Diane Clay: Kansas Outstanding Clerk of the Year

Fort Scott City Clerk Diane Clay earned the Kansas Outstanding Court Clerk of the Year Award recently.
This award is selected by the Kansas Association for Court Management Past President’s Committee to a clerk who has shown outstanding service.
The award was presented to Clay by Amy Spitler, Past President of the K.A.C.M. organization on September 27.
Clay has been a part of the K.A.C.M. organization for 19 years and been Fort Scott City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk for 19 years.
She has served as the K.A.C.M. Ambassador Chair for many years, secretary for two years and served as a trustee on the board of directors for many years.
She has been with the City of Fort Scott for 20 years where she served as the city manager’s administrative assistant for one year.
Clay’s duties as a court clerk are to enter all new citations that are given by the Fort Scott Police Department, create a weekly docket, attend court every week and keep accurate records of fines assessed by the Municipal Court Judge, Blake Hudson. She then receives payment of fines and sends all convictions to Driver Solutions in Topeka electronically.
“I enjoy being the court clerk for the city very much,” she said. “I enjoy working with the public on a daily basis and assisting people whenever I can,” she said.
“Diane is very well versed in the workings of the court and has a tremendous amount of knowledge and understanding of the ordinances that govern the court,” Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director for the city, said. “She treats everyone with respect and serves the city well.”
Kansas Association for Court Management was formed over 30 years ago and meets twice a year at a spring conference and a fall conference. Over 300 cities in Kansas belong to this organization.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 16
Introducing the Candidates: Jeff Caldwell
Kris Kobach/ Wink Hartman P.O. Box 1993 Topeka 66601 Republican
Laura Kelly/Lynn Rogers P.O. Box 2098 Topeka 66601 Democratic
Jeff Caldwell/ Mary Gerlt 4900 W 108th St, Apt. 1202 Leawood 66211 Libertarian
Rick Kloos/Nathaniel Kloos 5339 SW 22nd Pl. Topeka 66614 Independent
Greg Orman/John Doll 18001 W 106th St Olathe 66061 Independent
Introducing the Candidates: Marci Francisco
This is part of a series of candidates for the November 6 election.
State Treasurer (vote for one)
Marci Francisco 1101 Ohio Lawrence 66044 Democratic
Jake LaTurner P.O. Box 67177 Topeka 66667 Republican
Name: Marci Francisco
Age: 68
Candidate for the position of Kansas State Treasurer
Place of residence: Lawrence, KS
Current occupation:
- Kansas State Senator, 2nd District
- Small business owner – My husband, Joe Bickford, and I renovate distressed properties to create quality affordable housing
Community involvement: As a member of the Lawrence City Commission from 1979-1983 and two-term Mayor from 1981-1983, I led efforts to protect the city’s vibrant downtown, revitalize existing neighborhoods, plan for new development, and start the city’s recycling program. I have remained involved in my community and state, serving as a member of my neighborhood association, the League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County and of Kansas, the Kansas Grassroots Arts Association, the Lawrence Preservation Alliance, the Kansas Preservation Alliance, the University of Kansas Student Housing Association, Depot Redux, as a member of the Lawrence Advisory Board of Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc., and as the Chair of my congregation’s Endowment Committee.
Party affiliation: Kansas Democratic Party
What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it: The State Treasurer must ensure that all programs overseen by the office are managed responsibly. I do believe that it will be vital for legislators and the public to have an accurate picture of the state’s finances so we can plan appropriately to dig ourselves out of the fiscal hole created by the failed Brownback/Kobach tax experiment. Towards that end, all reports generated by the office must be made publicly available along with information about contracts and personnel expenditures made by the state. The legislature and the public need to have a good understanding of the state’s financial health and be able to address any concerns regarding inappropriate expenditures.
I am also concerned about reports indicating the state’s Learning Quest program, overseen by the State Treasurer, is among one of the poorest performings in the nation. Although the state should be encouraging families to save for post-high-school education, I would examine opportunities to restructure and rebid the program before advertising it more widely. One of my goals as Treasurer would be to increase the interest earned by its investments and its productivity for participants. I also will explore alternative opportunities to provide every child in Kansas an education savings account.
Give your views on food sales-tax: The sales tax on food is regressive, and as a Kansas State Senator, I have voted for amendments to reduce it. As Treasurer, however, I will only have an advisory role. With that in mind, I would advise the legislature to consider the impact on municipalities, alternative income possibilities such as a tax on internet sales, and an intermediate step to restore refundability to the food-tax sales rebate program to provide financial help for at-risk, low-income Kansans.
Give your views on legalizing marijuana: As a State Senator, I have supported the availability of medical marijuana for individuals whose medical conditions warrant such treatment.
