Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter March 21

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Visiting Eastern Europe

This weekend, I traveled with a bipartisan group of my Senate colleagues to Eastern Europe to gain further insight on the needed military and humanitarian support for Ukraine. We met with NATO foreign officials and American military leaders, visited a refugee center on the Ukrainian-Polish border to witness firsthand the humanitarian crisis this attack has created, and I had the opportunity to speak with Kansas soldiers stationed in Europe.

Discussing What I Saw with America Reports
This afternoon, following my return to Washington, D.C., I joined Fox News to discuss my visit to Poland and Germany. As Vladimir Putin continues his tragic and immoral invasion, the United States and the rest of the world must do everything it can to ensure that Ukraine can not only fight back, but can win.

 

Click here or below to watch my discussion with America Reports.

 

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Bipartisan Press Conference Following Visit 

This afternoon, I also joined my Senate colleagues to discuss our visit. What I saw was inspirational, tremendous leadership from President Zalenskyy and a country that is willing to die in sacrifice for freedom and liberty.

This visit was also a reminder that the stakes are massive. If freedom and liberty do not mean something in Ukraine, where will we decide that it is valued? Every day matters in this fight against Vladimir Putin’s aggression. Our slow, bureaucratic march to provide aid is not keeping up with the Russian forces bearing down on Ukrainian cities. We can’t just provide support for the Ukrainians to get by; we ought to make certain the Ukrainian people have the tools to defend their freedom and win.

 

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Refugee Center
On the Ukrainian-Polish border, I visited a refugee center with our bipartisan delegation. Over three million refugees have had to flee their homes, including 700,000 student-aged children, and many are coming to Poland for help. This is the most rapid refugee exodus ever recorded. These Ukrainians’ lives have changed drastically in a matter of weeks, and it was devastating to see families torn apart as we heard of fathers, brothers and sons staying behind to fight for their country.

 

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We also attended a humanitarian briefing to hear about how nations, non-governmental organizations and volunteers are coming together to provide much-needed aid to those displaced and received an update on how the humanitarian aid Congress approved last week is supporting their mission. I was thankful for the opportunity to visit with these leaders and thank volunteers for their work around the clock to care for so many in this time of crisis.

The circumstances these people have found themselves in – forced to leave their homes, their family members and adopt refugee status – are the result of Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked decision to attack a sovereign nation. However, the strength and resiliency of the Ukrainian people was evident in every refugee I spoke with; it was inspiring and only furthers my resolve to do everything we can as Americans to continue to stand firmly with Ukraine.

 

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Meeting with American Troops Stationed in Poland
In Poland, my Senate colleagues and I also visited with servicemembers from the 82nd Airborne Division, where the United States is offering support. Major Gen. Christopher LaNeve and Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue briefed us on a tactical level, as Russian forces continue to move towards Kyiv, and as strong Ukrainian resistance has caused failure for the Russian military.

Because of my role in the Senate as an appropriator for the United States’ defense and intelligence, I was able to receive classified briefs from our intelligence services in Europe.

I appreciated hearing from our military leaders, as well as our NATO partners. As Russia’s unprovoked war with Ukraine threatens European stability, a unified NATO is essential to deterring further threats and preserving American peace and prosperity.

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Thanking Kansas Soldiers
In Germany, I met with troops from the 1st and 3rd Infantry Divisions. Big Red One Commanding General Douglas Sims provided an overview of their mission and current training exercises, and soldiers provided my colleagues and I with an operational brief. We had the chance to view live fire training where tanks maneuvered to stop enemy targets and provided cover fire for soldiers on the ground. This demonstration was led by SFC Javelin Mills of Pomona; I appreciated speaking with him, and I thanked him for his service as he remains far from home.

Thank you to MG Sims for his continued leadership. I greatly appreciated being able to speak with Big Red One soldiers, and I thank them for the sacrifice and commitment they make for their country and for the American people. Their presence in Europe demonstrates to our NATO allies that the United States is here, and we are committed.

