NPS Photo: C. Brenner. 2022 National Junior Duck Stamp Winner for Kansas Group III.
Fort Scott Kan. – Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 11 am, Fort Scott National Historic Site and Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge are presenting Jewel Endicott with the first-place award for her age group in the Kansas Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest for the 2nd year in a row. Her winning entry is titled “Cinnamon Teal Swimming” and was done in colored pencil. The awards presentation will be in the foyer on the upper level of the park’s Infantry Barracks, outside the theater.
This year’s contest had 214 Kansas entries and judging was held at Baker Wetlands Education Center in Lawrence, Kansas last March. This is the 30th annual National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest for students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Participants created original artwork using watercolors, crayon, or pencil.
The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program began in 1989 as an extension of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp. The first national Junior Duck Stamp art contest was held in 1993. The stamp encourages students to explore their natural world, participate in outdoor recreation activities, and learn wildlife management principles.
From April 1-September 30, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation. The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 am – 5 pm Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
Recognizing National Police Week, Honoring Fallen Kansas Law Enforcement
I spoke on the Senate floor this week to recognize National Police Week and to remember Kansas law enforcement who passed away in 2022. National Police Week was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, and this year runs from May 14 – May 20.
We honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s fallen law enforcement officers, remember those who have departed and acknowledge and express our gratitude for the sacrifices all law enforcement officers make every day they wear the badge. During this week, and every other week of the year, we should honor those we have lost and remember the families they left behind. May God bless our police officers.
In my remarks, I recognized the four Kansas police officers who passed away in 2022:
Deputy Sheriff Sidnee Carter with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Robert Craft with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office
Officer David Ingle with the Iola Police Department
Sergeant Stacy Murrow with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office
Our Country Does Not Have Operational Control of the Border
This week, I spoke on the Senate floor regarding the security and humanitarian crisis at our southern border and the consequences of eliminating Title 42. Repealing Title 42 without a robust plan of action has left our law enforcement agents with a disastrous situation at the border. Border Patrol Agents are being asked to be caretakers, law enforcement, medical professionals and so much more. The fact of the matter is that our country does not have operational control of the border, and it will continue to fail to do so if we stay on the current path.
President Biden must act to ensure strict enforcement of our immigration laws, reinstate the construction of a wall or fencing in areas that are largely unprotected, and the administration must send the message that our border is closed to unlawful entrants.
Securing our southern border isn’t a Republican and Democrat issue. It isn’t Texas or Arizona’s issue. Under the current policy, every state is a border state – including Kansas.
If we truly want to help migrants, then we need to create a fair and humane asylum process, and we need to stop the illegal crossings at the southern border that undermine our laws and jeopardize our national security. Americans are tired of paying the cost of the Biden administration’s inaction and failure to make any serious policy changes at the southern border.
Welcoming Artemis II Astronauts to Capitol Hill This week, as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, I welcomed NASA’s Artemis II crew, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Canadian Space Agency President Lisa Campbell to Capitol Hill. This is the first crewed mission of the Artemis program that will orbit the Moon and pave the way for future lunar surface missions. Artemis II represents the next step in cementing America’s leadership in space exploration, while inspiring the next generation of astronauts, engineers and scientists. The Artemis missions will further scientific discovery, create new economic benefits and deepen our alliances across the globe.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), my counterpart on the subcommittee, and I were honored to host the Artemis crew. I know they will represent our country well and inspire future generations.
Facilitating Partnerships with Leaders in Space
On Tuesday evening, I hosted an event as co-chair of the Senate Aerospace Caucus to welcome Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) executives and military leaders, as well as NASA Administrator Bill Nelson to the Capitol to celebrate the value of these critical partnerships. As space continues to be an emerging frontier, our national security is dependent on strong coordination between these entities. Each year, I prioritize gathering these representatives across various sectors to discuss the ways America can succeed in the space domain.
The next morning, I participated in a roundtable discussion with member-company executives from the AIA for a conversation on the status of the debt limit negotiations, my FAA Reauthorization efforts, research and development, as well as ways to support our aviation and aerospace industry workforce. I appreciated the opportunity to hear and take questions from these leaders.
During this event, I was presented with “The Wright Stuff Award” for contributions to the aerospace industry and national security. Previous recipients of this award have included Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) and Senator James Inhofe (R-Iowa). For over a century, Kansas has played an outsized role in the aviation industry, and since my time in Congress, I have worked to support policies that will propel the industry further. I am grateful to AIA President Eric Fanning and AIA Chair of the Board Tom Gentile of Wichita for the award.