Give your views on healthcare – including Medicaid: Healthful habits and healthcare are both important in maintaining and active and engaged population. As a State Senator I have voted to expand Medicaid; doing so would increase opportunities for insurance coverage, provide needed support for our hospitals, and create more jobs in healthcare. As Treasurer, I would publish information about the costs and the benefits of expanding the program in our state.
Give your views on abortion and Planned Parenthood: Federal law entitles women to direct their own healthcare in consultation with their physician. The public should be aware that no tax dollars are being used in Kansas to perform abortions. Planned Parenthood is one of many organizations that run clinics in our state to provide needed healthcare services for men and women; their services include reproductive health care for women and couples who are hoping to start a family.
Pioneer Harvest Fiesta This Weekend
The 62nd Pioneer Harvest Fiesta comes to the Bourbon County Fairgrounds in Fort Scott, Kansas October 19 to 21.
The event kicks off with a Parade of Antique, Classic Farm Implements and More through Fort Scott’s historic downtown on Thursday the 18th at 6 PM!
This year’s Fiesta promises to be the best yet, with something for every member of the family! There will be Handmade Arts & Crafts in the 4-H building Saturday and Sunday. There is a Quilt Show in the Meyers building all three days. This year’s Gas Engine Exhibit features a 1926 15hp Reid Oil Field engine. The Featured Tractor is a 1966 John Deere Model 1020 Diesel three cylinder, 38hp.
Again this year, Pioneer Harvest Fiesta features one of the largest, most interesting Flea Markets in the Four-State’s region. Experience educational and historic exhibits, refreshments and live musical entertainment all weekend.
All three days are alive with Steam Engines, Blacksmiths, Food and Flea Market Vendors, Drag Saw Demonstrations, Tractors & Gas Engines on Display, Baker Fan Demonstrations. Corn Shucking demonstrations, Arts and Crafts, Quilt Show, Straw Bailing, Wheat Thrashing, Corn Husking/Shelling, Rock Crushing, Saw Mill Operation, Parade of Power, and many more exciting events! It’s one great weekend to kick off Fall in the 4-state’s region! It’s the 62nd annual Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds in Historic Fort Scott, Kansas.
For more information:http://www.pioneerharvestfiesta.com/
Promote Holiday Spending
Fort Is 40
Fort Scott National Historic Site Celebrates its 40th Anniversary
Journey from Post to Park
Fort Scott, Kansas – Friday, October 19, 2018, Fort Scott National Historic Site will celebrate its 40th Anniversary as a National Park site.
On October 19, 1978, “…in order to commemorate the significant role played by Fort Scott in the opening of the West, as well as, the Civil War and the strife in the State of Kansas that preceded it…” the fort was established.
In celebration, FSNHS, with park partner “The Friends of Fort Scott”, will be serving cake from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm.
Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Parade Thursday, Oct. 18
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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Invites you to the 2018 Pioneer Harvest Parade, this Thursday night at 6:00 pm. This parade of antique, classic farm implements through the streets of Fort Scott’s historic downtown kicks off this weekends Pioneer Harvest Fiesta!
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Bourbon County Commission Meets Thursday This Week
Bourbon County Commissioners are attending a meeting and won’t meet until Thursday, October 18.
Submitted by Whitney Ball, Bourbon County Clerk
Introducing the Candidates: Kelly Standley
This is part of a series on the candidates for the general election November 6.
United States House of Representatives, 2nd District (vote for one)
Paul Davis P.O. Box 944 Lawrence 66044 Democratic
Laura Kelly/Lynn Rogers P.O. Box 2098 Topeka 66601 Democratic
Steve Watkins 6021 SW 29th St, Ste A Box 150 Topeka 66614 Republican
Name: Kelly Standley
Age: 49
Candidate for the position of U.S. House of Representatives 2nd District Kansas
Place of residence: Saint Paul, Kansas
Current occupation: Business owner and job creator
Community involvement:
Homeless shelter where we help to clothe, feed, find jobs and give them a place to stay while doing all this.
Party affiliation: Libertarian
- What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it? The biggest issue I see for Kansas is we need more jobs in the rural areas. Right now if people in the rural areas of Kansas want a job they may have to move to a larger city. We need jobs available to our residents, not that farming does not employ a large number of people but as we automate there will be a need for jobs that do not involve farming. As a Federal Representative for the people in the 2nd District, I will seek out companies looking to expand and help guide them to the right areas of Kansas that need those jobs.
2) Give your views on food sales tax:
Considering the fact that Kansans pay a higher sales tax on food than most other States I am for lowering the tax. Here is my problem with doing that though, will the stores take advantage of that and see an opportunity to raise prices on products so they can have a better bottom line? Some large retail stores advertise they are lowering prices on products but what they don’t say is that when they lower prices on select items they raise prices on other items to make up the difference. I know this to be true, I have worked large retail before and I never thought that was fair to the consumer.
