Josie Kay Motley “JoJo” entered the world in Pittsburg, Kansas on Dec 30th, 2020. She was raised on a small cattle ranch in Redfield Kansas. On November 20th, 2023, JoJo ran into the arms of Our Loving Savior at the age of 2 at Childrens Mercy in Kansas City, Missouri. \
Josie lived in Redfield with her parents, Levi and Aubri Motley, siblings Piper and Dusty, and Papa Tom. JoJo was a very energetic and loving child. She loved to steal Memaws coffee, do anything she possibly could with Papa Tom, ride their pony Chunky Monkey and play with her big yellow goat. She loved going to church and participating in Sunday School. She was driven and determined. She was a big kid and could do anything that anyone else was doing and there was no telling her any different. Josie had a bright personality. People were drawn to JoJo due to her contagious laugh and smile.
Josie is preceded in death by her great grandparents, Sarah and Frank Kottwitz, Rollin Motley, Debbie Walters, and Max Potter, and her grandfather Dennis Brown.
JoJo is survived by her parents Levi and Aubri Motley, siblings Piper and Dusty Motley, Grandparents “Papa” Tom Motley, “Memaw” Joyce Brown, “Poppy” Lawrence Potter and “Grandma” Dennise and “Grandpa” Scott Peck, Great Grandparents “Grandpa” Roy Walters, “Nana” Kay Potter, and “Grandma” Wanda Mifflin, Aunts, “Aunt LaLa” Laurie Motley, Kendra (Howie) Butler, Jessica Motley, Autumn Potter, and Angela (Will) Crawford, Uncles Austin Potter, Enos Gingerich, and Nick Brown, many great aunts and uncles, cousins, extended families, and friends.
Pastor Kenny Moulder will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Friday, November 24th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott, KS.
Burial will follow in the Woods Cemetery, Redfield, KS.
The family will receive friends Friday from 12:00 Noon until service time at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to either Ronald McDonald Charities or Childrens Mercy PICU and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Graphic from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
This year Small Business Saturday falls on November 25th and is a day when shoppers are encouraged to buy from local, small businesses for the good of the community they live in.
Supporting local small businesses is beneficial to both the buyer and the business. Savings on gas fill-ups and time are some of the benefits to buyers for buying local, and then there are the benefits to those businesses they buy from.
“What a difference a few dollars spent per shopper can make! ” said Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lindsay Madison said. And the Chamber has been working to encourage local shoppers.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is registered as a Neighborhood Champion for Shop Small, Small Business Saturday, a program initiated by American Express, according to Madison.
Lindsay Madison. Submitted photo.
Neighborhood Champions work to rally the community to shop at local small businesses.
The Chamber has put together a Shop Small Passport that shoppers may pick up from local retailers this Friday and Saturday, she said. “If shoppers earn three or more stamps by purchasing $5 or more, they turn in the passport at their 3rd store for an entry to win $50 in Chamber Bucks. The drawing will take place on Tuesday, November 28th. Chamber Bucks can be used like cash at over 60 Chamber member businesses and restaurants.”
“If you don’t already, we ask you to Like and Follow the Chamber’s Facebook page, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce,” she said. “We have been posting a social campaign over the last couple of weeks to illustrate the importance of shopping local and what a difference a few dollars spent per shopper can make! Some of those social posts have included the following messaging:
“Per score.org, for every $1 you spend at a small business, 67 cents stays in the local community. Forty-four cents goes to the small business owner and employee’s wages and benefits and 23 cents gets reinvested in other local businesses,” she said.
“Your $20 spent locally does more than purchase goods, it weaves a community tapestry, where every thread strengthens the whole. That same $20 circulates. You eat at a local restaurant and tip the wait staff, the wait staff then goes and gets a haircut, the stylist then goes and buys a cup of coffee, the barista then buys a candle at a gift shop, and so on. When you spend $20 online, that $20 is gone out of our community.
“Ten dollars spent at a local store can have a sizable impact. It’s estimated that over $9.3 billion would be returned to our U.S. economy if every family spent just $10 a month at a local business. That’s not even one meal’s worth of spending a month! It’s only a few cups of coffee or a glass of wine a month. What a tremendous impact we could have if everyone could commit to that.”