 

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Briefing at Wiesbadan Army Airfield in Germany
On Friday morning, I visited Wiesbadan Army Airfield (WAAF) in Germany where I was briefed by General Christopher Cavoli, USAREUR-AF Commanding General. He updated me and my Senate colleagues on the Army’s current operations throughout Europe and Africa. This Special Operations Command Europe brief also covered the latest on Putin’s assault on Ukraine and an overview of the NATO response, including the humanitarian efforts that are occurring at the Polish border.

At WAAF, I also visited with two Kansans: Sergeant First Class Kevin Jensen from Manhattan and Private Efren Benitez from Maize. Our servicemembers’ mission while stationed in Europe has taken them far from their families as they assist partner nations before and after Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. They stand ready as a key deterrent to our adversaries, and I appreciate their dedicated service.

 

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Joining the Senate NATO Observer Group
Ahead of traveling to Eastern Europe, I was appointed by the Senate to join the Senate North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Observer Group, which serves as a bridge between the U.S. Senate and NATO allies. As Russia’s unprovoked war with Ukraine threatens European stability, a unified NATO is essential to deterring further threats and preserving American peace and prosperity. Through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have regularly met with NATO military leaders stationed throughout Europe, and I am pleased to now join this group to continue strengthening this transatlantic alliance. Through this bipartisan group my colleagues and I will track the implementation of NATO initiatives, assess its military capabilities and review NATO defense spending to protect democracy and safeguard freedom for the U.S. and our NATO allies.

 

President Zelenskyy’s Address to Congress

President Zelenskyy’s address to Congress on Wednesday morning was a powerful and moving reminder that the United States must continue to take action to aid Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s unprovoked attack, assist refugees fleeing Ukraine, support our NATO allies and make certain Vladimir Putin pays for his aggression. The United States has the capability to provide further resources to Ukrainians through defensive military equipment, food aid and medical supplies, and we must demonstrate through our actions that we stand with Ukraine and our European allies in the fight for democracy. America should do what America does best – protect freedom and liberty for our own citizens and for people around the world.

Following President Zelenskyy’s address, I spoke at a press conference regarding the war in Ukraine. The United States of America needs to do more today than what we’ve done to date. Watch my remarks here or below.

 

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I recently saw this Ukrainian orphan’s story on the news, and he has been on my mind since.

America has a special role in this world. Sometimes it’s easy to look away. But we must not. When we do, we often leave the world a much more difficult and deadly place.
My Legislation Honoring Women of Six Triple Eight Signed Into Law

On Monday morning, President Biden signed my legislation to award the Six Triple Eight – the only all-black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II – with a Congressional Gold Medal.

The women of the Six Triple Eight have earned a special place in history for their service to our nation, and as of today, their sacrifice is enshrined into law with the highest distinction Congress can bestow. Though the odds were set against them, the women of the Six Triple Eight processed millions of letters and packages during their deployment in Europe, boosting troop morale and helping connect World War II soldiers with their loved ones back home – like my father and mother. Our nation will always be grateful to the members of the Six Triple Eight and now, nearly 80 years after their service and during Women’s History Month, we are finally able to recognize these extraordinary women on the national stage.

It has been an honor to meet members of the battalion and help lead this effort to soon award the Six Triple Eight with the Congressional Gold Medal – the highest expression of national appreciation from Congress.

Thank you to the President for acting quickly to sign this legislation into law, to Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Congressman Jake LaTurner for leading this effort in the House and to Col. Edna Cummings for her tireless work advocating for the Six Triple Eight to be honored on behalf of a grateful nation.

 

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Urging the U.S. Mint to Expedite Production
Following the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal Act being signed into law, I asked the U.S. Mint to expedite production to make certain the remaining six women who served in the World War II Six Triple Eight battalion can accept this medal on behalf of their fellow soldiers. Read the full letter here.

 

Meeting with Kansas Community Leaders

National League of Cities
I met with officials from Lawrence, Mission and Clearwater this week on behalf of the National League of Cities to discuss issues facing Kansas municipalities. The community leaders discussed the importance of the federal COVID-19 funds provided to state and local governments, as well plans for infrastructure investments in the future. Thank you to the Lawrence, Mission and Clearwater city officials for visiting with me in our nation’s capital.