Schwan’s Tony’s Pizza Plant in Salina is Now Open It was great to join Schwan’s, local leaders and state officials on Friday to celebrate the grand opening of the Tony’s Pizza manufacturing facility expansion in Salina – the world’s largest pizza plant. I have had the opportunity to watch this project progress over the past three years and was pleased to help secure a federal grant through the Economic Development Administration to support this project. This expansion project, which will add hundreds of jobs and stability to the local economy, was successful because of the continued commitment and investment in Salina by Schwan’s and the unified support of the local community.
Thank you to Dimitrios Smyrnios for inviting me to the grand opening event, and to Representative Tracey Mann and Lieutenant Governor David Toland for joining me in celebrating this great day for Salina and Kansas.
You can read more from KSN here and the Salina Post here.
Appropriations Committee Hearing with Defense, State & Commerce Secretaries
This week, the Senate Appropriations Committee held a hearing with the Secretaries of Defense, State and Commerce on U.S. investment into security and competitiveness with China. I used my time during the hearing to highlight the importance of aviation and aerospace to U.S. economic and national security.
China is closing the gap to the United States in military, commercial and general aviation categories, so I asked Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin about what they are doing to ensure the U.S. maintains leadership in aviation and aerospace manufacturing and innovation. Secretary Raimondo highlighted the potential for aviation and aerospace in her Department’s Tech Hubs program, which was authorized in the CHIPS and Science Act and will boost specific existing areas of excellence around the country to tap into the full extent of U.S. innovation and talent. China is the our nation’s foremost challenge, and we must make certain this administration’s budget invests in a whole-of-nation effort across all facets of the aviation and aerospace environment. As the Vice Chair of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, and a member of the Appropriations subcommittees responsible for the Defense and State Departments, I will continue to work to be certain the strengths and talents of our state continue to play a vital role in our nation’s ongoing strategic competition with China.
Leading Bill to Improve the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network
This week, I introduced legislation to help break up the monopoly contract currently held by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) to manage the nation’s Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). I was joined in introducing this bill by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.).
From damaged organs to discriminatory organ donation policies, it is clear UNOS should no longer be the sole contractor for the organ donation system. I have worked for years to shed light on the mismanagement of the organ donation system and have consistently called for the contract to be divided. The Securing U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Act removes barriers in OPTN contracting and gives the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) statutory authority to improve management of the organ transplant system, allowing a more transparent and competitive process for an OPTN contract. Every organ counts, and this legislation will help overhaul the system and save lives.
You can read more from the Kansas Reflector here and WIBW here.
Introducing Legislation to Strengthen Childhood Cancer Research
Along with my colleagues Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), I introduced the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 to provide an additional source of funding for pediatric cancer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The legislation would redirect penalties collected from pharmaceutical, cosmetic, supplement and medical device companies that break the law to NIH pediatric and childhood cancer research. The bill is named in honor of Gabriella Miller, a Leesburg, Virginia, resident who died from a rare form of brain cancer at the age of 10. Gabriella was an activist and worked to raise support for research into childhood diseases like cancer until her death in October of 2013.
While cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children past infancy, childhood cancer and other rare pediatric diseases remain poorly understood. According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 9,910 children under the age of 14 will be diagnosed with cancer and about 1,040 will die of the disease in the United States in 2023. By directing additional resources to NIH to research cures and treatments for cancer in children, we can help save lives and honor the memory of Gabriella Miller.
Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hearing on VA Budget
As Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I held a hearing this week on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget request for Fiscal Year 2024. VA is asking for $325.1 billion to provide health care and benefits to veterans and their caregivers, dependents and survivors. During the hearing, I asked VA Secretary Denis McDonough and members of the veterans service organizations who testified about how VA is supporting veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins during military service, how VA is spending supplemental funds provided during the pandemic and how VA is improving health care access and outcomes for veteran patients. I will continue to work to provide VA the funding it needs to deliver timely and high-quality support to the military and veteran community, and I am committed to making certain that every dime of taxpayer resources that VA receives is put to good use for the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our nation.
Meeting with Paralyzed Veterans of America
I met with Carl Blake, Executive Director of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), to discuss the unique needs of veterans who live with spinal cord injury and disease. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the nation’s most comprehensive system of care for spinal cord injury and disease, and PVA conducts regular site inspections to make certain veterans are getting the best care possible. Despite the robust system of care VA provides, it still faces challenges in fully staffing spinal cord care centers due to shortages in the health care workforce.