“As you Shop Small over the weekend, be sure to pick up your Passport,” Madison said. “Have some fun and earn a chance to win while you’re supporting our local businesses are hit up year-round to sponsor events, support school fundraisers, and more. It’s our turn to give back to them.”
The Chamber received a limited amount of promotional products from American Express that is being distributed to locally owned Chamber member small businesses to use during Small Business Season, said Madison.
From Amanda Clasen, Kansas State Extension Community Vitality Agent’s, weekly column:
“In 2010, American Express started the Small Business Saturday effort to help direct consumer’s dollars to local businesses. The nationwide holiday is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Some ideas to help you shop locally this holiday season may include:
Use a local print shop to see if they offer greeting cards or other unique gifts.
Support local flower shops by sending unique holiday arrangements that can be displayed throughout the holiday season.
Shop at local craft shows that showcase youth and Local Entrepreneurs. If your recipient likes to cook, buy a cookbook from a local fundraiser and attach dry ingredients to a new recipe.
Purchase from local grocery stores or farmer’s markets for ingredients in your holiday meals.
Purchase gift cards to local businesses, restaurants, and businesses of interest.
Recognize your own talents that you may have as well to provide a heartfelt gift that may not necessarily be bought at a big box store.
Paul Everett Tinsley, age 84, resident of Bronson, KS, died Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Moran Manor Nursing Home, Moran, KS. He was born April 6, 1939, 6 miles southeast of Blue Mound, KS, on the family farm, the son of Everett “Ebb” and Edith Marie Stewart Tinsley.
He graduated from Moran high school. Paul married Beth Ann Glasgow on May 25, 1959, in Lone Elm, KS. She preceded him in death on October 14, 2020.
Paul worked his entire career for the Local Union #101 Pipe Liner’s Union Kansas City. He enjoyed raising coon dogs and hunting. He was a lifetime member of the Treeing Walker Breeders and Fanciers Association of the U.S. and Canada, as well as the NRA. Paul was also a member of the Mirza Shrine and Masonic Lodge as well as the Xenia Baptist Church.
Survivors include three children, Paula Ann Vincent, Everette Allen Tinsley, and James Bradford Tinsley; four grandchildren, David Paul Vincent, Deianeira Vincent, Danee’ Vincent, and Alex Lee Lukenbill; a brother, Kenneth Tinsley, and wife Donnell; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Wilma Johnson, and his parents.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM Monday, November 27th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until service time Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Paul Tinsley Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Jessie Mae Neville, age 91, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 20, 2023. She was born December 24, 1931, to Carl Ausemus and Emma Armstrong Ausemus, the youngest of the eleven Ausemus children. She was born on the homeplace between Hiattville and Hepler. After her father’s unexpected death, the family moved to Hepler where she finished High School and then moved to Girard. Her first job was at Zettle’s Bakery in Girard.
Jessie Mae married Merle E. Neville on September 24, 1950, in Girard. While living in Girard, they owned and operated a service station and rental cabins. To their union four children were born, Gerald, Larry, Julie and David. Jessie Mae later worked at Key Work Clothes in Ft. Scott from 1962 to 2000.
She enjoyed spending time with her family, sewing, gardening and cooking. She was a great encouragement to her family; you could always count on Mom.
Survivors include three children, Gerald W. Neville of Wichita, Kansas, Julie Ledford (Brian) of Neosho, Missouri and David Neville (Doretta) of Ft. Scott. Also surviving is a daughter-in-law, Linda Neville of Nixa, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Darcy Sinn (Doug), Chelle Lear (C.J.), Levi Neville (Joey), Jeremy Neville (Megan), Joseph Neville, Jordan Neville, Kimberly Large, Sarah Bussey and Joshua Dillahay (Megan) and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Merle and her son, Larry, as well as ten brothers and sisters, Bertha Stone, Helen Dumm, James Ausemus, Earl Ausemus, Kenneth Ausemus, Chet Ausemus, Lavon Fosberg, Elsie Montee, Lucille McDaniel, and Leeroy “Bub” Ausemus.
