NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
June 6, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
J. Jones T. VanHoecke E. Woellhof K. Harrington M. Wells
II. Flag Salute:
III. Approval of Agenda:
IV. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 16, 2023
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1337-A — $537,190.27
C. Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Material deposit to order steel for Fort Scott Pavilion – $40,162.50.
D. Request to Pay – Mid-Continental Restoration Co., Inc. – Memorial Hall Steps Repair – $78,195.00 – Invoice #14477-01
V. Public Comment:
Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion.
VI. Old Business:
A. Consideration of Change on Proposal from Harbour Construction for Cape Seal Project due to change in emulsion material – $49,547.00 to $54,501.70.
VII. Appearances:
VIII. Public Hearing: CASE #1140 – Evergy Infantry Substation – Consideration of Zone Change, Unknown to C4- Central Business – (Recommended by the Planning Commission on 5-22-2023) and Final Plat Approval.
IX. New Business:
A. Consideration to Accept Resignation of Commissioner Josh Jones.
B. Consideration to Repeal Ordinance No. 3746 – An Ordinance Amending 3290 Section 2.60.010 (Vacancy In Office – How Filled) of Chapter 2.60 of the Fort Scott Municipal Code. – Passed and Approved on May 16, 2023.
C. Consideration to Reinstate Ordinance No. 3618 – An Ordinance Amending 3290 Section 3290 Section 2.60.010 (Vacancy in Office – How Filled) of Chapter 2.60 of the Fort Scott Municipal Code. – Passed and Approved on September 20, 2022.
D. Consideration to Approve Quote #230704-00 from GPM Environmental Solutions, LLC for the Online Proteus Monitoring Package for monitoring water quality. – S. Flater
E. Consideration of 2023 Hay Right Bids – (4) Bids received – $12,159.00, $8,562.00, $6,001.25, $4,465.60.
F. Consideration of Airport Bids
1. Consider and approve award of both the Base Bid and Alternate Bid to Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $3,541,538.05, pending FAA concurrence and successful receipt of FAA Grant.
2. Consider and approve execution of Amendment No. 2 to the Olsson Consultant Agreement, which adds services for Construction Observation, Materials Testing, and Close-Out, in the amount of $274,100.00, pending FAA concurrence and successful receipt of FAA Grant.
3. Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to sign all documentation related to an FAA Grant Application and forthcoming Grant offer to cover 90% of eligible costs associated with the project. The anticipated City Share, including both eligible and ineligible costs is $402,464,00.
Craft vendors, food trucks, live music, parade, children’s fair, car & bike show, model train show, living history activities, and more! Make your way to the bricks in Downtown Fort Scott this Friday & Saturday, June 2nd & 3rd! See the schedule here and find more info on fortscottgoodoldays.com.
Submitted photo of a pocket garden that club members have planted in Fort Scott.
Bourbon County Garden is a group of local gardeners that gather to learn, grow, and share in their passion of gardening, according to a press release from the club.
They have provided care of many of the downtown area garden spots.
This garden at the north end of downtown Main Street is one of projects of the Bourbon County Garden Club. From the club’s Facebook page.
Club meetings are the 4th Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. from March to October.
The Bourbon County Garden Club met at the Common Grounds Coffee Shop in this May 2022 photo. Taken from the clubs Facebook page.
“Our members take turns hosting our meetings, so the location changes depending on who is hosting,” President Austin Bolinger said.
Austin Bolinger is the president of the Bourbon County Garden Club. From the club’s Facebook page.
“We have 60 people on our email list, and about 1/2 of those are active in the club,” Bolinger said.