During our meeting, Carl described the importance of home and community-based care options for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disease. These veterans overcame the challenges of their injuries, and in many cases, rely on caregivers to maintain a level of independence outside of institutional settings. I introduced the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act to provide veterans with more resources and options to receive the assistance they need in order to live independently in their homes. I appreciate PVA’s support for this bill as we work to make certain veterans receive the right care at the right time in the setting that will allow them to live a fulfilled, meaningful life.
Meeting with Kansans Association of American Cancer Institutes
This week, I met with Dr. Roy Jensen, Director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center, Darren McLaughlin, a former KU Cancer Center patient and Chief of Police in Merriam, and his wife Melinda. We discussed Darren and Melinda’s positive experiences seeking treatment at the KU Cancer Center. Because of the investments made at KU Cancer Center and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) into cancer research and treatments, Chief McLaughlin was able to share his impactful story with me.
As a member of the Senate Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee and senator from a state that is home to many universities and organizations conducting leading cancer research, I remain committed to supporting efforts bolstering these programs and to advancing this critical, lifesaving research. I want to thank Dr. Jensen, Chief McLaughlin and Melinda for meeting with me to advocate for this important issue.
Washburn Library
On Thursday, I was pleased to meet with Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, Washburn University’s newly appointed president. During the meeting, we discussed Washburn’s initiatives to assist low-income students as they work to earn degrees in higher education. We also spoke about the variety of expansions happening at the university to help our state combat the workforce shortage occuring across the nation. Thank you to President Mazachek for taking the time to visit with me and share her vision for training Kansas students.
Wichita Area TARC Team – American Rocket Challenge
It was great to meet with the Kansas American Rocket Challenge team from Wichita that qualified as the top 100 out of 900 teams to participate in the Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) National Finals in Virginia this past weekend. TARC is the world’s largest student rocket contest, with nearly 5,000 students from across the nation competing each year. I was pleased to speak with the bright, young Kansan representing the group about his aspirations to pursue a career in STEM. I also enjoyed learning about the history of TARC from Team Wichita’s sponsor, Bill Lindsay.
City of Olathe
This week, I was pleased to meet with Olathe Mayor John Bacon, Council Members Kevin Gilmore and Robyn Essex, Chamber CEO Tim McKee and Tim Danneberg with the City of Olathe. During this meeting, we discussed current and future projects in the works for the city of Olathe. It was also great to speak with them about the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup which will be hosted in the Kansas City area. I appreciated the chance to hear from this group about everything happening in the community.
Improve the Dream
This week, I visited with students from Improve the Dream, a youth-led organization that advocates for comprehensive immigration reform. I appreciated the chance to speak with these students as they shared about their backgrounds and collective experiences of coming to the United States at young ages. Now, they are all pursuing sophisticated degree programs and making plans for how to give back to their communities one day.
Receiving ESOP Association Award On Wednesday, I appreciated receiving the award for ESOP Champion of the Year from the ESOP Association. A special thank you to Gary Shorman, my friend and Hays neighbor, for presenting me with the award. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) have been proven to boost company longevity and resilience, increase growth and create wealth. Giving employees a stake in the company they work for gives them real economic benefit for their hard work. That is why I supported the WORK Act which passed last Congress. Devoting resources and grants from the Department of Labor will help smaller businesses across the country explore employee ownership. Simply put, these firms are more productive, more profitable, but most importantly – they become better work environments when employees are invested in the company they work for.
Welcoming Afghan Refugees Resettling in Manhattan
On Saturday, I stopped at a community block party to celebrate and integrate new Afghan refugees now living in Manhattan. The messages I heard during my conversations carried a common theme: gratefulness. It was a reminder that we are fortunate to live in a country with so much opportunity. The way Manhattan residents have embraced these families was extremely moving.
During the hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, my office received and worked emergency evacuation cases for roughly over 1,000 Afghan nationals who either had a U.S. visa, had applied for a visa but not yet obtained it, or were under severe fatal threat from the Taliban, including Christians and Hazara ethnic minorities. I remain committed to making certain America keeps its promises made during times of war. In addition to helping pass legislation that created the Afghanistan War Commission to investigate the two-decade period and disastrous withdrawal, I am also a supporter of the Afghan Adjustment Act. This bill will provide greater certainty to tens of thousands of Afghans now living in the U.S., whose temporary two-year legal status will expire later this year. This legislation has the support of 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.