Pastor Mark Ledford will conduct funeral services at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 25th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Turkey Creek Cemetery north of Uniontown, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to Paws & Claws Animal Shelter 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 Area Community Foundation is hosting its 1st Annual Match Day Event to double the benefit to local causes.
“We are promoting a match day on Tuesday, November 28 during National Day of Giving where up to $25,000 will be available to match gifts that are given to our Fort Scott Area Community Foundation funds on that day,” said Becky Tourtillott, FSACF Vice President. “Those matching funds are being made available through a grant from the Patterson Family Foundation.”
Becky Tourtillott from the FSACF website.
The FSACF has a unique opportunity, through the grant from the Patterson Family Foundation, to match up to $25,000 for contributions made to eligible funds, according to a press release.
Care to Share, Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation, and Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation are three local organizations that have recently added an endowed fund with the FSACF, according to Tourtillott.
Those new funds in conjunction with the foundation’s existing funds offer a diverse range of efforts that community members can support, she said.
“Donors will have the ability to specify which specific fund they want to support, including the general foundation fund if they prefer,” Tourtillott said.
Craig Campbell is the president of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation this year.
“We are very excited for our inaugural Match Day, and the opportunity to grow these endowments and provide ongoing support for our charitable partners,” said FSACF Chairman Craig Campbell. “We invite the community to give together during Match Day because the local organizations and the services they provide are important to Bourbon County and make a true difference.”
The funds are invested to produce present and future income, which organizations can use for operations, programs, or special projects, according to the press release.
The $25,000 match pool will be divided among the participating organizations’ endowments in proportion to their share of community contributions, subject to a 20% limit, according to the press release. The full 100% of each donation will be placed in the organization’s endowed fund, and the match amount will be made available to the organization immediately.
Donations for Match Day can be made in three different ways, according to the press release:
In-person, delivered to Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall, on or before Tuesday, November 28 or
By check, mailed to FSACF, P.O. Box 901, Fort Scott, KS 66701 with a postmark date no later than November 29, 2023. Please make checks payable to: the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
Here’s a synopsis of what those funds support:
About the FSACF Funds
Anna Faye and Robert Gordon Steele Memorial Funds: provides financial support to Fort Scott Community College Endowment Association, Fort Scott High School Scholarship Fund and Uniontown High School Scholarship Fund-all three for scholarships, Mount Orum Baptist Church of Redfield, Uniontown Methodist Church, Fort Scott Public Library, Old Fort Genealogy Society, The Beacon, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, Paralyzed Veterans Association, Evergreen Cemetery Association, Buck Run Community Center, Senior Citizens Center of Fort Scott, Redfield Ruritan Club, and the American Heart Association.
Care to Share Cancer Support Endowed Fund: provides support to members of the community impacted by cancer with financial/emotional/and transportation support to individuals.
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Fort Scott Endowment: supports worthwhile endeavors in Fort Scott and Bourbon County through annual granting.
Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation Fund: supports programs such as Downtown Historic District enhancements and events, community advancement projects, educational and leadership programs, and youth scholarships.
Fort Scott Area Community Foundation General Endowment Fund: provides annual funding for competitive grants in Fort Scott and Bourbon County. Since its inception in 2009, FSACF has awarded over $386,000 in competitive grants.
Fort Scott Area Public Parks Endowment: supports the Riverfront Authority, which promotes the preservation and protection of the Marmaton River for the enjoyment and education of residents and visitors.
Dr. Pratt & Pauline Irby Endowment: benefits the charitable causes that the Irbys supported during their lifetimes.
John Valentine & Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund: supports grants to organizations addressing healthcare needs in Fort Scott and Bourbon County.
Shepherd Family Endowment Fund: supports the FSACFC’s annual granting, benefiting the residents of Fort Scott and Bourbon County in memory of Ray and Mary Shepherd.
Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation: provides support for the Fort Scott Paws and Claws Animal Shelter.
Members of the FSACF board: Campbell, Tourtillott, Lindsay Madison, Deana Endicott, Sheryl Bloomfield, Janet Braun, Michelle Bruner, Steve Buerge, Jess Ervin, Carla Farmer, Ronda Hassig, Bailey Lyons, Linda Noll, Kirk Sharp, Travis Shelton, David Shepherd, and Jordan Witt.