The list of members:
Aaron Houser
Jan Hedges
Janet Irvin
Dora Jasinski
Betty & Dale Johnson
Leah Lewis
Deb McCoy
Diana Morriss
Linda Noll
Clara Schofield
Norma Sellers
Priscilla Sellers
Ashlee Shakir
Kate Sweetser
Judy Wallis
Robin Whitlock
Stana Parsons
Judy Warren
Margaret Kerr
Helen Carson
Bill Hoyt
Darcy Sinn
Krista Harding
Ann Stark
Jenni Wilcoxen
Deborah Hyland
Pam Speer
Heather Wilson
Janette Danley
Martha Kraai
Barbara Woodward
Honey Bidwell
Barbara McCord
Delphine Parks
Austin Bolinger
Estevan DeBoer
Makensie Griffin
Sheryl Bloomfield
Jim Logan
Marcile Logan
Rachel French
Calista Rchards
Brenda Alter
Deb Lust
Doris Ericson
Paula Blincoe
Rondi Anderson
Sandy Areu
Whitney Beth
Karen Billiard
Maggie Brenner
Sharon Campbell
Kelly Collins
Maggie Davenport
Rita Emmerson
Connie Findley
Constance Gates
Martha Jane Gentry
Lindsey Gulager
Teri Hamilton
Rosemary Harris
Rhonda Hassig
The club sells plants at the first Fort Scott Farmers Market in May each year. Taken from their Facebook page.
Complimentary Pocket Garden Drawing Winners Announced
Recently the club awarded two community residents with consultation and installation of a pocket garden.
“Bourbon County Garden Club recently held a drawing to award a pocket garden to lucky Bourbon County residents,” according to the press release.
A pocket garden is an area on a homeowner’s property that is a gardening challenge.
“This might be a corner where curbs and sidewalks intersect, by a mailbox, or by a driveway and a pocket garden can beautify that area,” according to the press release.
The winners, Marianne Crane and Gabrielle Martin, will get an initial pocket garden consultation, along with the plants and installation of the plants in the garden. The maintenance of the garden is the winners’ responsibility.
“The benefits of planting a pocket garden include improving a problem area of your yard, collaboration with neighbors to create multiple attractive garden corners, pollination for bees and butterflies and engagement in a healthy outdoor activity,” according to the press release
About the club
Bourbon County Garden Club encourages growing plants in these areas that provide three seasons of bloom and fourth season of winter interest. Example pocket gardens in Fort Scott are located at Pine and Eddy Streets, 8th and Crawford Streets(all four corners), and 9th and National Avenue(SE corner).
For more information on planting a Pocket Garden or joining Garden Club, email Austin Bolinger at [email protected] or visit the Bourbon County Garden Club Facebook page.
I wish I would have known when I was younger several things I now realize:
Praying daily at a set time for a set number of minutes is a wonderful discipline, but it doesn’t compare to communing with God throughout the entire day.
Something heart-changing happens when I read the Bible. I can’t explain it, and even if I’m slugging through Leviticus, I still close that book knowing I am nearer to the One who orchestrated its writings than I was when I first opened its pages.
Everyone I meet is an encounter with Jesus. This past week, I drove by a young, emaciated woman. Convicted by her desperate state, I did a U-turn and drove up next to her. Holding out some pesos for her, I was stunned by how she stared at me through hollow eyes that barely opened; she had no idea what I was trying to give her. When her mood switched from confused to angry, my idea of taking her back to our condo to offer her a shower and a meal suddenly seemed like a less-than-brilliant plan. She took the money, but as I pulled away, I couldn’t help but ask what Jesus would have done.
My example is far more important than my words. Showing people I love them trumps any language I use to express that love.
God cares about details. He is every “coincidence” in my life. When I forget my umbrella and return to the house only to find I left the oven on, I now credit Him with the reminder that even my forgetfulness can be used for my benefit.
The fact that I am breathing and my fingers are able to type this article are all because of God’s provisions.
I never should take my husband or my children or my friends for granted, and I never should stop being open to meeting new friends.
Disciplining a grandchild might be my least favorite thing to do in the whole world.
Life is not fair, and I’m grateful it’s not.
My aches and pains remind me that this is a fallen world, and sometimes—not often– Ibuprofen can be my friend.
Sweaty, manual labor is a really, really good thing.
When Dave says “I love you,” I am blessed.
No matter what anyone says, there’s no magic formula to make wrinkles disappear. I’m sort of glad about that.
It’s okay if I like crab and my best friend gags on it. Best friends celebrate their differences.