The block party was organized and hosted in collaboration between the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) and the Manhattan Area Resettlement Team (MART). MART is a volunteer organization comprised of mostly veterans who want to do something to help their friends and allies that fought with alongside them on the battlefields in Afghanistan. I thank KLC and MART for their invite and the good work they are doing to make certain Kansas remains a great place to call home.
Participating in Groundbreaking of K-State Agronomy Research & Innovation Center
On Monday, I participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for Kansas State University’s Agronomy Research and Innovation Center on campus in Manhattan. This project is the first realized step in a multi-year effort by K-State to raise public and private funds to completely remodel their agricultural research infrastructure on campus. Once completed, the Agronomy Research and Innovation Center will conduct cutting-edge research to help farmers feed millions of people facing hunger worldwide and attract the best agronomic students and researchers in the world to K-State. This project would not have been possible without the investment of Kansas commodity groups, farm organizations and private donors. Thank you to President Richard Linton and Dean Ernie Minton for allowing me to join them for this event.
You can read more from the Junction City Post here.
Visiting Geiger Ready Mix
On Monday, before returning to Washington, D.C., I stopped at Geiger Ready Mix in Kansas City to tour this facility. Geiger Ready Mix is the largest ready-mix concrete delivery company in the Kansas City area, with locations in Kansas City, Leavenworth and Olathe, as well as locations in Missouri. This company is more than 130 years old and first opened as a small construction contracting business. I appreciate President Todd Geiger for hosting me for this informative tour.
Visiting Great Plains/Kubota in Salina
This week, I stopped by Great Plains Manufacturing in Salina to visit with CEO David Disberger and tour the Kubota Construction Equipment Division Facility. Since becoming a Kubota Company in 2016, Great Plains has expanded its manufacturing operations in Salina and the neighboring communities. Further expansions are planned, but, as David and I discussed during this visit, the most needed resource for these expansions is a permanent workforce supply. To meet this need, Great Plains has worked to help develop housing initiatives within the communities where it has an employment footprint and with K-State Salina and area technical schools to create work-study programs to prepare students for joining the workforce while they are still in school. Communities in Kansas continue to thrive because of investments from companies like Kubota and Great Plains. Thank you to CEO David Disberger for visiting with me and giving me a tour of the plant.
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
Wichita
100 North Broadway,
Suite 210
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 269-9257
Fax: (316) 269-9259Garden City
1511 East Fulton Terrace, Suite 1511-2
Garden City, KS 67846
Phone: (620) 260-3025
Pittsburg
306 N. Broadway, Suite 125 (rear entrance of bank)
P.O. Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 232-2286
Fax: (620) 232-2284
Taken from his village in India to work on the East African Railway for the British, Pirbhai spends his life reconciling an act he committed to survive that will haunt his family’s future for years to come. 50,000 first printing.
Becoming friends with Sophie Braam, Officer Nora Martin, new to the unwelcoming Bellair Police Department, begins to suspect something’s not quite right with the unnerving, enigmatic bartender and discovers she’s the serial killer terrorizing their small town, but wonders if anyone will believe her. 75,000 first printing.
When she discovers a dead man in the middle of her tea shop, Vera Wong, a suspicious Chinese mother with time on her hands, calls the police but not before swiping the flash drive from the body, setting a trap for the killer that becomes complicated by unexpected friendships with her customers.
Struggling with the unexpected loss of her mother, Phoenix Yuan-Whyller brings her mother’s ashes back to her homeland of China, on what at first seems like a daughter’s quest to uncover a mother’s secrets, but soon becomes a startling journey of self-discovery
Thirty-six years into their dutiful but unhappy arranged marriage, an Indian couple decide to get a divorce and start new paths in life, leaving their adult children unmoored, confused and hiding secrets about their own lives.
After being hospitalized for depression and sent to a wilderness therapy retreat, Teagan is saved from a bear attack by the program’s handywoman and hires her to return to New York with him as an unnecessary sober companion. Original.
