During a Facebook Live event on Thursday in Salina, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas as the recipient of a $1 million grant which will go toward the construction of CHC/SEK’s Regional Transportation Facility.
“As the largest healthcare provider in the region, CHC/SEK has long recognized that the lack of transportation is a significant healthcare disparity,” said Karlea Abel, CHC/SEK’s executive director of Building Health, Inc.Building Health, a subsidiary of CHC/SEK established in 2020, is responsible for managing CHC/SEK’s growing transportation program.“Today’s funding announcement is a big step for CHC/SEK to grow its transportation program and this will help meet Southeast Kansas’ growing transportation needs.”
Of the 65,000 patients served by CHC/SEK, approximately 20 percent of those patients experience some form of transportation barrier to healthcare. Creating a transportation system will remove that barrier for many.
“From public data, internal data, and numerous testimonies and anecdotes, it is clear that we’re missing community members who need more from us,” Abel said adding that a large portion of maintaining good health is beyond the doctor’s office. “If you can’t get to doctor appointments, it’s also likely you’re having trouble getting to a grocery store, or even a place of employment.”
Specifically, the grant will create a dedicated space to house vehicles, sustain and grow the transposition program by creating space for dedicated staff, and strengthen transportation resources for all.
This transportation facility will be located in Pittsburg and most immediately benefit Crawford and Bourbon counties …but its benefits will be felt throughout all of the neighboring counties it serves, Karlea said.
With dedicated space and staff, CHC/SEK hopes to collaborate with other regional transportation partners with shared dispatchers, shared dispatch software, and joint marketing and public awareness, as well as supply purchasing and maintenance efforts to ensure all state-funded transit vehicles are being utilized to their maximum potential, and those needing rides are receiving them.
Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters are available at all CHC/SEK walk-in clinics and by appointment. There are no out-of-pocket costs to receive a vaccination.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend adults with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19 receive a booster if it has been at least 4 months from the first booster or anyone who received J&J/Janssen for both of their primary and first booster dose, if it has been at least 4 months from the first booster.
This is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19 as they are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time.
Research suggests that for those with people with a moderately or severely weakened immune system, getting a second booster dose can decrease their risk of infection and severe illness with COVID-19.
High-risk medical conditions include: age 65 years and older, cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic lung disease, cystic fibrosis, dementia or other neurological conditions, diabetes (type 1 or 2), other disabilities, heart conditions, HIV, immunocompromised, mental health conditions, overweight/obesity, physical inactivity, pregnancy, sickle cell or thalassemia, smoker (current or former), organ or stem-cell transplant, stroke, substance use disorder and TB.
COVID-19 booster doses may be given at the same time as other vaccines, including the flu vaccine.When getting a booster dose, you are encouraged to bring your COVID-19 vaccine card to show the vaccine provider.To date, more than 1.5 million Kansan’s, about 61 percent, have gotten at least their first dose of one of the three safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.Eligible individuals are encouraged to stay up to date on vaccinations, including booster doses that provide extra protection.
Those wishing to schedule a booster shot appointment may call 620-231-9873 or their local clinic numbers.