Some days, I just look up and say, “Thank you, God, for making that happen.”
After a delay because of vandalism, the Fort Scott Aquatic Center will open Monday, June 5 at 1 p.m. to the public.
Swimming lessons at the Fort Scott Aquatic Center on July 10, 2018.
Kathi Hall is the new pool manager at the center, and is a 6th grade teacher at Fort Scott Middle School during the school year.
She was hired last month.
“It’s a perfect job for educators,” Hall said.
“We are excited that the facility can be open to the public,” she said. “We apologize for the delay. We were supposed to open on Memorial Day.”
The vandalism included graffiti, which didn’t delay the opening, and also included “multiple rocks that were thrown into the pool, damaging the concrete,” Hall said. “The concrete then had to be treated and cured, then so many days the water had to be treated with chemicals, before we could begin the water filling process.”
The pool hours are Monday through Saturday from 1 to 7 p.m., Sunday 1 to 6 p.m. On Monday through Friday there is a family swim from 5:30 to 6 p.m.
The pool phone number is 620.223.8142
As a special treat, on Monday at 1 p.m. Pearson Towing staff will be handing out popsicles to those entering, until gone, Hall said.
Pool parties are from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. when scheduled. Cost is $150 per hour.
Pool rates are:
2 years and younger are free.
3-14 years: $2
15 to 62 years: $3
63+years: $2
A single season pool pass is $65, a family of four season pass is $200 and a $25 per person fee for over four family members. Members must reside in the same household.
“Children 10 years old and younger must be supervised by someone 14 years and older, at all times,” Hall said.
Assistant pool managers are Brayden Moore, Kayla Hall, Billie Jo Shoemaker, and Dakota Hall.
“We have a sufficient supply of lifeguards,” Hall said. “Thirty-plus lifeguards.”
Pictured in center is Louise (Opitz) Hughes of Kearney, Mo. celebrating her 80th Year at the Arcadia alumni – Louise graduated at Arcadia High School in 1943. Pictured with Louise is her daughter, Christine Bossung, and her son, David Hughes. Standing is Arcadia Alumni president, Pat Morris. Submitted photo.
“HUGE SUCCESS”
Even though Arcadia High School closed its doors at the end of the “1965” school year, the annual alumni banquet is still being held on memorial week-end every year in Pittsburg, Kansas. The membership also includes the Junior, Sophomore, and Freshman Class of 1965. The banquet was held at the Lamplighter Inn on Saturday afternoon, May 27th and was catered by Chicken Mary’s and served by the Stansbury
brothers of Arcadia, Ks. Open Door Mission Church Youth.
Enclosed with the invitation to the banquet this year was the 2022 Financial Report prepared by Shirley Landon, Treasurer. The 2022
Minutes were enclosed also prepared by Virginia Smith, Secretary.
These were included in the mailing to provide more time for visiting.
Social hour was 1:00-3:00 p.m. followed by lunch and business meeting. President Pat Morris of Arcadia welcomed the 40 Alumni and 23 guests. The Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag was led by Merle Engle. The Lord’s Prayer in unison was led by Melvin Nichols.
At the opening of the business meeting, Pat introduced alumni officers Vice President, Tom Watt; Secretary, Virginia Smith; Treasurer, Shirley Landon; and Marilyn Flagg, Historian.
There were no objections or corrections to the 2022 Minutes or the 2022 Treasurer’s report. They stand approved as presented.
Merle Engle along with nominating Committee of Mary Lee Payne and Sherry Sisney nominated the following officers for the coming year as follows: Pat Morris, President; Tom Watt, Vice President; Shirley Landon, Treasurer; Virginia Smith, Secretary; and Marilyn Flagg as Historian. A motion was made by Betty Skidmore and seconded by
Lou Sheets and motion carried.
Special recognition was given to members of the 60th (1963);
70th (1953); and 80th (1943) this year.
Those attending from the 60th class were the following: Sharon
(Barnard) Foster and guest Richard Foster and Richard Page.
