking the storm shelters during severe weather events. Superintendent Rich informed the Council that the shelters remain unlocked during this time of year due to the increased likelihood of inclement weather. Pemberton also asked whether it would be possible for someone not affiliated with the city to perform ditch cleanout and replace a culvert at 201 2nd St. Mayor Jurgensen responded that this is not allowed, as the city is responsible for ditch and culvert maintenance. Superintendent Rich added that he would inspect the area and address the ditch and culvert to the best of his ability.
Councilwoman Pritchett – absent
Councilman Stewart – absent
Mayor Jurgensen – none
OLD BUSINESS
FEMA Flooding– As previously discussed earlier in the meeting, Marbery Concrete Inc. will begin repairs when weather permits. Mayor Jurgensen and Treasurer Johnson informed the Council that a one-year extension on the project has been filed and approved.
Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments– Treasurer Johnson informed the Council that the City has not raised water rates since 2024 and sewer rates have not been increased since 2013. Johnson proposed new water and sewer rates to take effect in April 2026. The Council reviewed the figures provided and discussed the proposed adjustments.
Moved by Pemberton, seconded by Knight, and approved 3–0, to set the minimum monthly water rate for users within city limits at $28.66 for the first 1,000 gallons, with an additional $12.98 per 1,000 gallons thereafter. For users outside city limits, the minimum monthly rate will be $29.90 for the first 1,000 gallons, with a charge of $13.55 per 1,000 gallons thereafter. The motion also includes an additional 3% annual increase on the water rate.
Moved by Kelly, seconded by Pemberton, and approved 3–0, to set the minimum monthly sewer fee at $27.50 for the first 1,000 gallons of water usage, with an additional $0.31 per 1,000 gallons thereafter, per water meter. The motion also includes an additional 3% annual increase on the sewer rate.
Knight asked how the City’s rates compare to those of surrounding areas. A discussion followed regarding rates in neighboring communities and the differences in bulk water purchase rates compared to those areas.
NEW BUSINESS
Moved by Kelly, Second by Knight, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 7:55PM.
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KS Kansas Sports Facilities Authority Act is Signed Amid Others
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KS Bipartisan Bill Strengthening Public Safety Signed Amid Others
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Expanding Health Coverage for Kansas Children Bill is Signed Amid Others
Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill to Expand
Health Coverage for Kansas Children
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed Senate Bill 271, bipartisan legislation that permanently updates the outdated income eligibility requirements for Kansas’ Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and protects access to affordable health coverage for Kansas children.
“Every Kansas child deserves access to quality, affordable health care,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “For far too long, Kansas has relied on temporary fixes to address the outdated standards that made it harder for families to get the coverage they need. I’m pleased to sign this bipartisan, commonsense legislation that cements these updates to the Kansas
Senate Bill 271 adjusts the household income eligibility threshold for the State CHIP from 250 percent of the 2008 federal poverty level to 250 percent of the current federal poverty income guidelines, aligning Kansas with the rest of the nation. This change safeguards access to coverage for working families while ensuring income eligibility keeps pace with today’s economic realities.
“This was a true bipartisan effort to pass a clean SB 271,” said Representative Susan Ruiz, District 23. “We recognized that passing this bill has been a long time coming and was the right thing to do for the children of Kansas.”
Additionally, Senate Bill 271 directs the Secretary of Health and Environment to codify the existing practice of using a sliding-fee scale that charges premiums per family and ensures that eligible children can maintain coverage at renewal if families remain eligible and pay all delinquent premiums. The legislation also removes outdated provisions regarding waiting periods and penalties for non-payment of premiums within a continuous eligibility period to align state and federal law.
“Making CHIP premiums based on a sliding-fee scale per family is a practical, family-first approach,” said Representative Will Carpenter, District 75. “Senate Bill 271 ensures costs are more affordable and predictable, so families don’t have to choose between paying for health coverage and other basic needs. This bill is a commonsense step to keep more Kansas kids covered.”