April 5, 2022Tuesday at 6 pm The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioner Harris, Commissioner Oharah and the County Clerk. They were present for the entire meeting. Commissioner Beth was present for a portion of the meeting. Also present for the meeting were, (some were present for a portion of the meeting, some were present for the entire meeting) Matt Quick, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, Deanne Weir, Charlotte Ernest, Debra Matt, Earl Capp, Vicki Capp, Kim LaPorte, David Scharenberg, Dan Laughlin, Steven Hall, Jan Laughlin, Ronald Burton, Jarad Lord, Donald Coffman, Clint Walker, Mike Hueston, Alyssa Firley, William Peters, Nadine Leach, Butch Leach, Fred Larson, Woodrow Brown, and Brandon Whisenhunt. Jim thanked everyone for coming. Lynne made a motion to approve the previous weeks minutes as well as the work session. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Eric Bailey presented a permit for Josh Query at 2504 Limestone Rd for an entry culvert. Lynne made a motion to approve the permit. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Eric reported that they were able to get Elm Creek burned. He said that they have started crushing at Thomas Quarry. Eric said that Schwab Eaton had been in town looking at the low water crossings and are finishing up and they should have that report back in about a month. Eric asked the commissioners if they were still planning to have a hard surface meeting next week. They all agreed that they wanted to have a meeting next week following the regular commission meeting. Eric reported that IEA is finishing up on the punch list regarding the windmill project and should be turning the roads back over soon. Hay bids were opened. Jim made a motion to approve the highest bid for each property which are as follows: Elm Creek–Joe Tirri $3357.00 Native Road–Steve Sinn $251.00 Tower–Steve Sinn $25.00 Lynne seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Lynne Made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room and will be for 7 minutes returning at 6:18 pm and will include Commissioners Harris and Oharah (Commissioner Beth was not present) and Justin Meeks. Jim seconded and Jim and Lynne approved. Lynne made a motion to return to normal session at 6:18 pm with no action. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne Made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room at 6:26 pm. Included will be Commissioners Harris and Oharah (Commissioner Beth was not present), Justin Meeks, and Susan Bancroft. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 6:26 pm with action. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Lynne made a motion to allow Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft to work together on a partnership regarding Elm Creek. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Lynne made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room at 6:34 pm. The session will be for 5 minutes and include Commissioners Harris and Oharah (Commissioner Beth was not present) Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 6:34 pm. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Commissioner Beth joined the meeting. Justin said that they are asking the commissioners to change the title for Shane Walker to Chief Information Officer and Susan Bancroft to Chief Financial Officer. He said there is no change in pay, only the title, and it is to encompass all of their job titles into one. Jim made a motion to change Shane Walkers title to Chief Information Officer and Susan Bancroft to Chief Financial Officer. Clifton seconded. All approved. Susan Bancroft said that she has a letter from I AM REHAB requesting to renew their contract for another year which would take it through May of 2023. Clifton asked when the contract for Via Christi renews. Susan said she believed that it was in August. Lynne made a motion to renew the contract for I AM REHAB for another year. Clifton seconded. All approved. Susan said that they need to elect one of the commissioners as a voting delegate for the KAC. She said that they are wanting to add an HR group to the organization and one of them would need to complete to voting form. Clifton made a motion to allow Jim as the voting delegate for KAC. Lynne seconded. All approved. Susan said that based on the appraisal of the medical building done during the feasibility study, that it appraised for much more than they anticipated and that the amount of insurance needs to be increased to at least $7 million in coverage on the building itself. Clifton made a motion to increase the amount of coverage on the medical building to $7 million. Lynne seconded. All approved. Susan asked if they would be interested in doing a joint KOMA training with the City of Fort Scott. Clifton said that he and Lynne had already been through the training and are not interested in doing it again at this time. Jim said he would possibly participate depending on his schedule.
Public Comment: Vicki Capp asked what the plan is for Yale Road? Are they going to fix it and repave it or turn it into gravel and leave it gravel? Eric said that the base on Yale Road is failing and it would have to be taken back to gravel and the base needs to be rebuilt before it would be able to be repaved. That is the plan for it, but at this time, nothing has been decided and they are having a meeting next week to address the plan for hard surface roads. Vicki asked if the one cent sales tax was still in place to help maintain the road? Susan said that it is still in place but is for all roads. Jim explained that when the sales tax was passed that it was enough to maintain what was already paved. Then they added more miles of paved roads and it is hard to keep up with it all and find money to maintain it all. There are roads in every part of the county that need attention. David Scharenberg asked if all three of the commissioners supported repaving Yale Road. Lynne said that has always been his plan was to repave it. Jim said that each district should see 1/3 of the sales tax money and he would support what Lynne wanted to do with the 1/3 he receives for his district. Clifton said he had roads in his district that are bad too and need repaired and they would do the best they could with what they have. There was more discussion regarding the road conditions in the northwestern part of the county. Ronald Burton asked about the county helping with Union Street on the edge of Mapleton. Justin said they cannot do that because it is the city limits and that would be competing with the private sector. He asked if he could close it to through traffic when it gets too bad? Justin said yes since it was in the city limits. He asked if he annexed it out of the city then would the county maintain it? Justin answered that then it would be a county road and they would be responsible for maintaining it. Mike Hueston asked if the commission could recap the presentation that was given by Nobel since they were unable to attend that meeting. Clifton talked about the highlights of the information given by Noble. Hueston asked about the condition of the ambulance wearing out and need replaced. Clifton said that this something they will have to evaluate and get a plan in place. He said that the county has purchased one new ambulance but the others were given by Mercy and they cannot give them or sell them for a certain timeframe. Commissioners Comments: Lynne said that they are working on getting a cell tower up in that area and getting internet for everyone in that area. He said that he wanted to keep taxes the same and not have to increase them. He thanked everyone for coming. Clifton thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. Jim thanked everyone for coming and was glad they had a good turnout. He said that they are planning to keep having meetings at outside locations and since they had a good turnout would be back at Mapleton again. He said that they are going to work hard to keep taxes from raising. Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS (ss) Jim Harris, Chairman (ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner (ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
Mark Stanley Wade, 64, resident of rural Redfield and more recently of the Medicalodge, passed away Monday April 11, 2022. He was born October 21,1957, the son of Oscar J. and Helen (Jackson) Wade of Rural Redfield, Kansas. He attended the Redfield school as a young child and later graduated from Uniontown High School in 1975.