Attending from the 70th. were as follows: Bobby Charles Harris and
guest Bobby C. Harris, Jr..
Atending from the 80th. were as follows: Louise (Opitz) Hughes and
guests David Hughes and Christine Bossung.
Jan Steele was recognized as being the daughter of former Arcadia High School music teacher, Dick Steele.
All 18 guests were asked to stand and be recognized.
Virginia Smith, chairman of the Scholarship Committee, announced the winner of the 2023 A.F. Bowlus/Betty Kirksey Scholarships as Carson
Ruoff (Grandson of Alan and Joyce (Gable) Niebrugge). Other AHS Alumni Scholarship winners were Aaron Moe and Adam Moe (Grandsons of Fred Dixon). Carson Ruoff received $1,000. Aaron and Adam Moe received $500 each.
Pat Morris introduced Sharon Foster (Class of 1963), and Ronnie
Smith (Class of 1962) who served on the scholarship committee with
Virginia.
Any child, grandchild, or great grandchild of Arcadia High School Alumni may apply for a scholarship.
Marilyn Flagg led the memorial service for alumni deceased since the last meeting. Those remembered were: Jo (Fowler) Ferraro, Helen (Fowler) Knoll, Jessie (Eggen) Dunn, Irene (Buchanan) Williams, Louetta
(Swezey) Schwatken, Betty (Ritter) Skidmore, Leona Maxine (James) Garrett, Boyd (Buck) McMillin, John Richard Meacham, Shirley (Birdsell) Garrett, Shirley (Stroud) Weber, Ernestine (Swezey) Murray, Jo Ellen (Elliott) Swezey, Margaret (Turner) Jones, Sharon (Powell) Thornhill, Olive (Curnutt) Berting, Richard L. Dixon, Geneva (Jeannie) Ham, Jerry McClendon, Gary Mayfield, Anita (Miles) Callahan, Richard Totman, Maxine James (Teacher), Marie (Hoover) Marshall, Dr. Retha (Hoover) Dr. Kilpatrick Gries, Merle Mayfield, and Mary Lou (Davidson) Peace.
Louise (Opitz) Hughes, 96 years old (Class of 1943) was given an award for being the “Oldest” alumni. Esther (Engle) Cousins (Class of 1954) was awarded for traveling the “Most Distance”.
The school song was led by Bill Skidmore.
The Benediction was by Melvin Nichols.
The roll call which consisted of the following and the 1943, 1953, and 1963 classes listed above was done by Tom Watt.
1949 – Jerry Skidmore
1950 – Betty (Clarkson) Skidmore
1951 – David Fowler and guest Jeanie Watson
1954 – Esther (Engle) Cousins and guest Janice Crooks
Gary Peterson and guest Patty Peterson
1955 – Mary Lee (Eggen) Payne
1956 – Shirley (McKinstry) Landon
Bill Skidmore and guest Twonette Skidmore
1957 – Merle Engle
Francis M. Jones and guest Karen (Jones) Tripp
Lou Sheets and guest Linda Sue Sheets
Lilly (Turner) Sheffield
1958 – Laura (Coonrod) Felt and guest Ronnie Felt
Fred Dixon
Marilou (Garton) Bork and guest Jerry Bork
Sandra Sue Stelle
1959 – Michael Sheffield
Gary Skidmore and guest Jean Skidmore
Beverly (Swafford) Silvers and guest Vern Silvers
1960 – Jerry Coonrod and guest Jan Steele
Melvin Nichols
1962 – Marilyn (Coonrod) Flagg
Barbara (Dawson) Swearingen
Helen (Morris) Nichols
Ronnie Smith
1964 – Virginia (Harris) Smith
Ronny Kellogg and guest Barb Kellogg
Steve Morris
Pat (Smith) Morris
Peggy (O’Dell) Worsley
Sherry (Swafford) Page
1968 – Ronnie Page
Don Schaub
Larry Shead and guest Ralph Shead
Sherry Sisney
Tom Watt and guest Phyllis Watt
The servers were the
Stansbury Brothers (Camryn, Sammy, Wyatt, and Tido), of Arcadia, Kansas Open Door Mission Church Youth and Judy Stansbury.