Kansas Corporation Commission approves settlement agreement in Evergy rate case
TOPEKA – This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission approved a proposed settlement agreement in the Evergy rate case. The unanimous agreement, resolving all issues in the case, was submitted to the Commission on September 29 following negotiations between KCC staff, Evergy, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, and a variety of groups representing commercial, educational, and environmental interests.
In its Application, Evergy sought a net revenue increase of $204 million (9.77% increase) for Evergy Kansas Central (formerly Westar) and a net revenue increase of $14 million (1.95% increase) for Evergy Kansas Metro (formerly KCP&L). Under the approved settlement agreement, Evergy Kansas Central will receive a net revenue increase of $74 million (3.54% increase), and Evergy Kansas Metro will receive a net revenue decrease of $32.9 million (4.53% decrease).
The average monthly impact to residential customers will be an increase of $4.64 per month for Evergy Kansas Central customers and a decrease of $6.07 per month for Evergy Metro customers. The new rates will take effect based on the customer billing cycle date beginning December 21, 2023.
Today’s order states, “The Commission finds the agreed-upon rates will provide Evergy sufficient revenue to meet its financial obligations and provide safe and reliable service at just and reasonable rates to its customers. After considering all of the terms of the Unanimous Settlement Agreement, the Commission finds it is in the public interest.”
The settlement agreement also states Evergy may file an abbreviated rate case within 12 months of the current order to update rates to include Panasonic related distribution investment, Wolf Creek Decommissioning Trust adjustment, and investment in a new renewable generating resource to address 2024-2026 resource adequacy requirements supported by Evergy’s Integrated Resource Plan.
The Commission received comments from ratepayers at three public hearings held in July. In addition, the Commission also received 3,915 public comments through its Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection. The Commission noted that today’s decision was issued with due consideration of those comments.
Commissioners also considered the extensive evidentiary record in the docket including testimony from 57 witnesses, approximately 1,000 data requests, the joint motion in support of the settlement agreement and related testimony filed by parties in the docket. Having reviewed the record as a whole, the Commission finds the settlement agreement is supported by substantial, competent evidence.
Hendrick Automotive Group/Toyota
Nick Karras of Shawnee
National Association of Music Merchants
Nancy McGuire of Kansas City
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Sunee Mickle of Topeka
Matt All of Lawrence
Evonik
Robert Brown of Wichita
Society for Human Resource Management
Kyle Russel of Mission
Stacey Moeder of Hutchinson
Makala Navano of Wichita
Amber Neises of Wichita
Community Care Network of Kansas
Sonja Bachus of Topeka
Dispatches from Israel Leading a Trip to Tel Aviv
I led a bipartisan and bicameral delegation to Israel one month after Hamas’ horrific attacks against the Israeli people. The delegation met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to better understand how the United States can support our ally, Israel. During the meeting, we saw firsthand footage of the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 attack. We also met with other key Israeli senior leaders, including the Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant.
One of the most compelling meetings in Israel was with Steven Gillen, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, and several of the families of the 240 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Anyone who uses children, the elderly and ordinary citizens as hostages is an enemy of the United States, and we should support Israel in their efforts to bring these Israelis home and deliver them from the hands of Hamas.
While is Israel, I had the opportunity to present Prime Minister Netanyahu with a copy of the unanimously-passed, Senate resolution reaffirming the United States’ support of Israel and its right to self-defense. It is in the United States’ best interest to stand with our oldest ally in the Middle East, and this means confronting the growing threat of Iran. Iran-backed proxies throughout the region are threatening Israelis and U.S. servicemembers deployed to the Middle East. Iran, the most significant terrorist-supporting organization in the world, enabled the horrendous terrorist attack against Israel by emboldening the will of the terrorists and supporting them with supplies and training. The U.S. must work to deter escalation beyond the Israeli borders and provide the means necessary for Israel to destroy Hamas.
Joining Fox News After returning to Washington, D.C. on Monday evening, I joined Representative Madeline Dean (D-Pa.) on Fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier to discuss our meetings in Israel and to highlight the severity of the situation in the Middle East.