3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:
I lived in Colorado for several years and I saw the downside to legalizing it, but I can say that the downside came when they made it open for recreational use. At the same time I saw new schools being built, a larger number of law enforcement agencies having staff and supplies they needed. I saw hospitals not worrying about how patients were going to pay a bill. I would support putting this option on a national ballot for the people in each state to vote on and decide if it is what they want. The Federal Government has no place regulating this product and it should be left up to the states individually.
4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:
Medicaid needs to be addressed and no more hospitals like Mercy in Fort Scott, Independence should have to close down because of Medicaid shortfalls. I would like to see the State of Kansas come up with a solution that works for the hospitals instead of against them. Hospitals in rural areas are very important to their communities and we have no time to play around when lives are at risk!
5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I’m for women having choices to do what they want with their bodies but I am also not for abortion. What I would like to see is instead of the Federal Government pushing Planned Parenthood agencies to have specific quota numbers for abortions. It would be more beneficial to see Planned Parenthood work with adoption agencies to get children adopted and not aborted.
Introduction to the Candidates: Steve Watkins
This is part of a series featuring candidates for the Nov. 6 election.
United States House of Representatives, 2nd District (vote for one)
Paul Davis P.O. Box 944 Lawrence 66044 Democratic
Laura Kelly/Lynn Rogers P.O. Box 2098 Topeka 66601 Democratic
Steve Watkins 6021 SW 29th St, Ste A Box 150 Topeka 66614 Republican

Name: Steve Watkins
Age: 42
Candidate for the position of U.S. House of Representatives, KS-02
Place of Residence: Topeka, Kansas
Current Occupation: Engineer
Community involvement: Member, Philip Billard VFW Post 1650
Party affiliation: Republican
Policy Questions
1. What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?
The most important and biggest issues our nation faces today are protecting Social Security and Medicare, keeping taxes low, and securing our southern border. What stands in the way of these pivotal issues for the American people is the partisan obstruction by Democrats. As a Captain in the U.S. Army, I spent years leading diverse groups of people through difficult situations. In order to work toward solutions to our most prevalent issues, we must elect leaders that are willing to work across the aisle and put aside their party labels for the betterment of the American people.
2. Give your views on a food sales tax:
While I personally oppose sales tax on food, there are currently no sales taxes on food or anything else at the federal level. Sales taxes are all levied at the state a local level, so those are the choices of state and local leaders. In Congress, I would oppose any
efforts to impose a federal sales tax. Further, while my opponent has advocated to repeal some of the recent tax cuts signed into law by President Trump. I would seek to make them permanent for hard working Kansans.
3. Give your views on legalizing marijuana:
Although I am not personally in favor of legalizing marijuana for recreational use, I am also a strong believer in the 10th Amendment to the Constitution and I believe this is an ultimately a state’s rights issue. However, I am sympathetic to the push to legalize
marijuana strictly for medicinal purposes. As a Veteran myself, I have read many studies that suggest medical marijuana can help veterans struggling with PTSD, as well as to treat symptoms of serious illness and other conditions. I believe further research
should be done in this area.
4. Give your views on health care in our state, including Medicaid:
First and foremost, Congress must repeal and replace Obamacare and work together toward a patient-centered healthcare system that protects those with pre-existing conditions, reduces costs, promotes competition in the marketplace, and gives patients
more control over their health care. Obamacare did the opposite. Introducing crippling tax mandates and excessive regulations that were geared more toward an urban setting than a rural setting. This has unfairly targeted rural areas and has had a very negative
impact on our rural hospitals leading to a loss of access as was recently demonstrated here in Fort Scott. Lower quality of health care, fewer choices, and skyrocketing premiums is not “Affordable Care”. While Medicaid expansion is one possible short term
fix, the real solution to our healthcare system is building a new system that allows for more choices and more adaptability to the individual patient and the individual healthcare setting.
5. Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I am and always have been committed to protecting the sanctity of life, at all costs. By signing the National Right To Life Pledge, I vowed to end federal funding for Planned Parenthood and to never vote for pro-choice legislation in Washington. My opponent, on
the other hand, has a long record of voting against life, including votes in support of late-term abortions. Planned Parenthood, a major donor to the Democratic Party, is the largest provider of abortions in the U.S. It is unacceptable that over 500 million
taxpayer dollars is given to Planned Parenthood year after year. I have been endorsed by both Kansans for Life and the National Right to Life Committee. As your congressman, I will never vote for the pro-choice legislation.