A visit to a private amusement park is the trip of a lifetime for a group of teen influencers, until they learn that getting off the island alive is not part of the plan
“In a near-future northern settlement, the fate of a young woman intertwines with those of a college professor and a collective of women soldiers in this mesmerizing and transportive novel in the vein of Station Eleven and The Power. In the far north of Canada, a team led by a visionary American architect is building a project called Camp Zero. With its fresh, clean air and cold climate, it’s intended to be the beginning of a new community and a new way of life. A brilliant and determined young woman employed as a sex worker to the elite is offered a chance to join the Blooms, a group meant to service the men in camp-but her mission is to secretly monitor the mercurial architect in charge. In return, she’ll receive a home for her displaced Korean immigrant mother and herself. Upon arrival at Camp Zero, she is named Rose. Rose quickly secures the trust of her target, but in the camp, everyone has an agenda, and her alliances begin to shift. Through skillfully braided perspectives, including those of a young professor longing to escape his wealthy family and an all-woman military brigade struggling for survival at a climate research station, the fate of Camp Zero and its inhabitants reaches a stunning crescendo. An electrifying page-turner where nothing isas it seems, Camp Zero cleverly explores how the intersection of gender, class, and migration will impact who and what will survive in a warming world”
“Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general–also known as her tough-as-talons mother–has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders. But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away…because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them. With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter–like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant. She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise”
“Inspired by a true story, three best friends from Mobile, Alabama are captured in the Philippines during WWII–they vow to return home together. They struggle to survive against impossible odds that becomes known as the Bataan Death March”
Commissioned to create a mural representing Dawes, Wyoming, for their new Post Office, Val Welch, a painter in Depression-era America, stays with a wealthy art lover, his wife and a mysterious elder cowboy where he turns up secrets that could spark formidable changes for all of them. 150,000 first printing.
Travel back in time with these fourteen new stories that explore the individual courage and strength the tumultuous American frontier required. These stories are written by award-winning authors and the most exciting new voices in historical fiction. Fortitude and Other Frontier Stories, edited by Hazel Rumney, features engaging stories that will delight readers. These stories capture the spirit of freedom and individualism in the evolving 19th century American frontier. These epic narratives of courage and survival are organized by timeframe to offer readers a panoramic view of pioneers who faced life-changing challenges in settings that are in stark contrast to civilized society. In this anthology, you’ll enjoy stories by bestselling and award-winning authors such as Preston Lewis, K. Lyn Wurth, W. Michael Farmer, John D. Nesbitt, Larry D. Sweazy, Michael R. Ritt, Sharon Frame Gay, L. J. Martin, Greg Hunt, Diana Holguin-Balogh, Lisa Majewski, Del Howison, Butch Denny, John Neely Davis, and Richard Prosch.
“A thrilling mystery about a group of former classmates who reunite to mark the tenth anniversary of a tragic accident–only to have one of the survivors disappear, casting fear and suspicion on the original tragedy”
To finally secure justice and protect the ones they love, two former female spies, American Josie Anderson and Parisian Arlette LaRue, aka the Golden Doves, risk everything to hunt down an infamous Nazi doctor in the aftermath of World War II
When Laurie, a nomadic artist, surprises her mother, an elegant perfectionist, with a dream vacation to Paris, which brings an unexpected sparkle to her eyes, mother and daughter unpack a lifetime of secrets and hopes in the City of Light. 150,000 first printing.
Drawing on oral history and testimony, as well as extensive archival research, this powerful story recounts the transformation of Polish nationalist Aleksander Kulisiewicz after an unlikely friendship with a Jewish conductor in Sachsenhausen who tasked him with a mission: to save the musical heritage of the victims of the Nazi camps. Illustrations.
The best-selling author of The God Equation turns his attention to humanity’s next great technological advancement?—?quantum computing, which could change every aspect of our daily lives by solving some of our greatest challenges, from climate change to world hunger to incurable diseases. Original.
An expert on generational change looks at the six generations of Americans currently alive, from the Silents to the still-named generation born after 2012, and how they connect, conflict and compete with one another.
Complete with guided introspection, personal experiences, client stories and more, a licensed therapist and popular Instagram relationship expert helps us understand our Family of Origin—the family and framework we grew up within—to meaningfully improve our relationships and our lives in the future.
Drawing on the latest scientific research and his prodigious imagination, a renowned astronomer and science communicator takes us on an immersive tour of the universe to view ten of the most spectacular sights outer space has to offer, including the strange, beautiful shadows cast by a hundred thousand stars. Illustrations.
An investigative reporter takes us on a wild ride through the world of fringe medicine, aka “medical freedom,” that is a growing universe of nontraditional treatments, such as leeches and baking soda IVs, and alternative healers seeking the support and approval of the government. 18,000 first printing. Illustrations.