 

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Wichita
I also met with leaders from Wichita to discuss issues facing the city, including infrastructure investments and transportation priorities, such as the Heartland Flyer. These investments would provide new opportunities for surrounding businesses and residents, and I look forward to continue advocating for them. Thank you to Mayor Brandon Whipple, Vice Mayor Becky Tuttle and local Council Members for meeting with me.

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Lenexa
Additionally, I met with leaders from Lenexa to discuss issues facing their city, including infrastructure, COVID-19 funds and mental health services. I appreciated learning more about investments the city is making to attract new businesses, as well to improve the daily lives for Kansans living in the area. Thank you to Mayor Mike Boehm, Council Members Dan Roh, Melanie Arroyo, and Julie Sayers and Assistant City Manager Mike Nolan for coming by.

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Announcing a Grant to Support K-State Ag Research Initiatives

This week, I announced research grants awarded to Kansas State University by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The three research initiatives will focus on early detection and containment of African swine fever as well as improving hard red winter wheat pathogen diagnostics.

Agricultural biosecurity is increasingly important to our farmers and ranchers in Kansas, as well as the larger American economy. These federal resources will support Kansas State University’s efforts to expand our capability to effectively respond to biothreats in crops and livestock, or prevent them altogether. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over USDA, I will continue to advocate for programs that improve our agricultural biosecurity.

 

Urging SkyWest to Continue Service to Kansas Airports

Last week, SkyWest announced it would be ending air service to Dodge City, Hays, Liberal and Salina in the near future. Following this news, I, along with Senator Roger Marshall and Congressman Tracey Mann, urged U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to require SkyWest to continue its contracted level of service to four Kansas airports until a new carrier can be secured.

Given the urgency of this situation, we requested continued communication with our regional airport authorities on the ongoing efforts to find a new carrier to replace SkyWest Airlines. Additionally, we conveyed our support for the DOT’s requirement that SkyWest retain their contracted level of service until the conclusion of the Essential Air Service selection case and for the DOT to uphold their commitment to bar SkyWest from ending its contract until replacement carriers can be found. Read the full letter here.

 

Banking Committee Nominations 

Advancing Jerome Powell’s Nomination to be Federal Reserve Chair
On Thursday, I joined my colleagues in voting Jerome Powell out of the Senate Banking Committee to be considered for Chair of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors before the full Senate. Since being nominated by President Trump in 2018, Chair Powell has resisted attempts to politicize the Federal Reserve. The American people deserve a central bank focused on its dual mandate of low unemployment and stable prices, not political issues outside of its jurisdiction.

Sarah Bloom Raskin Nomination Withdrawal
Due to bipartisan opposition, Sarah Bloom Raskin withdrew her nomination to be the Federal Reserve’s Vice Chair for Supervision. This sends a clear message to the Biden administration: Americans deserve apolitical nominees to lead the supervision of our financial system and institutions.

It is inappropriate for unelected bureaucrats to advocate using the power of an apolitical institution to achieve political ends. The Senate Banking Committee did its job in vetting a nominee for one of the most powerful posts for financial regulation. Read my op-ed on recent federal reserve nominees from the Washington Examiner here.

 

High Fertilizer Prices

This week, I led a letter with U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann and Cindy Axne, along with 83 of our Congressional colleagues, to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) Chair Jason Kearns regarding the price and supply situation for fertilizers in the United States. We urged the ITC to reconsider the duties placed on phosphate fertilizer products imported from Morocco and suspend the current process to impose new duties on urea ammonium nitrate fertilizer from Trinidad and Tobago. Skyrocketing input costs, and particularly record-high fertilizer prices, are damaging Kansas farmers’ ability to grow a crop and earn a living. This commonsense solution would increase the availability of fertilizer products and provide needed relief for Kansas producers.

 

Meeting with the National Association of Development Organizations

Last week, I met with Randall Hrabe, the Executive Director of the Northwest Planning and Development Commission and member of the National Association of Development Organizations, to discuss what the federal government could be doing to improve economic development in Kansas. As the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Economic Development Administration, I understand the important role the federal government has played and will play in local economic development projects in Kansas. I look forward to continuing to work with Randall and other Kansans who are working to boost local economies and provide opportunities for our people.

