Don’t miss the 7th Annual Veterans Awareness Expo is this Saturday, August 5 from 10 AM – 3 PM, a FREE event open to the public at the Mid-America All-Indian Museum, 650 N. Seneca, Wichita, KS!
Connect with 70 programs serving Veterans, including VA Mobile Units & Reps; Kansas Honor Flight; WSU Military & Vet Center/Veterans Upward Bound; Workforce Center; and Sedgwick County Register of Deeds will be there with FREE registration of DD214 documents so bring original (veterans keep) & also get 5 FREE certified copies.
Midwest Battle Buddies service dogs, food trucks, music provided by Summit Media, & fun! Also, FREE admission to visit the actual Museum for all Veterans & Active Military.
*Additional parking at Exploration Place (follow signs) – please enter through the back gate by the Keeper of the Plains. The entire front lot of the Mid-America All-Indian Museum will be for handicapped parking.
This event is hosted by Vet-To-Vet Support Command and the Veteran Providers’ Coalition of Sedgwick County.
Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg has received its 2023 American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines, Stroke award for demonstrating its commitment to up-to-date, research-based guidelines in treating stroke.
Ascension Via Christi received the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus, the highest recognition available. It also met the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines criteria for inclusion on its Target: Type 2 Diabetes honor roll.
“This recognition is a testament to the high-quality care our team provides every day,” says Drew Talbott, hospital president. “I couldn’t be more proud of their efforts in providing life-saving stroke treatments to our community.”
Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure that patient care is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines. This ultimately leads to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital as studies show that patients recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.
According to the American Heart Association, improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates represent a win for healthcare systems, families and communities.
“Community is very important to us,” says Naomi Powers, who leads the stroke team at Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg. “Receiving this award calls attention to the dedication and hard work from our team in providing the highest standard of care for our stroke patients.”
Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke or heart attack, and heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively. To learn more about care at Ascension Via Christi, go to ascension.org/pittsburgKS.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Colu
Passing the National Defense Authorization Act This week, the Senate passed crucial investments to our military and national defense in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Passing NDAA is one of Congress’ most important tasks to make certain our military is equipped and ready to defend the nation. This year’s legislation includes critical investments for our nation’s weapons stockpile and cutting-edge cybersecurity technology. Just as importantly, NDAA includes a pay raise to our all-volunteer force and resources to help improve the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families.
I also worked to include several of my priorities in NDAA that enable surviving military spouses to retain certain benefits upon remarriage and provisions for analyzing and expanding TRICARE benefits. Additionally I worked to expand hearing aid coverage for dependents of retired servicemembers and authorized substantial investments in Fort Riley and Forbes Field.
The successful passage of these amendments and the overall Senate version of the NDAA underscores our capacity to unite for our nation’s greater good. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to reconcile the Senate and House versions of NDAA and passing final legislation in both chambers.
Op-Ed with Secretary Pompeo: America wins if we help Ukraine defeat Russia This week I wrote an op-ed with former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo regarding why America benefits from helping Ukraine defeat Putin.
Kansas’ favorite son, General and later President Dwight D. Eisenhower, remarked after the end of World War II that, “history does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.” “Ike” recognized that the freedom we enjoy today is both a unique privilege and hard-won inheritance.
Allowing the war in Ukraine to fester will only prolong and deepen the instability already wrought, and it puts at greater risk the 100,000 U.S. servicemembers defending NATO’s borders – including those from Fort Riley. It is in our interests to help Ukraine degrade Russia’s warfighting capabilities, thereby reducing this threat to our servicemembers.
To achieve success, the United States must lead, alongside its NATO allies and partners in Europe. This should not, and will not, require American troops to fight in Ukraine. Instead, it requires providing the Ukrainians with the weapons they need to win the war on their own. Only by doing this will Russia be forced to conclude that further efforts to compel Ukraine to surrender will fail.
Ukraine’s battle for freedom and security is a noble one that we are right to support in the same spirit as those who came before us.
You can read my op-ed with Secretary Pompeo in the Fox News here.