As Israel pursues bringing the terrorists responsible for October 7 to justice, it is important that Israeli operations in Gaza avoid to the extent possible any unnecessary loss of innocent life. Reports of a rapidly disintegrating humanitarian situation—ranging from a lack of food and shelter to unusable drinking water and the spread of disease—must be addressed. Doing so meets America’s highest ideals, maintains the Israel’s legitimacy in the eyes of the world, and can protect American security by helping minimize the potential for radicalization.
You can watch my full interview with Fox News here.
I also spoke with Kansas reporters after my trip including Michael Schwanke at KWCH and Jon Holt at Fox 4 Kansas City. You can watch my KWCH interview here.
Watch my full interview with Fox 4 Kansas City here.
Demanding Action to Enforce Sanctions After my return from Tel Aviv, I led my colleagues in calling on the Biden administration to enforce congressionally-mandated sanctions on Iranian oil sales. Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Israel further highlighted the reach of Iran’s influence and support for terror groups across the Middle East. Unfortunately, the Biden administration has failed to properly enforce sanctions on Iran, resulting in tens of billions of dollars for Tehran and it’s proxies. My letter, signed by 18 of my colleagues in the Senate, urges the administration to fulfill its promise of providing unwavering support to Israel by strictly enforcing sanctions on Iran’s oil exports.
In addition, I called on President Biden to rescind the sanctions waivers and licenses associated with the $6 billion held in Qatar. After the October 7th massacre and repeated attacks on both Israel and U.S. bases across the Middle East, the weakening of financial penalties on Iran is wholly unacceptable.
You can read the full letter here. Watch my interview with KSN-TV interview here.
On Tuesday, I joined KSHB to highlight the need for sanctions against Iran to keep U.S. military personnel and our allies in the Middle East safe. You can watch my KSHB interview here.
Kansas Radio Interviews
On Wednesday morning, I joined Kansas news outlets to discuss my trip to Israel with other members of Congress. Thank you Pete Mundo with KCMO and Nick Gosnell with KWBW for taking the time to talk with me.
You can listen to my interview with KCMO here. You can listen to my interview with KWBW here.
Investigating the VA Crisis Line On November 6, I requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a thorough investigation into the VA’s Veteran Crisis Line (VCL). I made the request after an alarming report from the VA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and disclosures from multiple whistleblowers who came to my staff on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and provided solid evidence of gross mismanagement at the VCL that is creating a danger to the health and safety of veterans nationwide. VCL responders are currently transferring veterans who they determine to present “complex needs” to an indefinite waiting list for an eventual contact from a special unit that is reportedly understaffed and undertrained. Worse yet, a break in record retention is reportedly resulting in a complete loss of communication with veterans who are disconnected while waiting on hold in this queue.
After receiving confirmation from GAO on Tuesday, I sent a letter to VA Sec. Denis McDonough demanding his immediate attention to this issue. This issue is creating a life-threatening danger to veterans who are already in crisis and reaching out for help. Breakdowns in this lifesaving resource for veterans must be corrected immediately and appropriate actions must be taken without waiting for the full conclusion of this investigation.
My full letter to Sec. McDonough can be found here.
Read more about the investigation in Military Times here or in the Kansas Reflector here.
Expanding American Entrepreneurship On On Wednesday, I was joined by Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), in introducing the Expanding American Entrepreneurship Act. This bill would simply raise the threshold to allow more people in invest in angel funds. By allowing more people to invest while growing the size of the fund, capital can be raised with a significantly lower buy-in. This would allow Main Street to play a bigger role in investing in America’s start-up businesses. Entrepreneurship is a hallmark of the American economy, and this legislation aims to make investing more accessible and impactful for both individuals and emerging companies.
Meeting with Paralyzed Veterans of America President
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to meet with the National President and Chairman of the Board of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Robert Thomas. President Thomas is an Army veteran from Ohio who was injured during a diving accident while he was on active duty in 1991. He sought help from VA for his injuries and he found community in his fellow veterans at PVA. He was elected President in May 2023 and also serves on PVA’s Education Foundation and on VA’s Family Caregiver and Survivors Advisory Committee.
During my conversation with President Thomas and his leadership team, I congratulated him on his achievements and discussed PVA’s priorities for the coming year, which include ensuring VA medical facilities are accessible and supporting military and veteran caregivers. I am grateful for PVA’s efforts and advocacy and for PVA’s support for my bill, the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act. With PVA’s support, I look forward to getting the Dole Act signed into law as soon as possible and to continuing our work on behalf of veterans everywhere.