This year’s annual Fort Scott High School Tiger Drama Camp performs Treasure Island on June 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. at the Fort Scott Middle School commons area.
Thirty five students in 1st through 9th grade spent two weeks at camp preparing for the production. The play is adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller from the book by Robert Louis Stevenson.
The character of Jim is played by 6th grader Scout Eden. Other notable characters include Long John Silver who is played by 8th grader Theodore Bowman, Doctor Livesey – freshman Dimple Williams, and Squire Trelawney portrayed by freshman Adeline Hartmetz. Other campers make up a motley crew of pirates, storytellers, and Skeleton Island Natives.
The camp and show are directed entirely by FSHS Thespians. Seniors Regen Wells and Lexi Hill are the Directors.
“I absolutely love getting to share my love of theatre with the younger people of our community and I’m extremely happy to have an outlet in the community for directing and producing,” Wells said.
Other high school staff include: junior Kiara Thompson – Stage Manager, sophomores Emma Bin and Tuesday Glessner – Choreographers, junior Cooper George – Costume Designer, senior Natalie Woods – Sound Designer, senior Jericho Jones – Music Director, sophomores Charlie Chaplin and Chris Newman – Props and Set Designers and freshman Tobi Larrabee and junior Molly Hoyt – Arts Directors. Many other Thespians serve as acting coaches and leaders and Thespian Director Angie Bin serves as show producer.
During the two-week camp, students learn about most technical theatre areas such as lighting, sound, costuming, stagecraft, and make-up. They also help to create the artistic set decor.
Hill said, “This is my first time directing a show and I am so excited to see it performed. Working with the kids is amazing and everyone involved has put so much work into this hilarious show.”
Tickets for the show are $5 and available at the doors at Fort Scott Middle School. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.
The logo of Acton Children’s Business Fair from its website.
Several young children who are learning how to create their own business will have their wares on display and for sale at the Fort Scott Farmers Market this Saturday, June 3 from 8 a.m. to noon.
The event will be at Third and Main Street, behind the First United Methodist Church in that parking lot.
Children who attended a young entrepreneurs fair in the last year will be selling their wares and encouraging other children to start their own businesses
“Saturday is to get the word out and let other children see a small sample of inspiration for what they can be a part of,” Maria Whitson, one of the parent organizers said. “It will also allow the children who have created businesses a chance to sell their products.”
“We will have opportunities for kids to take their ideas and learn about how to turn it into a business,” she said. “Then we will give them an opportunity to launch and sell their products at the kid’s business fair later this year. More information will be available at the kid’s booths at the farmers market this weekend.”
Camren Lamb is an young businessman, selling his artwork and music. Submitted photo.Chloe Couchman will be selling her handmade potholders. Submitted photo.
“This weekend kids will be having their booths to inspire others to be entrepreneurs,” she said. “Kids who already have set up their own business to inspire others.”
Asher Whitson will be selling his framed artwork. From Facebook.
In addition, there will be handouts for a class in September that the youth can participate in, Whitson said.
Malachi Whitson will be selling jewery at the farmers market. From Facebook.Grace Jackson along with her sisters will be selling produce. Submitted photos.Trinity Jackson. Submitted photo.The Jackson sisters will be selling produce, this is Evie. Submitted photos.
The farmers market has changed spaces this Saturday only, to accommodate the Good Ol’ Days annual celebration in downtown Fort Scott.
American Society for Radiation Oncology
Melisa Boersma, MD of Prairie Village
Saint Francis Ministries
Karen Soderstrom of Wichita
Dale Soderstrom of Wichita
Col. William Clark of Salina
Equipment Leasing and Finance Association
Joe Franco of Lawrence
Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health
Nancy Holland of Leawood
American Academy of Family Physicians
Chris Vering of Kansas City
Kathy Shepard of Independence
Lori Bishop of Manhattan
NAMA
Jason Creed of Salina
American College of Physicians
Benjamin Quick, MD of Leawood
Isaac Opole, MD of Leawood
Donna Sweet, MD of Wichita
Aastha Bharwad, MD of Wichita
Jerrica Werner, MD of Overland Park
Hassan Farhoud, MD of Wichita
Dr. Ky Stoltzfus, MD of Kansas City
Rebecca Opole, MD of Kansas City
Hello,
Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.