U.S. Military Academy Board of Visitors This week I attended the West Point Board of Visitor’s meeting at the United States Military Academy. The West Point Board of Visitors serves as an advisory committee that meets regularly and inquires about the ongoing work and issues at West Point. We discussed the recent storm damage at West Point and issues with recruiting to the academy, which is experiencing a lower number of applications from qualified cadets than the other academies.
As a United States Senator, one of my important responsibilities is nominating outstanding candidates to our nation’s prestigious service academies, including West Point. I take this role very seriously as these young men and women, who aspire to serve our nation, represent our future military leadership. It is crucial that we provide them with the opportunities necessary to prepare them for the challenges they will face.
In my endeavor to find the best and brightest, I make it a point to make sure that deserving candidates from all Kansas communities are not disadvantaged simply because they often lack access to advanced placement classes in their high schools. I firmly believe that talent and determination can be found in every corner of our state and country, and I want to help ensure these prospective leaders are not overlooked.
The task of training the next generation of officers is integral to ensuring our military remains ready and capable to defend against any threats to our nation. I take this responsibility to heart, and I will continue to leverage my roles in Congress to safeguard our nation’s security. Our military’s readiness, and indeed our nation’s future, relies heavily on these young individuals who are willing to serve, and I am committed to doing everything in my power to support their success.
SVAC Implementing the PACT Act: One Year Later This week, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA’s) Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, and Under Secretary for Benefits, Josh Jacobs, testified before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee about VA’s efforts to implement the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act of 2022. The PACT Act was signed into law on August 10, 2022, almost one year ago, to help veterans who were exposed to toxins like Agent Orange in Vietnam or burn pit smoke in Iraq and Afghanistan connect with VA health care and benefits. It also provides benefits for the surviving family members of toxic-exposed veterans, requires research to help VA better identify and treat veterans who may be experiencing negative health effects as a result of their toxic exposure, and includes recruitment and retention incentives and expanded leasing authorities to improve VA’s workforce and create new and improved VA medical facilities. As the lead Republican on the Senate Veteran’s Affairs Committee, I will keep working to make certain that the PACT Act it is working for veterans and their families.
I encourage every Kansas veteran to visit the website here or call 800-698-2411 to see if you are eligible for health care or benefits due to the PACT Act. Importantly, if you are a veteran who thinks that you experienced a toxic-exposure during your time in the military and are experiencing negative health effects as a result, I encourage you to file a claim for service-connection through the Veterans Benefits Administration as soon as possible. There is no deadline to apply for benefits under the PACT Act. However, if you file a claim – or submit your intent to file a claim – by August 9th and it is granted, your benefits will be backdated to August 10, 2022. Additionally, if you are a post-9/11 combat veteran who separated from the military more than a decade ago and has not yet enrolled in the VA health care system, you could be eligible to enroll due to the PACT Act until September 30th.
Astronomy Award Presented by AURA Last week, the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) presented the Champions for Astronomy Award to Senator Shaheen and I, Chair and Vice Chair of the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee on Appropriations with jurisdiction over NASA. AURA is a consortium of 49 US institutions and three international affiliates that operate world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. Since the James Webb Space Telescope’s launch in 2021, the photographs it has provided have increased our understanding of our solar system, allowing us the ability to look to distant worlds and understand the origins of our universe. I was proud to support the completion of this incredible project that is a symbol of America’s ingenuity.
The Role of Policy in Reducing Global Hunger I had the opportunity to speak about the important role our Kansas farmers play in combatting global hunger this week during a World Food Program USA event. As co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I know first-hand that food stability is essential to political stability. I’m honored to carry on the meaningful work of late Senator Bob Dole to expand our nation’s efforts to provide food to the most vulnerable populations around the world.
During the event I discussed why combating threats of hunger is not only the morally right thing to do, but is also the smart thing to do. Food security is national security: Food assistance provided by the United States leads to greater stability in regions of the world important to America’s strategic interests. When parents have access to food, they can provide a better future for their children. And when hunger no longer impedes a child’s ability to learn, they can remain and thrive in school, leading them down a path to greater opportunities.