 

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Veterans’ Affairs Committee Work

Introducing the Elizabeth Dole Act
This week, I introduced the Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Services Act with several of my Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee colleagues. The legislation expands access and invests for much-needed resources into VA programs designed to keep homebound veterans in the community as long as possible. These alternative home-based programs help delay the need to institutionalize veterans for long-term care and enables veterans to maintain their independence in their own homes and communities.

More specifically, the Elizabeth Dole Act would increase the amount VA is allowed to pay for alternative programs to non-institutional care, establish partnerships to conduct certain home and community-based care programs, expand access to these programs to veterans living in U.S. territories and native veterans enrolled in tribal health programs, among other things. This legislation is named after honorary Kansan, Sen. Elizabeth Dole, who has worked as an advocate to honor and recognize our veterans and their caregivers.

 

Welcoming Kansas Students to the U.S. Capitol
It was a beautiful day to visit with students from Frontenac Junior High and Eisenhower Middle School on the Senate Steps on Wednesday. I always look forward to speaking with Kansas students here in our nation’s capital.

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Remembering Kansans

Dick Hedges
In Kansas, we talk often of community, and how important it is to the fabric of the smaller towns that dot the state. Because in Kansas, knowing your neighbors and making the effort to get involved with those around you is what ensures our small communities’ survival.

Dick Hedges was a man that took that need for a strong community to heart and helped build the fabric of Fort Scott in so many ways. He impacted the lives of so many throughout his life, and his life gives me hope for others like him in towns across our state.

My prayers are with his wife, Jan, the Fort Scott community, and his entire family and loved ones. Watch my remarks on the U.S. Senate Floor in his honor here.

Sonny Rundell
On Thursday, I paid tribute to Kansan Sonny Rundell on the U.S. Senate Floor.

In 2002, while I was still a member of the House, I was pleased to honor Sonny with the Recognition of Korean Service. Then and now, I thank him for his dedication to our state, and I thank him for his service to our nation. My prayers are with his wife, Verna, and to his entire family and loved ones. Watch my remarks on the U.S. Senate Floor in his honor here.

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		 Manhattan
1800 Kimball Avenue,
Suite 270
Manhattan, KS 66052
Phone: (785) 539-8973
Fax: (785) 587-0789		 Olathe
23600 College Blvd.,
Suite 201
P.O. Box 1154
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: (913) 393-0711
Fax: (913) 768-1366
Garden City
1511 East Fulton Terrace, Suite 1511-2
Garden City, KS 67846
Phone: (620) 260-3025		 Wichita
100 North Broadway,
Suite 210
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 269-9257
Fax: (316) 269-9259		 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
Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building | Room 521 | Washington, D.C. 20501
Phone: (202) 224-6521 | Fax: (202) 228-6966
Government, Kansas