Honoring Those Who Have Sacrificed This Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, we pause as a nation to remember, honor and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. I recently had the honor to present an American flag to World War II Kansas veteran Kenneth Miller and thank him for his service, while surrounded by his family and friends. I want to thank Gary Hicks and Roger Morris for helping to pay tribute to one of our nation’s heroes.
Speaking to World War II veterans, I am reminded of the heroic sacrifices thousands from the Greatest Generation and throughout our nation’s history made to protect the world from tyranny. Decades come and go, but we will always remember the service of the men and women who fought and died in far off places like Germany, Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan – to defend our freedoms and our way of life.
We also recognize that military service is family service, and no one knows better the true cost of freedom than those who have lost a loved one as a result of their military service. This Memorial Day, I want to take time to honor our fallen servicemembers. To those brave Americans who gave their lives in defense of this nation, and to their families: we respect you; we thank you for your service; and we love you.
Protecting Survivor Benefits for Gold Star Spouses As we reflect on the sacrifices of our nation’s fallen servicemembers each Memorial Day, we also remember their families and loved ones. As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I recently introduced legislation which would allow spouses of deceased servicemembers to retain certain survivor benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense, if they remarry before the age of 55.
You can read my op-ed in the Washington Examiner here.
Speaking at Ottawa County Veterans Memorial Dedication Over Memorial Day weekend, I had the privilege of speaking at the dedication of the Veterans Memorial for Ottawa County in Minneapolis. The creation of the Veterans Memorial for Ottawa County was a grassroots community effort led by Tom Schur and Leland Johnson. This dedication was only possible with buy-in and investment from the Ottawa County community. I am grateful to the community for the opportunity to participate in this meaningful ceremony and to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers who sacrificed to defend our nation. Special thanks to State Senator Elaine Bowers for joining as well.
Joining American Legion Riders Memorial Day Service On Memorial Day, I joined the American Legion for the Legion Riders Memorial Day Service at the cemetery in Abilene. I am always inspired by those who volunteer their time and efforts to honor our nation’s heroes.
Paying Respects to President Eisenhower While in Abilene for Memorial Day, I visited the Place of Meditation at the Eisenhower Presidential Library to pay my respects to General Eisenhower. May we always remember and honor those who served our country.
Grand Opening of NBAF in Manhattan
This week, I joined USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and several Kansas leaders, including Senator Pat Roberts, Senator Roger Marshall, Governor Laura Kelly, and many local leaders and partners for the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan. This facility has been in the making for more than two decades, and it would not have been possible without a team of leaders who were dedicated to seeing the project come to completion.
After the 9/11 Commission, the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Agriculture were directed to develop a plan to provide “safe, secure, and state-of-the-art” agriculture biocontainment capabilities for research and diagnostics. DHS considered nearly 30 sites across the country as potential candidates for NBAF before landing on Manhattan. I have no doubt that Kansas was the right choice for this facility – in the heart of the nation, surrounded by farm country and next to a premiere agriculture university. With NBAF, Americans can have confidence that our nation stands ready to combat outbreaks of dangerous diseases that threaten the nation’s livestock, agriculture and public health.
For Kansas, NBAF also represents more opportunities for students in STEM and agriculture to remain here in Kansas while contributing to our national security and cutting-edge research. The future is brighter because of the research that happening at this facility. It will be the epicenter of the nation’s Animal Health Corridor – the area from Manhattan to Columbia, Mo.
I want to say thank you and congratulations to the federal, state and local leaders whose more than 20 years of collaboration brought this project to fruition. I want to recognize Sen. Pat Roberts and Governors Laura Kelly, Sam Brownback and Kathleen Sebelius. Thanks as well to NBAF Director Dr. Alfonso Clavijo, Program Manager Tim Barr and Director of Operations of the Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI) Dr. Marty Vanier.