I also discussed the consequences of Putin terminating the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Ukraine and Russia account for more than a quarter of the world’s wheat. The Black Sea Grain Initiative was a critical lifeline to those most in need worldwide and especially to those in hunger-stricken nations throughout Africa, Afghanistan and Yemen. The collapse of the Initiative is catastrophic for the world and could send global commodity and food prices much higher than we’ve ever seen. We must make certain the world knows Putin is the one responsible for the spiking food costs. Putin must not succeed in using propaganda to portray the West as the reason why people in grain-importing countries can’t afford to put food on the table. Many of these countries have been neutral so far; this is an opportunity to convince their leaders this war does impact them and Putin’s the reason for it.
Thank you to WFPUSA for inviting me to participate and for their leadership in combatting global hunger.
Providing Afghan Refugees a Pathway to Legal Residency Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to address my fellow Senators on an issue of paramount importance: the fate of our Afghan allies as we approach the second anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Many of these brave individuals, who escaped to the U.S., now face a daunting reality as their initial parole statuses near expiration.
The Administration’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan created an environment of uncertainty and a potential threat to our national security. Currently, Afghan nationals who escaped the United States only received screening in the chaos at the Kabul airport. If Congress does not act, the necessary vetting for these individuals will not happen. I worked with my colleagues to strengthen the vetting language in the Afghan Adjustment Act – creating a directive process that will ensure a more efficient legal pathway to citizenship exists for those Afghans who risked their lives to help U.S. personnel in Afghanistan while also flagging those whose presence in the United States is a threat to our national security.
The Afghan Adjustment Act is a bipartisan solution to ensure our national security is not threatened and provide Afghan refugees with the certainty they need to start their new lives here in the U.S.
The legislation has received the endorsement of veteran organizations including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Veterans for Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Veterans for American Ideals, With Honor Action and the Association of Wartime Allies.
Floor Speech on the Federal Reserve This week, I spoke on the Senate floor about the need for an independent review of the Silicon Valley Bank failure. Americans’ confidence in our financial system and its regulators was shaken this year, and hiring an outside investigative group to conduct a review of the Fed’s response would restore public confidence. This comprehensive review must be done by a party uninvolved in the failure of Silicon Valley Bank or the federal response to ensure the outcome is impartial. Meaningful oversight requires objectivity and transparency.
Americans deserve insight into the reasoning and conversations of regulators, White House officials and bank management involved in the response. As federal bank regulators put out stricter capital requirements this week in response to recent turmoil, it is crucial they take into account the trickle-down effect to small and mid-size institutions. A wholistic and independent review of the SVB collapse is the only way to get a non-partisan assessment allowing Americans to regain trust in our banking system and its regulators.
Meeting With Kansans D.C. American Legion Boys/Girls Nation On Thursday, I had the opportunity to meet with young Kansans visiting D.C. who are participating in the American Legion Boys Nation and American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation, both selective, educational programs for high school juniors. Through these respective programs, high school students learn about government, public service and civic responsibility and have opportunities to exercise leadership skills and participate in the political process. These young men and women were each elected by their peers from these respective programs to represent Kansas in Washington. While in the nation’s capital, they receive valuable educational and leadership experience as they learn about the structure and function of the federal government.
We also discussed the importance of prioritizing education, and the value of their involvement in American Legion’s youth programs. Visiting with our future leaders is always a highlight for me, and I know these young people will go on to do great things for our state and country in the future. Thank you to Kathrine Edwards and Jacqueline Goodman of Leavenworth, Adiel Garcia II from Olathe, and Creytin Jace Saner of Olathe for meeting with me.
Pittsburg State University President Dan Shipp & KBI Director Tony Mattivi
This week, I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Dan Shipp, President of Pittsburg State University, and Tony Mattivi, Director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). The purpose of our meeting was to discuss the collaborative efforts being created not only for the students and faculty of Pittsburg State University and the KBI, but also for Kansas as a whole. I was glad to learn about the hard work undertaken by Dr. Dan Shipp and his team at Pittsburg State University, focusing on the growth and development of the Pittsburg community. Equally promising was the commitment shown by KBI Director Tony Mattivi and his team in further supporting local law enforcement efforts. I am confident that both parties will continue to collaborate, seeking innovative solutions to address the challenges our communities face today.