Emergency Rental Assistance remains available

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More than $125 million in rental, utility assistance awarded
TOPEKA, Kan.— Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) funding remains available to support Kansans at risk of eviction. KERA provides rent, utility, and internet assistance to households that have experienced a financial hardship during the pandemic.
“More than a third of Kansans rent their homes, and many have struggled to cover rent and utility bills since the pandemic began,” said Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), which administers the KERA program. “The financial repercussions are far from over for our most vulnerable families. This crucial assistance is still available to keep Kansans safely housed throughout our economic recovery.”
The KERA program has disbursed more than $125 million in rental, utility, and internet assistance to 17,633 eligible tenant households in Kansas. These funds have prevented 45,674 Kansans from experiencing evictions and utility disconnections and helped make 6,656 landlords whole.
One frontline worker described how KERA assistance kept her in stable housing during the pandemic. While on short-term work leave, she was unable to return to her health care job after twice contracting the virus. “I am beyond grateful for the rental and utility assistance provided by KERA while I recovered so I could get back to work,” she said.
The KERA program supports Kansas tenants and landlords experiencing financial hardship. Recent updates have made the program more inclusive, allowing the state to serve even more Kansans:
  • Households that have experienced financial hardship at any time duringthe pandemic may now qualify for assistance.
  • Eligible households may receive up to 18 months of assistance, an increase from the previous 15-month maximum.
  • Eligible households may receive a lump sum of $900 in past-due or future internet assistance, an increase from the previous $750 limit.
Previous applicants who have not hit the 18-month maximum are eligible to recertify for additional months of assistance.
A Topeka property manager witnessed how KERA funding has helped both the complex and her tenants thrive in hard times. “Since emergency rental assistance has been available, we have provided KERA documents and Shawnee County income guidelines to any tenant that receives an eviction notice,” she said. “I tell tenants, ‘It’s always worth a shot to apply.’”
Tenants and landlords can apply jointly online via the KERA application portal. Tenants must answer pre-screening questions to determine their eligibility before accessing the application. KERA applicants must meet income guidelines and must provide:
  • Proof of identification;
  • A signed lease or equivalent documentation;
  • Documentation or self-attestation of housing instability;
  • Documentation or self-attestation of financial hardship; and
  • Proof or self-attestation of household income.
Once an application has been submitted, households can track their application status and respond to communications by logging into their KERA dashboard. If applicants have additional questions, they can contact KERA customer service by emailing [email protected] or calling 785-217-2001, Option 1 for English; or Option 2 for Spanish.
KHRC launched the KERA program in March 2021 with funding provided by the Coronavirus Supplemental Relief Act of 2021. Continuing funding is provided through the American Rescue Plan Act. The measures have provided a combined $23.4 billion in emergency rental assistance to rental households nationwide, with nearly two-thirds of those funds serving extremely low-income households.
For more information and to apply, visit kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance.
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Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC)is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
For more information on Kansas rental statistics, visit the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s report, Out of Reach 2021.
Uncategorized

Legislative Update Wk 10 Session 2022 by Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

March 18, 2022

 

Wrapping up committee work was our main goal last week. While that means the end of regular meetings for most committees, it does not mean that the work is finished. The final days of session will be floor debate, and no or minimal committee work.

 

Election Security is critical.  During debate last week on the Senate floor, a compelling argument was given by a Senator, former county commissioner, that he would not certify an election because the vote count could not be reconciled.  The other two commissioners did certify the election, so the issue was dropped at that time.  (There should have been a complete investigation.)  Senate Bill (SB) 389 and SB 390 should help prevent that situation from occurring again.  SB 389 would require a distinctive watermark for paper ballots and a sample hand-count audit of paper ballots that are counted with electronic tabulating equipment.  The bill would also prohibit use of poll books that do not require a hand-written voter signature.  The bill passed 27 to 11.  SB 390 would require each person working with ballots to sign an affidavit in the tracking of ballots handled.  It passed 27 to 10.  I voted Yes on both measures.

 

Out-of-control spending continues in this year’s budget, SB 444.  As with most budget bills, there was some good and some bad.  Paying down debt and long overdue pay increases are some of the good.  Increased spending on programs that are not being held accountable or proven effective is some of the bad.  The budget also “puts away” $600 million in a rainy-day fund and has a $360 million ending balance.  That $600 million could be used to remove sales tax on food, not socked away for government to spend at a later date.  The bill passed the Senate 23 to 14.  I voted No in defense of the taxpayer and slowing government growth.

 

Senate redistricting map passed on a vote of 28 to 8.  I did not support the map.  It would take the city of Ottawa and Bourbon County out of the 12th Senate district and include Coffee, Woodson, and Wilson Counties.  The 12th district could have easily increased population in Miami County and kept all of Franklin in the 12th district.

 

We also worked on the following:

  • Energy Independence is the strong message the Kansas Senate sent to the President of the United States. STOP importing oil and gas from Russia and RESTORE energy independence in the United States.  SCR 1623 passed unanimously.
  • Non-driver identification cards could be renewed online if SB 529 becomes law.  It passed the Senate unanimously.
     
  • Gold Star families could be recognized and honored on the State Capitol grounds.  Gold Star families are families who have lost family member in the line of military service.  House Bill 2540 passed the Senate unanimously.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

 

Caryn

 

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Bourbon County, Schools

USD 235 Kindergarten Roundup Coming April 4

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West Bourbon Elementary School – Uniontown

Kindergarten Roundup Coming in April

 

 

A screening clinic for 2022-2023 kindergarten students has been scheduled for Monday, April 4 at West Bourbon Elementary. To be eligible for kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2022.