In addition to Senate Bill 271, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:
Senate Bill 380: Requiring retail electric suppliers to provide nondiscriminatory rates and services to entities that provide electric vehicle charging services and prohibiting any costs and expenses associated with a retail electric supplier’s electric vehicle charging stations from being recovered in electric rates.
Senate Bill 382: Providing for the administration of statewide assessments to virtual school students by such students’ virtual schools, adding third parties who contract with school districts to the definition of special teacher, providing for special education state aid reimbursement for certain qualified teachers, authorizing nonpublic schools to permit nonaccredited private elementary or secondary school students to participate in certain activities and authorizing foreign exchange students who reside with a host family to enroll in and attend the resident school district of the host family.
Senate Bill 403: Authorizing the Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, and Delta Waterfowl license plates, prohibiting a license plate with any frame or other object on or around the plate that affects its visibility or legibility, and clarifying the definition of “conviction” in the Kansas Uniform Commercial Driver’s License Act.
Senate Bill 408: Excluding a child engaging in age-appropriate independent activities from the definition of a child in need of care in the revised Kansas code for care of children and requiring the Secretary for Children and Families to enter into a memorandum of understanding with military organizations and create a referral process for children in need of care cases involving children of military personnel to provide families with services.
Senate Bill 412: Imposing a duty on a conservator to notify certain entities and persons of any court order commanding performance or safekeeping of a conservatee’s estate assets.
Senate Bill 435: Authorizing the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System board of trustees to elect the vice chairperson of the board, requiring newly affiliated Kansas Police and Firemen’s Retirement System employers to contribute at the actuarial required rate for past and future service, and repealing certain working after retirement statutes for state and local elected officials.
Senate Bill 480: Reviving repealed statutes related to estates of absentees and requiring nonresident fiduciaries to appoint an agent residing in this state.
Senate Bill 487: Requiring the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to implement a statewide offender registration system for agencies who register offenders under the offender registration act, providing for a petition to determine that an offender is indigent, and authorizing a notice to appear to be issued for a violation of the act involving nonpayment of a fee.
Senate Substitute for House Bill 2099: Authorizing the Secretary of Corrections on behalf of the state of Kansas to convey a 57-acre parcel of land located in Leavenworth County, Kansas, to Leavenworth County.
House Bill 2158: Permitting
Senate Substitute for House Bill 2501: Providing for immunity from civil liability to federal firearms licensees for returning a firearm to the firearm owner at the termination of a firearm hold agreement, removing the criminal prohibition against firearm suppressors and shotgun barrel length requirements, and enhancing penalties for certain felonies committed while using a firearm suppressor or short-barrel shotgun.
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KS Pharmacy Benefit Managers Regulation Bill Signed Amid Others
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First Southern Baptist’s SPRING CRAFT SHOW is April 10
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The Bourbon County Sheriff Office Daily Reports April 9
CHC/SEK to Offer Free Lung Cancer Screenings for Women
FORT SCOTT, Kan.—The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is offering free low-dose CT lung cancer screenings for eligible women.
These screenings can help detect lung cancer before symptoms appear. “Catching lung cancer early gives you the best chance for successful treatment. This quick, painless scan could save your life,” said Kimberly Wass, CHC/SEK Radiology Lead.
“We know how busy life can get, so we’ve made screenings as easy and convenient as possible,” said Wass. “You’re welcome to schedule during one of our event dates or choose a day that works best for you. The screening itself takes just 15 minutes.”
The screenings will take place at 2322 S. Main in Fort Scott. To make an appointment, call 620-223-8484.
The event dates include:
- Wednesday, April 15, 2026: 4 pm to 7 pm
- Saturday, April 18, 2026: 9 am to 12 pm
Eligible participants include women ages 50 to 80 who:
- Are uninsured or underinsured
- Are current smokers with a 20-pack-year history or former smokers who quit within the past 15 years and also have a 20-pack-year history
- Have not been diagnosed with lung cancer in the past five years
- Do not currently have respiratory symptoms
Women with insurance are also encouraged to call; CHC/SEK staff can help them review their coverage options.
The program is funded by the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund Women’s Giving Circle.
For more information, visit chcsek.org.
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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.