Brewers Association
On Wednesday, I met with Philip Bradley of the Kansas Craft Brewers Guild to discuss the priorities of the Brewers Association, which represents craft breweries across the country. The 67 craft breweries in Kansas produce nearly 43,000 barrels of beer per year and provide over 3,500 well-paying jobs to the community, driving significant economic activity in Kansas. I appreciated the opportunity to hear about the state of craft brewing in Kansas and will continue to advocate for their priorities in Washington.
National FFA State Office Summit
On Wednesday I met with the Kansas FFA state officer team during their visit to our nation’s capital. I enjoyed the opportunity to hear about the positive growth of FFA chapters in our state. It was great hearing from students about their passions, goals and future career paths. These young men and women are dedicated to educating students, inspiring communities, and shaping the leaders and innovators of tomorrow’s agriculture industry. Thank you to Kai Cox, Long Island; Karli Neher, Pfeifer; Christian Pena, Sublette; Payton Ryba, Cheney and Sage Toews, Canton.
Kansas Association of Wheat Growers
I met with members of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers on Wednesday afternoon to discuss their priorities for the Farm Bill along with other issues that they see affecting Kansas farmers. They reiterated to me the importance of adequate crop insurance, especially when conditions in Kansas change so quickly as we’ve seen this year with some farmers experiencing crop loss caused by both drought and flooding. We also talked about the potential benefits of redefining wheat to be listed as a harvestable cover crop. Thank you to Shayna DeGroot of Manhattan, Kyler Millershaski of Lakin, and Chris Tanner of Norton.
The Thomas Family
This week I had the opportunity to meet up with Anthony and Carla Thomas, along with their children Leah, Landon and Liam during their trip to Washington D.C. It was great to speak with the Thomas family on local Hays events that have been happening this summer.
Community Visit in Otis On my drive to Hays on Friday, I stopped in Otis to visit with residents and community leaders at Otis & Bison, Otis City Hall, Agency One Insurance Services, Messer Gasses, Bison State Bank and Rush County Farm Bureau. It was great to speak with members of the community and I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about how I can assist them in Washington, D.C.
Now Accepting 2023 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2028. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, September 1, 2023. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
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
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Clifton Beth and the County Clerk present.
Bonnie Smith, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Jason Silvers, Michael Hoyt, and Mark McCoy were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Mark McCoy.
Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 7/17/23. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
During the public comments section Bonnie Smith questioned why there were only three Commissioners and not five as Butler County, where she previously lived, has. Justin said it is how patrons formed it and to have 5 Commissioners it would have to be voted on. Bonnie said she received wonderful care by our EMTs when she needed it, but asked if EMS had to take patients to the emergency room in Fort Scott, or if they could take them elsewhere. Clifton suggested she talk to Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, and said it was his understanding they had to take to the closest appropriate emergency room.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, Eric said it has taken longer than expected with mother nature and equipment issues, but they are pushing through and will finish the asphalting project on Soldier Road soon. Eric said that on some of the projects they may work at night due to the high traffic counts on the roads. Jim said when he was at the fair residents said Hammond looks good. Eric stated they are clearing overburden at Thomas quarry preparing for the next blast. Jim asked if Eric had received any update on the dump truck, and Eric said they received money from the insurance company, but that they didn’t total it. Eric said they are going to Sikeston, MO to pick up the new belly dump trailer and that the wet kit is now done on the new truck for the landfill. Jim said he saw mowers out and appreciates that. Eric said they plan on getting the road behind Ellis Park paved before school starts. Jim asked if they have enough tractors to mow intersections for the buses, and Dustin replied they are down one and they have one at the landfill to turn the beans but that they try to mow in the area with that tractor. Jim said it is amazing what mowing one pass does for safety.