Aeronautics Innovation Starts in Kansas
On Wednesday evening, I spoke at NASA’s “Aeronautics Day on the Hill” event, where attendees could experience how NASA Aeronautics innovation benefits the public and our nation’s position as a leader in aerospace technologies. The first “A” in NASA stands for Aeronautics and the efforts to safely and sustainably transform aviation for the 21st century guide the agency to focus on four major areas: High-Speed Commercial Flight, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), Ultra-Efficient Airliners, and Future Airspace and Safety. Our nation can only continue to advance our aviation ecosystem when the regulatory agencies that oversee it – such as NASA and FAA – are collaborating, and that begins with its leadership. The leadership void at the FAA has been filled by Administrator Whitaker, and I hope that additional cross-agency collaboration can occur so we can drive progress and redefine the aerospace industry.
As the lead Republican on the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds NASA, I have worked to steadily increase the aeronautics portfolio and safeguard the first “A” in NASA. I want to thank Administrator Nelson for hosting this event and providing the opportunity to celebrate our aeronautics achievements and embrace discovery.
Holding the VA Accountable
On Wednesday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA’s) emergency preparedness and response efforts. When disaster strikes, the VA has a critical role to play not only in caring for veterans, but also in supporting response efforts of local, state and federal authorities when called upon. During the pandemic, VA staff stepped up across the country to provide supplies, staff, inpatient beds, and other support to State Veteran Homes, community nursing homes, and non-VA hospitals and clinics. I remain grateful for VA’s efforts during that harrowing time and for the daily efforts of VA staff to keep veterans and others safe from natural disasters and emergencies, extreme weather events, and other crisis situations. However, there are plenty of areas the VA must improve in order to ensure that the department is equipped to respond well in the face of emergency scenarios. The VA has outdated medical facilities and a lack of effective emergency communications systems throughout those facilities, which are two priorities that I am working on as the lead Republican on the Senate VA Committee.
During the hearing, I also asked VA about allegations that my office recently heard from a whistleblower from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection who alleges that VA is paying for health care services provided in non-VA medical facilities to non-citizens who are in detention at the northern and southern border. VA’s mission of caring for veterans is sacred, and I will fight to make sure that every taxpayer dollar that VA receives is devoted to that mission. The brave men and women who have served in our Armed Forces deserve nothing less.
Keeping Consumer Costs Low
On Monday, I published an op-ed in the American Banker drawing attention to the importance of hedging tools for numerous producers across Kansas and the nation. The proposals inadvertently harm both producers and consumers by raising the cost to responsibly hedge against risk. Farmers’ co-ops, oil producers, and grain processors frequently rely on futures and options contracts to hedge against price swings and market volatility. As regulators continue pushing for higher capital requirements for banks, it is crucial for them to realize that these regulations meant for Wall Street have tangible effects in the Heartland. From a Kansas soybean farmer to some of the world’s largest airlines, end users of derivatives will all be impacted by these proposed capital requirements. Ultimately, the use of these critical risk management tools should be made more accessible, not more expensive.
You can read my op-ed in the American Banker here.
Meeting with Kansans Kansas Farm Credit
This week, members of Kansas Farm Credit travelled to Washington D.C. to visit about issues important to them and their customers. Farm Credit helps provide access to credit to agricultural producers and their rural communities. We discussed the challenges early-career farmers and ranchers face and the important role Farm Credit plays in helping these producers start new and grow existing operations.
We also spoke about the upcoming Farm Bill, crop insurance, risk management and conservation programs. As these important discussions progress, I look forward to continuing to work with Kansas Farm Credit in their efforts to provide resources to Kansas farmers and ranchers.