NBAF Welcome Reception at K-State
On Tuesday evening, before the grand opening of NBAF, I hosted an event at K-State to recognize the Manhattan community for their years of work to make NBAF a reality. I want to thank K-State President Dr. Richard Linton, K-State Athletic Director Gene Taylor, and Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Jason Smith for hosting and speaking at the event. I am also grateful to the more than 250 people who attended and recognized the importance that NBAF will have on the community and university.
Supreme Court Ruling Protects from Agency Overregulation The Supreme Court’s ruling to narrowly define Waters of the United States (WOTUS) will help protect farmers and ranchers from overregulation of the rivers and creeks on their land. The previous rule on WOTUS intruded into the lives of everyday Americans by allowing the EPA to regulate even the smallest marshes, ponds and streams – also impacting landowners and businesses. This ruling upholds crucial, private property rights for all Kansas landowners.
Asking Commerce Secretary to Address Broadband Issues in Kansas
A recent broadband quality study found Kansas is the state ranked last in terms of average download speed and ranks only modestly better in other key broadband quality metrics, including latency. Other recent data collected by the University of Kansas found that up to 1 million Kansans, living primarily in rural areas, lack access to high-speed broadband service. Broadband access is correlated with more jobs and greater economic growth, better health care outcomes, and increased educational performance.
On Friday, following her April visit to Kansas at my invitation, I wrote to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo about the state of broadband in Kansas and emphasized key characteristics the broadband deployment programs at the Department of Commerce must have to be effective. To work for Kansas, the programs must provide each state its fair share of funding; must not waste taxpayer dollars by competing with other federal programs and building over existing networks; and should minimize regulatory burdens to increase the number of broadband providers who participate in the program. Collectively, these steps will help to make certain the programs are successful in bridging the digital divide. I will continue to work with the secretary to ensure Kansans have every opportunity to realize the full benefits of quality broadband service.
You can read my full letter to Secretary Raimondo here.
NOTAM Improvement Act Heads to the President This week, my legislation designed to help prevent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) system outages passed the U.S. House of Representatives and headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The NOTAM Improvement Act would require the FAA to establish a task force to strengthen the resiliency and cybersecurity of the NOTAM system, which alerts pilots of safety and location hazards on flight routes. This bill follows a recent NOTAM system outage in January that grounded flights nationwide and stranded millions of Americans. The FAA has a responsibility to make certain air travel in our country is as safe and efficient as possible. Passing this legislation is an important step to help meet the demands of 21st-century travel and prevent a similar failure in the future.
Recognizing 50th Homecoming of U.S. Prisoners of War from Vietnam
As the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I introduced a resolution to honor the extraordinary sacrifice and service of the approximately 766 members of the Armed Forces held captive during the Vietnam War. In 1973, 591 of those prisoners were released by the North Vietnamese. On May 24, 1973, President and Mrs. Nixon hosted the largest dinner in White House history – then and now – in honor of the released Vietnam POWs. On May 24, 2023, exactly 50 years later, nearly 200 of those POWs dined in the Nixon Library’s White House East Room replica and recreated that dinner, down to the menu items and centerpieces.
Our veterans deserve our gratitude and respect when they return home. As a teenager, I watched how Vietnam veterans were treated, and I committed to do everything I could to make certain our Vietnam Veterans were given the honor they are due. This resolution commemorating the homecoming of American prisoners of war represents our nation’s commitment to honor those who served in Vietnam and to say we are grateful for your service; we love you; and welcome home.
You can read more from Sunflower State Radio here.
Delivering Annual Cost-of-Living Increase for Veterans
Legislation that I introduced with Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Act of 2023, unanimously passed the U. S. House of Representatives and is now headed to the President’s desk for signature. The Senate passed this legislation in March.