Accompanied by delightful and sometimes heartbreaking anecdotes from the author’s own henhouse, this blend of chicken-keeping memoir and animal welfare reporting explores the lives of these quirky, mysterious birds, interviewing the people breeding, training, healing and, most importantly, adoring chickens.
The 16-month series will focus on the recruitment and retention of the child welfare workforce
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) recently joined the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute’s Breakthrough Series Collaborative. The 16-month program launched in April and will focus on the recruitment and retention of the child welfare workforce and building cultures that value justice, equity, diversity and belonging.
The Breakthrough Series Collaborative brings together multidisciplinary teams to engage in a dynamic learning process that cultivates a healthy, equitable, sustainable workforce. Other states named to the collaborative include Illinois, New Mexico, Washington state and Westchester County (NY).
“We aren’t simply looking at the issues from the top down,” shared Laura Howard, Secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families. “Our teams, which are comprised of community partners, educational institutions, and DCF staff and leaders will learn up as we experiment with small and large approaches to recruiting and retaining child welfare workers.”
Kansas is represented with two teams focusing on the Northwest and Northeast regions of the state, which includes 41 Kansas counties and the cities of Colby, Hays, Salina, Manhattan, Hiawatha and Topeka. The teams include new and veteran DCF staff in leadership, child protection and human resource roles, and partners such as Saint Francis Ministries and Fort Hays State University.
“Staff at all levels want to be part of the solution to improve workforce recruitment and retention,” said Deanne Dinkel, DCF’s director of safety and thriving families and performance improvement. “This Breakthrough Series will provide this opportunity for staff to engage, learn, and be a part of the solution.”
The Collaborative requires the teams to meet monthly to discuss the test strategies they have and are planning to implement, while collecting data to track progress and share with other states and counties involved in the program.
The teams are focused on five domains in the Collaborative’s Change Framework. They are Mattering at Work, Opportunity for Growth, Community & Connection, Protection from Harm, and Work-Life Harmony. The Kansas teams are first looking at Protection from Harm and believes that progress made in this domain will impact the Work-Life Harmony domain.
“One approach we are taking in Protection from Harm is expanding our emergency contacts list,” shared Caroline Hastings, Northeast Kansas regional director and Northeast team manager. “We will begin to offer family members/emergency contacts of our child protection employees with supervisor’s work contact information.
“So, if a worker is late, their family member has someone to contact if they cannot reach their loved one,” she continued.
Other areas of exploration within Protection from Harm involves engagement with Fort Hays State University and Saint Francis Ministries in a more holistic approach to preparing students and staff for the work.
“We have begun educating our staff on secondary traumatic stress and tactics to deal with this,” explained Pamela Beach, Northwest Kansas regional director and Northwest team manager. “Although our agency has improved immensely in areas of communication, transparency, and being culturally responsive, we continue search for effective ways to support staff and buffer burnout as well as provide immediate in-house supports for trauma and therapeutic processes.”
85th Session of American Legion Boys State of Kansas Set for June 4-10 in Manhattan
May 22, 2023 — High school students from across the State of Kansas will participate in the 2023 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, Sunday, June 4, through Saturday, June 10, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 31st consecutive session at KSU and 85th overall.
The Kansas Boys State program includes students who have just completed their junior year of high school (will be seniors in the fall) and sophomore year of high school (will be juniors in the fall).
The objective of the ALBSK is to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Kansas Boys State provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.
Among the major events during the week (the below events are open to the public unless noted; members of the media are invited to attend all events):
Sunday, June 4
Delegate check-in, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Goodnow Hall
This event is not open to the public.
Opening ceremonies, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., McCain Auditorium
o Keynote speaker: Kendall Gammon, 15-year NFL veteran with the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers. Considered the best long-snapper in the NFL, Gammon, a 1987 graduate of Rose Hill (Kan.) High School and 1991 graduate of Pittsburg (Kan.) State University, was a member of Pitt State’s 1991 NCAA Division II national championship team. He also played in Super Bowl 30 and in the 2005 Pro Bowl. Gammon talk will draw on personal life challenges with a message threaded with vulnerability and authentic stories to inspire attendees to use emotional strength to embrace change, build strong relationships and positively impact growth and success.
Media note: Starting at approximately 2 p.m., the KBS delegates will walk
from Wefald Hall to McCain Auditorium – great photo/video opportunity.