As a young adult, he worked for various local farmers. He ran heavy equipment for local contractors and Bill’s Coal Company. Mark tried his hand at dairy farming and custom harvesting from Texas to Canada. He also cut rice and peanuts a time or two in Mississippi.
Mark was a “jack of all trades” and a master of some. Jobs included building fences, hauling rock, pasture clearing and snow removal. Mark took great pride in the maintenance of the watershed dams along the Mill Creek, Marmaton River, with some in Anderson and Allen County.
Mark also attended the Hope Anthem Church in Ottawa, Kansas. He also loved to square dance and was a regular at the “The Docey Dandies” in Gardner, Kansas and “The Ottawa Promenades” club in Ottawa, Kansas.
Mark is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Culler and her husband, of Pleasanton, Kansas;Sara Schellack and her husband, also of Fort Scott; granddaughter Emma; his mother Helen Wade, of Redfield, Kansas; three brothers, Steve Wade and wife Linda, of Mapleton, Kansas, David Wade and wife Deanna, also of Mapleton, Brian Wade and wife Deana, of rural Hammond, Kansas; several nieces, and a nephew.
He was preceded in death by his father Oscar Wade in 2009, and his brother Phil in 1989, along with a wealth of friends over the years.
John Durling will officiate graveside services at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 14, 2022, at Centerville Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Family and friends will meet at Konantz-Cheney at 10:00 a.m. for a visitation prior to graveside services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the City of Fort Scott Animal Shelter and Pound and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
A state league mountain bike race will be in Fort Scott on April 23.
Kansas NICA is coming to Gunn Park Trails!
The primary goal of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) is to get more kids on bikes, according to information from NICA. NICA provides opportunity for student athletes, 6th through the 12th grade, to compete in the growing sport of mountain biking, and develop the life-long skill of cycling.
Submitted photo from NICA.
Gunn Park will be closed April 23-24 to the Public
On April 24, Fort Scott’s wooded and hilly Gunn Park Trails will be one of the venues this year for the Kansas League of NICA. Setup will begin on Saturday, April 23, and Gunn Park will be closed for the weekend except to spectators, volunteers, and obviously participants.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking IS for flatlanders too.
Mountain biking is synonymous with off-road biking/trail-riding, as opposed to paved or gravel trails. As long as you have elevation, rocks and dirt, you can have a trail, according to information provided by Frank Halsey, who is the liaison between the race organizers and The City of Fort Scott.
Halsey is an avid mountain bike rider and hosts other local mountain bike races in Gunn Park during the year. He initiated the trails in the park and started the Gunn Park Trails organization several years ago.
He was contacted by Tina Kahn, Director for Kansas NICA, about eight weeks ago, for permission to host a mountain bike race on Gunn Park Trails. He approached the city commission about “this great opportunity to showcase our local trails as well as the awesome hospitality of Fort Scott,” Halsey said, and the city commission approved.
Submitted photo from NICA.
“To host this type of event is an honor for our team of volunteers and tremendous opportunity for Fort Scott”, said Halsey. “The whole thing is very, very organized, and follows a 200-page rules and regulations book produced by the NICA. It’s kids, so they are ultra-careful about doing things safely and professionally”.