At 5:45 the public opening of bids for a motor grader, mini excavator, and trailer for public works was held. The Commissioners opened the bid envelopes starting with all the bids for motor graders. Murphy Tractor bid $344,000 for a John Deere 620GP motor grader with a 5 year/10,000-hour DPF assurance and an 84 month/7,000-hour comprehensive extended warranty. Foley Equipment bid $288,344.59 for a 120-14J motor grader with an 84 month/7,000-hour Premier CAT warranty. State Tractor and Equipment bid $265,000 for a SANY SY SMG200C-8 motor grader with a 7 year/7,000-hour warranty that includes TTM. The Commissioners allowed each company’s representative to speak about their product for 5-minutes and answer any questions. Travis Clinesmith with Murphy Tractor spoke about bringing a motor grader for a demonstration and said the graders would be serviced in Humboldt and that the machinery is built in Davenport, IA. Dustin Daniels with Foley Equipment spoke about the grader he bid, but did not bring for a demonstration. Jim asked where the 120 graders were manufactured and Mr. Daniels replied in Little Rock, AR and Brazil. Justin Vasquez with State Tractor and Equipment stated that and travel time and mileage incurred from having their company come to our facility is also covered under warranty. Jim asked where the graders were made and Mr. Vasquez stated they are made in China, but any parts come from Georgia and if they don’t already have what is needed in stock, they can have it the next day. Jim thanked them all and asked Clifton, Eric, and Dustin if they wanted to discuss the bids tonight. Dustin said he would like to see the Caterpillar 120 grader in person. Jim said the sales representative could have brought one for a demonstration since the other two companies did. Jim made a motion to buy the John Deere grader. Clifton asked if he had to second the motion to have discussion. The motion died due to lack of a second. Clifton asked Eric what the grader operators thought. Eric stated they didn’t have a CAT to try out but they like the CAT graders we have now, they thought it would take a bit to get used to the John Deere controls and they didn’t like the seat in the SANY. Justin Vasquez with State Tractor and Equipment said they do have a new seat for the motor grader, they just didn’t have it installed in the machine that was brought down for the demo. Dustin Hall said they have two graders paid off and plan on using roughly $84,000 from the crusher sale as a down payment. Jim stated they haven’t purchased a motor grader since 2017. Clifton questioned the delivery date on each of the graders. The SANY grader can be here in two weeks, the John Deere in five months, and the CAT in 2-4 weeks. Jim made a motion to buy the John Deere 620 motor grader for $344,000 and Clifton seconded the motion. Both Commissioners in attended approved.
The mini excavator bids were opened with R&R Equipment bidding a New Holland E57C with cab for $76,500. The bid did not state what type of warranty the machine had. State tractor and Equipment bid $75,500 for a SANY SY-60 mini excavator with a 5 year/5,000-hour warranty which includes travel time and mileage. Jim asked Eric and Dustin how they like the mini excavator and Dustin replied they like it. Clifton asked if they have been satisfied with the SANY they currently own. Eric said they like what they have and explained that the excavator bid is smaller than what they currently have but that is needed for cleaning out bridges. Clifton made a motion to buy the SANY SY-60 excavator from State Tractor and Equipment for $75,500. Jim seconded the motion, and both Commissioners approved. Clifton asked when the machine would be available and the representative said they could have it by the end of the week.
The trailer bids were opened and both were from Murphy Tractor. One bid was for a 2024 Felling FT-45-2 LP for $37,408.00 and the other was for a 2023 Eager Beaver 20 XPT flat deck trailer for $49,100.00. Both bids were for pick up in Humboldt, KS. Clifton asked what they would be using the trailer for. Dustin replied to haul a mini excavator and skid steer at the same time for the culvert crew and this would allow their current trailer to be used by the bridge crew. Jim asked why one trailer was $12,000 more with Travis Clinesmith stating the Eager Beaver trailer is heavy duty. The lead time for the Felling trailer is 76 weeks and 12-14 weeks for the Eager Beaver trailer. Jim made a motion to buy the Eager Beaver trailer for $49,100.00 and Clifton seconded the motion. Both Commissioners in attendance approved.