Monday, June 5
Swearing in of Kansas Boys State mayors, 7 p.m., Kansas Boys State Assembly Area (Goodnow Hall/Marlatt Hall parking lot [between buildings on Claflin Road]).
Party caucuses, 7:30 to 10 p.m., Federalist Party, Fiedler Hall, Room 1107; Nationalist Party, Rathbone Hall, Room 1073 (each party will select their candidates for the six state offices and formulate their party platforms.)
This event is not open to the public.
Tuesday, June 6
Kansas Boys State governor candidates’ debate, 1 to 2 p.m., McCain Auditorium
Announcement of Kansas Boys State general election winners for state offices and swearing in ceremony, 7 p.m., KBS Assembly Area.
Wednesday, June 8
Flag retirement ceremony, 7:30 p.m., World War II Memorial in front of McCain Auditorium. The event is an observance of the proper respect for the American flag and how unserviceable flags are properly disposed. The honor guard from American Legion Pearce-Keller Post No.17 in Manhattan will present the ceremony. Dr. John Lindholm, a 1949 KSU graduate who provided the dog tags as a model for the “Tags of Honor” sculpture at the Memorial, was a longtime Kansas Boys State staff member as a Legionnaire advisor before passing away in January 2020.
Media note: This event is a great photo/video opportunity.
Evening ceremonies, 8 p.m., McCain Auditorium.
o 2023 Kansas Boys State governor’s inaugural address.
o Address by Jeremy Ehart, Hutchinson, Kan., American Legion Department of Kansas commander, and introduction of Kansas American Legion dignitaries
Announcement of delegates who will represent Kansas Boys State as senators at Boys Nation in July, 8:30 a.m., KBS Assembly Area.
Saturday, June 10
Closing ceremonies, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., McCain Auditorium
o Announcement of Kansas Boys State outstanding citizens, Kansas Boys State Samsung American Legion Scholarship winner and various awards, including Advisor of the Year, Counselor of the Year, New Counselor of the Year, William “Bill” F. Stahl Outstanding Justice Award, Outstanding Senator Award and Outstanding State Representative Award.
Final State Assembly/Final Flag Lowering, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., KBS Assembly Area
In addition to the above events, the public is invited to view the daily morning assembly/flag raising at 8:30 a.m. (8:45 a.m. on Saturday) and evening retreat/flag lowering at 7 p.m. (6:50 p.m. on Monday). For those who cannot attend these events, Boys State of Kansas will provide updates during the week on its Facebook page, facebook.com/KansasBoysState.
— #KSBoysState —
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.
The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.
Millie Lipscomb gives instruction to the fisherman at Elks Fishing Tournament on May 20.
It was the highest number of children to participate in the Elks Fishing Derby for years.
“The best turn-out we’ve had in three to five years,” said Millie Lipscomb with the Fort Scott Elks Lodge.
Fifty-six youth aged 2 to 12 years old participated in the event held at Fort Scott Community College Lake for two hours on May 20. In addition there were many accompanying adults.
“Ronnie Coulter started this event at least 25 years ago,” Lipscomb said. It is a catch-and- release the fish event.
The tournament gave prizes for the most amount of fish caught and the largest fish caught in the time period.
In addition, the Elks provided a hot dog lunch for the children who fished.
Children were provided a hot dog meal following the Elks Fishing Derby, by the Elks.
Prizes were selected individually by the winners from a table with items appropriate to the age.
Birklee Culberton selects a prize from the 7 to 11 year old prizes.
Following are the winners:
Two to six year old winners in the Elks Fishing Derby.
In the 2-6 year olds, first place for number of fish was Aubrey Thompson, second place was Cash Culberton and a tie for third, with Jackson Tash and Clayton Gander the winners.
For the largest fish caught, the winners were Aubrey Johnson, first place; Chance Hyer, second and Linden Bishop, third.
In the 7-11 years old category:
Seven to eleven year old winners at the Elks Fishing Derby.
Number of fish caught winner: Birklee Culberton, first; Hunter Holtz-Sherifff, second; and James Logan, third place.
Size of fish winners were Hunter Holtz-Sheriff, first; Madison Tourtillot, second; Kendrick Simon, third.
In the 12-15 years old category:
Twelve to 15 year old winners at the Elks Fishing Derby.
Number of fish winners: Tristan McClune, first; Daniel Cook, second; and a tie for third place: Jordan Finnell and Ty Cooney.