“It is quite the production,” he said. “Their infield/staging area is awesome with vendor and sponsor tents set up, everything fenced off, creating a pro-sport atmosphere. It’s all about the experience for the athletes.”
New Fort Scott Team Next Year?
“The nearest team is currently from the Pleasanton-Louisburg area, but I hope we can field a team next year,” Halsey said. “There are currently about 140 (Kansas) student athletes, making up eleven different teams from across the state.”
Jean Margarette Younggren, age 93, resident of Redfield, KS, died Monday, April 11, 2022, at Girard Medical Center. She was born November 9, 1928, in Seward County, KS, the daughter of Odor and Lucile Stroud Black.
She was later adopted by Johnie and Velma Dye. Jean married Oscar Younggren on October 14, 1945.
He preceded her in death in 2005.
Jean was a hard worker, whether on the family farm, cooking at the local school, or working as a nurse’s aide at local hospitals. She could drive the tractor and feed the livestock. Every cow had a name. She was also skilled in crocheting and sewing. She made many of the grandchildren’s nightgowns and clothes. She was an excellent cook, with her specialty being cinnamon rolls.
Jean was the type of person who never met a stranger, always enjoying a visit.
Survivors include 2 sons, John Younggren, Mike Younggren and wife Mary, and Connie Neil, all of Ft. Scott; a sister, Marie Towner and husband Roy, Rolla, KS; 9 grandchildren, Jason, Meleesa, Shana, Shelly, Summer, Shane, Tara, Megan, and Kati; and 15 great grandchildren. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Henry William Odor Black and Forest Lee Black-Davis; and 2 sisters, June Florence Black, and Clara Mae Black-Willis.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30 PM Friday, April 15th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will take place at a later date in the Hugoton, KS Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Bourbon County 4-H and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
David Wayne Elbrader, age 60, a former resident of Redfield, Kansas, and more recently of Wichita, Kansas, passed away Sunday, April 10, 2022, in Wichita. He was born February 4, 1962, in Ft. Scott, the son of Donald Neil Elbrader and Roberta Jane Brown Elbrader. David graduated from the Uniontown High School and later attended Ft. Scott Community College. David helped his parents run the family business, Elbrader’s Used Cars, located north of Ft. Scott. He helped with mechanic work as well as bookkeeping.
Survivors include his sister, Janet Rochat of Wichita, Kansas; two nephews, Scott Rochat of Derby, Kansas and Matthew Rochat of Wichita and a niece, Katelyn Knaak and her husband, Tyler, of Omaha, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Roberta Elbrader, and a brother-in-law, Arlen Rochat.
Pastor Jeff Feagins will conduct funeral services at 1:30 P.M. Friday, April 15th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Uniontown Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Friday from 12:30 P.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Senate Passes Resolution Congratulating Jayhawks on NCAA Basketball Championship
On Monday, the Jayhawks defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 72-69 to secure their fourth NCAA men’s basketball Division I championship title. On Wednesday, the Senate passed the resolution I introduced recognizing the team on their victory.
Congratulations to Coach Bill Self and the entire team on winning this year’s tournament. Watching the biggest comeback in the history of the championship game was nerve-racking, and it was an incredible feat of teamwork, heart and perseverance. Coach Self and his team have secured a special place within Kansas’ rich basketball legacy with this well-earned win and a season in which Kansas won the Big 12 conference and became the NCAA’s all-time winningest program.
Remarks on the Senate Floor
Only a team that sees the glass half full could come back after being down by 16 points and clinch the victory. This speaks to the Kansas Men’s Basketball Team’s perseverance and belief in themselves. It’s moments like these that Kansans remember forever, and I share the excitement of all Jayhawk fans. Watch my remarks here or below.
Supporting Veterans
Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act
I am working to create a fair, transparent and responsive process for toxic-exposed veterans beginning with the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act. This legislation is the quickest way to make certain sick veterans who are suffering from the effects of toxic substances are immediately eligible for life-saving health care.
For six weeks this bill has sat in the House of Representatives rather than being sent to the President’s desk to start making an impact for sick veterans. When our men and women suffer the consequences of military service, it is our responsibility to see they receive the health care and benefits which they earned. It is the right thing to do and the cost of going to war. Watch my remarks here or below.