Students who will be new to WBE will sign up for a 30 minute slot to be assessed on April 4. Please bring in your child’s birth certificate and immunization record. The agenda for the child will include kindergarten skills assessment, vision, hearing, speech, and checking health records.

Kindergarten children are required to have a physical exam within 12 months of beginning school and have all current immunizations. You may contact Girard Medical’s Uniontown Clinic to set up a physical time on the 4th if you wish; they can be reached at 620-756-4111. Students that have incomplete records will not be allowed to start school until their records are complete.

Due to the screenings, there will be no Kindergarten class on April 4th.

For the best testing environment for your child, we ask that you not bring brothers or sisters.

Please phone the school to set up a time to bring your child for the assessment and screening.  The phone number is 620-756-4335.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott

Free Trees Offered to FS Residents From Kiwanis

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The Fort Scott Kiwanis Club on a workday at Gunn Park in August. 2020, one of many community projects/events of the club. Submitted photo.

A local organization is helping to add more of a tree canopy to the community.

The Fort Scott Kiwanis Club is offering free trees to residents of the city.

“This is made possible through a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation,” Phil Gorman, treasurer of Kiwanis, said.  “Sixty trees will be purchased and planted by the club in cooperation with Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott High School, and the City of Fort Scott.”

“FSCC,  and the high school, we are going to use some of their organizations for labor to help us get the trees in the ground,” Gorman said.

“The city helped us with the grant and they will help dig the holes and also help with logistics of where the trees will be planted,” he said.

Two large-growing tree varieties are being offered,  Swamp White Oak and Shumard Oak.

To be considered for trees contact the City of Fort Scott at 620.223-0550, by April 4. Trees will be planted sometime in April.

For safety, the group won’t plant trees in the way of high lines or on street corners, Gorman said.

The Kiwanis tree planting program has been done for many years, Gorman said.

“Some street trees all around the city were planted by Kiwanis years ago,” he said. “I’d say in the thousands.”

The group is rejuvenating the program and hopes to make it an annual event.

The Fort Scott Kiwanis logo. Submitted.

About Kiwanis

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community, at a time.

They meet each Tuesday at noon at the Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford.

“There are currently 35 members,” Gorman said. “We are always open to new members.”

Addisyn Fowler, Fort Scott High School Key Club member, left, along with Fort Scott Kiwanis Club members Bob Eckles and Clyde Stepps serve pancakes at the annual Pancake Feed in February 2020.
Angelyka and her dad, Daniel Simonds, pick up Easter eggs in the preschool section of the Kiwanis Easter Egg hunt in this 2018 photo.
Some of the projects of the Fort Scott Kiwanis Club were showcased on a poster of the gym at Buck Run Community Center during the annual pancake feed in 2020.
Obituary

Obituary of Hallie Cannon

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Hallie B. Cannon, age 89, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2022, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott. She was born December 30, 1932, in Iola, Kansas, the daughter of Charles E. Haberbosch and Ruby H. Wedell Haberbosch.

Hallie graduated from the Marmaton Valley High School in Moran, Kansas. She later moved to Ft. Scott where she worked as a trainer for the Western Insurance Company and later for Lincoln National Insurance Company.

Hallie was a faithful member of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and the St. Anne’s Altar Society. She had also served as church secretary for several years.

In earlier years, Hallie enjoyed participating in theater. She had performed in several productions with both the Iola Community Theater and the Ft. Scott Community College Theater.

She also liked to travel.

Hallie is survived by her son, Tom Cannon (Kristi) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and her grandson, Becket Cannon. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Lyle and Carol Haberbosch and another who died in infancy as well as a sister, Audrey Ellmer.

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, March 24th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

The rosary will be recited at 10:00 A.M. prior to the funeral Mass at the church. Following services, there will be cremation and a private burial will take place at the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to Paws & Claws Animal Shelter and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Will Meet at Uniontown City Hall on March 22

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Uniontown City Hall.

PLEASE NOTE: THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT CITY HALL IN UNIONTOWN @ 6PM.