VA Leaders in Kansas
This week, I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Patricia Hall, the Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 15, which encompasses the majority of Kansas as well as parts of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Arkansas. Dr. Hall was accompanied by the Director of the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System in Topeka and Leavenworth Rudy Klopfer, Director of the Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita Michael Payne Jr., and Director of the Kansas City VA Medical Center in Kansas City, MO Paula Roychaudhuri. I expressed my appreciation to each of these leaders for their efforts to provide timely, quality health care to Kansas veterans. We talked about efforts to expand access to VA care in rural communities through new community-based outpatient clinics in Iola, Junction City, and Paola. We also discussed the status of VA’s partnership with community facilities across Kansas and how those partnerships can be strengthened. I encouraged them to use every tool available to them through the MISSION Act to connect veterans in need of health care services who have unique needs with available community care providers.
Providing world-class benefits and services to servicemembers, veterans and military families will always be one of my top priorities, and I am grateful for the work that VA leaders, health care workers, support staff, and all others do every day for our nation’s heroes. Thank you to Dr. Hall, Mr. Klopfer, Mr. Payne, and Ms. Roychaudhuri for your service to our veterans and for making the time to meet with me.
The Honorable Rebecca Crotty
On Wednesday, former District Judge Rebecca Crotty visited my office in Washington, D.C.. Judge Crotty was appointed in 2010 to Division 1 of the 3rd Judicial District in Shawnee County, served as chief judge of the Kansas Court of Tax Appeals, and was a district magistrate judge in Finney County. She also was vice president and counsel for a bank in Garden City and a research attorney for the Kansas Supreme Court. Thank you to Rebecca Crotty, Rich Bonebrake, Mike Morrison, and Grace Morrison for the conversation.
Visits Across Kansas McPherson Police Officer Appreciation Banquet
On Friday evening, I was honored to help recognize the extraordinary efforts of our men and women in blue at the McPherson Annual Police Officer Appreciation Banquet. As the lead Republican on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Department of Justice, I am committed to making certain our law enforcement heroes—in McPherson, across Kansas and throughout the nation—have the resources and support they need to do their jobs effectively and safely. I join all Kansans in thanking our law enforcement for their daily sacrifice and tireless work to protect McPherson and every other community in our state. Thank you to McPherson Police Chief Mikel Golden for his leadership of the department and to police chaplain Dean Kroeker for arranging my participation. Thank you also to Mayor Tom Brown for his words of thanks and longtime stewardship of the community.
Christina Peña
At the McPherson Police Academy Banquet, I was able to meet Christina Peña – my nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy. Christina is an incredible young woman who attends McPherson High School and I look forward to seeing how she continues to make an impact on Kansas and the world.
Sunflower Showdown Game
On Saturday, I was in Lawrence for the 121st “Sunflower Showdown.” In a back and forth game, the Wildcats came away with a 31-27 win over the Jayhawks. Congratulations to the Wildcats on their win, and to both teams on their historic seasons. I wish them all the best as both teams get ready for bowl season.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
announces Christmas Light Contest sponsored by Niece Products!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce encourages businesses, residents, and neighborhoods to “Deck the fort” and make the community merry and bright for the holidays.
Niece Products is sponsoring the Christmas Light Contest with cash prizes for the winners including:
Residential : 1st/$100, 2nd/$75, 3rd/$50
Top Business: $100
Top Neighborhood: $100
Other contest details:
Lights should be in place by Dec. 5th and judging will take place between the 11th and 13th.
Properties within a 1 mile radius of city limits will be considers for contest
Those wanting to ensure their property or someone else’s judged should call or email the Chamber with their address, name, and phone number
Lighting and decorations must be visible from street view.
The Chamber encourages everyone to get in the spirit with lights this season. For more information contact the Chamber at 620.223.3566 or by email at [email protected].
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, is proud to present local musician Rick Hite who sings and plays guitar, and performs a variety of music including Country, Folk, Bluegrass, Gospel, and Oldies. The concert is set for Friday, December 8, at 6:30 p.m. The show is free and open to the public.
Hite began singing in church at the age of 5 and has been playing guitar since age 9. He has played The White Horse Saloon in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Jekyll Island, Georgia, the Mildred Store, VFW, the Eagles, Elks, Old Settler’s Picnic, and various local venues. We’re pleased to welcome Rick Hite back to the “Loading Dock” stage. On December 8, he will be performing the great music of the 50s and 60s. Bring a friend, enjoy some fabulous seasonal coffee drinks, and spend an enjoyable evening of music.
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