Veteran Dental Care Roundtable
I was pleased to take part in a roundtable this week with Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, my colleagues, the VA Office of Dentistry and key stakeholders from VSO and oral health communities. VA’s Office of Dentistry needs to be able to reach the right veterans, with the right care and through the right provider. In caring for veterans’ dental needs, it is important that VA has adequate capacity in treatment rooms and skilled staff. Given recent trends in patient pool growth and lagging department capabilities, I look forward to working with VA and my colleagues to make certain that veterans with dental needs stemming from military service have access to a VA that is able to meet those needs.
RESPECT Act
On Thursday, I introduced the Reinforcing Enhanced Support through Promoting Equity for Caregivers Today (RESPECT) Act. This legislation will improve the VA’s current process of evaluating and assessing veterans with unseen conditions and injuries who are dependent on a caregiver. Our nation’s veterans who require a caregiver due to a mental health condition or brain injury deserve an evaluation and assessment process equivalent to veterans who have physical health conditions. To this point, the RESPECT Act will make certain that mental health professionals and neurological specialists participate in the evaluation and assessment process for veterans. I look forward to continued work with the VA on improving how we care for our nation’s veterans, who should be of the utmost importance to all of us.
Highlighting Need for American Energy Independence
This week, I spoke with several of my Republican colleagues about the importance of supporting American energy independence, producing homegrown energy and protecting the United States’ national security through domestic production.
We have homegrown solutions to our energy challenges, and this administration is refusing to accept or pursue any of them. Common sense tells us to look for ways to lower gas prices and be self-reliant for oil and gas—then let’s produce our own energy. Instead, every policy from this administration discourages and decreases that opportunity. Watch my remarks here or below.
Commerce Hearing
This week, as a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, I attended a hearing regarding the oil and gas industry and the significant increase in prices that Americans are experiencing at the gas pump. President Biden, in a quest to reduce America’s use of fossil fuels and satisfy environmental extremists, has taken a number of steps that have a detrimental impact on the price of gas. In his first year in office, President Biden sought to constrain the oil and gas sector’s access to capital, blocked construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, proposed new regulations and increased taxes on oil and gas producers and blocked new drilling leases on federal lands and waters. These actions led to the average price for a gallon of gas increasing by nearly a dollar a month before Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Common sense tells us to produce more oil here in the United States, which has the capability to meet the oil production needs of Americans, and where our oil production and refining capabilities are the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly in the world. Instead, President Biden has looked to other countries, including America’s adversaries in Venezuela and Iran, for an increase in oil output during a national security crisis. President Biden has stubbornly refused to reverse course and take the necessary steps to unleash America’s energy industry. We must embrace an all-of-the-above strategy to increase energy production where our domestic oil and gas producers play a significant role.
Visiting NBAF
I toured the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) this weekend to receive an update on the construction and commissioning of the state-of-the-art facility. Once completed, which is expected this year, it will replace the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center located in New York. The mission of NBAF will be to protect U.S. livestock from foreign animal diseases, including zoonotic diseases that can pose significant threats to human health. It will be the first biocontainment facility in the U.S. where research can be done with BSL-4 agents
As a member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Agriculture, I will continue to work to provide full funding for the facility. NBAF is the largest federal investment to ever occur in Kansas and will be a critical asset for both our state and America’s national security. Thank you to Mr. Tim Barr, Dr. Alfonso Clavijo and the staff at NBAF for providing me the tour and update.
Speaking with Secretary Wormuth and General McConville
Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth and Chief of Staff of the Army James McConville joined me on a call this week to discuss the crisis in Ukraine as well as Army stationing, military construction and budget priorities for this year. In our discussion I advocated for the best funding possible for our active duty, national guard and reserve soldiers so they can accomplish any mission thrown at them, at home or abroad.
As the crisis in Ukraine continues, it remains imperative to me that we deliver lethal aid as quickly as possible to the Ukrainian Army to help them fight for their freedom. The thug Vladmir Putin has wreaked havoc on Ukraine and his actions threaten to destabilize Europe. I voiced my concerns about Ukraine to Secretary of the Army Wormuth and General McConville, and I was thankful to have the opportunity to urge them to provide much needed support to Ukraine.