A short break was taken with Commissioners returning to normal session at 6:30.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a Real Property Relief application for a free-standing apartment unit at 216 W. Well Street that was recently destroyed by fire. Clifton made a motion to approve the application for Robinson Apartments at 216 W. Wall St. unit #4 and abate the taxes at 50% due to the fire occurring in May. Jim seconded the motion. Both Commissioners in attendance approved. Jennifer asked the agenda be amended to add June financials and the second quarter report that were finished this afternoon. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add June financials and the quarterly report right after the real property relief application. Jim seconded the motion and both approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the quarterly report. Jim seconded the motion and both Commissioners in attendance approved. Clifton made am motion to approve June 2023 financials. Jim seconded the motion and both approved.
Clifton made amotion to amend the agenda to update his requested executive session to 75-4319(b)(2). Jim seconded the motion and both approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney client relationship for contracts. The executive session will be for 7 minutes and include both Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:42. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:42 with no action. Jim seconded the motion and both approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. The executive session will be for 5 minutes and include both Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:48. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:48 with no action. Jim seconded the motion and both approved.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:49. Jim seconded the motion and both approved.
This process replaces the paper forms sent home at the beginning of each school year. You will use the PowerSchool Parent Portal to access the PowerSchool Registration.
Free school meals for all students enrolled in USD 234 during the 2023-24 school year!
YES, THERE IS ENOUGH TIME BETWEEN CLASSES…
The most effective way to prevent back pain is to avoid carrying heavy loads. Each FSHS Tiger is provided with a secure personal locker. Doors open at 7:30 each morning. Unload at the locker and meet the peeps in the Commons for free breakfast!
From JAG-K’s website, https://jagkansas.org/ : “We will partner with students to help them identify a career path compatible to their interests and skills and overcome the various challenges they face that put them at risk of not attaining educational and career success.”
FSHS RECOGNIZED AS A KANSAS ALL STAR HIGH SCHOOL!
Fort Scott High School was one of less than 100 Kansas high schools recognized at the June meeting of the Kansas Board of Regents. Click below to see the video!
AG’s Medicaid fraud unit recoups $42,000 in restitution
TOPEKA – (July 31, 2023) – The Kansas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Unit (MFCU) recently prosecuted six Medicaid fraud cases recouping more than $42,600 in restitution from fraudsters, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced today.
“Our top priority is the protection of crime against one of the most vulnerable groups of our population – the elderly and disabled. These prosecutions should put Medicaid fraudsters on alert. If you hurt Kansas’s most vulnerable, we will prosecute,” said Jackie Williams, First Assistant Attorney General for Kobach’s office.
The AG’s MFCU unit is dedicated to ensuring that Kansas citizens receive the services Medicaid is allocated to provide. The unit investigates and prosecutes Medicaid fraud cases statewide to stamp out corruption and abuse of Medicaid dollars and services.
The unit’s recent cases include the prosecutions of:
Michelle Kisha Taylor of Shawnee. She pled guilty to making a false claim, statement or representation to the Medicaid Program and unlawful acts concerning computers and was sentenced to 24 months in jail, suspended, and 12 months supervised probation. She was ordered to pay more than $12,000 in restitution to the Kansas Medicaid program for Medicaid fraud. While working another job, Taylor was working as a personal care attendant for her mother, a Medicaid beneficiary. Taylor submitted fraudulent claims for payment to the Medicaid program as if she was providing personal care services to her mother, when in reality, she was working another job or her mother was in the hospital. Taylor’s prosecution was part an “Operation Keeping Them Honest,” a cooperative effort between the attorney general’s office and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Office of Inspector General to investigate fraudulent billing to Medicaid for personal care services provided in Medicaid beneficiaries’ homes. Senior Assistant Attorney General Eve Kemple of Kobach’s office prosecuted the case. She was assisted by analyst Dalton May.
Marquita Francine Standard of Lansing. Standard pled guilty to one count of making a false claim, statement or representation to the Medicaid Program. Standard, a personal care attendant, submitted false claims for payment from Medicaid as if she was providing care to several beneficiaries residing in different locations, all at the same time. Standard was sentenced to six months in the Kansas Department of Corrections, suspended, and 12 months supervised probation. She was ordered to pay $4,093 in restitution. Her case was also part of the “Operation Keeping Them Honest” program. Kemple prosecuted the case with assistance from analyst Sharon Balmain.