County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: March 22, 2022

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton

AMENDED!!!!!
MEETING HELD IN CITY HALL AT UNIONTOWN AT 6:00PM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
• Resolution for Liquor Sales in the County
• County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
o End of Year Report
• Public Comment
• Elected Officials Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session: KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Aging With Attitude Regional Expo returns to Fort Scott

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Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

By  Barbara Stockebrand

Southwind Extension District –Yates Center

Family and Consumer Sciences

 

Every stage in life offers challenges, and making the most of one’s later years requires different tools and perspectives than other stages.

To connect older Kansans and promote physical, mental and financial health, K-State Research and Extension and several community agencies and businesses are offering the annual Aging with Attitude Regional Expo on April 29 in Fort Scott.

This year’s expo will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Community Christian Church, 1919 Horton St. Among the topics on the agenda are:

  • At Home and Independent
  • Medicare Advantage Plans – What Are They Really?
  • Stretching Your Food Budget
  • Medication Safety
  • Immunizations – Checking the Facts
  • Estate Planning 101
  • Healthy or Challenged? Physical Therapy and In-Home Safety
  • Aging and Mental Health

Professor at the Kansas Technology Center of Pittsburg State, Dr. Mark Johnson, will deliver the keynote address, “Honing Your Memory Skills.” Dr. Johnson, also known as the Memory Guy, will share proven memory techniques that will help participants develop skills to remember dates, names, and other information.

Registration is $15 per person until April 18 and includes lunch, refreshments, activities, access to the keynote address, educational speakers and resource fair, and eligibility for door prizes. Registrations after April 18 are $25 per person, and lunch is not guaranteed.

For those who cannot attend in-person, a registration fee of $5 will gain access to recordings of the sessions a few weeks following the in-person event. Registrations may be made online at www.agingexpo.ksu.edu

Opinion

Blood and Guts by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

 

My Dad, Morris J. Hayward, served in Germany on the front lines in the 90th Infantry Division, Company B, under General George S. Patton’s Third Army. General Patton is the most famous and celebrated U.S. general of that era. He was an outstanding motivator and one of the best tacticians of the time. He was the most colorful general, known by the troops as “Blood and Guts” Patton. My Dad further defined that nickname by explaining, “Yeah, his guts and our blood.” With a mighty combination of blood and guts, the U. S. and our allies defeated the Nazis and won the victory in the European Theater.

It usually takes a combination of things working together like a well-oiled machine to achieve successful results. “For God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God’s anger against us. He used Christ’s blood and our faith as the means of saving us from His wrath” (Romans 3:25 TLB). Jesus died on the cross so that all might live victoriously and be saved from hell. But it takes faith to believe in Jesus, and the guts to stick with it, in order to achieve the abundant life here and eternal life in heaven.

When General Patton devised his incomparable battle plans, what would have happened if he hadn’t been able to find any soldiers with enough guts to carry it out? It takes guts for believers to take a stand for Christ — it always has. It takes guts to not go with the flow (any old dead fish can float downstream). It takes guts to love the ugly-hearted and extend forgiveness. It takes guts to live according to God’s Word when the world wants to live like the devil.

Even in the face of terrible odds, believers can choose to go with God and have victorious outcomes. I’m not talking about just going to heaven when we die, I’m referring to having victory right here, right now. “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NLT). The Son of God loved everyone so much that He was willing to shed His blood in order to save us from ourselves (a life of selfish misery). There’s more power in the blood of Jesus than a Sherman tank. There’s more power in Jesus’ blood to free a person’s soul than a B-24 Liberator.

We’d all be dead in the water if it weren’t for the blood of Jesus. “In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22 NLT). Jesus has done His part once and for all and it’s up to everybody else to do their part. He provided the blood.

We are marching through a world that’s not our true home. “Dear friends, I warn you as ‘temporary residents and foreigners’ to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors…(1 Peter 2:11,12 NLT). Believers aren’t in a physical war like Patton’s Third Army, but we are in a spiritual war. We must be determined to hold our position and never give up or give in to the enemy of our souls. And that, brother and sister, takes guts.

The Key: With His blood and our guts, believers can be more than conquerors.

Bourbon County Local News