I was also pleased to discuss Secretary Wormuth’s visit to Fort Leavenworth, where she met students from the Command and General Staff College and learned more about the Combined Arms Center. Fort Leavenworth remains the intellectual center of our Army and continues to prepare leaders to face the challenges of modern warfare. I also shared the unique attributes of Fort Riley with the Secretary and CSA. The Army continues to consider several strategic stationing decisions to better balance the force to respond to global threats. In responding to global threats—including the crisis in Ukraine—the Army often considers the capabilities of Fort Riley and the First Infantry Division. In my conversation, I reminded them that Fort Riley would benefit greatly from the construction of new enlisted barracks. This construction would serve as a key step in welcoming another Brigade Combat Team back to Fort Riley. We also discussed the possibility of welcoming an aerial defense “iron dome” battery to Fort Riley. This sixty person unit would enhance our Army’s defense against enemy missiles and bolster the capabilities of the First Infantry Division as they conduct their rotational deployments. Finally, we discussed the possibility of establishing a National Intrepid Center of Excellence at Fort Riley. These centers are the gold standard for treating traumatic brain injuries and other mental health issues for active duty military members and veterans. As the ranking member of Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I remain committed to delivering the very best health care opportunities for those that have served our country.
Meeting with Kansans
Kansas Members of the U.S. Travel Association
On Wednesday, I met with Kansans who are members of the U.S. Travel Association. We covered a wide array of topics including the urgent need to create policies in response to COVID-19 to address the uneven recovery across industry sectors and communities nationwide, workforce and labor issues, as well as tax incentives to spur businesses’ travel demands.
Prior to COVID-19, Kansas’ travel and tourism industry was a significant economic driver and the eighth largest workforce in our state. However, due to historic declines in travel in 2020 and 2021, travel spending in Kansas is now 14 percent below 2019 levels. We must create commonsense solutions to remedy the travel and tourism industry so that Americans across the country have the ability to explore every corner of Kansas and experience our special way of life. It was great to catch up with Natalie, Julie, Jim and Kevin and hear about how about they are working to ensure Kansas will rebound. I will continue to advocate on their behalf and champion the travel and tourism industry in Kansas.
Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason
On Tuesday, I met with Fort Hays State University President Dr. Tisa Mason in Washington, D.C. We discussed the university’s initiatives to meet the higher education and workforce needs of Kansas. I appreciated the update and opportunity to speak with her while she was in town, and I thank Dr. Mason for all she does to advance FHSU’s mission and goals.
National Skills Coalition
I met with Jamie Hall of Great Plains Manufacturing in Salina and Renee Duxler of the Salina Chamber of Commerce to discuss the ongoing efforts to increase Salina’s skilled workforce and how that workforce development legislation can support those efforts. In particular, we discussed our shared support of the JOBS Act, of which I am a cosponsor, legislation that would that would establish Pell grant-eligibility for short-term job training programs. We also discussed how the shortage of quality, affordable housing impedes workforce and economic development in Salina. I thank both Jamie and Renee for visiting with me on ways we can work together to improve workforce development and bolster the economic standing of Salina and north-central Kansas.
Mike Jennings of HF Sinclair
I was pleased to meet with Mike Jennings, CEO of HF Sinclair, this week in Washington, D.C. HF Sinclair is an independent energy company that produces and markets products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, renewable diesel and other specialty products. HF Sinclair owns and operates multiple refineries in the U.S., including a refinery in El Dorado which employs 600 Kansans. During our meeting, we discussed how the Biden administration’s energy policies are stifling oil and gas exploration and production, and Mike provided me with an update on operations at their El Dorado refinery and other assets in Kansas. I appreciate Mike updating me on their operations in Kansas.
National Stripper Well Association
I met with members of the National Stripper Well Association this week, where we discussed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed methane regulation, the proposed listing of the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act and the Biden administration’s hostility towards oil and gas producers. Kansas is home to many stripper wells which provide much of our state’s crude oil production, and I appreciate the Kansas members of National Stripper Well Association for sharing their federal priorities with me. The oil and gas industry has long been a vital contributor to Kansas’ economy, and I will continue to work to stop misguided policies emanating from Washington which hinder Kansas and American oil and gas production.