Myshia Robertson, 49. Robertson pled guilty to making a false claim to the Medicaid program. She submitted a fraudulent claim to Medicaid for personal care services she did not provide. She was sentenced to nine months in jail, suspended, and 12 months supervised probation. She was ordered to pay $18,200 in restitution – the amount Medicaid lost from her false claims. Assistant Attorney General Debbie Moody of Kobach’s office prosecuted the case with assistance from special agent Natasha Ward, analyst Kim Epps, and nurse investigator Kimberly Smith.
Courtland Edward Allen, 35 of Leavenworth. Allen pled guilty to making a false claim, statement, or representation to the Medicaid program and unlawful acts concerning computers. Allen claimed to be working as a personal care attendant for his brother, a Medicaid beneficiary, when Allen was actually working another job and times when his brother was in school. Allen was sentenced to 24 months in jail, suspended, and 12 months supervised probation. He was ordered to pay $3,687 in restitution. Kemple of Kobach’s office prosecuted the case with assistance from special agent Ward and analyst Epps.
Kevin Matney, 51 of Garnett. In a civil action, Matney was charged with making false claims. He agreed to pay $4,202 in restitution as part of a settlement agreement. Kemple litigated the case. Special Agent Julie Hart, analyst Kimberly Clearwater, and nurse investigator Smith assisted with the case.
Kierra Drinnen, 37 of Sedgwick County. Drinnen confessed to fraud. Drinnen worked as a clinical coordinator nurse in Wichita. While on duty, she stole medication that was paid for by Medicaid for a Medicaid patient. She agreed to a plea deal for that included a sentence of 12 months of jail time, suspended, and 12 months supervised probation. She agreed to continue in substance abuse treatment. Drinnen must pay all court costs in addition to standard conditions of probation. Moody of Kobach’s office handled the case. She was assisted by investigators Kevin Kasl and Smith of the attorney general’s office.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas has been selected to participate in the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) Policy Academy to Advance Youth Apprenticeship. Through the Policy Academy, Kansas will develop a strategy to expand apprenticeship opportunities to youth ages 16 and older to help them build the skills needed for the modern workforce.
“My administration has focused on apprenticeships as a way to build the Kansas workforce in a way that is both pro-business and pro-worker,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, we are furthering our efforts by developing a plan to ensure more of our high school students graduate with the skills they need to get good-paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree.”
With Kansas’ unemployment rate at 2.8% and a surge in economic development activity that continues creating new jobs, the state is pursuing multiple avenues to build up the pipeline of prospective workers. Apprenticeship is one proven method of developing home-grown talent.
“Expanding the apprenticeship pipeline to include younger Kansans is a logical next step to support our historic growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship is developing top-tier talent that makes it easier for businesses to invest in our rural communities.”
Youth apprenticeship is defined as a structured, work-based learning program that supports high-quality outcomes for young people and employers include:
Paid, on-the-job learning under the supervision of skilled employee mentors
Related classroom-based instruction
Ongoing assessment against established skills and competency standards
Industry-recognized credentialing and postsecondary credits
“With more than 160,000 high school students across the state, Kansas youth apprenticeship has significant potential,” said Shonda Anderson, Director of Apprenticeship and Internship for the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship. “The Policy Academy will support Governor Kelly’s focus on improving employment opportunities for young adults, especially in rural parts of the state.”
The Policy Academy to Advance Youth Apprenticeship officially kicks off in Washington, D.C., in August when teams from six states convene for a day of learning and action-planning with state peers, federal leaders, and national subject matter experts.
“From my perspective, this collaboration between unions, industries and educators across multiple sectors to engage young people in Registered Apprenticeship opportunities is exciting,” John Nave, Executive Vice-President of Kansas AFL-CIO, said. “I believe this strengthens the economic prosperity in Kansas now and for generations to come.”
The Kansas team includes officials from the Governor’s Office, Kansas Office of Apprenticeship, Kansas Apprenticeship Council, Kansas Department of Education, Wichita Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, IBEW 304, Kansas AFL-CIO and other stakeholders representing education and industry. To see a list of members of the Kansas Youth Apprenticeship Collaborative, or to find out more about Youth Apprenticeship in Kansas, click here.
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