Size of fish winners: Daniel Cook, first; Mason Tourtillot, second; and Jordan Bunnell, third.
Joyce E. Woods, 70, of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away on May 17th from health complications. Her two sons were with her at the time she left to be with her Lord and Savior.
Joyce was born on April 6, 1953, to Rachel Maxine Wright Woods in Fort Scott, KS. After graduating from FSHS in 1971, she studied at Fort Scott Community College followed by Pittsburg State University where she obtained her B.S. and M.S. degrees in education. After graduation she began her teaching career in USD 234 in Fort Scott. She was a kindergarten teacher for 29 years where she had an everlasting impact on many students she had taught throughout the years. She received many teaching awards throughout her career.
What made her the happiest and most proud were her two sons Ryan and Jordan. Ryan, a retired Army Veteran and currently working in IT, also gave her a granddaughter in 2005, Elyana Ryan Woods. Jordan, who followed in her footsteps in Education, is a teacher and a coach in Pittsburg. She loved to brag about her boys to anyone willing to listen even if they were not willing.
Being the God Fearing woman that she was, Joyce loved to praise and worship with everyone she came in contact with. She loved to share her love of God with people by reciting bible verses, praying, having bible studies, singing, and loving the way that Jesus did. Everyone that she came in contact with, she made sure to show her way of loving them, usually with a treat or some gift.
Lastly, Joyce would want to be remembered by her humor she brought into any and all situations, contagious laugh, and her love for ALL of God’s people.
Joyce was preceded in death by her mother, Rachel M. Woods, JoAnne Fewell (sister), Gerald L. Woods (brother), Marvin R. Woods (brother), Marita Eileen Woods (sister), Mickie E Brown (sister), and many friends and loved ones.
She is survived by her two sons Ryan of Kansas City and Jordan of Pittsburg, granddaughter Elyana, nieces, nephews, and many other loved ones.
A visitation will be at Konantz-Cheney in Fort Scott on May 23rd, from 6-7 p.m. and a Celebration of Life service May 24th at Community Christian Church at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, per Joyce’s request, the family will accept monetary donations that will go towards a memorial scholarship fund for educators. Memorial Donations may be sent to, or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
While sitting at the table during a funeral dinner, my friend Mary Ann was asked how many head of cattle she had. Without missing a beat she responded, “More than I need with it as dry as it is.” My friend Tammy had been working in her yard and emailed: “I didn’t realize how dry it is….we are in trouble.” Another friend, Carie, recently commented that they had lost some trees because it was so dry last year. And then my friend Deborah told me they had some bushes that didn’t leaf out this spring because they’re dead. For two years, I’ve babied a Jane Magnolia tree that we planted in 2021 in memory of my late husband. Because of the significance of that special tree, it looks like I’ll need to keep watering it because I want it to live and bloom.
I awakened one morning with Tammy’s words, “We are in trouble,” on my mind. I realized that she’s right, but what could I do about it? The Lord brought the following scripture to my heart (He is responding to King Solomon‘s prayer at the dedication of the Lord’s Temple): “At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (2 Chronicles 7:13,14 NLT).
Until recent years, I misunderstood the true message of that scripture. I thought it was directed to out-and-out sinners. But no, God is referring to followers of Christ — “My people.“ I knew that I needed to ponder and obey this scripture. There’s more than one way to think, “It’s not about me.” Well, this time it is about me. And as I spent time with God, one of my devotional books confirmed my meditation because the writer mentioned (not once but twice) “humble yourself today…humble yourself today.” In 1 Corinthians, Paul instructs us to examine ourselves (not one another) and be repentant.
King David wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139: 23,24 NLT). Based off this heartfelt scripture, J. Edwin Orr penned the lyrics to a prayer-like hymn entitled, “Cleanse Me.“ Verse 1: Search me, O God and know my heart today. Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts I pray. See if there be some wicked way in me. Cleanse me from every sin and set me free.
This is pretty-serious stuff, but when we’re in trouble, it’s necessary business with God. Not just in times of trouble, but every day I need to be humble. Mac Davis is a gifted songwriter, but I don’t need to go around singing, “Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way…” I simply cannot think too highly of myself because that puts me in a scary place without God’s forgiveness, restoration, and favor. It’s my desire to practice humility in my daily walk with God: “And He gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, ’God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble‘” (James 4:6 NLT).
The Key: Let’s bow low before God and admit we’re doomed without His gracious forgiveness.
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