Meeting with American Academy of Ophthalmology
I met with Dr. William Clifford in Washington, D.C. this week along with several ophthalmologists finishing their residency at the University of Kansas Health System. We discussed the need to reduce barriers to care by streamlining current prior authorization and step therapy protocols, which would better allow patients to access the eye care they need in a timely manner. With the staffing shortages facing the health care workforce, it is especially important for specialists like ophthalmologists to work in or near Kansas’ rural communities. I also shared my concerns with the scope of practice regulations the Department of Veterans Affairs is considering when it comes to ophthalmology. VA should allow ophthalmologists and health care specialists to adhere to scope of practice laws in the state where each VA facility is located, rather than limit the ability of well-trained health care professionals to care for veterans to the fullest extent possible. I’m grateful to Dr. Clifford for taking the time to advocate for access to care and to the residents for accompanying him and sharing with me how I can best support them in their work.
Kansas Representatives of America’s Beer and Beverage Distributors
On Tuesday, I was pleased to meet with a group of Kansas representatives of America’s Beer and Beverage Distributors to discuss their interests and challenges they are facing, including the importance of state regulation of alcohol, the importance of the “three-tier” distribution system for alcoholic beverages and labor shortages, particularly in the trucking industry. Many sectors are facing significant shortfalls when it comes to labor availability, but the trucking industry has faced a long-term driver shortage that impacts many areas of the economy due to the importance of trucking to American supply chains. I have sponsored two bills to help alleviate this issue, the DRIVE-Safe Act, which has been signed into law establishes an apprenticeship program to allow for the legal operation of a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce by CDL holders under the age of 21, and the Women in Trucking Workforce Act, which has also been signed into law and supports women in the trucking industry. I will continue to work with America’s Beer and Beverage Distributors on the trucker shortage and other challenges facing the industry.
Overland Park Police Department
On Monday, before heading back to Washington, D.C., I met with Chief Frank Donchez, of Overland Park Police Department to discuss their work to protect the Overland Park community, including license plate recognition technology. License plate recognition is a vital tool for law enforcement to combat violent crime, and it allows agencies to more quickly and effectively communicate, identify and apprehend a stolen vehicle or the car from an amber alert. I look forward to working with Chief Donchez, and law enforcement leaders across the state, in the future to bring these vital public safety tools back to Kansas. Thank you to Chief Donchez and Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog for their time this week.
Kansas City Building Trades
I visited with representatives from the Kansas City Building Trade Council this week where we discussed infrastructure projects and energy production in Kansas. I appreciate the Kansas City Building Trades Council for taking the time to visit with me and educate me on their federal priorities.
Protecting Life
This week, I joined several Republican colleagues in sending a bicameral letter to Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chief of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Robert Contee and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland after learning of gruesome reports of five babies whose lives were taken through late-term abortion in Washington, D.C. last week.
Instead of ensuring that the horrific deaths of these children were properly investigated, Metropolitan Police made the assumption that each child died as the result of a legal abortion. It is our understanding that Metropolitan Police made this assumption without conducting any medical evaluations. We also understand from press reports that the D.C. medical examiner does not plan to perform autopsies on the children. This is completely unacceptable. Read the full letter here.
Meeting with PNC Bank
I met with representatives from PNC Bank on Tuesday to hear about their expansion throughout Kansas. We discussed ways to grow access to financial services, the role that local banks play in our communities as well as important issues surrounding fintech and consumer data protection. I appreciate their commitment to providing Kansans with access to the banking services that support our families and local businesses.
Addressing the Salina Chamber
On Friday evening, I was in Salina for the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet where I was able to speak with members in attendance and introduce the guest speaker, Jay Leno. Mr. Leno invests in Kansas by way of scholarships he sponsors at McPherson College’s Automotive Restoration Department, the only place in the United States that offers a four-year degree in Automotive Restoration. I appreciated him traveling to Kansas to be with this group of business leaders as they continue to work to promote the Salina community, improve the quality of life Salina citizens enjoy and foster the economic health of local businesses. Thank you to Eric Brown, Chamber CEO, and his team for the opportunity to address their members and spend the evening with them in Salina.