As we enter another year of high inflation, passage of this legislation is imperative to make certain that VA compensation benefits, which Kansas veterans and millions of veterans and their survivors rely on nationwide, keep pace with rising costs. These benefits include disability and dependent compensation, clothing allowances and certain benefits for surviving military spouses and children. This adjustment will go into effect on December 1, 2023, after the new rates are released by the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration bases their annual COLA adjustment on the Consumer Price Index, as determined each December by the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
I appreciate the swift and unanimous passage by my colleagues in the House of Representatives, so that the President can sign this bill into law and make certain there is no uncertainty or delays in adjustments to these veterans’ benefits at the end of the year.
Introducing Legislation to Address Affordable Housing Shortage
Along with Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), I introduced the Housing Supply Expansion Act, legislation that would increase the supply of affordable housing options by making targeted reforms to requirements under the Davis-Bacon Act, a 1930s-era labor law. These reforms would reduce labor costs and administrative burdens on residential construction contractors, which would free up capital that could be redirected toward building additional affordable housing.
Purchasing a home is a part of the American dream that is currently out of reach for many families. Reducing the burden of federal regulations will help homebuilders meet the demand for new homes, making homeownership a reality for more Kansans.
Kansas Community Visits City of Larned
I visited the Larned Fire Department to announce a federal investment for the City of Larned to replace two fire engines and improve emergency communications capabilities. Last year, a wildfire burned thousands of acres and threatened homes, livelihoods and communities in Pawnee County. Members of the Larned Fire Department left their day jobs to extinguish the fire and protect lives and property.
The fire severely damaged two fire engines and forced the evacuation of Pawnee County’s 911 dispatch center. It proved difficult to source parts for these aging fire trucks, and the community identified a need for a mobile communications vehicle to make certain emergency messages would reach first responders and members of the community in future emergencies. This funding from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development will replace the two engines and provide the opportunity for upgrades to the county’s communications equipment.
Thank you to Fire Chief Leonard Herrman, Assistant Fire Chief Kyle Beckwith, 911 Dispatcher Jane Bleakney, Sheriff Scott King, Undersheriff Larry Atteberry, Mayor William Nusser, City Counselor Ken Barnes and all who attended to share in the good news, including USDA Rural Development State Director Christy Davis. Special thank you to all of the men and women in communities across our state who make tremendous sacrifices to protect others.
You can read more from the Great Bend Tribune here and the Great Bend Post here.
Larned High School
While in Larned, I also visited Larned High School to speak with students and faculty there. As the spring semester comes to an end, it was great to hear from these students about all they had learned and their plans for the summer. Thank you to Principal Dustin Wilson for hosting me for this visit.
Ellinwood District Hospital
On Monday, I visited Ellinwood District Hospital, a Critical Access Hospital that provides important health care services to the Ellinwood community and surrounding areas. During the visit, I learned more about the services provided to the community by the hospital and the focus on the health care needs of Ellinwood. The input and experiences from Kansas hospitals, their administrators and their staff are important to me as I work to support the health care industry in Kansas and across the nation.
Thank you to Jill Ritchie, Director of Nursing; Justin Lear, Secretary/Treasurer of Board of Trustees & CEO of Eagle Mutual & Eagle Insurance; Summer Zink, hospital CFO; Joyce Schulte, President of Board of Trustees Kile Magner, hospital CEO and Kristy Rupe, Foundation & Community Education Director.
Morning in Kansas
It was a beautiful weekend morning in Kansas on Sunday.
Now Accepting Fall 2023 Internship Applications My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am glad to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today, where I have interns working year-round with my staff to serve Kansans.
Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the fall 2023 session are due on Sunday, July 16. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence. Click here for more information and to apply.
Now Accepting Fall 2023 Page Program Applications
Senate pages play an important role in day-to-day operations of the United States Senate. High school students who are selected for and participate in the Senate Page Program are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process while maintaining their regular coursework. The Senate Page Program is administered by the Sergeant-at-Arms, the Secretary of the Senate and the party secretaries.
During the fall session, Senate pages attend school in the morning and work while the Senate is in session. Fall page eligibility is limited to juniors in high school who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. The deadline to apply for the Fall 2023 Page Program is Sunday, June 25. Click here for more information and to apply.
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