Visiting Great Plains Manufacturing
On Friday, I visited the Great Plains Construction Equipment (CE) Facility to tour progress on renovations to the building that will house the manufacturing of Kubota construction equipment. This facility is an incredible asset to the economy of Saline County, the surrounding region and state as it will bring jobs of various skilled areas to the community as well as be an economic driver for other businesses. I am pleased to see Great Plains Manufacturing continue to grow their footprint in Salina and further expand.
Troop 74 Pancake Feed
Stopped by First Presbyterian in Manhattan on Saturday morning for some Troop 74 pancakes!
International Roma Day
Friday was International Roma Day. I extend my best wishes to Romani-Americans in Kansas and around the country as we recognize and celebrate the heritage of Europe’s largest ethnic minority. The United States will continue to support the human rights of the Romanis and uphold their unique culture.
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
to the Gordon Parks: “Homeward to the Prairie I Come” & Doug Barrett: Find Your Voice Exhibition
Join us for a one-day shuttle trip to the Parks exhibition, in the Marion Pelton Gallery at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art featuring photographs donated by Parks to Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, in 1973. Also view the ”Doug Barrett: Find Your Voice,” Exhibition.
The legislature finished the 2022 regular session and will begin the 2022 veto session on April 25. There were several pieces of legislation passed by the legislature. Let’s hope the Governor doesn’t veto them.
Fairness in Women’s Sports, Conference Committee Report (CCR) 160, is to ensure participation in women’s sports is for biological women. The Senate vote was 25 to 13. The Senate would need 27 votes for a veto override. I voted Yes and will vote Yes on a veto override. Last year the Governor vetoed the legislation and there were not enough votes for an override.
Election Security was addressed in three CCRs, 2138, 2056, and 2252. CCR 2138 had several provisions like requiring watermarked paper for ballots starting in 2024, cleaning up voter rolls, and language for election audits in even-numbered years of four counties, different each election – one with a population greater than 90,000; one with a population between 20,000 and 90,000; and two under 20,000. It passed the Senate 28 to 8. CCR 2056 would limit the county election offices use of drop boxes to one for every 30,000 voters. There are currently no restrictions on these drop boxes, so this is an improvement. Twenty-seven Senators voted Yes and 12 voted No. CCR 2252 would block the Governor or Secretary of State from altering election law without approval by the legislature. It passed 27 to 12. I voted Yes on all three CCRs.
I’ve seen press releases that Mississippi passed a law to block Zuckerberg and other money from influencing elections. Last year, I introduced several amendments to protect our elections and they became law, including stopping Zuckerberg and other money being used in Kansas elections. It took a veto-override of 2/3 legislators to become law, but election security prevailed.
Redistricting map for the State Board of Education (name of the map: Apple 7) board members passed 31 to 8, Senate Bill (SB) 557. I voted Yes. The U.S. Congress map that passed the legislature early in session, has been challenged in court. We should hear the results of the court case before April 25. The Kansas Senate map (Liberty 3) and Kansas House map (Free State 3F) were put in CCR 563, along with Apple 7. The maps could have been drawn several different ways. As with most legislation, there was good and bad. The negative outweighed the positive on CCR 563 for Senate District 12 and other districts so I was a No vote. It passed 29 to 11.
Banned: Sanctuary Cities and Counties that restrict law enforcement from cooperating with federal authorities and allow the use of municipal identification cards to satisfy proof of identity, including for voter identity, will be banned when House Bill (HB) 2717 becomes law. It passed the Senate 29 to 10 and the House 84 to 38. I voted Yes.
A proposed Constitutional Amendment will be on the November 2022 ballot, allowing voters to decide if the Kansas Constitution should be amended to require County Sheriffs to be elected, except for Riley County. Some counties were attempting to appoint a Sheriff like they have been doing in Riley County for years. A majority of legislators teamed with local Sheriffs to pass HCR 5022 allowing voters to decide. I was a part of that team and voted Yes supporting the Sheriffs. It passed the Senate 39 to 1.
More legislation that passed can be found at www.KSLegislature.org. I’ll include more items in a later update.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Most stores in the Downtown Historic District and several additional locations will be participating in the hunt! Customers are invited to shop local retailers to search for the hidden gold eggs. The golden eggs will contain coupons, promotions, Chamber Bucks, and more!
